《Burn those who burned me!》


 Hunted 1

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">-Prologue: Endings and Beginnings</h1>


    <em>Rabena¡¯s POV:</em><fnbcfd> Readplete version only at fin?novel</fnbcfd>


    ¡°Are the papers ready?¡± Once I received confirmation I hung up the phone with mywyer. As I sat in the hospital room, I stared nkly into the cloudy window, the rain wasing down hard. That was perfect, the weather fit how I¡¯d felt that day. Waiting for Damon to show up, I looked at my phone again.


    <em><strong>¡°Still no call from you huh?¡±</strong></em> I smiled with an emotionless feeling, Thomas hadn¡¯t cared about me all this time, why would now be any different? Iid my head back onto the pillow, thinking back at the when I longed for things to be different between him and I; between me and my family. But no more, soon these people will be nothing more than an extended nightmare that I¡¯ve finally waken up from. Suddenly, there was knock on my door bringing me out my thoughts. Startled, I looked up, Damon was staring at me with an empathetic look.


    <em>¡°Ready to go little sis?¡±</em> Damon knew better than anyone how much pain I had been in these past several years since reuniting with my family. Smiling I nodded my head and stood up. Today would be the both the end and beginning of my life.

 Hunted 1(2

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4"> : The lost daughter returned.</h1>


    <em><strong>-Rabena¡¯s POV:</strong></em>


    I had just turned 15 the day I found my birth family. It was the happiest day of my life. I pictured an emotional wee filled with joy and gratitude that we finally found each out. Although my adoptive parents were amazing, I often wondered what my birth parents were like. When my mom and dad passed away, I thought for sure I would stay with my Uncle Pete until I became an adult, but all of that changed when he received a letter that my birth parents had finally found me. I didn¡¯t want to leave him, but I was overjoyed at the thought of meeting my blood family. If I could change one thing in my life, it would have been the moment I¡¯d said yes to meeting them.


    When I first arrived, I was greeted by my birth mother Amber Crest and my father Davis Crest. I¡¯d learned a great deal about the crest family, my father had a prominent real estate business, one of thergest in the country Banton. I lived on the other side of the world in Covington, so I had no idea. I also learned of my three brothers, Daniel, Damon, and Darius; but the greatest news was learning I had a fraternal twin sister Danielle. My mother greeted me with a friendly, yet distant hug and my father quietly said hello. I was confused at first, after all, I¡¯d envisioned a much more emotional wee. Still, I shrugged it off as everyone being nervous. As I packed my bags into the car, something felt off, my mother would barley look at me and none of my siblings were there. With a weary smile, I once again told myself, <em><strong>¡°Maybe it¡¯s just nerves.¡±</strong></em> As the drive continued, I realized we weren¡¯t heading to the estate; instead, we heading to a hospital.


    <em>¡°Um, excuse me. Is someone sick?¡±</em><fnc24f> Readplete version only at find?novel</fnc24f>


    My mother and father both looked nervously at each other before speaking. In a soft but detached tone, my mother began to exin. Turns out, my twin sister had a form of leukemia that required a bone marrow transnt in order for her to get better, being her twin; I was a perfect match. So that was the reason. That¡¯s why they had finally brought me home, to be nothing more than an operation doll for their beloved Danielle.


    Five years have passed since that day and my life at the Crest house had been nothing but hell. My mother hated me for some reason, convinced I was raised by poormoners, of course that was the furthest thing from the truth. My brothers Daniel and Darius, they only acknowledged Danielle as their beloved little sister, to them I was just some imposter who¡¯s face almost looked like hers. The worst of them all however was Danielle. For some reason, she¡¯d made it her personal mission to destroy my life all while appearing as this sweet, fragile, and loving big sister. The only one that was kind to me was Damon.


    The night of our 19th birthday, my parents threw thisvish ball for Danielle. It was also on that night I became married to Thomas Lockwood. His and our grandparents were old friends, one day, while on the pier, his grandmother fell into theke almost drowning. While everyone was running around like idiots and panicking, I¡¯d dove into the water and saved her. From that point on, she treated me like one of her own. Funny how strangers constantly loved me more than my own family. Being the matriarch of the family, she arranged for Thomas to take over the family business on the condition he would marry me, though this was much to his disdain as he was in love with my sister since childhood. So that night, hezily walked into my foyer handed me a wedding band along with the certificate we received that afternoon and left for the party I was not invited too to celebrate my darling sister.


    Still, for over a year I yed the dutiful wife. Since he was taking over his family business, I used my connections as a Price to setup future business meetings withpanies in the western continent. I¡¯d known he didn¡¯t love me, still, I held on to the hope that after our wedding, we could finally grow as partners who cared for each other; but all of that woulde to an end.


    The night of our 20th birthday, my parents threw Danielle yet anothervish ball, this time I was allowed to attend. I¡¯d only stayed for an hour before deciding to leave, an hour was enough time of watching everyone fawn over Danielle. Because it was close to the venue, Thomas decided we would spend a few days at my family estate much to my dismay. That night, while in my old room, I heard noisesing from one of the guest rooms, curious, I decided to go see what it was. When I cracked opened the door I couldn¡¯t believe my eyes, there was Thomas moaning and pushing, kissing, and loving, smiling and sweating with none other than my sister Danielle. I had to quickly close my mouth to avoid them knowing I was there. I slowly backed away, cautious not to make a sound. Tears began to flow down my face as I made my way back to my room. How could they do this to me! What had I ever done to this miserable family for them all to hate me so! That was it! I didn¡¯t give a damn what promises where made, I was done trying to get these wretched people to love or care about me. It was time I went home!

 Hunted 2

    <h1 ss="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">-Chapter 2: A Divorce for freedom.</h1>


    <em><strong>Rabena¡¯s POV:</strong></em>


    The next day, I decided to call my uncle Pete, after filling him in on everything that happened over the past several years, my uncle was furious.


    <em>¡°Ruby, I don¡¯t understand. Why didn¡¯t you tell me all of this was going one whenever we spoke? I would have-¡±</em>


    I quickly cut my uncle off, the truth was, there wasn¡¯t anything he could do. Byw Davis and Amber were my parents and I wasn¡¯t gonna let him spend the next several years worrying about me.


    <em>¡°It¡¯s okay Uncle, I just wanna get out of here now. I¡¯m heading to the courthouse soon to file for divorce, it¡¯ll take me a few days to finalize that and close my ounts.¡±</em>


    I could hear my uncle sigh, clearly he was worried.


    <em>¡°I¡¯m sending you awyer!¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Uncle that won¡¯t be nec-¡± He cut me off mid-sentence, there was no way he was gonna let me handle all of this by myself.</em>


    <em>¡°I promised my brother and sister-inw I would take care of you. I¡¯ve been failing them these past several years, not anymore. Let me help!¡±</em>


    I smiled lightly; it was the first time I had a genuine smile in so long. It felt good to be loved again. After getting everything squared away with my uncle, I got dressed and walked out my room, ready to file divorce. As I made my way down the stairs I could see my family, sitting in the grand room were my two brothers Darius and Daniel along with my parents, my sister and my husband. Though based on how they were all acting, you would have sworn Thomas was married to Danielle.


    <em>¡°They aren¡¯t even trying to be subtle¡±</em> I thought with a disgusted looked as I made my way to the foyer. Just then, I could hear my sister¡¯s angelic voice.


    <em>¡°Oh! Raby! Where have you been? You were in your room so long I was prepared to steal your husband.¡±</em>


    She stared at me with angel eyes of Lucifer, I had already grown ustomed to her devilish ploys. Smiling back, I calmly responded.


    <em>¡°I¡¯m sure that¡¯s what you thoughtst night too.¡±</em>


    Shocked, Danielle¡¯s eyes bulged, exactly what had I met by that st night¡±ment. Warily smiling, Danielle walked up to me.


    <em>¡°I¡¯m sorry sister? What exactly did you mean by that?¡±</em>


    <em>¡°I¡¯m sorry, did you not understand me? I¡¯ll repeat it, I¡¯m sure that¡¯s exactly what you didst night!¡±</em>


    This time my voice raised a level causing everyone to look in our direction. Immediately, as if on que, Danielle began to cry.


    <em>¡°Raby, I don¡¯t know what you mean by this! Why are you being so mean! I only wanted to joke with my sister.¡±</em>


    Immediately everyone came running to the foyer, in unison, they all began to fuss.


    <em>¡°What the hell is wrong with you Rabena!¡± My brother Darius was the first to go off.</em>


    <em>¡°Yeah what the hell! Why are you always bullying Danielle! She has been nothing but nice to you!¡±</em>


    Suddenly, my mother walked up, withplete disdain in her eyes she began to speak.


    <em>¡°Honestly, did those wretched parents of yours raise you in the wilderness? Is that why you have such low values.¡±</em>


    I couldn¡¯t believe it! <em>¡°I¡±</em> had low values! These people wouldn¡¯t know anything about values if it was stamped on their foreheads! Hearing her speak so ill of my parents however, I wasn¡¯t about to let her get away with that. I walked cooly up to the woman who birthed me, no longer feeling the need to address her as ¡°mother¡±. She¡¯d never been that to me anyway.


    <em>¡°Mrs. Crest, you can say whatever you want about me but mention my parents again and we will have a problem.¡±</em>


    Amber took two steps back. Her eyes were filled with shock. Never had I ever spoke to her like this. Usually, I was always humble and quiet, but I was done with all of that! Just then, my ¡°loving¡± husband finally spoke.


    <em>¡°Rabena just what the hell do you think you¡¯re doing! Why are you acting like this! We¡¯re all still celebrating Danielle¡¯s birthday! Apologize to her now!¡±</em>


    I couldn¡¯t believe him! Apologize for what? But he couldn¡¯t help himself, anything to put a smile on his sweet Danielle¡¯s face. In the past, I would have apologized to just to please everyone, but not anymore. I looked straight into the eyes of my handsome and lying husband.


    <em>¡°It was my birthday too. I won¡¯t apologize. Consider this my gift.¡±</em>


    Before he could say anything, I immediately turned around and stormed out the door. I was done with all of these dreadful people. The Rabena they knew was no more.


    <em><strong>-Thomas POV:</strong></em>


    I watched in shock as Rabena stormed out of the house. Never had she talked to me that way, for thest several years she had always been meek. My grandmother doted on her after she saved her life, constantly praising how lovely she was and how much she couldn¡¯t stand Danielle.


    <em>¡°That girl is a fake as a thousand-dor bill.¡±</em>


    She just didn¡¯t understand, Danielle needed me. She was delicate and sensitive always trying to please. When I began my role as head of our organization, she secretly went out of her way to start setting up business deals. Starting next week, I¡¯ll be having business meetings with some of the most prominent corporations in the western continent. Lockwood Corp was on the verge of going global and it was all thanks to Danielle. I owed her everything including my heart and I wasn¡¯t about to let some arranged marriage get in the way of it. Rabena would pay for upsetting Danielle.


    <em><strong>-Rabena¡¯s POV:</strong></em>


    After I filed for divorce, I spoke with mywyer Pera on the phone. I¡¯d known Pera since I was a child, we actually grew up together in Covington; she was devastated when she learned I was moving halfway across the world. We¡¯d promise to stay in touch, but with the life I was living, I didn¡¯t have to heart to honor it.<fnc7c5> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find[F]ovel</fnc7c5>


    <em>¡°Oh my god Ruby!!! When your uncle told me you wereing home I almost blew a gasket! I¡¯ve missed you so much!¡±</em>


    It was great to hear she was the same bubbly and vivacious girl I had always known.


    <em>¡°Yeah I¡¯m really excited too. I have really missed you all. I should have nevere here.¡±</em>


    Pera went silent for a moment, I¡¯m sure my uncle filled her in on what had been going on.


    <em>¡°Ruby, you should have called me. I would have flown into the ocean just to help you! You¡¯re my best friend.¡±</em>


    My eyes began to water, even after all of this time, the people that I loved the most still loved me too.


    <em>¡°Alright girl! First stop divorce, next stop freedom!¡±</em>


    I talked with Pera all the way home, as I approached the door, I had an eerie feeling. As I opened the door, I soon understood why.

 Hunted 3

    <b>Chapter </b>3


    <b><i>Rabena¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b><i>: </i></b>


    The next day, I decided to call my uncle Pete, after filling him in on everything that happened over the past several years, my uncle was furious.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ruby</i><i>, </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>understand</i><i>. </i><i>Why </i>didn¡¯t you <i>tell </i>me all of <i>this </i><i>was </i><i>going </i><i>one </i><i>whenever </i><i>we </i><i>spoke</i><i>? </i>I <i>would </i><i>have-</i>¡±


    I quickly cut my uncle off, the truth was, there wasn¡¯t anything he could do. Byw Davis and Amber were my parents and I wasn¡¯t gonna let him spend the next several years worrying about me.


    ¡°It¡¯s <i>okay </i><i>Uncle</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanna </i>get out <i>of </i><i>here </i><i>now</i>. I¡¯m <i>heading </i>to <i>the </i><i>courthouse </i>soon <i>to </i><i>file </i>for <i>divorce</i><i>, </i>it¡¯ll <i>take </i>me <i>a </i><i>few </i><i>days </i>to <i>finalize </i><i>that </i>and close my <i>ounts</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I could hear my uncle sigh, clearly he was worried.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m sending <i>you </i><i>a </i><iwyer</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Uncle </i><i>that </i>won¡¯t be <i>nec-</i>¡± <i>He </i>cut me off mid¨Csentence<i>, </i><i>there </i>was no <i>way </i><i>he </i><i>was </i>gonna <i>let </i>me <i>handle </i><i>all </i>of <i>this </i><i>by </i><i>myself</i><i>. </i>


    <i>in </i>


    <i>promised </i><i>my </i><i>brother </i><i>and </i><i>sister</i>¨Cinw <i>I </i>would <i>take </i><i>care </i><i>of </i><i>you</i>. <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>failing </i><i>them </i><i>these </i>past <i>several </i><i>years</i>, not <i>anymore</i>. <i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>help</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled lightly; it was the first time I had a genuine smile so long. It felt good to be loved again. After getting everything squared away with my uncle, I got dressed and walked out my room, ready to file divorce. As I made my way down the stairs I could see my family, sitting in the grand room were my two brothers Darius and Daniel along with my parents, my sister and my husband. Though based on how they were all acting, you would have sworn Thomas was married to Danielle.


    ¡°<i>They </i><i>aren¡¯t </i>even <i>trying </i>to <i>be </i><i>subtle</i><i>¡± </i>I thought with a disgusted looked as I made my way voice.


    to the foyer. <b>Just </b>


    could hear my sister¡¯s angelic


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>! </i><i>Raby</i><i>! </i><i>Where </i><i>have </i><i>you </i>been? <i>You </i>were <i>in </i><i>your </i>room so <i>long </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>prepared </i>to <i>steal </i><i>your </i><i>husband</i>.¡±


    She stared at me with angel eyes of Lucifer, I had already grown ustomed to her devilish ploys. Smiling back, I calmly responded.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>what </i>you <i>thought </i><ist </i><i>night </i>too.<i>¡± </i>


    Shocked, Danielle¡¯s eyes bulged, exactly what had I met by that st night¡±ment. Warily smiling, Danielle walked up to me.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m sorry <i>sister</i><i>? </i><i>What </i><i>exactly </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>mean </i><i>by </i><i>that</i>?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry<i>, </i>did <i>you </i>not understand me? I¡¯ll <i>repeat </i><i>it</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m sure <i>that¡¯s </i><i>exactly </i><i>what </i><i>you </i>did <ist </i>night!¡±


    This time my voice raised a level causing everyone to look in our direction. Immediately, as if on que, Danielle began to <b>cry</b>.


    ¡°Raby, <i>I </i>don¡¯t know what you mean <i>by </i><i>this</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i>are you <i>being </i>so mean! I <i>only </i>wanted to joke with my sister.¡±


    Immediately everyone came running to the foyer, in unison, they all began to fuss.


    ¡°What the hell <i>is </i>wrong with you Rabena<i>!</i>¡± My brother Darius was the <i>first </i>to go off.


    ¡°Yeah what the hell<i>! </i>Why are you always bullying Danielle<i>! </i><i>She </i>has been nothing but nice to you!¡±


    Suddenly, my mother walked up, withplete disdain in her eyes she began to speak.


    ¡°Honestly, did those wretched parents of yours raise you in the wilderness? <i>Is </i>that why you have such <i>low </i>values.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe it! ¡°I had low values! These people wouldn¡¯t know anything about values if it <b>was </b>stamped on their foreheads! Hearing her speak so ill of my parents <b>however</b>, I wasn¡¯t about to let her get away with that. I walked cooly up to the woman who birthed me, no longer feeling the need to address <b>her </b><b>as </b>¡°mother¡± She¡¯d never been that to me anyway.


    ¡°Mrs. Crest, you <b>can </b>say whatever you want about me but mention <i>my </i>parents again and we will have a problem.¡±


    Amber took two steps back. Her eyes were filled with shock. Never had I ever spoke to her <b>like </b>this. Usually, I was always humble <b>and </b>quiet<b>, </b>but !


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    was done with all of that! Just then, my ¡°loving¡± husband finally spoke.


    ¡°<i>Rabena </i><i>just </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>do </i>you think <i>you¡¯re </i><i>doing</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i>you acting like this<i>! </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>all </i><i>still </i><i>celebrating </i><i>Danielle¡¯s </i><i>birthday</i><i>! </i>Apologize to <i>her </i><i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I couldn¡¯t believe him! Apologize for what? But he couldn¡¯t help himself, anything to put a smile on his sweet Danielle¡¯s face. In the past, I would have apologized to just to please everyone, but not anymore. I looked straight into the eyes of my handsome and lying husband.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>was </i>my <i>birthday </i>too. <i>I </i>won¡¯t <i>apologize</i><i>. </i><i>Consider </i>this <i>my </i><i>gift</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before he could say anything, I immediately turned around and stormed out the door. I was done with all of these dreadful people. The Rabena they knew was no more.


    -Thomas <b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    <b>I </b>watched in shock as Rabena stormed out of the house. Never had she talked to me that way, for thest several years she had always been meek. My grandmother doted on her after she saved her life, constantly praising how lovely she was and how much she couldn¡¯t stand Danielle.


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>girl </i><i>is </i><i>a </i><i>fake </i>as a <i>thousand</i><i>¨C</i><i>dor </i><i>bill</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ?<fne2e3> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? fin?novel</fne2e3>


    She just didn¡¯t understand, Danielle needed me. She was delicate and sensitive always trying to please. When I began my role as head of our organization, she secretly went out of her way to start setting up business deals. Starting next week, I¡¯ll be having business meetings with some of the most prominent corporations in the western continent. Lockwood Corp was on the verge of going global and it was all thanks to Danielle. I owed her everything including my heart and I wasn¡¯t about to let some arranged marriage get in the way of it. Rabena would pay for upsetting Danielle.


    A


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    AN


    <b><i>-Rabena¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    After I filed for divorce, I spoke with mywyer Pera on the phone. I¡¯d known Pera since I was <b>a </b>child, we actually grew up together in Covington; she was devastated when she learned i was moving halfway across the world. We¡¯d promise to stay in touch, but with the life I was living, I didn¡¯t have to heart to honor it.


