Ch. 661..670
Chapter 661 Chapter
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Tanya had been trying to outdo me forever, but honestly, all she'd managed was digging herself deeper into her
own mess.
This was on her, 100%, but would she ever own up to it? Nah. She'd just blame me like always.
And me? I showed up tonight for one reason-to stir the pot, to make her hate me even more.
She avoided me the whole time I was there, which was classic Tanya. But just as I was about to leave, I made sure to call her over.
She walked up, looking like she was about to bite my head off. "Keira, I'm not serving you," she snapped.
At least she had her pride. Props for that. Imagine turning down my money.
"I want to sign up for a VIP membership-the yearlong one. If you're not gonna help me, find someone who will." I leaned into the moment, letting the weight of my wallet do the talking.
A VIP membership here meant Tanya would pocket 25 percent of the fee. If I threw down $30k, that was, like, two months of her salary. She'd feel that.
"You think flashing some cash makes you special? Quit showing off," she spat, still clinging to her attitude.
I smirked. "What if I like showing off? You could, too, if you had the money for it."
She spun around like she was leaving but stopped halfway, turning back with a glare. "If you're so loaded, why not sign up for the supreme VIP membership? A hundred grand a year."
Ah, there it was. She was finally dropping the act, realizing pride didn't pay the rent. Now she was trying to flip the script.
I laughed, soft but just loud enough. "A hundred grand? That's cute, but it barely scratches the surface for you. Tell you what..." I glanced around the bar, dragging out the silence. "How about I just buy this place instead? Then you could be the boss. What do you say?" Tanya froze, staring at me in disbelief. After a few beats, she scoffed. "Who cares?"
"I'm serious," I replied, keeping it breezy. "If you're not interested, I'll find someone else. A high salary tends to get people's attention."
Her lips twitched, but for once, she had no snappy comeback.
"You can think about it," I added, nodding toward her. "Now go set up my membership."
She didn't argue this time, just grabbed my card and processed it. When the transaction cleared, I stood to leave.
"You're serious?" Tanya called out as I turned toward the door.
"Guess you'll find out tomorrow,"
Said, tossing her a wink
"Keira," she said, her voice dripping with doubt. "You know I hate you. Would you really buy this place and make me the boss?" I gave her a faint smile. "That's the plan."
Ves locked o
"Why? To humiliate me?" Her mine, like she thought she'd find something deeper if she just stared hard enough.
"Do you really think you're worth that much effort?" I said a touch of scorn lacing my voice.
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Her cheeks flushed, and I could see the fury bubbling just under the surface. Bingo.
This was exactly what I wanted. I wanted her to hate me even more, to get so mad she couldn't think straight. If she took over the bar, she'd eventually start scheming. And in a place like this, it wouldn't take much for her to slip into something shady. Seavora's bars and nightclubs had a reputation, and if Tanya tried to go big, the trail would lead right where I needed it to: DracoLux.
It was a setup, plain and simple, but I wasn't about to sugarcoat it.
"Tanya," I said, leaning in just enough to make it sting, my voice dropping low. "I'm using you. You're easy on the eyes, and you've been here long enough to know how this place works."
I let a smirk tug at my lips. "Anyone else would cost me more, but with you? I save cash. Plus, I get the sweet bonus of watching you grind your teeth while making money for me. Feels pretty good, doesn't it? If you were me, wouldn't you do the same?" She stayed quiet, but her fists were clenched so tight I half-expected her nails to draw blood. That silence? It said it all-she hated me, but she couldn't do a thing about it. And she knew it.
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Hooking Tanya was easy. Buying the bar? Not so much.
This place was booming every night, packed with customers. No sane owner would hand it over without a fight. I needed a different angle.
Sure, I could've looped in the Johnstons and made it a done deal. But that wasn't happening. I was done with them.
So, I called Ron. The second I finished explaining, he hit me with, "If you wanna be a boss, I'll step aside." Typical Ron-chill to the point of reckless. Giving up a cushy gig without blinking? He made life look so easy.
I laughed it off. "I'm not looking to run the place. I just don't want to pay for my drinks every time I show up."
He snorted. "Ms. Kay, the money you're thinking of dropping on this could fund your drinking habit for, like, ten lifetimes."
He teased, but then his tone shifted. "Don't be impulsive. Owning a bar isn't just a fun side hustle."
