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Chapter 19 News About Lily
It’s been days since all the kidnappers were apprehended and one by one they all confessed they had acted alone and just wanted money.
The following day they were all found hanging dead in their cell.
I found it oddly suspicious but there was nothing I could do to prove it so the police overlooked the case and moved on.
Everyone moved on with their lives except me and Peter who was ridden by guilt.”
We kept looking for Lily but we couldn’t find her. I even hired a PI and he said it’s like she’s disappeared into thin air.
And now we were headed to Washington fucking DC, dragging Angel along like some kind of peace offering.”
Nadine’s grandfather was turning eighty, and attendance was apparently non–negotiable.}
“Don’t forget to smile,” Nadine said in the backseat of the car. “Grandfather hates grumpy faces.”
I glanced at her through the rearview mirror. Her lips were painted crimson, her smile wide, and her tone just a little too chirpy.}
Peter, sitting beside me, looked like a corpse in a designer suit. “I’m not smiling for anyone and I don’t understand why we have to go.“}] “Well then fake it. You’re good at pretending, aren’t you?” Nadine shot back with a little too much sweetness.
Then after a second thought she added, “And also, Peter, you’re my brother–in–law.”
Peter glared at her then turned toward me, “When are you divorcing this bitch?”
I sighed, “That’s enough, Peter. Just let her be.“}
Angel let out a tiny whimper from her car seat and kicked her legs.
“See? Even the baby agrees,” she added.§
I rolled my eyes and drove in silence, heart thudding a little harder with each passing mile.
-D
The Greys lived like royalty. Their estate was more castle than house–white columns, manicured lawns, fountains shaped like angels and lions. As soon as we arrived, staff swarmed around us like bees.
“Ah, Mrs. Nadine, welcome home!“>
“Mr. Jacob, Mr. Peter–pleasure to see you!“}
We were led into a massive dining room with crystal chandeliers and a table long enough to host the Last Supper.
Nadine’s uncles, aunts, cousins–they were all there, dressed to kill and already halfway through their glasses of wine.
Her grandfather, Elliot Grey, a shriveled old man in a velvet robe, sat at the head of the table, surrounded by roses and too many birthday cards.
“You’re late,” he barked, but his eyes lit up the moment Nadine knelt to hug him.
“Happy Birthday, Grandfather,” she cooed.”
Peter and I offered stiff greetings, then took our seats. Angel, still drowsy from the drive, sat between us in her bassinet.
“Oh Nadine, I’m so happy to see you,” her mom cooed, hugging her.
Her father joined in the hug before they pulled apart and stared at Angel.
“Oh, she’s so beautiful. My little granddaughter,” he parents cooed.
I and Peter greeted them stiffly. They were supposed to be our father and mother–in–law but I was already regretting my decision to marry Nadine.
“I can see you’re taking good care of my daughter,” her parents said.}
I nodded, forcing a smile, “Yeah.“}
“Alright. Let’s eat!” Grandpa Elliot snapped impatiently.
The meal began. Food was passed around. Expensive wine flowed. Everyone pretended to like each other.
Until he spoke.
Judge Harris.&
“Before I forget,” he said between bites of steak, “you all won’t believe what happened to me a few days ago.”
The table quieted slightly.”
“I had a visit,” he continued, dabbing his mouth. “Some girl barged into my office with this man–her fiancé, apparently–and started making threats. Said she had… compromising materials.”}
My fork paused halfway to my mouth. Peter froze mid–drink. Nadine blinked once, twice.}
“Yeah, you fucked shit up for our company that day!” Nadine’s father snapped.}
“It’s not my fault you stole their designs,” Harris said.”
“Why, you –” he tried to reach across and grab Harris.}
“Enough, both of you!” Elliot banged his hand on the table angrily.”
Harris chuckled and continued his story. “Brazen little thing. Pretty too. Lily Hart, I think her name was.”
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“What?!” I exclaimed in shock.}
I heard Peter’s glass hit the table.
Nadine, across from me, was stock–still. Her jaw clenched so tightly I thought she might shatter her molars.
“Did she say what she wanted?” Peter asked, voice low.
“Something about a court case–doesn’t matter. The point is, she had me cornered. Don’t know how the hell she got those videos but… I backed off. No shame in knowing when you’re beat.“}
“You’re telling me Lily Hart came into your office? With a man?” I clarified.}
“Yes,” Harris confirmed, raising a brow. “Called him her fiancé.“}
I reached into my wallet and fished out the only picture I had left of her. Shoved it across the table.
“Is this her?”
Harris squinted. “Yes! That’s her exactly.”
Peter let out a strangled laugh. “Holy shit.”
Nadine didn’t speak. She was simmering. Her face tight, her eyes narrowing with every second.
“Well,” Nadine said finally, her voice razor–sharp. “What a lovely coincidence. She just happens to be in Washington DC. What are the odds?”
“She’s alive,” Peter whispered, as if saying it too loudly would break the spell.
“She’s alive,” I echoed.
“What the hell is going on?” Elliot asked.
That was when we realized everyone on the table was staring at us.§
“Nothing,” I mumbled and started picking at my food again.
Later that night, Peter and I stepped onto the patio. The cool air helped clear my head.
Peter glanced over. “What are you doing?“}
“Calling Royce. Best private investigator in DC. If anyone can track her, it’s him.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?“}
“She walked into Judge Harris’s office with a man, Peter. We don’t know what she’s doing or who she’s with. Aren’t you curious?“}
Peter shrugged, staring out at the city lights, “I am.“}
“Good, then I’m calling him.”
The phone rang twice before Royce picked up.}
“Mr. Reynolds,” he said. “It’s been a while.“}
“I need you in DC. Tracking someone. Her name is Lily Hart.”
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