    ¡°Oh <i>my </i><i>god </i><i>Ruby</i><i>!!! </i><i>When </i><i>your </i><i>uncle </i>told me <i>you </i><i>were </iing home <i>I </i><i>almost </i><i>blew </i>a gasket<i>! </i><i>I¡¯ve </i>missed <i>you </i>so much<i>!</i>¡±


    It was great to hear she was the same bubbly and vivacious girl I had always known.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeai: </i>I¡¯m <i>really </i>excited too. <i>I </i><i>have </i><i>really </i><i>missed </i><i>you </i><i>all</i>. I <i>should </i><i>have </i><i>never </ie <i>here</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Pera went silent for a moment, I¡¯m sure my uncle filled her in on what had been going on.


    <i>¡°</i>Ruby, you <i>should </i><i>have </i><i>called </i>me. <i>I </i>would <i>have </i><i>flown </i>into the ocean <i>just </i>to <i>help </i><i>you</i><i>! </i>You¡¯re <i>my </i><i>best </i>friend<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My eyes began to water, even after all of this time, the people that I loved the most still loved me too.


    ¡°Alright girl! First stop divorce, next stop freedom<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I talked with Pera all the way home, as I approached the door, I had an eerie feeling. As I opened the door, I soon understood why.


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 Hunted 4

    ¡û ¡°<b>Burn </b>those who <b>burned </b>me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>4 </b>


    <b><i>-Rabena¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    I walked back into the Crest estate after filing for divorce, from this point on, Pera would handle everything. She said it would take five days to process everything for the divorce. That was fine by me, the banks also stated it would take a few days to close and transfer my money. Over the years, my uncles had been sending merge sums of money, I never spent it. My original n was to give a portion of it to Thomas to help increase his businesses, oh well, enough of that.


    As soon as I walked into the foyer, I was greeted by a hard p. Amber¡¯s hand stung fire into my face. I immediately fell back into the wall, my head hit the back of the panel hard causing a sharp pain down my spine. Dazed I looked up confused.


    ¡°<i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>just </i><i>disrespect </i><i>all </i>of us <i>and </i><i>get </i><i>away </i><i>with </i><i>it</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Amber was now fuming, with my husband standing behind her, I realized where she got her courage from. Looking down at me she spoke some more.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Apologize </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>! </i><i>Now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at the woman that birthed me, for so many years I wondered why I couldn¡¯t earn her love, why I wasn¡¯t wanted? Suddenly, it dawned on me, she didn¡¯t need me as a daughter. All those years, her and my father could have been found me, but they were perfectly fine with just having Danielle. With fire in my


    eyes, I began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i>I. Will<i>. </i>Not<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Amber¡¯s eyes began to bulge, she was beyond furious. She raised her hand about to strike me again when suddenly, Thomas kneeled down facing me. In a low and menacing tone, he began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i>You¡¯ve had your fun <i>Rabena</i><i>. </i><i>Enough </i>is <i>enough</i><i>. </i><i>Apologize </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>sister </i>and <i>we¡¯ll </i>all move on from this.¡±


    I could hear Amber scoffed behind him, but I wasn¡¯t backing down.


    ¡°And if I don¡¯t?<i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Danielle threw herself down at my feet disying her best crocodile tears.


    <i>¡°</i>Rabena please forgive <i>me</i>! I <i>know </i>that you have always been jealous because it seems like everyone loves me more than you, but you are <i>my </i>sister<i>! </i><i>Please </i>don¡¯t <i>be </i><i>angry </i>with <i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I stared at Danielle with intense eyes, they may not have known it, but she was faking big time. Suddenly, Darius began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i>Got dammit Rabena<i>! </i>Look at what you are doing to Dant! Stop all <i>of </i>this now! Apologize!¡±


    <b>Just </b>then, Daniel spoke up.


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    Setting


    Rewards


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>know </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>trying </i>to prove <i>here</i>, but <i>you </i>won¡¯t get <i>your </i><i>way</i><i>. </i>Come <i>on </i><i>Dani</i>, stand <i>up</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯s </i>not <i>worth </i><i>your </i>kindness.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh at this freak show being disyed. Watching all of these fools fawn over her was like acid to my brain, I finally decided to stand up, suddenly, Thomas grabbed my arm hard.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ll </i>say it again<i>! </i>Apologize!¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>No.</i>¡±


    Thomas looked at me with darkening eyes, suddenly, a creepy smile curled onto his lips.


    ¡°Fine. Since you wanna be <i>this </i>way<i>. </i>You¡¯ll pay<i>.</i>¡±


    He began to drag me outside, suddenly, everyone began to follow. I started screaming and scratching at Thomas arms, but it was of no use. With every struggle his grip got tighter, it felt like my arm was about to snap. Finally, we arrived at the destination. It was my parents¡® shed. Why was he bringing me here? I began to panic but he justughed.


    ¡°<i>Where¡¯s </i>all <i>that </i><i>fire </i>you <i>just </i><i>had</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas taunted me as opened the shed doors, suddenly, he threw me down to the ground. My right should hit the ground hard causing an immediate bruise. I looked at all the faces staring at me. I wanted to burn their faces into my brain, I would make them all pay. Finally, Thomas spoke.


    You¡¯ll stay here until you apologize. No one let her out of this shed, give her no food, no water, nothing! Not until she apologizes. Everyone looked on, there was a faint look of remorse in Darius¡® face, but it was soon overshadowed the moment Danielle walked up.


    ¡°Thomas, you don¡¯t <i>have </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>this</i><i>. </i><i>Rabena </i><i>is </i><i>just </i>a <i>little </i><i>jealous </i>we didn¡¯t celebrate her birthday<i>.</i>¡±


    Amber let out another scoff.


    ¡°What is there to celebrate? <i>Dani </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>my </i>sweet angel but sometimes your heart is just too big.¡±


    Daniel rolled his <b>eyes</b><b>; </b>he was growing tired of my ¡°antics¡°.


    ¡°Just apologize, is all of this really necessary<i>? </i><i>You </i>want to take the attention from Dani that bad.¡±


    1 didn¡¯t say a word. They all stared at me waiting for me to cave, waiting for me to apologize, waiting for me to beg; but I didn¡¯t say one word. Thomas let out a sigh.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Fine</i><i>. </i>Have it <i>your </i>way. Nobody opens this door until she apologizes. Got that.¡±


    Everyone nodded their heads and turned away, before she left, Amber made sure to say one more thing.


    <b>¡°</b><b>If </b><i>she </i>dies, make sure to reserve her body in case Dani ever gets sick again.¡±


    And that was it. Door closed; I was left in a dark shed.


    Through the cracks of the shed walls, I could see it was no now dark outside. Iid in my shed of hell with thoughts of today possibly being myst day alive. My phone had already died so there was no way to call for help, but I didn¡¯t care. I once read that the human body could go at least three days without food or water before it finally gives. That was fine, I¡¯d dly go through three days of hell if it meant I could get away from these people.


    By day two I had gone over 50 hours without food or drink. I could feel my body slowly starting to drift, the first full day my stomach cramped so bad from hunger that I began to heave but because there was no food in my system, all that came up was saliva. By day two however, the stomach pains were gone, all I could at that moment was sleepiness. Two days and my family had note to check if I were dead or alive. By the end of day two, my body slowly began to give. As I drifted into a slumber, I thought of my uncle and Pera. I knew the Crests would never inform them of my death. The thought of that made me want to cry but my body had no more liquid to produce. Instead, I asked for their forgiveness for being so stubborn. Night fell and I finally drifted to sleep.


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 Hunted 5

    -Thomas POV:


    As the night fell, I found myself staring at my phone. The time was 10:13pm, Rabena had been in the shed for over 9 hours and still had not called me begging for forgiveness.


    ¡°What the hell has gotten into <i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    This wasn¡¯t the Raben I had grown ustomed to. When I first met Rabena she was 15 years old. I remembered everyone talking about how the Crests brought home their long¨Clost daughter. Apparently she had been kidnapped from the hospital shortly after being born. To be honest I quite surprised, The Crests never said anything about a missing daughter. The first time I saw her, she was ying a violin in the garden, I remembered thinking how beautiful the music was. When she finally turned to look at me, she reminded me of some type of angel. There was bright light in her eyes that I had never seen before. She gave me this angelic yet vivacious smile, I had to admit, I found her breathtaking. But that didn¡¯t matter, <b>I </b>had already promised my heart to Danielle, and I wasn¡¯t going to betray her.


    Rabena tried everything she could to worm her way into my life including saving my grandmother. Luckily for her it worked because shortly after, an arranged marriage was set between the two of us. I¡¯ll never forget the day I found out I was to be betrothed to Rabena.


    ¡°Grandmother what <i>is </i><i>this!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My grandmother sat at her rose garden clipping flowers for her vase when she looked up at me.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i>what boy? Be clear<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Annoyed I began to protest.


    ¡°Why are <i>you </i>marrying me off to Rabena Crest! You know I love Danielle!¡±


    <i>¡°</i>You¡¯re asking <i>why </i><i>I </i>want you to marry the young woman that saved my life?¡±


    I <b>knew </b>she was going to bring that up, although I was grateful Rabena saved my grandmother, I didn¡¯t understand why I had to pay that debt.


    ¡°Grandmother, can¡¯t you just give her some money or something?¡±


    My grandmother stopped clipping her roses and looked at me with fierce anger in her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>exactly </i>how much do you think my life is worth?


    She always did this! Twist everything, I say!


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant grandmother I¡¯m just saying I love Dan


    ¡°I <i>don¡¯t </i>care! Listen to me boy, one day <i>you¡¯re </i>going to learn that Danielle girl is nothing but trouble! I just <fnd019> For more chapters visit Find_Novel(.</fnd019>


    <i>pray </i>I¡¯m not <i>alive </i>to see <i>the </i>downfall. <i>You¡¯re </i><i>marrying </i><i>Rabena </i><i>and </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>final</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯ll </i><i>do </i>well to <i>treat </i><i>her </i><i>right</i>!¡±


    And that was it, I couldn¡¯t contest, not if I wanted to be CEO of Lockwood Corp. So, I angrily married Rabena, I didn¡¯t even give her a wedding. Just a trip to the courthouse and a cheap silver band. We didn¡¯t even consummate our marriage; I refused to touch her, afraid that it mean I was betraying Danielle. Still, she yed the role of a dutiful and obedient wife, never wavering or giving any trouble. That only made me hate her more, it was like she was trying to make me purposely feel guilty. Now, she was lying in a shed all because she couldn¡¯t say sorry. Every other time she would apologize with no issues, why was today so different? I suddenly knocked out of my deep thought by Danielle sitting on myp.


    ¡°Hey, what <i>are </i>you thinking about?¡±


    She looked up at me with the sweetest expression. I was always a ve to that smile.


    ¡°Nothing. What <i>are </i>you up too?¡±


    ¡°You know <i>I </i><i>can </i><i>tell </i><i>when </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>lying</i>. <i>You¡¯re </i><i>worried </i><i>about </i>Rabena <i>aren¡¯t </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I hated to admit it, but I was worried. Why was she being so damn stubborn.


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 Hunted 6

    <b>Chapter </b><b>6 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>just </i>don¡¯t understand <i>why </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>acting </i><i>like </i><i>this</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>willing </i><i>to </i>make herself sick just to <i>prove </i><i>a </i><i>point</i>. <i>Ridiculous</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>trying </i>to get attention. <i>I </i>can <i>understand </i><i>that</i>. <i>Maybe </i><i>I </i><i>should </i><i>stop </i>taking up <i>so </i>much <i>of </i>your time.¡±


    Danielle¡¯s face twisted up into this somber look as if she was about to cry. I could feel my heart tearing to shreds. I swooped her up into a bear hug.


    <i>¡°</i>I don¡¯t ever wanna <i>hear </i>you <i>say </i><i>those words again</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>let </i><i>you </i><i>go </i><i>anywhere</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i>sister <i>will </i>never be able <i>to </i><i>tear </i><i>us </i><i>apart</i><i>! </i><i>She¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>fine </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>night</i>. <i>By </i>tomorrow<i>, </i><i>she¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>begging </i><i>for </i><i>forgiveness</i>.¡±


    Danielle smiled a sweet and triumphed smiled indicating she had in fact won Thomas heart. Neither marriage nor his meddling grandmother would interfere.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>right </i><i>my </i><i>love</i><i>. </i><i>By </i><i>tomorrow </i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>she¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>begging </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>forgiveness</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Danielle ced both of her hands on Thomas¡® cheeks and brought him to a sweet kiss. Instantly reacting, Thomas lifted Danielle up andid her on the bed gently, passionate kisses began to fill the room as he began to enter her body, but there was still something tugging at his heart and he wasn¡¯t sure why. He¡¯d decided to tune the noise out with the passions of Danielle.


    The next morning, Thomas immediately jumped up and checked his phone. There were no calls or texts from Rabena. Thomas brows began to fury and squinch.


    ¡°Is she <i>really </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>this </i><i>stupid</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i><fnd3a3> Checktest chapters at FindN0vel</fnd3a3>


    Danielle finally sat up and wrapped her arms around Thomas waist, her eyes darkened when she saw he was checking for Rabena. In a sweet voice, she began to speak.


    ¡°Tommy darling, <i>she¡¯s </i><i>probably </i><i>just </i><i>waiting </i><i>for </i><i>you </i>to <i>make </i>a <i>fuss </i><i>over </i><i>her</i><i>. </i><i>Maybe </i>we should <i>just </i>cancel my final birthday ns and cater to <i>Rabena</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas¡® face instantly harden. No way was he going to cave into Rabena¡¯s tricks.


    ¡°Absolutely not! If she wants to y chicken <i>wither own </i>life that¡¯s <i>on </i>her<i>! </i>She¡¯ll call eventually<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    That day, the family along with Thomas all continued to celebrate Danielle¡¯s birthday while Rabenaid in the shed. No one asked or even wondered if she was okay, all that mattered was Danielle having a great day,


    By the third day, Thomas was furious Rabena had not called and begged for forgiveness. Both Amber and Danielle however convinced him she was just doing this for show.


    ¡°<i>She </i><i>probably </i>has food and water in there! Nothing surprises me about that wretched girl!<i>¡± </i>


    So, Thomas decided he wouldn¡¯t fret. ¡°If she thinks she¡¯ll get my attention from this <i>she¡¯s </i>sadly <i>mistaken</i>.¡± He


    thought smugly to himself as they all sat in the living room watching television.


    Suddenly, the front door opened and Damon, whom had been gone for several weeks on a camping trip with friends returned home. As he walked into the living room to greet his family, he noticed Thomas and Danielle snuggled on the couch looking every bit the married couple. Damon¡¯s face scrunched up with irritation and confusion. If Thomas was here, where was Rabena?


    ¡°Damon! What¡¯s up little <i>brother </i>how was your trip<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Daniel walked over to give him a hug. Puzzled, Damon continued to look around the room for Rabena.


    ¡°It was great. What¡¯s Tommy doing <i>here</i>?¡±


    Daniel looked at Damon with a confused expression but then remembered he had been gone and wasn¡¯t


    aware.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s <i>right </i>you¡¯ve been gone<i>! </i>We decided <i>to </i><i>celebrate </i><i>Dani¡¯s </i><i>birthday </i><i>for </i><i>four </i><i>days</i>. We¡¯ve been having a really great time! <i>It¡¯s </i>good <i>you¡¯re </i><i>back </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>just </i><i>in-</i><i>¡± </i>


    But before Daniel could finish, Damon interrupted him.


    ¡°So then <i>where </i><i>is </i><i>Rabena</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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    2/

 Hunted 7

    <b>hapter </b>7


    <i>-Thomas </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    Out of all of Dani¡¯s brothers, Damon irritated me the most. He was also so self¨Crighteous especially when it came to Rabena. You would have thought he grew up with her instead of Dani.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i>in the shed<i>.</i>¡± I said coolly, he was already starting to irritate me.


    ¡°What¡¯s she doing in the shed?¡±


    Suddenly, Amber jumped up, full irritation in her eyes.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t <i>seen </i>you <i>in </i>over <i>three </i>weeks<i>! </i>Is Rabena <i>all </i><i>you </i><i>care </i><i>about</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°What <i>are </i>you <i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>? </i><i>I just </i><i>asked </i><i>where </i><i>she </i><i>is</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Amber¡¯s voice raised even higher.


    ¡°Why <i>does </i><i>that </i><i>matter</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The room fell silent. After a few minutes, Davis finally spoke. <fn87a3> This content belongs to find?novel</fn87a3>


    ¡°That <i>girl </i><i>is </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>shed</i>, <i>she </i><i>made </i><i>a </i><i>fuss </i><i>over </i><i>Dani¡¯s </i><i>birthday </i><i>and as </i><i>punishment</i><i>, </i><i>her </i><i>husband </i><i>ced </i><i>her </i><i>in </i>the shed until <i>she </i><i>apologizes</i><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Damon could hardly believe his ears, what the hell did THAT mean? Made a fuss? What was going on? Damon rubbed his temples, he could feel a headache brewing, over the past several years he watched as his family grew more and more ridiculous over Danielle treating her like some porcin doll. All the while, they treated Rabena like trash, despite her being the very reason Danielle was even alive.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re <i>all </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>Rabena </i><i>made </i><i>such </i><i>a </i>fuss <i>over </i><i>Dani </i><i>that </i><i>she¡¯s </i>been in the shed all day?¡±


    Suddenly, Amber smiled with a smug look on her face.


    ¡°Actually, she¡¯s been in there for <i>over </i>three days<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon could feel all the color draining from his face. Had he just heard her correctly! Rabena was locked in a shed for over three days, and they were allughing and watching TV! What the hell was going on!


    ¡°What did you just say<i>?!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°It serves her right<i>! </i>She had <i>no </i>right to be disrespectful.¡±


    There was no remorse in Amber¡¯s voice, she had truly hated her youngest daughter for some strange reason. Still, Damon had to gather all the facts.


    ¡°<i>Was </i>she ced out there with food and water<i>?</i>¡±


    Darius was the next to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>would </i>we do <i>that</i><i>? </i><i>The </i><i>whole </i>point <i>is </i><i>for </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>punished </i><i>and </i><i>apologize</i>.¡±


    Damon¡¯s eyes instantly bulged, were these people all insane?


    ¡°<i>What </i>the hell <i>are </i>you talking about! <i>She </i>could <i>die</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon turned around and began to leave when his father called out to him.


    ¡°Damon! Don¡¯t you dare interfere! <i>She¡¯s </i><i>being </i><i>disciplined </i><i>by </i><i>her </i><i>husband</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>have </i><i>no </i>right<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon looked at his father with pure disgust and contempt.


    ¡°No right? Your <i>daughter </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>locked </i><i>out </i>in a <i>shed </i><i>for </i><i>over </i><i>three </i><i>days </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>heat </i><i>and </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>telling </i>me as <i>her </i><i>brother </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>right </i>to be <i>concerned</i>? <i>What </i><i>kind </i><i>of </i><i>father </i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Davis face paled as Damon¡¯s words hit like slicing fan des: Guilt began to seep into his reaction as his words were starting to settle. Finally, Thomas spoke.