"I know what I'm doing," I cut in before he could go full dad-mode. "Just tell me if you've got any connections to the owner. If not, I'll figure it out on my own."
This wasn't a random whim. I'd thought it through. But Ron didn't need to know the details.
The fewer people who knew about my plans to the Drago family, the safer it'd be-for them and for me.
This was dangerous territory, and dragging anyone else into it wasn't an option.
"Fine, fine," Ron finally relented. "I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks, Mr. Shane."
He scoffed and hung up.
When your brain won't shut up, sleep is impossible. Whether it's nerves, excitement, or both, the result is the same: another sleepless night. Two in a row now-brutal.
I'd never really understood why people complained about insomnia until now. Turns out, it's a special kind of misery.
Still, it wasn't all bad. If you can't sleep, you might as well be productive, right? It gave me time to sort through everything-and even pick out a gift for Wayne.
***
At the elegant French restaurant, Wayne raised an eyebrow when I handed him the tie.
"It's not my birthday, and it's not some special occasion, is it?" he asked, holding it up to inspect.
As he examined it, my mind drifted to the ties in his Houston home-and the diary stashed beneath them.
Had he been back there recently? Did he notice two ties were missing? Did he realize someone had flipped through his diary?
Or worse-had he added something new to it?
"This is a thank-you gift," I said, keeping my tone light. "For helping me track down Demi. I met her."
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I paused, watching his face like a hawk for any sign of a reaction.
Demi had hinted at uncovering someone's secret. Was that someone Wayne?
But his expression stayed perfectly neutral, not a single crack.
Of course. If he were hiding something, he wouldn't have handed over Demi's contact info so easily.
So, if it wasn't him Demi was talking about... who else could it be?
"And," I added, "thanks for pulling me out of DracoLux."
He chuckled softly. "I thought you were too drunk to remember that."
"My brain doesn't, but my call history does," I admitted, acting little sheepishly. "I didn't embarrass myself too much, did I?"
"No," he replied with a faint smile. "You fell asleep. Very well-behaved."
He conveniently left out the part where I'd mistaken him for Hayden.
Wayne set the tie aside, his expression shifting as he gave me a steady look. "Rea, what were you doing at a place like that? And why drink so much?"- Ah, there it was-the subtle interrogation.
I forced a dry laugh. "Looking for company. Heard the 'male models' there were handsome and... well-equipped"
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I paused, watching his face like a hawk for any sign of a reaction.
Demi had hinted at uncovering someone's secret. Was that someone Wayne?
But his expression stayed perfectly neutral, not a single crack.
Of course. If he were hiding something, he wouldn't have handed over Demi's contact info so easily.
So, if it wasn't him Demi was talking about... who else could it be?
"And," I added, "thanks for pulling me out of DracoLux."
He chuckled softly. "I thought you were too drunk to remember that."
"My brain doesn't, but my call history does," I admitted, acting little sheepishly. "I didn't embarrass myself too much, did I?"
"No," he replied with a faint smile. "You fell asleep. Very well-behaved."
He conveniently left out the part where I'd mistaken him for Hayden.
Wayne set the tie aside, his expression shifting as he gave me a steady look. "Rea, what were you doing at a place like that? And why drink so much?"
Ah, there it was-the subtle interrogation.
I forced a dry laugh. "Looking for company. Heard the 'male models' there were handsome and... well-equipped."
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Wayne's brows pulled together. "I know you're still struggling with losing Hayden, but don't punish yourself lize this. If you're ever feeling lonely or overwhelmed, you can come to me."
His eyes locked on mine, full of sincerity.
But that kind of sincerity? It wasn't comforting-it was suffocating, like a weight threatening to pull me under
I lowered my gaze slightly. "Wayne, I don't want to see you and Jace at odds. He's already reached out to
"You don't need to worry about that. I'll handle it," Wayne but in, reaching out to hold my hand
The warmth of his touch sent an icy chill through me. I wanted to pull away, but I forced myself to stay put, meeting his gaze with a flicker of unease. "You know how your parents feel about this. They're against it too." Wayne shook his head. "I've told you before-missing my chance with you once was more than enough. This time, I don't care if the whole world is against us."
Wayne's love had crossed the line into obsession.
My chest tightened with unease, and I quickly pulled my hand away, tucking it under the table and rubbing it against my skirt as if that could erase the lingering sensation. "But I don't want that."
"Is it that you don't want it... or that you just can't accept me?" he asked quietly.
