s

Worried sick, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was terribly wrong. T

d him? The tho

my heart racing with every ring. Finally,

en's deep vo

den?" I asked, see

he re

ng over me. "Hope you're doing well? I've bee

an unsettl

ar me?" I asked, m

e police station

sked, my h

ed. "It's related to the altercation wit

?! Oh no, this

how can I help?" I tho

e, a stern voice cut in, "That's enough!" T

r I could to support him. I hastily requested early leave

Arden's card. The card's sleek design framed the b

ed to the police station. Taking a deep b

desk officer. "I'm here to see Arden

emained neutral. "There's

den is my friend. We spok

rm. "Miss, I assure you, there

ease, can I at

made a brief call before n

with his head bowed. "Hey Arden,

d. Standing, he grasped the cell bar

ed appearance. "How lo

rday morning

d. "Cra

den expression. "Please, wipe that lo

mile. "You still h

teasing

in this mess if I'd..." I sa

Don't apologize. I'm glad I gave him

tacted a lawy

wry. "Ironically, my lawye

Why?" I

om an incredibly influential family. His mom's determined

. "My go

new lawyer, but no one w

meone willing to t

eful if you could help me find one.

t a shot is sensi

ded slowl

frustration etched on his face. "My lawy

ghts ago, he'd been handsome and charming, now

tious advances now nauseating. His sm

stand for this. Arden stood up for

den, resolve soli

to be behind bars isn'

ed with appreciation. "Don't worry,

everything," he said, his

d. "I'm invested

n sm

I promise," I sa

the Proxima Group's headquarters, Norman's billion-dolla

d too?" a nagging voic

etermination silenced th

ly distracted me from my anger. The sheer scale and luxurious d

figures exiting the building. My hear

ex stepped inside. Just as they were about to drive away, I sprinted forward, positi

e

ith Nicole and her family. The evening had been a strained balancing

er's tone turned stern. "Rex, get yourself t

mind: "Once I'm gone, how do you expect to run my bus

zed my chance. "I'm stepping out," I informed my

rdered, settlin

en slammed on the brakes,

ng with you?" I snapp

suddenly blocked ou

Can't you see I'

he person approached, t

d, I lowered th

p you?" my

this doesn't concern you," she sai

or his phone. "I'll

. "I'd like to hear

attention," I sai

dain. My gaze roamed her face, searching for

me, do you?" she asked, sarc

ess," I replied,

oice firm. "We met at the Vintage Cl

ded back – the night I'd pursued her, o

igued. "And what bri

, fueled by determination