    ¡°If <i>she </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><ie </i><i>out </i><i>all </i><i>she </i><i>had </i>to <i>do </i><i>was </i><i>apologize</i><i>, </i><i>whatever </i><i>happens </i><i>to </i>her <i>is </i><i>on </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon gave Thomas a looked that instantly made <i>hi </i>


    ¡°Fuck <i>you </i><i>Thomas</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i><i>He </i><i>spat </i><i>as </i><i>he </i><i>ran </i><i>out </i>of <i>the </i><i>house</i><i>. </i>


    <b><i>-Rabena¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    shutter.


    I could hear some type ofmotion outside of the shed, but I was too weak to react. It sounded like someone was calling my name in a panic. It sounded like Damon, but that couldn¡¯t be right, he was still backpacking right?


    My body wouldn¡¯t corporate, I tried to life my head but there was no movement. I could feel myself drifting back unconscious.


    -Thomas POV<i>: </i>


    We all rushed outside after Damon; he¡¯s always making trouble! I would have known if something was wrong with Rabena, she would have called m-


    Suddenly, it dawned on Thomas <b>that </b>she may not have called him because her phone was dead. In a panic, he began digging in his pocket for his cellphone, by now, Damon was panicking.


    ¡°Rabena!! Rabena!! Can you hear me?! Where the fuck is the key! Give me the key! Get her out of there<i>!</i>¡±


    Thomas ran back into the house to grab the key to the shed; hands trembling he dialed Raben¡¯s cell


    number.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hey </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>Ruby</i>, <i>at </i><i>the </i><i>sound </i>of <i>the </i>tone <i>please </i><i>leave </i><i>a </i><i>message</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The color in Thomas face began to drain, her phone was dead. That¡¯s why she hadn¡¯t called him in all this time. In a panic he found the keys to the shed and raced back outside. By now, Damon was using an axe to break the lock. As the she doors busted open, they were all met with grisly sight. Rabena was passed in a pool of blood, nose bleeds curtesy of the heat. Her skin was ked and pale, her body was so dehydrated she could even produce sweat. Damon rushed over to her while dialing 911.


    <i>¡°</i><i>911 </i>what¡¯s your emergency<i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Please</i>! Send an ambnce! <i>My </i><i>sister </i><i>is </i><i>dying</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon frantically gave the 911 operator all the information regarding Rabena as well as the estate¡¯s address. Darius and Danile looked on in horror, it was never their intentions to hurt her this bad. They just wanted her to apologize. Davis stared nkly, his expression hard to read. While Amber and Danielle looked on with irritation.


    As the ambnce ced Rabena onto the stretcher, they immediately began setting up an IV. Her body was so drained it was difficult to even find a vein, eventually they were able to hook up the IV and pump fluids into her. As they strapped her into the stretcher, one of the paramedics began asking what happened.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i>did <i>she </i><i>end </i><i>up </i><i>like </i><i>this</i>!?¡± He faced looked disgusted, but no one said a word. After she was secured, Damon leaped out of the ambnce, as they pulled away, he rushed over and punched Thomas square in the face.


    Everyone immediately panicked and rushed over to stop the attack Damon was cing on Thomas. Danielle began to scream in panic.


    ¡°Damon<i>! </i>Damon <i>please </i><i>stop</i><i>!! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>gonna </i><i>kill </i><i>him</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    But Damon didn¡¯t care, he continued to beat on Thomas ferociously; finally, both of his brothers and father were able to pull him off. Thomasid on the ground covered in bruises and blood. Danielle and Amber instantly ran over and began trying to help him up. Amber looked in anger and panic at her son.


    ¡°Have you gone crazy<i>! </i><i>You </i><i>could </i><i>have </i>killed <i>him</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°So, what! What the fuck is wrong <i>with </i>this <i>family</i><i>! </i><i>He </i>could have killed your daughter, and you all were just gonna sit around and watch <i>TV</i><i>! </i><i>Celebrating </i><i>Danielle</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Amber stood up frantically bing defensive.


    <i>¡°</i>You weren¡¯t here! None of this would have happened if that brat hadn¡¯t been mean to Dani!¡±


    ¡°Fuck <i>you </i><i>mom</i><i>! </i>What did she do <i>to </i>make your precious Dant cry this time huh<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone looked at Damon like he was madman, he had never spoken to any of them like before. Finally, in a guilty and low voice, Davis spoke,


    ¡°That¡¯s enough son, she¡¯s still your <i>mother</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Damon looked at his whole family, people that he both loved and hated. This was the final straw. He scuffed and walked past his father and with a low malice voice,


    ¡°Not anymore.¡±


    No one knew what to say after that, but they were too afraid to protest.


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 Hunted 8

    <b>Chapter </b>


    -Thomas POV<i>: </i>


    I couldn¡¯t get that scene out of my head. Her body lying there like a corpse, the dried¨Cup blood surrounding her. Her lifeless eyes, I couldn¡¯t forget. Even as Damon attacked me, I so was stunned I couldn¡¯t even defend myself. Maybe a part of me felt it was deserved. It wasn¡¯t supposed to get this bad. She was supposed to call me and beg for forgiveness! I would have immediately let her out! How was I supposed to know her phone died!


    After Damon stormed into the house, everyone was too afraid to say anything to him, his parents assumed he was just going to his room to cool off but suddenly he came stomping down the steps. Darius looked over in shock.


    ¡°Damon <i>why </i><i>do </i>you <i>have </i><i>bags</i>? <i>You </i><i>just </i>got <i>back</i><i>! </i><i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>going</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone looked on in confusion, Damon had several bags with him heading to the door. Amber frantically rushed over to him along with Davis.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Damon</i><i>! </i><i>What </i>is <i>this</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>being </i><i>so </i><i>dramatic</i><i>! </i><i>She </i>made <i>it </i>to <i>the </i><i>hospital</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you leaving </i><i>your </i><i>family </i><i>for </i><i>her</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Amber¡¯s question stunned both Damon and me. What did she mean by that? Damon¡¯s eyes darkened as he looked at his mother.


    ¡°Is she not my <i>family </i><i>mother</i>? The <i>daughter you </i><i>birthed</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Amber looked away, too ashamed to look him in the eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I <i>meant</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>only </i><i>meant </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>raised </i><i>with </i><i>Dani</i>. <i>You¡¯ve </i><i>only </i>known that gir-¡±


    ¡°RABENA! <i>Her </i>name <i>is </i>RABENA!<i>¡± </i>


    Damon¡¯s outburst shook us all. Amber¡¯s eyes widened with fright. Her son had never spoken to her in this way, her eyes quickly darkened, all of this was Raben¡¯s fault! It was her fault her precious son was turning on her<i>. </i>


    ¡°I can¡¯t be apart of this <i>family </i>anymore,¡±


    Davis rushed to his son.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Damon </i>please, <i>I¡¯m </i>your father, don¡¯t act like this. Rabena will be okay, she was able to get to the hospital in time thanks to you<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon scuffed and shook his fathers hands off his shoulders. Looking at the man he once saw as the universe with nothing but contempt.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dad</i>, I <i>love </i>you, <i>but </i><i>I¡¯ll </i>never be able to respect you again. You or my older brothers.¡±


    Daniel suddenly jumped up.


    ¡°Now wait a minute<i>! </i>You¡¯re going too damn far Damon! It was an ident<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Your sister almost dying because you locked her in a hot shed is an ident<i>? </i>Whatever helps you sleep at night.¡±


    As Damon turned to leave, Danielle ran over and grabbed his arm. With tears in her eyes, she began to


    protest.


    ¡°Big brother, please don¡¯t do this. <i>Rabena </i>will <i>be </i>fine. It wasn¡¯t supposed to go this far; it¡¯s all my fault! I should have just shared my birthday <i>with </i><i>her </i>then <i>she </i>wouldn¡¯t have yelled at <i>me</i><i>,</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon looked at his sister in disgust, he had seen this act entirely too much over the years. Her ying victim so everyone could kiss her ass. It became especially bad once Rabena moved back home. Damon pulled his arm out of Danielle¡¯s grasp.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure your victim martyr <i>act </i><i>works </i>wonders on everyone else, <i>unfortunately </i>I¡¯m <i>immune</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Danielle¡¯s eyes darkened, Damon had always been difficult. He acted like she was some sort of devil, meanwhile, Rabena could do no wrong. Still, she had a roll to y, lowering her head she spoke softly through light sobs.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know <i>what </i>you mean <i>big </i><i>brother</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Thomas walked back into the foyer after cleaning the blood off his face overhearing Damon chastise Danielle. Furious he marched over to the scene, it was one thing to beat up on him, but Danielle didn¡¯t deserve this. In a cowardly tone he spoke.


    <i>¡°</i>That¡¯s enough <i>Damon</i>. <i>None </i>of <i>this </i><i>was </i><i>Dani¡¯s </i><i>fault</i>, <i>if </i><i>you </i>wanna be mad at anyone just be mad at me. I told your family not to interfere<i>, </i><i>Dani </i><i>actually </i><i>told </i>me not to do it.¡±


    Damonughed a disgustedugh.


    ¡°I bet she also told you not to <i>worry </i>about <i>Rabena </i>either. Just enough to feign concern.¡±


    With that, Damon walked out of the door without any further words.


    -Rabena¡¯s <i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    When I finally woke up my body felt like it was as light as a feather. I could vaguely remember what happened. Thomas locking me into the shed and days passing as I slipped away, but how did I end up here? Suddenly my hospital door opened, Damon came walking in with a cup of coffee. His eyes shot up in shock once he realized I had woken up.


    Rushing over to my bedside his eyes were filled with relief and concern.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ruby</i><i>!! </i><i>You¡¯re </i>woke! <i>Are </i>you okay<i>? </i>Do you need anything? Are you hungry?¡±


    18%


    His questions wereing a mile a minute, at this rate I wouldn¡¯t be able to answer anything. I chuckled and ced my finger over my lips indicating for him to be quiet. Laughing he made a zipped¨Cup motion across his lips.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m okay<i>, </i>but how did <i>I </i>get <i>here</i>?¡±


    Damon filled me on what happened the day he came home, my day three. Thank goodness for that otherwise I would have died.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>see. Well, I¡¯m not surprised <i>they </i>all acted <i>like </i>that.<i>¡± </i>


    Damon¡¯s face scrunched up. He wasn¡¯t surprised either, but I think they still managed to disappoint him. I ced my hand over his and gave a weak smile.


    ¡°Hey, <i>at </i><i>least </i><i>I have </i><i>you</i>. <i>That¡¯s </i><i>all that </i><i>matters</i>.¡±


    Damon smiled a big smile.


    ¡°Oh! <i>I </i>met to <i>tell </i><i>you</i><i>! </i>I <i>spoke </i><i>with </i><i>your </i><i>Uncle </i><i>Pete</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Shocked, I had Damon exin everything else to me. Turns out Pete and Pera were panicking when I hadn¡¯t answered my phone all those days and were getting ready toe to Banton to find me.


    ¡°So yeah, <i>after </i><i>I </i><i>filled them </i><i>in </i><i>on </i><i>everything </i><i>they </i><i>were </i><i>really </i><i>angry</i>. <i>Your </i><i>Uncle </i>and <i>Friend </i><i>are </i>on <i>their </i><i>way</i>, they should <i>be </i><i>here </i><i>Wednesday </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>you </i><i>home</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled a smile of relief, finally I was going home. My time in this dreadful country finally came to an end. I looked over at my big brother, there was a look of sadness on his face, and I realized there was no way 1 was leaving without him.


    ¡°Damon,e <i>with </i><i>me </i>to <i>Covington</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Really? You <i>really </i><i>want </i><i>me </i>toe <i>with </i><i>you</i>?¡±


    Smiling<i>. </i>¡°Of course <i>I </i><i>do</i>. You¡¯re <i>my </i><i>brother</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon looked at me like he was about to cry, we had been close from the moment I arrived at the Crest Estate. He had always treated me like his precious little sister, there was no way I was giving that up.


    The next day I spoke with my Uncle Pete, needless to say he was furious.


    ¡°I¡¯m goin to kill them! All of them<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Calm down Uncle. I¡¯m okay now<i>! </i>Damon saved me. He even put my sorry excuse of a husband on his ass.¡± <fn9aed> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find_Novel(.</fn9aed>


    Hearing that made him calm down a little, but he still had vengeance on his menu.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Tell </i><i>Damon </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>my </i>nephew from this point on. I¡¯m d he¡¯sing with you<i>! </i>We¡¯ll take care of the rest of


    21:39 Fri, 29 Aug


    <i>them </i>in <i>due </i><i>time</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After speaking with Uncle Pete, I requested for my doctor toe to my room.


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    SH

 Hunted 9

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>9 </b>


    <i>-Rabena¡¯s </i><b>POV</b><b><i>: </i></b>


    18<b>% </b>


    As I waited for the doctor, 1 filled Damon in on what happened over the past several days that led to me being locked in the shed. His face grew redder as I continued.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me they¡¯ve been <i>screwing </i><i>each </i><i>this </i><i>entire </i><i>time</i><i>? </i>I <i>should </i><i>have </i><i>killed </i><i>him</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I gave a faint smile to my brother; I needed him to know I was okay and that this was a good thing in the


    end.


    ¡°Honestly Dammy<i>, </i>I¡¯m d <i>it </i><i>happened</i>. <i>I </i>was <i>really </i><i>going </i>to <i>try </i><i>and </i><i>make </i><i>my </i><i>marriage </i>work. <i>I </i>stick tomitments, and <i>I </i><i>adore </i>Grandmother <i>Lynn</i><i>; </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>do </i><i>this </i><i>anymore </i><i>and </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>worth </i><i>jail</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn6763> Readplete version only at fin?novel</fn6763>


    Damon looked at me with a weary expression, he¡¯d been against the idea of me and Thoman marrying from the beginning. He along with everyone else knew how much he loved Danielle.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>know</i>. <i>I </i><i>just </i><i>hoped </i><i>he </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>had </i><i>even </i>an <i>ounce </i><i>of </i><i>dignity</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Just then, the doctor came into the room along with a nurse.


    <i>Smiling</i>. ¡°Good <i>morning </i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>d </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>woke</i><i>. </i><i>How </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>feeling</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    As Doctor Segall asked me a string of questions, nurse Hanna began checking my vitals. My right arm still felt sore from when Thomas threw my down, I winced as she took my blood pressure.


    ¡°Mrs. Lockwood<i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>mind </i>me <i>asking</i>, <i>exactly </i><i>how </i><i>did </i><i>you </i>end <i>up </i><i>in </i><i>this </i><i>state</i><i>? </i>You body <i>was </i><i>so </i>dehydrated <i>it </i>looked <i>as </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>hadn¡¯t </i><i>had </i><i>food </i><i>or </i><i>fluids </i><i>for </i><i>over </i><i>several </i><i>days</i>.¡±


    Both Damon and I stared at each other, we both knew this question was going toe up. Earlier I¡¯d asked him not to disclose the trust about what happened on the Crest Estate.


    ¡°WHAT! You <i>want </i><i>cover </i>for <i>them</i><i>? </i><i>Are </i><i>serious</i><i>? </i><i>Why</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at my brother with an exasperated expression, it¡¯s not that I wanted to cover for any of them, I was just realistic. The reality was both the Crests and Lockwoods were some of the most prominent families in the entire Northern Continent. Even if I involved the authorities, nothing would really be done. Theirwyers would have all of this buried. I had a better way of using this incident in my favor.


    ¡°Honestly doctor, I identally locked myself in a shed several days ago, my family wasn¡¯t on thepound, by the time they found me, they immediately saved me from the shed.¡±


    That was almost true, after all, Damon really did save me upon arriving home. Doctor Segall gave me a questionable look as if trying to determine if he believed my story. Deciding it was better to just believe me, he let out a sigh.


    ¡°Well<i>, </i>please be careful in the future, you could have died. Now for the next four days I¡¯m going to ¡±


    I immediately held my hand up, no way was I staying here for four more days. That would put me at risk of Thomas finding out my ns.


    ¡°<i>Dr. </i><i>Segall</i>, <i>have </i>you spoken to <i>my </i><i>husband</i>?¡±


    The doctor gave me a puzzled look, probably wondering why that was important.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>did<i>. </i>You have <i>him </i><i>listed </i><i>as </i>your <i>emergency</i><i>, </i><i>also </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>here </i><i>the </i><i>first </i><i>day </i><i>you </i><i>were </i>admitted. <i>I </i>informed him you would have to stay at <i>least </i>a <i>week </i><i>before </i><i>discharging</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Good! That was the information I needed to confirm. I knew to appear like to doting husband at least for his grandmother, he would be here the day of my discharge, but I won¡¯t be around for the pickup.


    ¡°Very good, <i>in </i><i>that </i><i>case</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i>to <i>discharge </i>today<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both the doctor and nurse eyes bulged in shock. Damon gave a slight scowl, though he was against, he already knew I nned on leaving early.


    <i>¡°</i>Mrs. <i>Lockwood</i>, <i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>advise </i><i>against </i><i>this</i>! <i>I </i><i>think </i><i>you </i><i>should </i><i>stay </i><i>here </i><i>a </i><i>few </i><i>more </i><i>days</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I held my hand up in protest. There was no way I was risking running into Thomas.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>understand </i><i>that </i><i>doctor</i>, <i>but </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>leave </i><i>now</i><i>. </i><i>So </i><i>please </i><i>prepare </i><i>my </i><i>discharge</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i>to <i>keep </i>a <i>family </i>doctor <i>at </i><i>my </i><i>estate</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Dr. Segall and Nurse Hanna gave each other a wary look, they were both very concerned but there was nothing they do.


    ¡°Alright, <i>if </i>you <i>could </i><i>please </i><i>promise </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>follow </i><i>the </i>treatment I <i>have </i><i>prepared</i><i>, </i><i>then </i><i>I¡¯ll </i>sign off <i>on </i>your discharge.<i>¡± </i>


    Smiling in triumph, I nodded eagerly to the doctor. I had every intention on keeping my word regarding my health. After the doctor left, Nurse Hanna gave me a faint smile.


    <i>¡°</i>Should I call your husband so <i>that </i><i>he </i>can <i>pick </i><i>you </i><i>up</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary<i>, </i><i>my </i>brother is going to <i>take </i>me home.¡±


    Nurse Hanna squinted her eyes and then smiled as if shepletely understood. I was clearly leaving my husband and did not want him to know. Taking my hand into hers, she gave me a motherly expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mrs. </i>Lockwood, please just make sure you take care of yourself. I¡¯ll go print out your discharge papers, everything will be ready in 10 minutes.¡±


    I nodded my head with a smile and pulled my phone back out. Today was Monday and my uncle and Pera would not be here until Wednesday, we needed a hotel. After booking us a room at the Imperial Gardens, I began to get dressed. Damon purchased me a change of clothes the day before.