I lifted my head, meeting his gaze, but didn't say a word.
Sometimes, silence is the clearest answer a person can give.
• The tension hung between us for a moment before he let out a soft laugh. "I'm being too impatient. I need to give you time."
He gently placed a portion of truffle salad on my plate. "Rea, don't feel pressured. I've waited for years already. I can wait a little longer-until you're ready to truly accept me."
If I didn't know what he was capable of-if I hadn't seen the shadows behind his polished exterior-I might've been moved.
But now, all I felt was fear. The deeper his obsession ran, the more dangerous he'd become if he couldn't have
what he wanted.
I forced a calm expression, quickly steering the conversation away. "I was joking earlier. I didn't go to DracoLux for myself. The company's planning an event, and we needed male models with the right look and charisma. Since DracoLux is known for its all-male staff, I figured it'd be a good place to start."
Wayne hummed lightly. "You definitely picked the right place. The men at DracoLux are top-notch."
"Seems like you know the place pretty well," I said, my tone carrying a hint of suggestion.
"Clients," he explained with a shrug "Big deals tend to happen there now. They insist on meeting there for some reason. You'd think it's because they're sleazy, but there aren't even any women around." "Maybe they're just decent guys," I replied "They go there for business, have some fun, and still make it home in time to keep things smooth with their wives or girlfriends.
"You might be onto something"
Then be asked, "Did you find anyone suitable? If not, I can help. As far as I know, DracoLux doesn't let their so-called male models take outside pigs."
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"I found someone. Cole helped me," I said, keeping my gaze steady on him as I spoke.
A flicker of surprise crossed his face. "You know Cole?"
"Mm. He even said he wants me to be his girlfriend," I added, my tone light and deliberately casual.
Some rivalries are just begging to be stoked, and this one was no exception.
Throughout history, every empire and organization has crumbled faster with a little internal drama. If I wanted to bring them down, I'd need to light a fire between him and Cole. Men are territorial by nature-especially when it comes to women they care about.
Right on cue, Wayne's reaction was instant. "Cole's a playboy. If he bothers you again or tries anything, tell me."
I nodded, keeping my eyes on my plate.
Wayne added, "Your company uses male models for events? I'm curious-mind if I check it out when it happens?" He wasn't interested in the event; he wanted to test me.
I smiled like it was no big deal. "Sure."
The word slipped out so smoothly it probably looked like I had everything under control. But inside? Total panic.
There was no event. I'd made the whole thing up on the spot.
Now I was stuck. I'd have to rope Ron into helping me put together something real.
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"Male models? What's going on with you lately? First, you're trying to buy a bar, and now you're planning some kind of male model show?" Ron sounded equal parts floored and suspicious after I pitched my idea.
"I'm just having fun. Can't you tell?" I replied, laughing to brush it off.
But Ron wasn't buying it. He squinted at me, his detective mode fully activated.
Whatever. I rolled my eyes and launched into my pitch. "Okay, so our company's doing that light and music festival soon, right? Why not go big with a live human light show? Imagine male greeters or models wearing LED-lit outfits-total showstopper vibes." Ron raised a brow. "A human light show? That's... bold. I'll give you points for creativity."
I grinned. "Exactly! So, you think it'll work? Cool. Start building a team to make it happen."
He gave me that are-you-kidding-me look. "Ms. Kay, you think this is, what, grabbing clothes off a store rack? This would need custom designs, production, and oh yeah we're already on a time crunch."
I gave him my best pretty please face. "I know, Ron. That's why I need you. You're the genius who can pull it off."
"Your pretty face's not gonna cut it," he shot back, shutting me down before throwing in a casual, soul-crushing zinger. "Unless Hayden were here-maybe he'd make it happen."
Oof. That hit harder than I expected.
"Well, I'll figure it out myself," I said, stubborn as ever, my competitive streak kicking in. Before Ron could get another word in, I spun on my heel and stormed off.
"Hey! Wait!" he called after me, but yeah, no chance. I was done.
Anyone watching could tell I was fuming. Apparently, Ron caught on, too, because next thing I knew, he was jogging to catch up.
"Alright, alright," he said, his tone way softer now. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought Hayden into it, okay? We'll go with your human light show idea. If anyone's got a problem, I'll deal with it." Since he actually apologized-and, like, meant it-I decided to let it go. "Thanks," I muttered.
***
Back at my desk, I tried diving into work, but my eyelids had other plans.
It was giving serious textbook syndrome-you're fine until the second you try to focus, and bam, instant nap mode.
Two sleepless nights had officially caught up with me, and honestly, I wasn't about to fight it. I ditched my desk, kicked off my shoes, and crashed on the office couch,
No clue how long I was out when I got jolted awake.
"Ms. Kay, wake up. I need your help with something," Ron's voice cut through the fog in my brain.
I blinked, heart pounding from the suddenness, still feeling half-dead. Without moving, I mumbled, "What now?"
"There's someone flying in for our new project. Big deal. Their flight lands at 4:30. You've gotta get to the airport, Ron said, checking his watch.
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I stayed flat on the couch, feeling like sleep had actually drained me instead of recharging. Even my voice sounded Chapter 664
limp. "Why don't you go?"
Pretty sure I set a record for employee sass just then.
"My girlfriend got hurt," Ron said, guilt all over his face. "She just called, and I need to check on her."
He stepped forward like he was gonna drag me up, but I didn't move. Instead, I groaned, "Fine. I'll go."
"I'll send you their info and a photo. Look it over on the way," he said, already backing toward the door. "Okay," I muttered.
"Don't just 'okay' me, and don't fall asleep again. You don't have time," he warned, half-panicked. "Got it, go!" I waved him off like shooing a fly.
"This partner is really important," Ron added before finally leaving.
Once he was gone, I closed my eyes for just a second, trying to quiet the nerves buzzing in my chest.
I didn't fall back asleep-I just needed a second to shake off the weird pit in my stomach.
It wasn't the usual post-nap haze either. This was... different. Like my chest felt empty, and my heartbeat was all wrong.
Okay, maybe chill out?' Still, with all the stories about random heart issues these days, I made a mental note to know. ask Nate for a quick checkup later. Better safe than, well... you
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By the time I'd calmed down enough to function, I freshened up in the restroom and headed straight for the airport. Ron wasn't kidding about cutting it close-the plane had already landed by the time I got there.
Tall, probably over six feet, rocking an unbuttoned black dress shirt under a matching vest, paired with tailored black slacks. He gave off major celebrity vibes, the kind where people turn to stare without even realizing they're doing it.
I plastered on my polite-work-smile and stepped up. "Hi, I'm Keira Kay from OceanixCorp. Mr. Shane had an emergency, so he asked me to pick you up," I said, offering a handshake.
"Aaron Ace," he replied, shaking it briefly. "Give me a second. I need to grab my checked luggage."
"I'll come with you," I said, falling into step beside him toward baggage claim..
That's when I saw them-Lena and Nate.
Even without context, it was obvious what was happening. The way they walked, hand in hand, with just one suitcase between them, said it all. Nate was leaving.
Neither of them spoke as they made their way to the carousel, stopping just shy of the crowd. There was this quiet heaviness in the air, like the kind that wraps around you before a storm.
"I'll handle the check-in. You should go back," Nate finally said, breaking the silence in this gentle, almost hesitant way.
Lena didn't answer. Instead, Nate brushed a strand of her hair back, his fingers lingering for a beat too long. He didn't need to say anything else. What could he even say? No words were going to change the fact that he was leaving or make Lena feel any less alone once he was gone.
"I'll handle it," he repeated, taking a step back. But before he could move, Lena grabbed his hand, pulling him closer. Then she kissed him.
For a second, Nate froze, like he couldn't believe it. Then he let his suitcase drop, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her back.
It didn't matter that they were surrounded by strangers or the chaos of the baggage claim. For that moment, it was just them, pouring every ounce of emotion into a kiss that said everything they couldn't. But no matter how much they wanted to hold on, reality wouldn't let them.
Lena was the first to pull away. She placed a hand over Nate's eyes, her touch so soft it almost broke me. Then, before he could stop her, she slipped out of his arms and walked away without looking back I took a step toward her instinctively, wanting to go after her, but a hand on my arm stopped me.
"At a time like this, she'd probably rather be alone," Aaron said, his voice calm.
His words made me stop in my tracks. I glanced at him, curious. He was watching Lena walk away, his expression impossible to read. ""Mr. Ace..."
I started to say something, but he didn't wait. He just turned and kept walking toward baggage claim like nothing had happened.
***
Chapter 665
By the time we got to the parking lot, fate decided to mess with us-Lena was there again.
Her red, puffy eyes were a dead giveaway. She'd been crying.