    ¡°Do I need to <i>book </i><i>us </i><i>a </i>ce to <i>stay</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°Nope, <i>already </i>got that <i>taken </i><i>care </i><i>of</i>. <i>We¡¯re </i><i>staying </i>at <i>the </i>imperial gardens.<i>¡± </i>


    Damon shot me shocked look, the imperial gardens was a five¨Cstar hotel, I¡¯d booked us a room in one of


    the VP suites.


    ¡°Ruby, exactly how prominent were <i>the </i><i>Prices</i>?¡±


    I let out a loudugh, the truth was my family¡¯s estimated ie was in the upper hundreds of billions thanks to the Techware my dad and uncle created. By the time I was adopted, they had already cornered


    the market in the Western and Southern continents.


    ¡°Let¡¯s <i>just </i>say, it¡¯s <i>enough </i>to <i>everything </i><i>I </i>want and need to do.¡±


    With that, I grabbed my discharge papers and left the hospital with Damon. On the way to the hotel, we stopped at a diner to get to something to eat. I felt so good eating and drinking again. Once we arrived at the hotel, I called Pera and Uncle Pete to update them on everything. Uncle Pete informed me he would have the family doctor check me out once we arrived back in Covington. Finally, Wednesday arrived and Pete and Pera picked us up at the hotel. Giving them both warm hugs, I could feel the tears slowly flowing, it had been over a year since I saw my uncle and over five since I saw Pera. After introducing them to Damon, my uncle began to speak.


    ¡°Alright, <i>enough </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>introductions</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>save </i><i>the </i><i>rest </i><i>of </i><i>our </i><i>catching </i><i>up </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>private </i><i>jest </i><i>flight</i>. <i>Let¡¯s </i><i>head </i>


    home.<i>¡± </i>


    With a joyous and satisfying smile, I grabbed my bags and headed out with my family, never to look back on this ce or those people again.


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    <SHARE

 Hunted 10

    <b>Chapter </b><b>10 </b>


    -Thomas POV:


    Although the tension was thick, I decided to stay at the Crest¡¯s estate until Raben was ready for discharge. The doctor informed me she wouldn¡¯t be ready until the weekend at best. I went to the hospital shortly after she was taken and Damon left. Watching her lie in that hospital bed, I suddenly began to feel guilty. Though it was true I was in love with Danielle, Raben had never really done anything to me. I cursed her for coning her way into my grandmother¡¯s heart, but all in all, she was a decent wife. I had no intention on giving up Danielle, but maybe I could be a little nicer to her. That night, after I returned to the estate, everyone was in the grand room waiting for a report. Davis was the first to ask.


    <i>¡°</i><i>1</i>¨C<i>Is </i>she okay?¡±


    There seemed to be a great deal of guilt in his words and in his eyes. He could barley look at me as he asked for the update on Rabena.


    ¡°She¡¯s <i>stable</i>, <i>the </i><i>doctor </i>said one more <i>day </i>and <i>she </i>may <i>have </i>died<i>. </i><i>He¡¯s </i>going to monitor for the next few days<i>, </i>and <i>she </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>discharged </i><i>by </i><i>Saturday</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Hearing she almost died made Davis and his sons wince. Darius stood up to leave, I guess he just wanted to wait on the report. Daniel soon followed, before leaving, he turned and looked at me with guilt poured into his eyes.


    ¡°Please <i>tell </i><i>Rabena </i><i>I </i><i>apologize</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Before I could say anything else, he left. Amber let out a loud scoff; she was still determined to me Rabena for what happened with Damon.


    ¡°All that fuss and <i>she¡¯s </i>not <i>even </i><i>that </i><i>hurt</i>. <i>My </i>son <i>has </i>turned against me for nothing<i>!</i>¡±


    With that, she stormed off, leaving just me and Danielle.


    ¡°Even though she hurt my feelings <i>and </i>ruined <i>my </i>birthday<i>, </i>I¡¯m so d sister will be okay! Maybe I should buy her something so that she doesn¡¯t still feel jealous of me.¡±


    I don¡¯t know why, but I suddenly felt irritated at her words. Shaking it off as just being tired from this long <b>day</b>, I decided to head to my room. Danielle gave me a shocked nce.


    ¡°I was hoping we could eat dinner together; you haven¡¯t eaten right?¡±


    The truth was I hadn¡¯t eaten since breakfast, but I just wasn¡¯t in the mood, My head felt heavy.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually tired Dani; I just want to shower and go to bed


    She shed me a disappointing look and then smiled


    ¡°I understand. Go take your shower.¡±


    Danielle was always so understanding, unlike Rabena who had to make a fuss about everything. After my shower, I felt more energized. As I walked out the bathroom drying my hair, I noticed my bedsidemp had been turned off. Just then, Dani walked up behind me cing her hands on me back. In a cooing voice she began to speak.


    ¡°Tommy today was the worse <i>day </i>ever, <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i>want <i>to </i><i>be </i>alone <i>tonight</i>. Please let me stay with you.<i>¡± </i><fn62ee> For original chapters go to f?ndnovel</fn62ee>


    I started to protest but Dani began rubbing her fingers down my stomach to my groin, I let out a soft moan as she began to caress me. My body betraying me, I pulled her to face me. Laying gentle kisses on her neck, she let out a soft yet erotic moan, I could feel my smaller self¨Creacting happier. I scooped Dani up into my arms and took her over to the bed. This was home, she was what I knew. I had always loved Danielle, and she always loved me, still, even as I continued our tango of ecstasy, I couldn¡¯t help but think of Rabena. Maybe tomorrow I¡¯ll buy her something to make up for what happened.


    The next morning, Danielle left my room first so that no one would see hering out, after showering, I decided after breakfast I would head to the mall to buy something for Rabena. As I walked out the door, I was startled by Davis. He had strange look on his face, if I didn¡¯t know any better, I would have said it was disgust.


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 Hunted 11

    Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>11 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Thomas</i>, <i>I </i><i>think </i>we¡¯re all aware of your feelings for <i>Danielle</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>will remind <i>you </i>however, you are married <i>to </i><i>Rabena</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before I could protest he walked away. What the hell was that all about? Not wanting to put too much into it I made my way to the breakfast bar. The energy in the household waspletely different; everyone looked as if a wave of guilt or anger had flown over them. As I sat at the dining table, Darious began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i>Is anyone going to visit Rabena today<i>? </i><i>Has </i>anyone <i>talked </i><i>with </i><i>Damon</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone held their heads down looking at their tes, guess that was the answer. Finally, Daniel spoke.


    ¡°<i>I </i>tried <i>calling </i>him, <i>he¡¯s </i>not answering.¡±


    Amber suddenly let out a scoff.


    ¡°You would <i>think </i><i>the </i><i>girl </i>is <i>dying</i>! I¡¯m not <i>allowing </i><i>her </i>to <i>ruin </i><i>anymore </i>of <i>my </i><i>daughter¡¯s </i><i>birthday </i><i>celebration</i>. <i>Yesterday </i>was <i>interrupted </i><i>so </i><i>we </i><i>will </i>continue today.¡± <fnad57> Chapters first released on F?nd-Novel</fnad57>


    Nobody said a word, just agreed silently. Had this always been how Rabena was treated? Suddenly, Danielle gave me an excited look.


    ¡°Tommy<i>! </i>Why don¡¯t we <i>go </i>to <i>the </i><i>mall</i><i>? </i><i>There¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>dress </i><i>I </i><i>have </i>been <i>dying </i>to get<i>! </i>You¡¯ll <i>buy </i><i>it </i>for me <i>won¡¯t </i>you?¡±


    She looked over at me with these puppy dog eyes; before I could protest, Amber chimed in.


    ¡°Oh yes! I think that¡¯s a <i>marvelous </i><i>idea</i><i>, </i><i>you </i>do <i>always </i><i>love </i>spoiling our Dani.¡±


    <b>Just </b>then, Davis poke up with what seemed like irritation in his voice.


    <i>¡°</i>Do you really think that is a good idea right now <i>Amber</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i>are you talking about? <i>Why </i>wouldn¡¯t it <i>be</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Davis looked at his wife like she had three heads, standing up from the dining table he began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i>You think it¡¯s a good idea for our daughter to go on a shopping trip while the husband of our daughter who is currently in the hospital?¡±


    Everyone looked at Davis with shock. Never in the past did he have a problem with everyone including Thomas spoiling Danielle. What brough this on?


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what one thing has to do with the other. Everyone knows Tommy and Dunt were close long before that girl got here.¡±


    21:40 Fri, 29 Aug


    For some reason, hearing that ¡°That girl¡± made Thomas think about Damon yelling Rabena¡¯s name. Suddenly he began to feel ufortable.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Crest</i>, maybe <i>this </i><i>isn¡¯t </i>a good <i>idea </i><i>right </i><i>now</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Danielle shot me an angry nce but then quickly soften up.


    <i>¡°</i>Maybe daddy and Tommy are <i>right </i>mom. <i>Although </i><i>she </i><i>hasn¡¯t </i><i>wakened </i><i>up </i><i>yet</i><i>, </i><i>Rabena </i>is <i>much </i><i>more </i><i>important </i>that my birthday. <i>Maybe </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>buy </i><i>her </i><i>something </i><i>special</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯ll </i><i>start </i><i>being </i><i>nice </i><i>to </i><i>me</i><i>. </i><i>Tommy </i><i>what </i><i>do </i>you think?¡±


    She looked at me with such sadness in her eyes I couldn¡¯t help but feel heartbroken. Maybe I could do both, take Danielle shopping and just grab something for Rabena, I was going to the mall anyway right? Smiling, I began to answer.


    <i>¡°</i>Don¡¯t <i>you </i><i>worry </i><i>about </i><i>a </i><i>thing Dani</i>. <i>You </i>and <i>I </i><i>will </i><i>go </i><i>shopping</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>birthday </i><i>after </i><i>all </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>promised</i><i>. </i>Don¡¯t worry <i>about </i><i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>handle </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Danielle instantly perked up and pped her hands. Amber held a satisfied look on her face. Without saying a word, Davis simply walked out the room. Amber continued speaking on the ns she had for Danielle¡¯s birthday after the shopping trip.


    After we got back from the mall, it wasn¡¯t until I sat all the bags down that I realized I had been so focused on Danielle, I never got a gift for Rabena. Suddenly, the words she spoke to me the day she¡¯d left ¡°It¡¯s my birthday too¡°, rang in my ear. Had I ever celebrated her birthday? In the five years she had been here, I don¡¯t think any of us had ever acknowledge her birthday. A tight feeling crept in my chest; something was


    wrong.


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 Hunted 13

    <b>Chapter </b><b>13 </b>


    -Thomas POV:


    I stared at Raymond withplete confusion. What the hell was going on? Where was she? Walking slowing, I began to speak.


    ¡°Are you telling me <i>she </i><i>hasn¡¯t </ie home <i>this </i><i>week</i><i>? </i><i>At </i><i>all</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Raymond shook his head nervously; he had no idea what was going on.


    ¡°No <i>sir</i><i>. </i>We assumed you <i>all </i><i>were </i><i>still </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>Crest </i><i>Estate</i>. <i>Has </i><i>something </i><i>happened </i><i>to </i>Madam <i>Rabena</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    That question hit me like a ton, a lot had happened to her. So where was she and why hadn¡¯t shee home? Lowering my voice, I answered Raymond who was now staring at me with great concern.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry<i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>handle </i><i>it</i>.¡±


    I walked off and went straight to me study. I tried calling Rabena again, over and over it going to her voicemail. I was starting to wonder if her phone was still dead or if she had decided to block me. I decided to call Dani to see if maybe they returned to the Crest Estate.


    ¡°What do <i>you </i><i>mean </i><i>she </i><i>and </i><i>Damon </i><i>left</i><i>? </i><i>Where </i><i>did </i><i>they </i><i>go</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°That¡¯s <i>what </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>trying </i>to <i>figure </i><i>out</i><i>. </i><i>So</i>, <i>she </i><i>hasn¡¯t </ie <i>back </i><i>there</i>?¡± <fn4221> ?????? ???? Find¡ïNovel</fn4221>


    ¡°No not at all<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, there was pause in Danielle¡¯s voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>wonder if<i>¡­</i><i>well</i><i>, </i><i>maybe </i><i>she¡¯s </i>just doing <i>all </i><i>of </i><i>this </i>to get your attention for not visiting <i>her</i><i>.</i>¡±


    1 paused and thought for a moment, could Rabena really be THAT petty? It would make sense, and now she¡¯s dragged Damon into this mess. After letting out a sigh of relief, I spoke with Dani a bit more.


    <i>¡°</i>You¡¯re probably right. I don¡¯t know why I even bothered worrying. Well, if she wants to y games, she¡¯ll just have to make her <i>way </i>home on her own.¡±


    Danielle let out a light giggle.


    ¡°I just hate that she¡¯s involved Damon, she knows <i>how </i>much he cares about her. It¡¯s selfish that she¡¯s turning him against the family<i>¡± </i>


    I could hear light sobs on the other end of the phone, poor Danielle was crying. I would never forgive Rabena for this! First she ruined Dani¡¯s birthday week being jealous and now she¡¯s running away and dragging her clueless bruther into it! When she came back home i would most certainly make her pay for this. I decided to buy Dani something to cheer her up when suddenly there was a knock on my study door.


    ¡°Yes<i>, </i><ie </i>in.¡±


    Raymond stepped in with a nervous expression on his face.


    ¡°Sir, there is someone here to see you. He said he is a carrier.¡±


    Carrier. Was I waiting on documents? Walking back into the foyer, I could see a short stubby man holding a man colored envelop. Turning his head with a smile he began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i>you <i>Lockwood</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>am</i><i>. </i><i>But </i><i>who </i><i>are</i>¡­¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Excellent</i><i>! </i>Then <i>these </i><i>are </i><i>for </i><i>you</i>.


    Before I could finish my sentence, the man handed me the folder with arge smile on his face. Confused I began to open the envelop.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>is </i><i>this</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>You¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>served</i><i>; </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>have five </i><i>days </i><i>to </i><i>contest</i><i>. </i><i>Have </i><i>a </i><i>great </i><i>day</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before I could say anything else, the man walked back out of the mansion. Now ripping open the folder I snatched out the papers<b>. </b>


    DIVORCE PAPERS!


    Rabena had filed for divorce! What the fuck! This didn¡¯t make any sense! When had she done this! With my hands trembling I pulled my cell back out of my pocket and called her again.


    ¡°This is <i>Rabena</i><i>, </i>please <i>leave </i><i>a </i><i>message </i><i>at </i><i>th-</i><i>¡± </i>


    In a heat of rage, I threw my phone at the wall. As the phone shattered, I rushed to my study to call mywyer. If Rabena thought I would sign those papers, she had another thinging! I immediately called Sylvester to update him on what was going on. Shocked, he began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i>What the <i>hell </i><i>happened </i>this <i>past </i><i>week</i><i>? </i><i>Why </i>does she want a divorce?¡±


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 Hunted 14

    <blockquote>


    Hunted 14


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>14


    <i>¡°</i>How the <i>hell </i><i>should </i><i>I </i>know<i>!</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>good</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>get </i><i>a </i><i>divorce </i>your <i>grandmother </i>is <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>give </i><i>the </i><ipany </i><i>to </i><i>your </i>cousin Tyler.¡±


    I gritted my teeth hard. Tyler was my cousin, both he and I were the same age. However, because my father was the CEO before he passed, my grandmother decided to pass it on to me under the condition I marry Rabena. Dammit! That woman is about to ruin everything!


    On Monday, I headed into the office. I needed to find Rabena quick and get her under control but first I needed to contest these divorce papers. Pulling out my work phone, I called my assistant.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Andrew</i><i>, </i>I <i>need </i><i>you </i>to <i>trace </i><i>back </i><i>the </i><ist </i><i>steps </i>of <i>my </i><i>wife </i><i>from </i><i>Monday </i><i>April </i><i>5th</i><i>. </i><i>Her </i><ist </i><i>known </i><i>whereabouts </i><i>was </i><i>Memorial </i><i>Hope </i><i>Hospital</i>. <i>Also </i><i>track </i><i>the </i><i>whereabouts </i>of <i>her </i><i>brother </i><i>Damon</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Andrew sat in silence for a moment before responding.


    ¡°Um, <i>did </i><i>something </i><i>happened </i><i>sir</i><i>? </i><i>Why </i><i>is </i>Ms. <i>Rabena </i><i>miss-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Stop </i><i>asking </i>me <i>questions </i><i>and </i><i>do </i><i>as </i>I <i>say</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I barked with irritation at my assistant, I didn¡¯t have time for a game of questions. As I turned on myputer, my cell began to ring, from an unknown number.


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>is </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Mr. <i>Lockwood</i><i>, </i><i>very </i><i>nice </i>to <i>speak </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>Pera </i><i>Tremell</i><i>, </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rabena¡¯s </i><iwyer</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn4454> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? FindN()vel</fn4454>


    I could feel my chest start cave; she already has awyer! Irritated, I tried to maintain my cool.


    ¡°What <i>can </i>I do for <i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Tremell</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Pera took a quick pause before speaking.


    ¡°I trust <i>you </i>received <i>your </i><i>papers</i>, correct<i>? </i>Regarding the <i>divorce</i>, my client would like to know when you will be signing and submitting.¡±


    I felt like I was eating crushed ss. Her client. When the hell did Rabena obtain counsel and with what money! I had gone out my way to keep her on a short financial leash and the Crests didn¡¯t provide her with any money. What was going on?


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>did receive the <i>papers</i>, though <i>I¡¯m </i>afraid there¡¯s <i>been </i>some sort of misunderstanding. You see, <i>I </i><i>have </i>no intentions of divorcing <i>my </i>wife.<i>¡± </i>


    I could hear a faint sound ofughter from this Pera person before she responded.


    <i>¡°</i>Mr. Lockwood, I <i>think </i>it <i>would </i>be in <i>your </i>best interest <i>if </i><i>you </i><i>just </i>signed <i>the </i>papers.¡±


    17%8


    ¡°Who <i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>do </i>you <i>think </i>you <i>are</i>! Do you <i>know </i>who <i>you¡¯re </i>dealing <i>with</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>won¡¯t <i>sign </i><i>shit</i>! So, <i>if </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>doing </i><i>this </i><i>because </i><i>she </i><i>thinks </i><i>she </i>can get money-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>client </i><i>is </i>willing to <i>walk </i><i>away </i>without anything. <i>No </i>money, no property<i>, </i><i>nothing</i>. <i>Just </i><i>a </i>divorce.<b>¡± </b>


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. Nothing? She wanted nothing. Did Rabena want to divorce me that bad?


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i>Lockwood<i>, </i><i>are </i>you still <i>with </i>me?¡±


    ¡°Y<i>¨C</i><i>Yes</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>still </i><i>here</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>answer </i><i>is </i>still <i>no</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>would <i>really </i><i>reconsider </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>were </i><i>you</i>.¡±


    My patience was running thin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i><i>a </i><i>shit </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>think</i><i>! </i>Tell my wife¡® <i>I </i><i>will </i>not <i>be </i><i>divorcing </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    ¡°I really did not want to do this as I¡¯d hope we could resolve this amicably.¡±


    Suddenly, there was a beep on my phone. A text message came through. When I opened it, my eyes nearly jumped out their sockets. It was picture of me and Danielle kissing each other. Suddenly, all the color drained from my face.