I stepped forward, holding out my arms. "Want a hug?"
Lena didn't say anything, but her gaze slid past me and landed on Aaron instead. Her whole vibe shifted. "What are you two doing... together?"
At first, I didn't catch anything weird about her tone. "I was picking him up. He's a partner for our company's new project."
Her expression darkened slightly. Her voice dipped as she asked, "When you saw me and Nate earlier... did he see us too?"
"Of course. Not just us-"I started to explain how the entire baggage claim probably noticed, but Lena cut me off mid-sentence. "Uncle Aaron," she blurted out.
Wait. Uncle?!
I whipped around to stare at her. Cool, calm Lena actually looked nervous for once. Her eyes were glued to Aaron like she was bracing for impact. "I thought you went back?" she asked.
"I did. And now I'm back," Aaron replied, his gaze steady on her. "Not happy to see me?"
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Oh, there was definitely some drama between Aaron and Lena, and there was no way I was missing it.
Lena didn't even try to hide it. She let out a long sigh and spilled about how Aaron had walked in on her and Nate together.
"Nate meeting my parents definitely has something to do with Aaron," she muttered.
I snorted. "What, does Nate see Aaron as competition? Seriously, he's your uncle."
"Who knows? Guys can get so jealous, they'd side-eye a lamppost for standing too close," she shot back.
"Honestly, that just proves he's mad about you," I teased, thinking about Nate's dramatic goodbye kiss with her at the airport.
Love, I thought. It's not just about losing someone forever it's the slow burn of being apart, even when they're
still alive.
Lena went quiet, and I realized I might've hit a nerve. Time for a subject change.
"Hey, there's this human light show thing happening at work," I said, smirking. "We brought in male models so hot, they make A-list celebs look like background extras. You in?" She raised an eyebrow. "Human light show? What is this, like...naked guys posing with led lights?"
I cracked up. "I mean, I wish. But nah, if they stripped, the cops would shut us down before we could even start."
"Rea, looks like you're diving headfirst into your 'wild phase, huh?" Lena teased.
*I shrugged, all nonchalant. "What can I say? Life's short. Eat what you want, drink what you like, and let loose. If
guys get to be jerks, why can't girls have a little fun?"
"Fair," Lena said. Her grin was mischievous. "Rea, you're finally showing your true colors."
"What? Was I some repressed control freak before?"
She gave a dramatic hum. "When you were with the Johnstons, they had you playing the perfect little angel. But now? This is the real you." She wasn't wrong.
If I were a flower, I used to be all pruned and pretty for show. Now, I was full-on wildflower vibes-growing wherever I wanted, no apologies.
"So, are you coming to the show or what? I'll save you the VIP seat," I said as we split ways.
"I'll think about it," Lena called back, not committing..
I grinned. "What's the hold-up? Don't tell me you're scared your uncle might show up."
She shot me a thumbs-up, which basically screamed, 'Yep, you got me.' Funny thing about family-age doesn't matter. Slap an official title on someone, and suddenly, they're the boss of you. Not long after, my phone buzzed. The bar owner wanted to meet up to finalize the transfer. Everything about the deal was smooth-almost too smooth. My gut wasn't exactly throwing a party.
"Mr. Shane, this bar isn't hiding anything shady, right?" I asked Ron, who was handling the negotiations.
Ron shot me a look, like I'd just accused him of a crime. "Rea, seriously? I triple-checked everything. You're good.
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The confidence in his voice was almost contagious.
Trust is funny like that. Even though Ron and I weren't close, there was something solid about him. Maybe it was because he was one of Hayden's people. If Hayden trusted him, then I felt like I could, too. Once the deal was done, the bar owner didn't waste any time calling everyone together to announce the transfer.
Tanya was there too. Her face went pale, then flushed with anger.
She clearly hadn't expected me to buy the bar so decisively, especially one worth several million. Power like that was out of her reach, and she hated it.
I could practically feel her resentment toward me skyrocket.
After the crowd clapped and welcomed me as the new owner, I smiled and dropped my own little bombshell: Tanya would be the bar's new manager.
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Everyone froze. No one thought Tanya had it in her to be the manager, but when I started clapping, they awkwardly joined in.
Standing next to me, Tanya soaked up the mix of shocked and half-hearted applause. I could tell she was holding her breath, like this was her big moment-the one she'd been waiting forever for.