    ¡°Where did you get this?¡±


    I spoke in a low and defeated tone.


    ¡°That¡¯s not important Mr. Lockwood. My client,informed me that your grandmother, the chairwoman of Lockwood Corp would be most unpleased if she saw this photo. Now she¡¯s willing to take full responsibility for the divorce as to not affect your chances of bing CEO. Please, sign the papers.¡±


    With that she hung up the phone<b>, </b>as I sat in my office looking like aplete fool.


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 Hunted 15

    <b>Chapter </b>15


    <i>-Rabena¡¯s </i><i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    After we boarded the jet, we all spent the next several hours catching up. I missed out on so much over these past five years and was excited to hear about everything!


    ¡°Oh my gosh<i>! </i>Tara and Brea are gonna have <i>a </i>heart attack when <i>they </i><i>see </i><i>you</i><i>!! </i><i>They </i><i>haven¡¯t </i>stopped <i>crying </i>since you <i>left</i><i>! </i>When I told them <i>you </i>wereing home they immediately <i>started </i><i>nning </i><i>a </i><i>wee </i><i>home </i>party!¡±


    I ced my face into my hands feeling embarrassed as Pera gushed, I had a feeling this was going to happen. I was d to know they hadn¡¯t change much since high school.


    Afterwards, Uncle Pete spoke with Damon about him working for Prd Techware.


    ¡°Wait <i>a </i>minute<i>! </i>You¡¯re THEE Peter <i>Price</i><i>? </i><i>As </i><i>in </i>chairman to one of <i>the </i><irgest </i><i>if </i><i>not </i>thee <irgest </i><i>Tech </i><i>Corps </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>world</i><i>?!</i>¡±


    Damon looked over at me with an astonished expression. No one had any idea who my adoptive parents were and what they did for a living. Because my mom and dad weren¡¯t shy and often stayed out of the spotlight, if you didn¡¯t live in the western continent or fluctuate in particr circles, you wouldn¡¯t know who they were. The Lockwoods and the Crests were prominent, but they were nowhere near the status of my adoptive family. Damon began tough hysterically. I grabbed a pillow and hit him with it.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny<i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>thinking </i><i>about </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>times </i>mom <i>called </i><i>your </i><i>parents </i><i>low</i><i>¨C</i><i>grade</i>¡®, man when she finds <i>this </i>out!¡±


    We all couldn¡¯t help butugh at that thought. It was true, I couldn¡¯t wait to get even with all of them! Just then, Uncle Pete handed us all a ss of champagne.


    ¡°We can focus on <i>revenge </i><iter</i>, for now<i>, </i><i>I </i>want <i>to </i><i>celebrate </i><i>my </i>niece returning home.¡±


    My heart almost burst as tears filled into eyes. I missed him so much! It felt good to go home. The rest of the flight was fairly quiet, I noticed Pera and Damon chatting a lot, almost flirting. I wondered if my brother has finally found someone he likes. After we arrived in Covington, we headed straight for our estate, it was just as I remembered it! My eyes almost bulged out when I saw the rose and tulip garden was upkept!


    ¡°Uncle<i>! </i>You <i>guys </i>maintained <i>the </i><i>flower </i>beds <i>my </i><i>mother </i>nted<i>!</i>¡±


    My uncle looked at me with sincerity.


    ¡°There was no <i>way </i><i>your </i>aunt was gonna let those beds die.¡±


    Tears began to flow down my cheeks, I couldn¡¯t wait to see my aunt Gloria and my big cousin Sean. As we arrived at the gate<b>, </b>I could see some of the staff standing outside waiting to great us. As we got out of the


    car I could hear my aunt Gloria let out a loud yelp. She came running over, tears in her eyes, arms


    stretched out.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>home</i><i>!!! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>home</i><i>!!! </i><i>Oh</i>, my goodness<i>! </i>Wee home <i>honey</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    She pulled me into a tight hug, rocking back and forth tears overflowing. Just then, my cousin Sean came. out with a very pretty woman and a cute little girl.


    ¡°No way!! My cousin is grown now! Look at you!¡±


    Sean gripped my up into a big bear hug and swung me around like he did when I was little. True love never dies, my family was living testimony to that. As he ced me back on the ground, the adorable little girl


    ran over.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Daddy</i><i>! </i>Is <i>this </i><i>the </i><i>little </i><i>sister </i><i>you </i><i>told </i><i>me </i><i>about</i><i>! </i>Aunt <i>Ruby</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Just then, the pretty young woman walked up and embraced me into a hug.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s so <i>nice </i><i>to </i><i>finally </i><i>meet </i><i>you</i>. <i>Sean </i>talks <i>about </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>the </i>time<i>! </i><i>Wee </i><i>home</i><i>!</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ruby</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>introduce </i><i>you to </i><i>my </i><i>wife </i><i>Caroline</i><i>, </i>our <i>daughter </i><i>Grace</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I shot my eyes up in disbelief, did he say Grace? Suddenly, I began to cry.


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 Hunted 16

    <b>Chapter </b><b>16 </b>


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>named </i><i>her </i><i>after </i>mom?¡±


    I could barely get the question out through my sobs. Sean smiled a wide smile and started to cry, he and my mom were always so close. For the longest time until me, he was her only baby. I hugged my new sister¨Cinw one more time and picked my niece up, spinning her around just like Sean used to do me. I was finally home, my heart felt full. After we all got settled in, I introduced my brother Damon to everyone, Sean and Caroline wee him with open arms, as did little Grace. That night, after we all had dinner together, Damon and I got settled into our rooms, while Pera headed home.


    ¡°I¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>here </i>to <i>pick </i><i>you </i><i>up </i>about <i>12pm </i><i>tomorrow </i><i>for </i><i>brunch </i><i>tomorrow</i><i>! </i><i>The </i><i>girls </i>can¡¯t <i>wait </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    After saying goodnight to everyone, I took a nice long bath. As I sat in the tub, I was reying all the events in my life and how everything had unfolded since arrived in Banton five years ago. I would make them all pay for what they did to me and for cursing my parents¡® names. The first thing I would do, is cancel all the connections I had lined up for Thomas.


    The next morning, I heard a soft knock on my door. It was Damon, he walked shyly into my room, with a look of happiness on his face. I motion for him to sit with my on my couch


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>, </i><i>how¡¯d </i><i>you </i><i>sleep</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Oh <i>man</i>, <i>these </i><i>beds </i><i>are amazing</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>the </i><i>Techware </i><i>in </i><i>my </i><i>room</i>! <i>I </i><i>felt </i><i>like </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>future</i><i>! </i><i>We </i>don¡¯t <i>even </i><i>have </i><i>this </i><i>type </i>of <i>technology </i><i>in </i><i>Banton</i>, <i>hell </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>whole </i><i>continent</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Part of the reason I wanted Damon toe with me was because I knew he had a love for technology. I knew being in Covington and working with Prd could advance him in ways Banton couldn¡¯t. This was definitely the right call.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s <i>good </i><i>to </i><i>hear</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>really </i><i>d </i><i>you </i><i>came </i><i>with </i>me <i>Damon</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Ruby, <i>I </i>just <i>wanted </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>really </i><i>happy </i><i>that </i><i>you </i>came home, and I¡¯m sorry<i>.</i>¡± <fn2135> For more chapters visit f?ndnovel</fn2135>


    Damon held his head down almost as if he were ashamed of something.


    ¡°Damon<i>, </i>what are you <i>apologizing </i><i>for</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°For not being able <i>to </i>protect <i>you </i>better<i>. </i><i>From </i>them. I¡¯m <i>your </i><i>big </i>brother and I feel like I failed you, but even still, you brought me here <i>with </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t deserve this.¡±


    Tears began to fill in my eyes. Had he felt like this the whole time? Damon had no idea how much he had saved me. If it weren¡¯t for him, I don¡¯t know if I would have survived in that house or with those people. I wiped the tears and hugged my brother tight.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Damon</i>, you¡¯re so dumb. You have no idea how much you have saved me these past five years. I don¡¯t <i>know </i>where I would have been without you, but <i>my </i>money is on dead.<i>¡± </i>


    Damon wiped his eyes and gave a tight hug. After our talk, I got dressed and headed out with Pera. As we grew close to our destination, I could see ballons, flowers, and a huge banner hanging. As soon as we got out of the car, both Tara and Brea came running over with smiles and tears.


    ¡°<i>OMG</i><i>!! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>here</i><i>!!! </i>Look <i>at </i>you!¡±


    Brea hugged me tightly with tears flowing from her face. Just then, Tara came over releasing her grip.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let </i>her go <i>Brea</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>want a <i>hug </i>too<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    We all shared a loudugh, Brea and Tara were just the same as I remember! This was the best home weing I could have imagined!


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 Hunted 17

    Hunted 16


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>17 </b>


    <i>-Rabena¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    It had been over a week since I came back to Covington. Uncle Pete and Sean decided I should be Prd¡¯s new president since Sean was the CEO. In addition, they would bring Damon on as an engineer and inventor after he received his certifications. After meeting with my new staff and getting settled into my office, I pulled out all of the contacts I set in motion for Thomas. The only thing that remained was the finalization of my divorce. Pera informed me Thomas was trying to y hardball. I decided to give him a call myself.


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>is </i><i>Thomas </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I froze for a brief moment. A rush of bad memories came flooding in my mind. Five years of being abused and ignored by my family. Over two years of being abused and ignored by my husband. Shaking my head as if to clear my mind, I began to speak.


    ¡°<i>Hello </i><i>Thomas</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Pause.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Rabena</i><i>? </i><i>Rabena </i><i>is </i><i>that </i><i>you</i><i>!? </i><i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>What¡¯s </i><i>going </i><i>on</i>? <i>Why </i><i>did </i><i>you-</i>¡±


    I cut Thomas off mid¨Csentence, I wasn¡¯t here to y 21 questions or catch up.


    ¡°Thomas, when do you n on signing the divorce papers<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Thomas let out an exasperated sigh.


    <i>¡°</i>Did <i>your </i><iwyer </i><i>not </i>inform <i>you</i><i>? </i>I¡¯m <i>not </i>si-¡±


    ¡°Yes you are. Sign <i>the </i><i>papers </i><i>Thomas</i>. I¡¯m <i>trying </i><i>my </i><i>best </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>as </i><i>amicable </i><i>as </i>possible. <i>If </i>you don¡¯t sign the papers, not <i>only </i><i>will </i>I <i>inform </i><i>your </i><i>grandmother </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>affair </i><i>with </i><i>Danielle</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>I¡¯ll also go straight to the press and <i>tell </i><i>them </i><i>all </i><i>how </i><i>you </i><i>almost </i>murdered me for <i>her</i>. <i>Think </i>your reputation <i>will </i>be able to withstand that?¡±


    Thomas almost grinded his teeth to dust. When did Rabena get so bold; but she was also right. If she went to his grandmother and the press, he would be ruined. Thomas had no choice but to relent to her demand.


    ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll sign <i>the </i>got <i>damn </i><i>papers</i><i>. </i><i>Mark </i><i>my </i>words Rabena, <i>you </i><i>will </i><i>surely-</i>¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all for <i>now </i><i>Mr. </i>Lockwood, <i>thank </i>you.¡±


    Rabena hung up her phone before Thomas could finish his thoughts. The next call she made was to Aaron Michaels of MGT Corp. This was the first corporation Rabena had a set a meeting up with for Thomas.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i>you for calling MGT Corp, this is Allison speaking, how may I direct your call<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Good morning, <i>my </i><i>name </i>is Rabena Price. I¡¯d like to be transferred to Aaron Michaels if possible.¡±


    The receptionist paused for a brief moment before speaking.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Absolutely </i><i>Ms. </i>Price, <i>allow </i>me one moment <i>to </i><i>transfer </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As I listened to the hold music I began reminiscing about MGT Corp. MGT was a major hotel and resort conglomerate. I¡¯d been to their hotels and resorts many times growing up with my parents and the designing was amazing. Prd actually handled all of their Techware including keypads, TVs,puters, etc. I originally thought of them for Thomas because the Lockwoods specialized in architecture and design. I figured getting him a huge contract like this would help them go global. Too bad he was such a dick because that ship sailed. A few momentster a male voice answered knocking my train of thought.


    ¡°<i>Hello </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Price</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i><i>! </i>Am I <i>speaking </i><i>with </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually</i><i>, </i><i>my </i>name <i>is </i><i>Vincent </i><i>Holmes</i>, I¡¯m <i>chairman </i><i>Michaels¡¯s </i><i>assistant</i>. <i>The </i><i>chairman </i><i>would </i>like <i>to </i><i>apologize </i><i>for </i><i>not </i><i>being </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>this </i><i>immediate </i><i>call </i>as <i>he </i><i>is </i><i>currently </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>meeting</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°Oh, <i>that¡¯s </i><i>alright</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>I </i><i>called </i><i>at </i><i>short-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vincent cut Rabena off before she could finish her sentence. <fn9887> Find the newest release on fin?novel</fn9887>


    ¡°<i>He </i><i>would </i><i>however </i><i>like </i>to <i>meet </i><i>with </i><i>you </i>for <i>dinner </i><i>to </i>discuss <i>the </i><i>purpose </i><i>of </i><i>your </i>call<i>.</i>¡±


    Rabena eyes bulged from shock. She hadn¡¯t expected a dinner invitation. Nervously, she began to speak.


    ¡°U¨C<i>Um</i>, <i>sure</i>. I <i>can </i>do <i>dinner</i>. <i>What </i><i>day </i><i>was </i><i>he </i><i>expecting</i>?¡±


    ¡°This <i>evening </i><i>if </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>not </i>too <i>short </i><i>a </i><i>notice</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    This evening!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Y</i>¨CYes. <i>I </i>can do <i>this </i><i>evening</i>. <i>Please </i><i>send </i><i>all </i><i>of the </i><i>details </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>assistant</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Will do. A pleasure <i>speaking </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Price</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°You as well, please tell <i>Mr. </i><i>Michaels </i><i>thank </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After I hung up with Vincent, I immediately called Pera.


    <i>¡°</i>WHAT!!! You have a dinner <i>date </i><i>with </i>Aaron Michaels<i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>It¡¯s </i>not a date! It¡¯s a business meeting.


    Pera let out a loud scoff.


    ¡°Meeting <i>my </i>butt! If he wanted a meeting he could have just had youe to his office.¡±


    Pera had a point, why did he want to discuss something so trivial after work hours, still, maybe this was just how the great Aaron Michaels conducted business. I¡¯d only met him once, but I knew a great deal about him. Aaron was the youngest chairman of our generation obtaining the title after his grandfather passed and his the current chairman at the time retired following a triple bypass surgery. The oldest son to Alvin and Lina Michaels, Aaron was basically a prodigy. Our parents were actually close friends, but because he was a few years older than me and studied abroad, we never got a chance to cross paths. Although she was younger than me, I¡¯d been pretty close to his sister Lisa up until my parents passed from a tragic car ident. Shortly after, I was taken to Banton to meet my family from hell.


    Now I was about to have dinner with the infamous chairman prodigy himself, I could feel my nerves rising from the thought. I hadn¡¯t seen him since I was 15. Suddenly, Pera¡¯s talking knocked me back to reality.


    ¡°<i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>have </i>an <i>overall </i><i>n </i><i>of </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i>do <i>once </i><i>you </i>meet <i>with </i>him?<i>¡± </i>


    That was a good question. I hadn¡¯t thought of anything past voiding a meeting, but that wouldn¡¯t be enough to take Thomas down and ruin his chances of being CEO. I would need to do something that would really piss Grandmother Lynn off. I wasn¡¯t sure if divorce would be enough.


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 Hunted 18

    <b>Chapter </b><b>18 </b><fn3eef> This update is avable on find[f]ovel</fn3eef>


    <i>-Rabena¡¯s </i>POV<i>: </i>


    ¡°Well, <i>you </i>can¡¯t <i>go </i><i>looking </i><i>like </i><i>any </i><i>old </i><i>thing</i><i>! </i>You <i>have </i><i>to </i>wear <i>something </i><i>that </i><i>says</i>, ¡®<i>yes </i><i>I¡¯m </i>sexy <i>as </i><i>hell</i>, but I¡¯m <i>also </i><i>a </i>boss bitch<i>!</i><i>¡® </i><i>Make </i>a <i>bold </i>statement<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I rolled my eyes as Pera continued, she was blowing this way out of proportion.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Pera </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>think </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>going </i>to be <i>all </i>of <i>that</i><i>. </i>It <i>really </i><i>is </i><i>just </i>a meeting.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>If you <i>say </i><i>so </i><i>but </i><i>still </i><i>look </i><i>the </i><i>part</i>. <i>You¡¯re </i><i>the </i>President of Prd <i>Tech</i>. <i>He </i><i>should </i><i>know </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>speaking </i><i>with </i><i>another </i>boss<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I had to agree with Pera on that, I¡¯d heard he could be very intimidating. I didn¡¯t want Aaron thinking I could be intimidated. I decided to leave work a little early, I¡¯d have to do some shopping. As I finished up buying my dress and essories for tonight¡¯s dinner, my assistance De called me with the location details. After hearing where we would have dinner, I waspletely shocked.


    <i>¡°</i><i>He </i>booked us at <i>the </i>Sundial<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The Sundial was one of the most exquisite restaurants in all of Covington. This seemed to be an awful lot for a business dinner!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i>ma¡¯am, <i>shall </i><i>I </i>apany <i>you </i>to <i>the </i>meeting<i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>just </i>in <i>case </i><i>if </i><i>there </i><i>are </i><i>any </i>documents <i>that </i><i>will </i><i>need </i>to <i>be </i><i>signed </i>or <i>discussed</i>.¡±


    The truth was I didn¡¯t want to be by myself when I met with him. For some reason I felt like I was walking


    into a lion¡¯s den.


    ¡°<i>Very </i><i>well</i><i>, </i>I¡¯ll <i>inform </i><i>his </i><i>assistant </i>to <i>also </i><i>add </i><i>me </i>to <i>the </i><i>reservation </i><i>list</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>De</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After confirming all the details, I headed home to prepare for tonight, I wasn¡¯t sure why, but I instantly had butterflies in my stomach. Once home, I informed every one of my dinner meetings. For some reason, neither Sean nor my uncle seemed surprised.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i>he <i>finally </i>reached out to <i>you </i><i>huh</i>?¡±


    Finally? What did Sean mean by that? Before I could ask, Uncle Peter chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i>I <i>think </i>this is good idea, <i>after </i>all, our families <i>have </i>been close <i>for </i>years, <i>Give </i>Aaron <i>our </i><i>regards</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I nodded to Uncle Pete with a puzzled look on my face, had they known something I didn¡¯t? Caroline helped me get dressed and do my hair and makeup<b>, </b>even I had to admit I looked damned good! As I made my way outside to my car, a limo suddenly pulled slowly to the front of the door. The chauffeur stepped


    out holding a bouquet of tulips, my favorite flower. The chauffeur walked up to me with a bright smile.


    <i>¡°</i><i>President </i>Price?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Then these are for you ma¡¯am. My name is Keith, please, allow me to escort you to the limo.¡±


    Puzzled, I nervously took the driver¡¯s arm and made my way to the limo. Anxious, I turned back to see my family all smiling as I made my way inside the car. What were they so happy about? The car ride was silent. but nice as we made our way to the restaurant. Upon arrival, Keith opened my door and escorted me to the front of the restaurant, there, I greeted by a hostess.


    ¡°Good evening, President <i>Price </i><i>I </i><i>presume</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>Excellent! <i>My </i>name <i>is </i>Jana<i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>your hostess </i>for <i>this </i>evening. <i>Please</i>, <i>allow </i>me to <i>take </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>section</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I followed Jana through the restaurant, as I approached the private section it dawned on me that no one else was here. Where were all the customers? Puzzled, I called to Jana.


    ¡°<i>Um</i><i>, </i><i>Ms. </i>Jana<i>, </i><i>is </i><i>the </i>Sundial <i>usually </i>closed on <i>Thursdays</i>?¡±


    Jana turned to me with a bright smile on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh </i>no, <i>in </i><i>fact </i>it¡¯s one of <i>our </i><i>busier </i><i>nights</i><i>, </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Michaels </i><i>brought </i>out <i>the </i><i>restaurant </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>evening</i>.¡±


    WHHHAAATTT!!!!!!!!!


    As we made our way to the table I began to look around for De, I¡¯d told her to arrive first <b>so </b>that way if I were a littlete I would have to wait for her. As I scanned the section my eyes finally met with Aaron¡¯s. I could feel my breath instantly cut; he was gorgeous. As he stood, I could tell he was every bit of 6¡¯4 in height. The suit he wore was clearly tailored made. A navy¨Cblue pinstripe double breasted, with a cream- colored silk button shirt and navy tie. Embodying every bit of the term ¡°talk dark and handsome¡°, he simply perfect. He walked directly up to me and could feel the heat rising to my ears. Taking my hand into his, he nted a gentle kiss on the back of my palm.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to see <i>you </i>again <i>Ms. </i><i>Price</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Blushing, I tried hard not to stutter over my words.


    <i>¡°</i>You as well <i>Mr. </i><i>Michaels</i>.<i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 19

    As he pulled out my chair so that I could sit down, a smile formed on my face. Tilting his head with a mischievous smile, Aaron began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i>you don¡¯t mind <i>my </i><i>asking</i>, <i>why </i><i>the </i><i>smile</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>just </i>a little <i>surprised </i><i>you </i><i>remembered </i><i>me</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Aaron gave me a sweet yet empathetic look.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>say </i><i>you </i>made <i>a </i>bit <i>of </i><i>an impression </i><i>the </i><i>first </i><i>time</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>sorry </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>get </i>to see <i>you </i><i>again </i><i>after </i>your <i>parents </i><i>passed</i>. <i>Paul </i><i>and </i><i>Grace </i><i>met </i><i>a </i>lot <i>to </i>me.<i>¡± </i>


    I could feel my eyes betraying me as they began to water up. I hadn¡¯t expected him to mention my parents, though I understood why. I was just about to excuse myself when he ced a handkerchief into my hand. After dabbing my eyes, I looked up to see a soft and empathetic pair of green eyes staring at me. I wasn¡¯t sure why, but it felt as if he was staring directly into my soul. Wanting to break the connection, I looked around again for De. Aaron must¡¯ve noticed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>looking </i><i>for </i><i>someone</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Something about his tone seemed devious.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i>, <i>my </i><i>assistant </i><i>De</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>never </i><ite</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>nothing </i><i>has </i><i>happened </i><i>to </i><i>her</i>. <i>I </i><i>should </i><i>call-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before I could finish my sentence, Aaron interjected.


    ¡°That <i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>necessary</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>told </i><i>Vincent </i><i>to </i>inform <i>her </i><i>she </i><i>could stay </i><i>home </i>for <i>the </i><i>evening</i>.¡±


    Why would he do that? Sensing my questioning look, he continued.


    ¡°<i>I </i>wanted to be able <i>to </i><i>have </i><i>dinner</i><i>, </i><i>just </i><i>the </i><i>two </i>of <i>us</i>. <i>If </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>alright </i><i>with </i><i>you</i>.¡±


    So, we were alone!!!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Y</i>¨CYes, of course,<i>¡± </i>


    After the waiters took our orders, we started having light conversation, catching up on everything that has been going on the past five years.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>met to <i>tell </i>you, congrattions on <i>bing </i>President of Prd.¡±


    <i>Smiling</i>. <i>¡°</i>Thank <i>you</i>. Though I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i>if I deserve it.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face scrunched but then quickly rxed. As he cut into his steak, he began to speak.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>do </i>you feel <i>that </i><i>way</i>?¡±


    ¡°Well<i>, </i><i>I¡¯ve </i>been gone for over <i>five </i>years, and <i>even </i><i>though </i><i>I </i>made <i>sure </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>school </i>for engineering and science, <i>I </i>haven¡¯t had a chance to put it to good use.


    Aaron looked at me thoughtfully and then smiled. <fnd2ba> Find the newest release on f?ndnovel</fnd2ba>


    ¡°Very true, that being said, <i>over </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>several </i><i>years </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>stayed </i><i>in </i><i>touched </i><i>with </i><i>everything </i><i>regarding </i>Prd including stocks and <i>sales</i>.¡±


    His tone was so matter of fact like he knew for sure what I had been doing.


    ¡°How <i>did </i>you know <i>that</i>?¡±


    His eyes had a mischievous spark to them as a smile crept onto his lips.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>figured <i>as </i><i>much </i><i>when </i><i>you </i>made <i>that </i><i>business </i><i>proposal </i><i>regarding </i>a <i>merging </i><i>between </i><i>MGT </i><i>and </i><i>Lockwood. </i><i>It </i>very <i>detailed </i>and <i>very </i><i>impressive</i>.¡±


    I could feel myself blushing, ugh! Why was he having this effect on me!


    ¡°<i>Thank </i>you. <i>It </i><i>is </i>true, I made <i>sure </i>to <i>stay </i><i>current </i><i>on </i><i>progression </i>of <i>Prd </i><i>and </i><i>my </i><i>uncle </i><i>was </i><i>nice </i><i>enough </i><i>to </i>keep me <i>informed </i>on <i>everything</i>.¡±


    ¡°Well<i>, </i><i>I¡¯d say </i><i>that sounds </i><i>like </i><i>someone </i><i>who </i><i>has </i><i>earned </i><i>her </i><i>position</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    His words were so resolute, like he¡¯d known I needed to hear that.


    ¡°<i>Though </i>I must admit, I¡¯m <i>a </i><i>little </i><i>surprised </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>back </i><i>in </i><i>Convington </i><i>and </i><i>no longer </i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    There it was. The real reason I wanted this meeting.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>actually </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>speak </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>about</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i><i>by </i><i>now </i><i>you¡¯re aware </i>I¡¯m <i>no </i><i>longer </i><i>with </i><i>Thomas </i><i>Lockwood</i>. <i>My </i><i>reasons </i><i>are </i><i>personal</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>understand </i><i>that</i>. <i>However</i><i>, regarding </i><i>my </i><i>proposal</i><i>, </i><i>1 </i><i>put </i><i>that </i><i>together </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>strength </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>helping </i><i>my </i><i>husband</i><i>, </i><i>now </i><i>that </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>no </i>longer married <i>I¡¯d </i>like <i>for </i>you to <i>withdraw</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron sat in silence for a few moments, his expression was hard to read. Finally, he smiled and began to speak.


    ¡°It¡¯s a <i>very </i>good proposal Ms. <i>Price</i>. I didn¡¯t take <i>you </i>as a person that would make a business decision based on


    emotions.<i>¡± </i>


    Rabena¡¯s brows squinched, this wasn¡¯t just about so petty divorce, he had no idea what those people did to


    her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i>Michaels, I can understand your resolve and again, thank you for thepliment regarding that proposal. <i>That </i>being said, <i>Thomas </i><i>Lockwood </i>doesn¡¯t deserve to <i>expand </i>his business off my name.¡±


    A smile curled on Aaron¡¯s lips<b>; </b>he could see the firs in her eyes as she spoke. This was getting interesting.


    <i>¡°</i>Let¡¯s say <i>I </i><i>take </i><i>you </i>up on this offer<i>. </i><i>Exactly </i><i>what </i>would <i>be </i>in this for me<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    That question caught Rabena off guard. She hadn¡¯t taken into consideration he would want something in return. Was her proposal that good?


    ¡°U¨C<i>Uh</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m sorry Mr. Michaels, <i>I </i>hadn¡¯t <i>taken </i>that into consideration. <i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>think </i>my proposal <i>was </i><i>that </i><i>lucrative </i><i>to </i><i>you</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Aaron pulled his seat so that he could be closer to Rabena¡¯s face.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>sell </i><i>yourself </i>too short Ms. <i>Price</i><i>, </i><i>that </i>proposal <i>could </i><i>have </i><i>skyrocketed </i>our <i>revenue</i><i>. </i>It would <i>have </i><i>given </i><i>me </i><i>a </i><i>clear </i>opening to setup <i>hotels </i>and resorts in <i>the </i><i>Northern </i>Continent<i>. </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>say </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>definitely </i>worth a value.<i>¡± </i>


    Rabena sat in shock, had she really created something that lucrative. Taking a sip of wine, she let out a light sigh.


    ¡°Wow<i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>really </i><i>ttered </i>Mr. <i>Michaels</i><i>. </i><i>So</i>, <i>what </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>in </i><i>exchange </i>for <i>canceling </i><i>with </i>Lockwood<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron took a sip of his wine, that mischievous grin still on his face.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>about </i><i>your </i><i>hand </i><i>in </i><i>marriage</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 20

    -Rabena¡¯s POV:


    It had been one week since my dinner with Aaron. When I got back home, everyone wanted to know how it went, I only had the heart to tell them the meeting went interesting. Considering I received a whole marriage proposal, I¡¯d say that was understatement. I wasn¡¯t sure what was going on and why he wanted to marry me. I was grateful he at least gave me some time to think about it.


    ¡°I understand this is more than you nned. <i>Why </i>don¡¯t I give <i>you </i>some time to <i>think </i>about it. My meeting with your ex¨Chusband is on May 3rd. That¡¯s 10 days from now, <i>if </i>you don¡¯t <i>have </i>an answer <i>by </i>then, <i>I¡¯ll </i>have to take it as a no.¡±


    So here I was, just three days away from the most important decision of my life. I decided it was time to talk with my family.


    ¡°WHAT!! He proposed to you!!¡±


    Damon eximed loudly. Shockpletely overtook his face. Uncle Pete let out a light chuckle.


    ¡°He¡¯s certainly a charismatic young man.¡±


    Damon looked over at Pete.


    <i>¡°</i>Charismatic or not, <i>this </i><i>is </i>like marital ckmail! <i>Ruby </i><i>just </i>got out of a marriage for guilt.¡±


    Sean ced his hand on Damon¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°I get your reservation <i>especially </i><i>with </i>everything that¡¯s transpired with the Lockwoods, but this is different.¡±


    Hearing those words shocked even me. Exactly how was this any different? It would be yet another marriage designed on arrangements and not love. As if he could hear my thoughts, Sean looked over at me.


    ¡°I promise Ruby<i>, </i>it¡¯s not exactly <i>what </i>you <i>think</i>. Aaron isn¡¯t anything like Lockwood.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i>not suggesting he is, but how is this any different?¡±


    Before he could answer, Uncle Pete stepped in.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best he answered that question. In the meantime, what would you like to do Ruby?¡±


    The question to that answer was moreplexed than I¡¯d hoped, but now was not the time to stall. I had a decision to make. I took a swig of my water, closed my eyes tight, and when I opened them again I was a woman of rity.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to ept his offer.¡± <fndaca> For more chapters visit F?nd-Novel</fndaca>


    Damon looked at me in a panic.


    <i>¡°</i><i>RUBY</i><i>! </i><i>Are </i>you <i>serious</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Smiling I began to exin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>am Damon. Look, I don¡¯t <i>fully </i><i>understand </i><i>why </i><i>Aaron </i><i>has </i>made <i>this </i>proposal, but this is definitely <i>something </i><i>I </i><i>can </i>benefit from. Besides, <i>the </i>Prices and <i>the </i><i>Michaels </i><i>have </i><i>been </i>connected <i>for </i><i>years </i><i>through </i><i>both </i>business and personal. <i>If </i><i>I </i>had stayed <i>here</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>have </i>probably ended up <i>marrying </i><i>him </i><i>anyway</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Damon nodded as if to say he understood. Sean and Pete however had both a smile of happiness and caution on their faces. They obviously knew something about Aaron that Rabena was not aware of.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>wise </i><i>decision</i>. <i>On </i><i>your </i><i>behalf </i><i>Ruby</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i>to <i>speak </i><i>with </i><i>Aaron </i>as <i>your </i><i>father</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena looked at her uncle, eyes filled with love and appreciation. She was sad her parents would not be here to see this day, but she was happy to have Uncle Pete as their stead. After wrapping things up with her family, Rabena excused herself and headed to her room. The time was now 7:48pm that Friday evening. It was time she called Aaron and gave him her answer. I spoke briefly with him on the phone and asked him out to dinner, this time I would be the one in control.


    I had my assistant book us a reservation and this intimate Brazilian steakhouse. I didn¡¯t shutdown the entire restaurant, but I got us an amazing VIP section.


    As I sat at the table waiting for my date, I could feel my nerves starting the build. Suddenly my heart felt like it was floating on a puffy pillow. Why was I so nervous? Afterall, this was nothing more than a business transaction, only this time I would be the one setting the terms. Suddenly, there was knock on the door. The main hostess walked into the VIP room breaking me from my train of thought.


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 Hunted 21`

    <b>Chapter </b><b>21 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Price</i><i>, </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Michaels </i><i>has </i><i>just </i><i>arrived</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I stood nervously, telling myself to tighten up. I didn¡¯t want him thinking I was easy to intimidate. Putting on my most controlled yet seductive smile, I smoothed out my dress and awaited my guess.


    Aaron was like a male model crafted by gods. He walked into the room wearing an all¨Cck tailor¨Cmade Italian suit with a crisp ck button up shirt. He allowed the first three buttons to be undone, causing a subtle part of his upper chest as well as his long, beautiful neck to be exposed. For essories, he wore a gold single chained ne and a LeCore Te¡¯crute watch. The value of the watch alone was worth thousands of dors. At that moment, I was so d I took my sister¨Cinw¡¯s advice about my attire.


    Aaron pulled his chair out and sat down, maintaining his gaze on me the entire time. It almost felt as if he were undressing me with his eyes, the craziest part is that I wanted him too. After both of us sat down, Aaron was the first to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>have </i>to <i>say </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Price</i><i>; </i><i>that¡¯s </i>a <i>hell </i><i>of </i><i>dress </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>wearing</i>.¡±


    Blushing, I began to smile shyly.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>look </i>so <i>bad </i><i>yourself </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Michaels</i>. I¡¯m <i>sorry </i><i>it </i><i>took </i>so <i>long </i>for <i>me </i>to <i>respond</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron took a sip of wine and smiled a mischievous grin.


    ¡°I¡¯d <i>say </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>right </i><i>on </i><i>time</i><i>; </i><i>besides</i>, <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>waited </i><i>over </i><i>5 </i><i>years </i><i>for </i><i>you </i>so <i>10 </i><i>more </i><i>days </i><i>would </i><i>not </i><i>have </i><i>killed </i>


    <i>me</i>.¡±


    Waited 5 years, what did he mean by that? Before I could ask, the team of waiters walked into the room. prepared to take our orders. After taking a swig of my wine, I decided now was the time to give him my


    answer<b>. </b><fn1bd4> This update is avable on f?ndnovel</fn1bd4>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i>Michaels<i>, </i><i>I¡¯ve </i>decided to ept <i>your </i>offer and <i>marry </i><i>you</i>.¡±


    Aaron stared at me intensively as if he were pondering whether or not I was serious. Suddenly, he let out a slight chuckle,


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i>very d to hear that <i>Ms. </i>Price. <i>More </i><i>than </i><i>I </i><i>express </i>this evening,¡±


    The look in his eyes said he was telling the truth. Suddenly, an uneasy feeling began creeping into my thoughts. Why was he so hellbent on marrying me? I had to know,


    ¡°Chairman<i>. </i>Michaels-¡± Aaron held up his hand stopping me mid¨Csentence.


    ¡°Aaron, <i>why </i>don¡¯t you call me Aaron¡­Rabena.<i>¡± </i>


    It was something about the way he said my name that made me feel assured. Involuntarily, my lips curled


    into a smile.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯d </i>like that too¡­Aaron. So, Aaron, <i>I </i>have to <i>ask</i>; me?¡±


    Aaron let loudugh; this question had caught himpletely off guard. Still chuckling, Aaron looked at Rabena with a serious expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure you¡¯re ready <i>for </i>that <i>answer</i>. Once <i>you </i><i>are</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>give </i>it <i>to </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena gave Aaron a puzzled and frustrating expression. Why was he being so mysterious. Suddenly, she remembered both her uncle and cousin telling her Aaron wasn¡¯t what he seemed, so she decided not to pry any longer. Instead, she¡¯d quietly hoped they would one day get a point where they could fully trust each other.


    Aaron suddenly let out a loud p jolting Rabena out of her thoughts.


    ¡°Now! <i>How </i>would you like to receive a <i>pre</i>¨C<i>wedding </i><i>present</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena raised an eyebrow, what could he mean by that? Intrigued, she smiled and leaned forward, speaking just above a whisper.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>exactly </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>have </i>in mind <i>fianc¨¦</i><i>?</i>¡±


    The word fianc¨¦ slid of her tongue in a seductive way causing Aaron to be slightly excited. Leaning forward, he gave Rabena his most dazzling smile.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>about </i><i>some </i><i>revenge </i><i>on </i><i>your </i><i>ex </i>and <i>your </i><i>family</i><i>?</i>¡±


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 Hunted 22

    <b>Chapter </b><b>22 </b>


    <b><i>-Rabena¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    It had been two days since Aaron, and I got engaged. It was now May 3rd; the day Aaron would have his meeting with Thomas. The night before, Aaron came to the estate. Uncle Pete thought a congrattory dinner would be appropriate, Aaron also wanted to go over what his n would be for helping me bring down Thomas and my family. <fn3d97> Follow current nov?ls on FindN0vel</fn3d97>


    ¡°So, you¡¯re still going to <i>have </i><i>the </i>meeting <i>with </i><i>that </i><i>asshole </i><i>after </i><i>everything </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>done </i>to <i>my </i><i>sister</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Damon was getting angry at the idea of my new fianc¨¦ doing business with the Lockwoods. Smiling cooly, Aaron began to exin.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>precisely </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>him</i>. <i>I </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>n </i>to <i>bring </i><i>them </i><i>all </i><i>down </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>worse </i><i>way</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Aaron looked cautiously at Damon.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>understand </i><i>your </i><i>family </i><i>is </i><i>included </i><i>in </i><i>this </i><i>take </i><i>down</i>.¡±


    Damon gave him an equally cautious look.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>fine </i><i>by </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>those </i><i>people stopped </i><i>being </i><i>my </i><i>family </i><i>a </i><i>long </i><i>time </i><i>ago</i>.¡±


    Aaron looked cooly at Damon before turning to me.