She was the comeback queen, climbing up only to get knocked down again and again. But here she was, finally at the top. I could see the fire in her, the need to prove herself. That drive was exactly what I wanted-needed, actually. But only if I could control it. I wanted to push her until that fire burned too hot, until she'd take risks that'd play right into my hands.
"Let's hear from Ms. Twain," I announced, nudging her into the spotlight.
Tanya hesitated, nerves clear as day, but she wasn't stupid. She pulled herself together and gave a solid speech.
Once the ceremony wrapped up, I led her to the manager's office. Of course, I took the main seat, leaving her to stand. A few minutes ago, I'd let her have her little victory. Now, I was reminding her who really ran the show.
I was going to mess with her-build her up, then tear her down-until she hated me with everything she had.
"Tanya, the bar's all yours now," I said, leaning back. "Think you can handle it? If not, speak up-I'll find someone else."
No way she'd back out after that speech.
"You're not trying to humiliate me and take it back, are you?" she shot back, testing me.
I laughed. "Relax. I'm not that petty. But if you're in charge, there are rules."
She stood there like a student about to get lectured. It was almost funny how different she was now-money really does work wonders.
"I won't micromanage," I said. "How you run the bar is your call. Just treat it like it's yours."
Her eyebrows shot up. She clearly didn't expect me to hand her that much control.
I locked eyes with her. "When I work with someone, I go all in. Same as a relationship: trust completely, or don't trust at all. I chose you, so I trust you."
The way she looked at me then, like I was some kind of CEO handing out golden tickets, was priceless.
In that moment, I realized how much fun it could be to mess with someone like her.
"But," I added, "one non-negotiable: everything has to be legal. If something shady happens, I'll take the heat- but so will you."
She nodded quickly. "Got it."
"Great. Let's make it official." I slid a contract across the desk.
Tanya took her time reading it, her serious expression making it clear she wasn't about to get played.
I just chilled, scrolling on my phone while she went through every line.
Ten minutes later, she finally signed. Just as she pushed it back, I tapped the signature line. "Fingerprint too."
She rolled her eyes but pressed her finger onto the ink pad and stamped it.
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I flipped through the contract, pretending to check it, before standing. "That's it. I'll only look at the monthly financials-profit or loss, that's all I care about."
As I headed for the door, I spun the chair dramatically. "Oh, and this chair's comfy. Enjoy it."
Tanya stiffened, but I just smirked and walked out.
With the signed papers in hand, I went straight to the police station. I wasn't about to set a trap for someone else and end up caught in it myself.
While I waited for the desk officer to process everything, a familiar voice rang out from the entrance.
"Officer, I'd like to report a crime.
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1 glanced up, spotting an elderly couple shuffling in, hand in hand, their faces tight with worry.
The desk officer was about to stand when I beat him to it. "Mr. Yule, Mrs. Yule."
They turned toward me, startled. Mrs. Yule's face lit up, a brief flicker of joy breaking through the tension." Narelle..." she started,
"She's not Narelle," Mr. Yule cut in gently, pulling her back. His tone was steady, but the heartbreak in his eyes was unmistakable.
Mrs. Yule's joy shattered instantly, replaced by a deep sadness that made my chest ache. I stepped closer, trying to ground them. "Mr. Yule, Mrs. Yule, what's going on? Are you here to file a report?" I had stolen the officer's line, but he stepped in professionally anyway. "If you're here to report something, please
follow me."
But they didn't move. Instead, Mr. Yule started explaining, "For the past few days, someone's been banging on our door, yelling that if we don't behave, they'll hurt us badly."
The words hit like a slap, and I stole a glance at the officer, who was already frowning, "Do you recognize the person? Any conflicts or grudges?" he asked.
Both shook their heads. Mr. Yule let out a heavy sigh. "We've never seen them before."
"How long has this been happening?" the officer pressed.
"Three, maybe four days," Mr. Yule answered, glancing at his wife for confirmation.
She nodded quickly, her voice trembling as she pleaded, "Officer, please, you have to help us."
The officer's tone softened. "We will. But I need you to give me as much detail as you can." He gestured toward a nearby room. "Come with me."
Mr. Yule hesitated, looking back at me like he wanted to say something. His lips moved, but no words came out.
For some reason, the look in his eyes tugged at something in me. "Go on with the officer. I'll finish up here and come find you soon," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "Alright, alright," he replied quickly, his voice softening, though it was clear he wanted me there.
The officer led them to another room, handing off their case to a colleague. I hurried to wrap up my paperwork, then made my way to the Yules' meeting room.
By the time I arrived, they'd finished telling their story, repeating over and over that they had no idea who was threatening them.
"Did this person say anything specific?" the officer asked. "Were they asking for money or something else?"
Mr. Yule nodded, his expression dark. "They demanded money. They said, 'You can't spend it anyway. When you die, it'll just go to someone else, so why not give it to me?"
The moment I heard that, it clicked this wasn't random. Whoever was behind this knew them well. Too well.
"Have you shown any signs of wealth recently?" the officer pressed.
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"What about any unusual interactions? Strangers, workers, anyone new?" The officer's questions came steadily, methodical. Eventually, he asked about their home security. They admitted their surveillance system had been broken for a month.
A busted camera system and days of harassment? This wasn't just bad luck. It was calculated.
"We've got everything you've reported," the officer said. "We'll assign someone to monitor your home. If this person shows up again, we'll catch them. For now, go about your daily routine as normally as possible." The Yules were escorted out, but their fear clung to them like shadows. I followed after, unable to leave it at that.
"Let me take you home," I offered.
Chapter 669
Chapter
669
"Huh?" Mr. Yule blinked at me, surprised, then turned to his wife. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright, thank you, R-Rea."
"It's really no trouble. Honestly, I've been meaning to visit you," I admitted, guilt creeping in. Wade had given me their address weeks ago, but I kept putting it off.
Now, I couldn't help but wonder if things might've been different if I'd reached out sooner. Maybe they wouldn't have spent days terrified before finally going to the police.
The drive to their home was quiet, neither of them saying much. But I felt Mrs. Yule's eyes on me, and it wasn't just a glance. She was searching for something, seeing me through the lens of her memories of Narelle. When we arrived, I insisted on walking them up to their apartment. I needed to make sure they were safe.
Mr. Yule stopped near the front door, pointing to a spot on the ground. "See those cigarette butts? They're from the guy who's been harassing us."
"Don't touch anything," I said firmly. "Leave it exactly like this until the police can come and collect evidence."
He nodded, unlocking the door and stepping aside to let me in. "Please, come in. Sit for a while." Thesitated, feeling a little awkward about showing up empty-handed, but stepped inside. "Have a seat. I'll get you some water," he offered, his tone warm despite everything.
"There's no need. I'm fine, really," I said quickly, waving it off. "Let's just talk for a bit."
"That won't do," he said, already moving toward the kitchen. "Wait a moment. I'll make you some honey pomelo tea. Narelle loved it." His voice softened. "Every year, I'd make it myself. It's just a shame she can't enjoy it anymore."
His words hit hard, and I couldn't bring myself to refuse. He gently motioned for Mrs. Yule to join him, probably to keep her from saying something too emotional.
Sure enough, as they busied themselves in the kitchen, their hushed voices drifted out.
"Honey, stop looking at her like that. You'll scare her. She's not Narelle," Mr. Yule murmured gently.
"But why does she look so much like Narelle?" Mrs. Yule whispered, her voice shaking.
"There are so many people in the world who look alike," he said, trying to sound logical. "You've seen those celebrity look-alike shows-they're practically identical." "Honey, can't we just ask her to visit more often?" Her voice broke, filled with yearning. "It's like having our daughter alive again..."
Her words stabbed at something deep inside me. Without even realizing it, I silently promised myself that I'd visit them more.
While they prepared the tea, I wandered the room, taking it all in. Their apartment was small but immaculate, every corner organized with care. A piano stood in one corner, draped with a dust cloth, and perched on top was a gleaming trophy. Above the piano hùng a framed photograph. I stepped closer, my curiosity piqued.
The picture showed a couple smiling brightly, holding a young boy and girl. The girl was dressed in a vibrant red dress, the boy in a tiny bow tie. They looked so happy, so perfect.
1/2
Chapter 669
And then it hit me-I knew this photo.
My mom used to wear a pendant locket with a tiny picture inside, and this was it. This exact image. The girl in the red dress had been seared into my memory.
I'd even told my mom once how much I loved that dress, begging for one just like it. Not long after, she got me a red dress of my own, and it became my prized possession as a kid. I barely wore it, scared of ruining it.
After my parents passed away, the locket had vanished. But I'd never forgotten that photograph. And now, here it was, staring back at me from the Yules' wall.