    ¡°Mypany has a charity ball that we host in different areas every year. This year, I¡¯d like to host it in Banton. It¡¯s also where I would like to introduce the world to my new fianc¨¦ and Prd¡¯s new president.¡±


    Uncle Pete was the first to respond.


    ¡°I <i>think </i>that¡¯s a <i>wonderful </i><i>idea</i><i>! </i>I <i>assume </i><i>you </i><i>n </i><i>on </i><i>inviting </i><i>the </i><i>Lockwoods </i>and <i>Crests</i>?¡±


    That devious smile I¡¯d be all too familiar with crept up on Aaron¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Indeed, I do. <i>On </i><i>Monday</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>n </i><i>on </i><i>informing </i><i>him </i><i>that </i>our <i>business </i>decision will be made once he meets my soon¨Cto¨Cbe <i>wife </i>as she is also a <i>part </i>of <i>the </i>deal<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    That night, we went over the whole n to take down the Lockwoods and Crests. To be honest, I was extremely impressed, my fianc¨¦ clearly had a healthy concept of the art of war. Even Damon had to admit the n was wless.


    ¡°Wow<i>. </i>If they weren¡¯t all such pieces of shit I would have actually felt sorry for them.¡±


    I went to bed eager that night. Deciding to marry Aaron Michaels was definitely the right choice!


    <b>-Thomas </b>POV:


    I woke up that Monday morning feeling beyond excited. It had been several weeks since my divorce from Rabena, so Danielle and I decided to fianlly be together.. I didn¡¯t see any reason on hiding my feelings anymore, besides, everyone already knew how I felt about her. She was the reason why I was able to finally meet the infamous Aaron Michaels, I owed her my love. I would figure out how to tell me grandmother once I secured this deal.


    After buttoning his shirt, Danielle walked into the walk¨Cin closet with a seductive look on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>think </i>you <i>should </i>wear <i>this </i><i>tie</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>bold </i>and <i>it </i><i>represents </i>authority<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas looked thoughtfully at the tie; Danielle¡¯s taste was definitely elegant. He felt powerful watching her finish up his tie with that lustful gleam in her eyes. Pulling her close, he rubbed his nose gently across hers.


    <i>¡°I </i>wouldn¡¯t be <i>here </i>if <i>it </i><i>weren¡¯t </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>When </i><i>this </i><i>deal </i><i>is </i><i>over </i><i>I </i><i>have </i>a <i>surprise </i><i>for </i><i>you</i>.¡±


    Danielle¡¯s eyes gleamed with joy. She¡¯d suspected Thomas would be proposing soon. It was sheer luck the day he came running in face filled joy to thank her setting up a meeting with MGT Corp. Thomas picked her up and spun her around kissing her all over her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dani</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>can¡¯t <i>believe </i><i>you </i>did <i>this </i><i>for </i>me<i>!</i>¡±


    At the time, Danielle had no clue what he referring to but Thomas professing his love for her made her not care. After gaining her bnce back, she smiled with a puzzled expression, she didn¡¯t want to t out ask, still, she needed to know what he was thanking her for.


    ¡°<i>Tommy</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>do </i><i>anything </i><i>for </i><i>you</i>. <i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you</i>.<i>¡± </i>


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    <i>2/</i>

 Hunted 23

    Thomas looked at Danielle with love and admiration.


    ¡°Still, writing a business proposal on my <i>behalf </i>to <i>MGT </i>Corp! I don¡¯t know what to say<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Danielle was extremely confused, she had no idea what he was talking about, she¡¯d never even wrote a term paper let alone a business proposal, and to MGT Corp. Making sure not to give away the truth, she shyly probed him further.


    ¡°Oh, my goodness, H¨CHow <i>did </i><i>you </i>know<i>? </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>keep </i><i>it </i>a secret<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>I </i>got a call from <i>his </i><i>VP</i><i>. </i><i>He </i>told me <i>Ms. </i><i>Crest </i><i>put </i>in a word in <i>and </i><i>sent </i><i>my </i>business proposal, said it was impressive! I can¡¯t believe you did <i>this</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Danielle¡¯s eyes bulged with surprise, she wasn¡¯t the ¡®<b><i>Crest</i></b>¡® they were talking about, but she wasn¡¯t about to let Thomas know. Smiling, she innocently looked at Thomas.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>know you¡¯re married to <i>my </i><i>sister</i>, still<i>, </i><i>I </i><i>just </i>wanted <i>to </i><i>help </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>Please</i><i>, </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>tell </i><i>Raby</i><i>, </i>I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>her </i><i>to </i>be mad at me.¡±


    Thomas¡® eyes darken, he¡¯d cursed his grandmother everyday since she forced him to marry Rabena. Now, he was forced to keep something this big a secret to avoid causing trouble for her.


    But that was all behind them now, Rabena was gone, leaving him and Danielle the opportunity to finally be together. His grandmother would cool down once he secured this deal. Learning Danielle was the one that set it up, she would have no choice but to give them her blessing. After getting into his car, Thomas opened the glovepartment and pulled out a small silver box. Inside was an engagement ring with a pink heart shaped diamond, Danielle¡¯s favorite. Today was the beginning of his new life, whatever guilt he¡¯d felt regarding Rabena was now a thing of the past.


    Thomas arrived at The Regency Hotel at exactly 8:30am, the meeting was at 9am so he wanted to get there early. Suddenly, he began to feel nervous, he had heard stories about the shrewd businessman Aaron Michaels, he¡¯d hope he would be able to impress him.


    ¡®Shit! I should <i>have </i><i>read </i><i>over </i><i>that </i>proposal more <i>thoroughly. </i>What <i>if </i>he asks <i>specific </i>questions<i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    Thomas began to fret; he pulled out a copy of the proposal that was emailed to him by Michaels¡® assistant. He decided he could at least do a quick over, as he read through, he became more and more shocked. This business proposal was amazing! The outlined details regarding thepany revenue, business expansion, she even predicted the grossed general sales and designs for the next five years. Not mention, with this merger, he¡¯d be able to expand his family¡¯s architecture corporation throughout the western continent. How had Daniellee up with all of this? Though it was true she went to college, Danielle had never been much of an intellect, that was always Rabena, though it went unnoticed. She¡¯d went to her family¡¯s alma mater and studied literature. It was a simple enough elect; besides, she would have eventually married someone prominent and lived her life as one of Banton¡¯s most popr socialites. Thomas took a gulp of water to calm his nerves. Suddenly, a tall man wearing sses walked over to the bar. Vincent, Aaron¡¯s assistant smiled politely while extending his hand to Thomas.


    21:42 Fri, 29 Aug


    <b>15</b>%>


    ¡°<i>Mr. </i>Lockwood I presume? A <i>pleasure </i>to meet you, I¡¯m Vincent Holmes, Chairman <i>Michaels </i><i>assistant</i>. <i>Allow </i>me to escort you to the conference room.¡± <fn8d22> Content originallyes from fin?novel</fn8d22>


    Thomas followed Vincent into the conference hall, ¡®this is it! My moment of truth!¡® With his nerves kicking, Thomas strutted with pride as they entered the room. Suddenly, a tall man wearing a tailored Italian royal blue pinstriped suit, faced Thomas with a slight smile. Extending his hand, Aaron¡¯s tone was smooth but filled with authority, Thomas instantly felt intimidated.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i>Lockwood, <i>pleasure </i>to meet you<i>, </i>I¡¯m Chairman <i>Michaels</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 24

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>24


    -Aaron¡¯s POV:


    After the greeting formalities everyone took their seats. There was an awkward pause before Thomas nervously spoke.


    ¡°Chairman Michaels, let me <i>first </i><i>say </i><i>just </i><i>how </i><i>honored </i><i>I </i>am to <i>finally </i>meet <i>you</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>appreciate </i><i>your </i><i>holding </i><i>of </i>this meeting today<i>.</i>¡±


    Aaron looked at Thomas with a slightly smug re, he couldn¡¯t believe Rabena was almost forced to spend the rest of her life with this fool. Listening to him talk was starting to burn his ears.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m also <i>d </i>you were impressed <i>with </i>proposal-¡±


    Before he could finish, Aaron interjected.


    ¡°Well to be honest <i>Mr. </i><i>Lockwood</i>, I <i>didn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>much </i><i>interest </i><i>in </i><i>working </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>however</i>, <i>the </i><i>proposal </i>was <i>indeed </i><i>most </i><i>impressive</i>. <i>Especially </i><i>the </i>part about <i>the </i><i>expansion </i><i>using </i><i>Crest¡¯s </i><i>real </i><i>estate </i><i>developments</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    That information shocked Thomas, he wasn¡¯t aware Danielle had also incorporated Crest Real Estate into the proposal as well. Aaron noticed the shocked look on his face and concluded that Thomas had not read the proposal.


    ¡®<i>Fool</i>.¡®


    Speaking in a condescending tone, Aaron decided to set the first part of his n in motion.


    ¡°Mr. <i>Lockwood</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>as </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>weren¡¯t </i><i>aware </i><i>of </i>that, <i>did </i><i>you </i>not aid in <i>the </i>creation of <i>this </i><i>proposal</i>?¡±


    Thomas instantly panicked, he knew he should have read that proposal! ¡®Why did it to have to be so many pages!¡® Thomas secretly fumed, he couldn¡¯t blow this deal.


    ¡°Actually<i>, </i>I did assist <i>in </i>its creation, <i>but </i><i>I </i>wasn¡¯t aware Danielle <i>also </i>included <i>her </i>father¡¯s business into <i>it</i>, though I¡¯m not surprised considering-¡±


    Before he could finish, Aaron held up his hand, both he and Vincent had puzzled looks on their faces, though secretly, they both knew who she was,


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mr. Lockwood, who is Danielle<i>?</i>¡±


    Thomas had both a shocked and confused look on his face. How could they not know who she was, she was the one that set all of this into motion. <fne250> Content originallyes from find?novel</fne250>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Forgive </i>me Chairman Michaels, did <i>I </i>misunderstand something. It sounds like you asked who Danielle is.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>exactly </i>what I¡¯m asking. I have no idea <i>who </i>that is.¡±


    Thomas began to panic; he wasn¡¯t sure what was going on or why he was ying at not knowing Danielle. Was he trying to back out of the deal?


    <i>¡°</i>Chairman is this some type of joke<i>. </i>Now I don¡¯t understand <i>what¡¯s </i>going on, but Danielle doesn¡¯t deserve-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i>Lockwood, I assure you I have no <i>idea </i>who a Danielle is. This proposal was <i>not </i>written or presented by


    <i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas brows furrowed that was impossible. He¡¯d known for a fact that Danielle was the one that brokered this meeting.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman</i><i>, </i>please forgive <i>my </i>confusion, but I was told <i>by </i>your <i>assistant </i>that Ms. Danielle Crest presented a business proposal for a partnership with Lockwood Corp and MGT. Corp.¡±


    Aaron couldn¡¯t help butugh, the fact he thought Danielle Crest would be responsible for brokering a deal between him and Convington¡¯s most elite businessman when his own WIFE was from Convington proved just how ridiculous he and that family were. Aaron scoffed and let out a slight sigh, it was time to wrap this meeting up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m not <i>sure </i>who Danielle Crest is, but <i>this </i>proposal was created <i>by </i><i>Rabena </i><i>Crest</i>. <i>So </i><i>perhaps </i><i>you </i>weren¡¯t <i>the </i>person <i>she </i>was referring too so there¡¯s no need-¡±


    Thomas held his hands up in a panic. He had no idea Rabena was the one that set this up but suddenly that all made sense. She had studied economics and international business while in college and she was also from Covington. But how did Rabena know Aaron Michaels? There was no way a lowly foster daughter could have been connected to someone like him. Thomas decided to save those questions forter, what was now important was to save this deal.


    <i>¡°</i>Chairman <i>Michaels </i><i>please </i><i>wait </i>one minute<i>! </i><i>My </i><i>apologies </i><i>for </i><i>being </i><i>ignorant</i><i>! </i>I <i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>aware </i><i>that </i><i>Rabena </i><i>set </i><i>this </i><i>deal </i><i>up</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>usually </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>interest </i><i>in </i><i>business </i><i>matters </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><ipany</i><i>, </i>so <i>I </i><i>had </i>no <i>idea</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron raised an eyebrow unconvinced. ¡®It¡¯s not that you were unaware, you just didn¡¯t care to ask her and thought little of her.¡® Putting on his best corporate smile, both Aaron and Vincent stood up and began to


    leave<b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i>, <i>I¡¯m </i><i>afraid </i><i>this </i>meeting <i>has </i><i>reached </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>end </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>see</i>, I <i>only </i><i>agreed </i>to <i>this </i>meeting <i>as </i>a <i>courtesy </i><i>to </i><i>Rabena </i><i>for creating </i><i>this </i><i>proposal</i>. <b><i>If </i></b><i>you¡¯re </i>no <i>longer </i>connected <i>to </i><i>her </i><i>I </i>see no reason to-¡±


    <i>¡°</i>She¡¯s my <i>wife</i><b><i>!</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    The words flew out of Thomas¡® mouth before he could catch himself.


    ¡®<i>Shit</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>did </i>I just <i>say </i><i>that</i><i>! </i>It doesn¡¯t matter<i>! </i>I can¡¯t take it back now and he¡¯s about to leave!¡± 2


    Thomas stared at Aaron in a panic hoping what he said worked. Aaron, with a slight smile on his face turned back around and faced Thomas. Vincent held his head down in an attempt to mask his chuckle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Rabena </i><i>Crest is </i>YOUR <i>wife</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Aaron emphasized on YOUR in an attempt to make sure Thomas rified his lie.


    ¡°Yes! We¡¯ve been married for over a year! I¡¯ve known and loved her since she was 15 years old. Our families are actually longtime friends.¡±


    Thomas tried his best to sell his story without revealing any signs of deception. He just needed to close this deal! He¡¯d figure the rest outter.


    Aaron couldn¡¯t help but sneer to himself. ¡®Just how disgusting are these people.¡® Giving a sardonic smile, Aaron began to speak.


    ¡°Hmm. <i>I </i>wasn¡¯t aware <i>you </i><i>were </i><i>Rabena¡¯s </i><i>husband</i><i>, </i>so I¡¯ll <i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>what </i><i>Lockwood</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>hosting </i><i>my </i><i>annual </i>charity <i>auction </i>ball <i>in </i><i>Banton </i><i>this </i><i>year</i><i>. </i><i>It </i><i>takes </i><i>ce </i><i>this </iing <i>Friday</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>send </i><i>an </i><i>invitation </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>and </i>your family, <i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i>you <i>all </i><ie </i>and <i>meet </i><i>MY </i><i>wife</i>. <b><i>If </i></b><i>she </i><i>likes </i><i>the </i><i>CEO</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>move </i>forward <i>with </i><i>the </i><i>deal</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas could hardly believe his luck! All he would have to do was impress Michaels wife and he would broker thergest deal his firm has had since his father! There was no way his cousin Tyler would be able


    to beat him now!


    Smiling widely, Thomas bowed his head several times thanking Aaron for the invitation. Smiling cooly, Aaron turned with Vincent and began to walk out of the conference room.


    ¡°No need to <i>thank </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>look </i><i>forward </i><i>to </i><i>seeing </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>¡®</i><i>wife</i><i>¡® </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>ball</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>Thomas </i><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    As the doors closed behind them, Thomas¡¯s face went pale. <i>¡®</i><i>How </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i>am <i>I </i><i>supposed </i>to bring my WIFE<i>, </i>when <i>we¡¯re </i>divorced<i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    The sudden reality of the situation came crashing down, not only had Danielle lied to him almost causing him this deal, but Rabena was now gone, and they were divorced. Thomas knew he had to think of something fast or risk not only losing this deal but losing his position. He decided he had no choice; it was time to find Rabena, Pulling out his phone, out and called his assistant Andrew.


    ¡°Andrew I need you to locate Rabena <i>ASAP</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    After barking his orders to Andrew, Thomas decided to head to the Crest Estate, Danielle should be back home by now and she had some exining to do.


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 Hunted 25

    Chapter 25 <fnbc17> Latest content published on Find¡ïNovel</fnbc17>


    -Thomas¡® POV:


    I was almost at the Crests estate when I decided to call Rabena, as expected I received a generic message. Clearly she had blocked me. I could feel my irritation starting to rise. Why had Danielle lied about that business deal? If I had known it was Rabena I would have treated our marriage better.


    What was really troubling Thomas was HOW Rabena managed to pull it off. That proposal was immacte, was she really that business savvy and talented? How was it that nobody ever knew? Suddenly, it dawned on Thomas that someone DID in fact know, his grandmother.


    ¡°Thomas you <i>fool</i>, that <i>girl </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>sniffing </i><i>around </i><i>is </i>nothing <i>but </i>a <i>spoiled </i>brat. <i>She </i><i>holds </i><i>no </i><i>value</i>, <i>all </i><i>she </i>does is cry. Rabena will be the one to elevate <i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Think </i>about <i>your </i><i>future</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The words of his grandmother rung heavy in his ears. For past few weeks he had managed to keep his divorce from Rabena a secret. His original n was to reveal the news AFTER he secured the MGT deal. He would give the proper credit to Danielle and prove his grandmother wrong, turns out, she was right all along. A heavy feeling began to seep into his chest, if he didn¡¯t secure this deal, he would lose to Tyler.


    Thomas arrived at the estate and headed straight into the home, as he made his way to the grand room, he could see Danielle¡¯s mother Amber along with her brother Daniel sitting on a couch. Across from them in a recliner was Danielle, she was curled up with a nket over her legs and scrolling through her phone. Amber was the first to notice Thomas.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Thomas</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>a </i><i>pleasure </i>to see <i>you</i><i>! </i><i>How¡¯d </i><i>the </i>meeting <i>go</i><i>, </i><i>well </i>I trust<i>?</i>¡±


    Thomas cut his eyes over to Amber and then red at Danielle, the memories of that morning came flooding back along with the feelings of humiliation. Danielle suddenly leaped up from her seat and pranced over to him. He never noticed before how immature she was, had she always been this way? His irritation began to grow.


    ¡°Tommy<i>! </i><i>How </i><i>did </i><i>everything </i><i>go</i><i>! When </i><i>will </i><i>the </i><i>project </i>start? <i>Tell </i>me everything<i>!</i>¡±


    Thomas could hardly get any words in; Danielle had her arms tight around his neck while asking a slew of questions. Then, she said something that made Thomas¡® anger resurge.