"Rea, the honey pomelo tea is ready. Come and try it," Mr. Yule called, his voice kind and steady as he carried a steaming cup into the room.
I turned to him, unable to tear my gaze from the photo. Pointing at it, I asked softly, "Mr. Yule, that picture on the wall... where did you get it?"
Chapter 670
Mr. Yule set the tea down and walked over to the old photo on the wall. "This is my family portrait," he said softly. "I'm the only one left now."
"Family portrait?" I asked, pointing to the little girl in the red dress. "She's part of your family too?"
"That's my younger sister. She was two when we took this photo," Mr. Yule replied, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Where is she now?" My breath hitched as unease crept in Was I wrong about the connection I thought I'd found?
For a moment, Mr. Yule just stared at the picture. My chest tightened. "Mr. Yule?" I prompted.
"She went missing," he finally said, his voice trembling. "She disappeared the same day this picture was taken."
My heart raced. "Missing? How? What happened?" My hand darted out, clutching his sleeve as if that could steady the whirlwind in my mind.
His eyes stayed glued to the photo. "It was supposed to be a happy day. After this photo, my parents had a keychain made from it-turned it into a necklace for her. We went to the amusement park to celebrate..." His voice faltered.
He swallowed hard. "Later that day, my mom took her to the restroom. While they were inside, my mom fainted. When she woke up... my sister was gone."
My stomach dropped. A cold realization swept over me. It's her. It has to be.
She had told me she was an orphan. And she always wore a necklace-a keychain with a tiny photograph inside it.
The thought of my mom, forced to grow up in an orphanage, made my chest ache. "Didn't you try to find her?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"We searched everywhere. At first, my parents waited near the amusement park, hoping she'd turn up. Then they combed through the city, and after that, the whole country. But..." His voice dropped to barely a whisper. "My mom blamed herself. She spiraled into depression. And one day, she..."
He didn't finish, but the silence hung like a storm cloud.
Then, after what felt like forever, he spoke again. "She drowned herself," he said. "My dad arranged the funeral, but he couldn't let go. He kept searching. Every lead, every rumor, he followed it. Until..." Mr. Yule's voice cracked. "Until he died in a car accident, chasing what turned out to be another dead end."
I froze, the weight of his words sinking in like cold water.
My mom's disappearance hadn't just stolen her childhood it had shattered an entire family. What should have been a life full of love and laughter had been destroyed, leaving only heartbreak behind.
"And you... you didn't keep looking?" I asked, my voice soft.
Mr. Yule's expression darkened. "I tried. Narelle helped me post online, on forums, anywhere we could think of. She even wanted to take it to one of those family reunion TV shows..." He trailed off, his voice catching. "But before she could, she had her own accident." Another tragedy.
How could life be so cruel? So relentless?
"Honestly," he continued bitterly, "I hated my sister for a long time. Losing her destroyed our family."
His words left me frozen, unable to respond.
Chapter 670
But after a moment, his anger melted into something softer. He looked at me, hesitant. "You... have you seen this photo before?"
His question made my chest tighten. His earlier words stung, but I couldn't blame him. He'd been through so
much.
"I have," I admitted softly. "My mom had a photo just like this. She wore it on a round keychain necklace."
Mr. Yule froze. His face paled, his lips trembled, and his whole body started to shake.
"Mr. Yule," I said quickly, stepping closer to steady him.
"Your mother..." He could barely get the words out. "Where is she now?"
His question cut through me. My throat tightened, and I hesitated. Seeing how fragile he looked, I wasn't sure he could handle the truth. "Let's sit down first," I said gently, guiding him to a chair.
"Is... is she alright?" he asked again, his voice breaking.
"She... She passed away," I said quietly.
His body went rigid, tears welling in his eyes. For a moment, he didn't speak, his grief suffocating the air around
1. us.
Even though he'd said he hated her, it was clear now-he had never stopped loving her.
I told him everything: how my parents had died in a car crash, how they had passed away together. By the time I finished, he looked utterly drained, slumping back in his chair like the weight of the world had finally crushed him. "Mr. Yule..." I said softly, then stopped myself.
No. I shouldn't call him that anymore.
"Uncle," I whispered, tears streaming down my face.
The word hit both of us like a tidal wave. For me, it was something I hadn't had in years-a connection to family.
For him, it was proof that after decades of searching, he hadn't lost everything.
"Uncle," I said again, my voice trembling, as he finally broke down.