    ¡°I hope you praised <i>me </i>as well<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    That morning, Danielle had bragged to her family about how her business proposalnded Thomas an interview with the Chairman Michaels of MGT Corp. Naturally her family believed her without hesitation.


    ¡°Well, of course you did! You¡¯re my brilliant daughter, much more beautiful and smarter than that other thing<i>.</i>¡±


    Amber beamed with joy as her daughter twirled in a circle being praised for Rabena¡¯s work. Daniel chimed


    in next.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>my amazing little sister! <i>I </i>wish Rabend could be as poised and intelligent as you.


    21:42 Fri, 29 Aug


    15<b>% </b>


    As everyone praised Danielle, Darius stood back in silence. Something was troubling him. He may not have cared much for Rabena, but he was aware of how intelligent she was and how often Danielle struggled. Darius was two years older than Rabena and Danielle. The youngest of the three brothers, he spent the most time with them in school and knew how much Rabena overshadowed her. When they applied to the University, Rabena was able to get in on a full schrship while Danielle had to use her family¡¯s connections as Alma Maters. She¡¯d decided to take up an easy subject by choosing a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature while Rabena studied international business and economics.


    It didn¡¯t make sense that she was the one that wrote this amazing business proposal enough to catch the attention of Aaron Michaels. It also didn¡¯t make any sense how she would be able to connect with him. Aaron Michales was most certainly known throughout the world, even in Banton, he was well known even without having any resorts here. That being said, he stayed mainly in the western and southern continents, when did she have the chance to meet him much less create an entire proposal. Something wasn¡¯t adding <ol><li>up. </li></ol>


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 Hunted 26

    <b>Chapter </b><b>26 </b>


    Now, Thomas was looking at Danielle withplete disgust, no one noticed his expression except Darius. Pulling her from around his neck, Thomas shoved Danielle back. Startled, she walked slowly towards


    Thomas.


    ¡°Tommy<i>, </i><i>why¡¯d </i>you <i>push </i>me away<i>?</i>¡±


    Danielle had tears in her eyes as her voice cracked. The same tears she¡¯d had whenever she would use Rabena of being mean or bullying her. The same tears and cracked voiced that worked so many times on him, yet at this moment, he felt nothing but contempt. In a menacing tone, he Thoams began to speak.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you <i>have </i><i>anything </i><i>to </i><i>say </i><i>to </i><i>me</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i><fn4aed> Latest content published on Find1Novel</fn4aed>


    Thomas¡® eyes were dark, all that kept reying in his mind was how Danielle lied to him about the proposal. Danielle¡¯s eyes began to bulk, she had no idea what he was referring too. Her voice began to rise as she panicked catching everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°<i>Tommy</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>? </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>looking </i><i>at </i><i>me </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Amber and Davis stood up, Daniel also began to walk in their direction. Darius however continued to lean in the corner and watch not saying one word. Daniel walked over to Thomas demanding to know what was going on.


    ¡°<i>Thomas</i><i>! </i><i>What¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>meaning </i><i>of </i><i>this</i><i>? </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>being </i><i>mean </i><i>to </i><i>Dani</i>? <i>After </i><i>all </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>done </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>how </i><i>could </i>you <i>treat </i><i>her </i><i>like </i><i>this</i>?¡±


    Thomas looked over at Daniel and scoffed.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask <i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    Suddenly, the room went quiet<b>, </b>all eyes on Danielle. She began to sob louder.


    ¡°T¨CTommy<i>, </i>I don¡¯t <i>know </i><i>what </i><i>you </i>mean. <i>What </i><i>did </i><i>I </i>do<i>?</i>¡±


    Amber immediately jumped to her defense.


    <i>¡°</i>Thomas! What the <i>hell </i>do <i>you think </i>you¡¯re <i>doing</i><i>! </i><i>How </i>could you talk to my daughter like this<i>! </i><i>If </i><i>it </i>wasn¡¯t for her you-<i>¡± </i>


    Thomas cut Amber off yelling, he¡¯d heard enough.


    <b>¡°</b>If it wasn¡¯t for her I would not have blown the biggest deal <i>my </i>firm has ever had<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone stared at Thomas in shock. What did he mean by this? What had Danielle done? Finally, Davis spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i>Thoams, <i>exin </i>yourself! This is unbing. Against <i>my </i>better <i>judgement </i><i>I </i><i>allowed </i><i>you </i>to enter into a


    44


    <i>rtionship </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>daughter </i><i>DESPITE </i><i>what </i><i>happened </i><i>with </i><i>Rabena</i>, <i>and </i><i>this </i><i>is </i>how <i>you </i><i>repay </i><i>that </i><i>kindness</i>!<b>¡± </b>


    In that instant, everything became clear to Thomas. He realized just how much this family as well as himself saw Rabena. She was ALWAYS going to be an outsider. Davis went out his way to refer to Danielle as his daughter while referring to Rabena by name. That was not unintentional, the message was clear.


    Thoams let out a sarcasticugh, how long had he been a fool? Perhaps his grandmother was right after all.


    ¡°<i>Your </i><i>¡®</i><i>daughter</i>¡® <i>may </i><i>have </i>ruined <i>my </i>entire <i>career </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>lies</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Danielle began to panic, what lies was he referring too?


    ¡°<i>Tommy </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>know </i><i>wha-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Stop </i><i>lying</i>! <i>Danielle</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know</i>! <i>I </i>know <i>you </i>weren¡¯t <i>the </i><i>one </i><i>that </i><i>created </i><i>that </i><i>proposal </i><i>and </i><i>setup </i><i>the </i><i>meeting </i><i>between </i><i>me </i><i>and </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels</i>!¡±


    Danielle¡¯s face began to pale, she hadn¡¯t expected for Thomas to learn the truth. When she originally heard about the meeting, they referred to the person as Ms. Crest, she naturally assumed they never knew Rabena¡¯s first name. Panicking, she decided to feign ignorance.


    ¡°T¨C<i>Tommy </i><i>why </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>say </i><i>that</i><i>? </i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>I </i><i>set </i><i>that </i><i>up </i>for <i>you</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>even </i><i>said-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Exhausted, Thomas cut Danielle off again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dani</i>, <i>just </i><i>stop</i><i>. </i><i>Stop </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>lies</i>. <i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>really </i><i>not </i><i>think </i><i>they </i><i>would </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>who </i><i>set </i><i>everything </i><i>up</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Getting angry with Thomas bullying his sister, Daniel intervened before Danielle could answer.


    ¡°That¡¯s <i>enough </i><i>Thomas</i>! <i>If </i><i>Dani </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>setup </i>your <i>meeting </i><i>and </i><i>proposal </i><i>then </i><i>who </i>did!¡±


    Thomas eyes cut over and red at Daniel. Was that answer not obvious? With a sarcastic chuckle, he answered,


    ¡°Your sister¡­<i>Rabena</i><i>¡± </i>


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    12:43 Sat, 30 Aug


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>27 </b>

 Hunted 27

    -Thomas <b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    44%


    Everyone stood in shock. That was impossible. There was no way Rabena was able to setup a business proposal savvy enough to catch the attention of Aaron Michales. This had to be a mistake. Amber shook her head refusing to believe it.


    ¡°That¡¯s a <i>lie</i><i>! </i><i>There </i><i>is </i><i>no </i>way <i>that </i><i>useless </i><i>brat </i><i>was </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>set </i><i>something like </i><i>that </i><i>up</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas couldn¡¯t help butugh, was it always this three ring circus regarding Rabena?


    ¡°So, <i>you¡¯re </i><i>using </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels </i><i>of </i><i>lying</i>? <i>What </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>reason</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i><fna068> This content belongs to find?novel</fna068>


    Amber¡¯s eyes bulked, she didn¡¯t know how to respond. Davis suddenly spoke up.


    ¡°<i>Thomas</i>, <i>maybe </i><i>you </i><i>misheard </i><i>someone</i><i>, </i><i>there¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>Rabena </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>something </i>like that<i>. </i><i>Maybe </i>the <i>Chairman </i><i>did </i><i>lie </i>to see <i>how </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>react</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas was beyond annoyed; these people truly were delusional. A sharp pain stung in his chest; he thought about all the times everyone including himself would gang up on Rabena like this.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>reason </i><i>Davis</i><i>? </i><i>What </i><i>would </i><i>he </i><i>have </i><i>possibly </i><i>gained </i><i>by </i><i>lying</i>? <i>How </i><i>would </i><i>he </i><i>even </i><i>know </i><i>to </i><i>lie</i>. <i>Neither </i><i>one </i>of <i>our </i><i>families are </i><i>significant </i><i>enough</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Davis¡¯s eyes darkened, he didn¡¯t like hearing how insignificant he waspared to Aaron Michales. Daniel


    chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i>Did Rabena <i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>this </i><i>in </i><i>an </i><i>attempt </i>to <i>discredit </i><i>Dani</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°I haven¡¯t spoken <i>to </i><i>Rabena </i>in <i>over </i><i>two </i>weeks.¡±


    Danielle, still sobbing loudly, finally spoke.


    ¡°Tommy, I don¡¯t <i>know </i><i>what¡¯s </i>going on <i>but </i><i>why </i><i>would </i><i>I </i>lie? <i>You </i><i>know </i><i>I </i>wrote that proposal for you. Did Rabena put you up to this <i>in </i>attempt to get <i>back </i>at me?<i>¡± </i>


    Amber chimed in again.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what <i>happened</i>! That little runt is <i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>ruin </i><i>my </i>beautiful daughter because she¡¯s jealous<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Darius began to look at his family with pure disgust. Is this what we have been doing the past five years? Allowing Rabena to be the punching bag for all of Dani¡¯s failures? Growing irritated, he finally spoke.


    ¡°<i>There¡¯s </i>a simple <i>way </i><i>to </i>resolve this and verify who¡¯s lying.¡±


    All eyes went on Dairus as he leaned against the wall. Looking at his family with disdain, his thoughts kept going back to Rabena. ¡®Is this how we all look to you in your eyes Rabena?¡® Daniel looked at his brother


    irritated.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>what¡¯s </i>your <i>bright </i><i>idea </i><i>Darius</i>?¡±


    Darius looked over at Thomas who was now staring at Danielle as if he hated her.


    ¡°Thomas, do you have a copy of <i>the </i>proposal<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas looked over at Darius with a puzzled expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i>. <i>I </i><i>have </i><i>it </i><i>right </i><i>here</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good</i>.<i>¡± </i>Darius looked over at Danielle who was still crying.


    ¡°Dani, <i>tell </i><i>us </i><i>all </i><i>what¡¯s </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>proposal</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The room grew quiet. Danielle¡¯s tears and sobs instantly stopping. She had a look of shock on her face as her color began to drain. She hadn¡¯t expected Darius to say that. He was always the first to defend her. Thomas was now smiling, he should have thought of that.


    ¡°Go ahead <i>Danielle</i>. <i>Since </i><i>you </i>wrote <i>this </i><i>proposal </i><i>for </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>should </i><i>know </i><i>everything </i><i>in </i><i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Amber spoke up again.


    ¡°There¡¯s <i>no </i>way she <i>could </i><i>remember </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>that </i><i>junk</i><i>! </i><i>Darius</i>, <i>stop </i><i>this</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas looked at Amber with disgust in his eyes.


    ¡°Mrs. Crest, <i>this </i><i>proposal </i><i>was </i><i>done </i><i>immactely</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i>so <i>thoroughly </i><i>detailed </i><i>that </i><i>Crest </i><i>Realty </i><i>Development </i>would have been able <i>to </i><i>benefit </i><i>from </i><i>this </i><i>deal </i><i>as </i><i>well</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly Davis lifted his face, the possibility of him partnering with MGT sparked him up.


    <i>¡°</i>What do you mean by <i>that</i><i>? </i><i>Do </i><i>Chaiman </i><i>Michaels </i><i>also </i><i>want </i>to do <i>a </i>development deal for real estate <i>with </i>Crest<i>? </i>What was in <i>the </i>proposal<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 28

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡± <fnc490> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find{n}ovel</fnc490>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>28 </b>


    Thomas looked over at Danielle, her face was flushed with fear.


    ¡°<i>Ask </i>your <i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone turned towards Danielle. Amber and Davis moved towards her speaking in soft tones.


    ¡°<i>Dani </i><i>dear</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>tell </i><i>your </i><i>father </i>and <i>I </i><i>what </i><i>your </i>proposal was <i>about</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>it </i>can <i>get </i>us a contract <i>with </i><i>MGT </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>clear </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>this </i>mess <i>up</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>just </i>a <i>misunderstanding </i>caused <i>by </i><i>your </i>sister<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Now it was Daniel who stared at his mother with slight disgust, he wasn¡¯t sure what was going on, but why was she so hellbent on ming Rabena. Guilt suddenly began to creep into him, it was he that med her first. Darius decided to speak, this whole situation was beginning to piss him off, no way his family was THIS blind when it came to Danielle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Danielle </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>stop </i><i>lying</i>. <i>This </i>is <i>dragging </i><i>out </i><i>longer </i><i>than </i><i>it </i><i>has </i>too.¡±


    Amber cut in trying to stop Dairus from speaking but he kept going.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Do </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>suffer </i><i>from </i><i>amnesia</i><i>? </i><i>Danielle </i><i>barley </i><i>made </i><i>it </i>to <i>college</i>. <i>If </i><i>it </i>wasn¡¯t <i>for </i>her <i>being </i><i>a </i><i>legacy </i><i>child </i><i>she </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>never </i><i>gotten </i><i>into </i><i>the </i><i>university</i><i>. </i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>Rabena </i><i>that </i><i>had the </i><i>perfect </i><i>GPA</i>, <i>and </i><i>high</i>¨C<i>test </i><i>scores</i><i>. </i>She¡¯s <i>also </i><i>the </i><i>one </i><i>that </i><i>studied </i><i>business </i><i>and </i><i>economics</i>. <i>She </i><i>wrote </i><i>the </i><i>proposal</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Amber interjected again.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>impossible</i><i>! </i><i>There¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>she </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>written </i><i>something </i><i>that </i><i>thorough</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Darius gave a sarcasticugh.


    ¡°<i>Really </i><i>mom</i><i>? </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i>so <i>blinded </i><i>by </i><i>hatred </i><i>towards </i><i>Rabena </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>think </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>impossible </i><i>for </i><i>her</i>, <i>an </i>economic <i>and </i><i>international </i><i>business </i><i>major </i><i>with </i><i>a </i><i>perfect </i><i>GPA </i>to <i>draft a </i><i>business </i>proposal. <i>BUT </i><i>the </i><i>daughter </i>who barley made <i>it </i>to <i>college </i>and <i>majored </i><i>in </i><i>literature </i><i>could</i><i>? </i><i>You </i><i>think </i>that makes sense?¡±


    But before Amber could answer, Thomas spoke up again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mrs. </i>Crest, <i>whether </i><i>you </i><i>believe </i><i>it </i>or not, Rabena wrote <i>that </i>proposal. So, <i>if </i>you <i>all </i>want to be apart of that development deal, I suggest <i>you </i><i>help </i><i>me </i><i>find </i>Rabena <i>by </i><i>Friday</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Daniel looked over at Thomas in confusion.


    ¡°<i>Why</i>? <i>What </i><i>will </i><i>happen </i><i>by </i>Friday<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas let out a deep sigh.


    ¡°In order to salvage the mess <i>Danielle </i><i>made</i>, <i>I </i>had to tell <i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels </i><i>I </i><i>was </i>still <i>married </i>to <i>Rabena</i>. <i>He¡¯s </i><i>hosting his </i><i>annual </i><i>charity </i><i>ball </i><i>in </i>Banton <i>this </i><i>year </i><i>and </i><i>we¡¯re </i>all invited. The <i>invitations </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>here </i><i>this </i><i>evening</i>.¡±


    12:44 Sat, 30 Aug


    The room was once again quiet. What should have been a joyous moment soon turned into a nightmare. If Rabena didn¡¯t show up at that ball, not only would a lucrative business deal be destroyed, but word could also get out around Banton¡¯s social society. Amber let out a loud yell.


    ¡°That little brat is always making our lives miserable!! I don¡¯t see <i>why </i>she has to be there<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas was growing tired of this act.


    ¡°Unless you want your family <i>to </i><i>be </i><i>the </iughingstock <i>of </i><i>Banton</i>, I suggest <i>you </i><i>get </i>off <i>your </i><i>high </i>horse <i>and </i><i>help </i>me find her!¡±


    Fresh out of tears, Danielle finally spoke.


    ¡°What <i>if </i>we say <i>she </i>was too ill <i>to </i><i>show </i><i>up </i>at <i>the </i><i>ball</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas looked at Danielle withplete exasperation. Although he was irritated with her, her suggestion wasn¡¯t aplete waste. They would have to think of something in the event they could not find Rabena. Gritting his teeth, he agreed to the n only as a backup.


    ¡°Fine. <i>If </i><i>by </i>Thursday we can¡¯t locate <i>her</i>, we¡¯ll <i>tell </i><i>them </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>sick</i><i>. </i><i>Danielle</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i>good at lying so <i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i>you¡¯ll put on a fantastic <i>show</i>.¡±


    With that, Thomas left the estate and began his search for Rabena.


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 Hunted 29

    -Rabena¡¯s <i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    I arrived in Banton around 6:00 that Wednesday evening. It had been weeks since I wasst in this god- awful city. I¡¯d told myself I was nevering back; but in order for the n to work, I needed to be here. Damon grabbed our bags as we made our way to our chauffer. Aaron and Vincent had already arrived early Monday morning, and my uncle and cousins would be here tomorrow. Monday evening while on facetime, Aaron had filled me in on what happened at his meeting with Thomas. I could hardly believe my ears.


    ¡°Sa, wait, he thought <i>DANIELLE </i><i>was </i><i>the </i>one <i>who </i><i>created </i><i>that </i><i>proposal</i>. <i>She </i><i>could </i><i>barley </i><i>do </i><i>term </i><i>papers </i><i>back </i>when we were in school.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh hysterically, was Thomas really that delusional? Now it all made sense why he kept insisting she was helping him expand his business. That¡¯s when Aaron dropped the bombshell on me.


    ¡°Oh, and the two <i>of </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>still </i>married<i>. </i><i>Apparently </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>loved </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>over </i><i>five </i><i>years</i><i>¡± </i>


    I damn near spit my water out when I heard that part. To think he would stoop so low as to lie and say we are still married to each other. In love! Please! The only thing he ever loved was humiliating me. The mere thought pissed me off in ways I didn¡¯t know possible. Seeing my anger, Aaron let out a light chuckle.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite <i>adorable </i><i>when </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>upset</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I rolled my eyes at that statement, I wasn¡¯t trying to be cute, I really was pissed. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but smile a little at his remark. Aaron was wearing me down each day, I could feel the ice around my heart slowly thawing. Still finding humor in my irritation, Aaron continued.


    ¡°<i>There¡¯s </i><i>no need </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>pout </i><i>future </i><i>wife</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><iid </i><i>a </i><i>very </i><i>entertaining trap </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>ex</i><i>¨C</i><i>husband</i><i>. </i><i>He </i><i>actually </i><i>walked </i><i>right </i><i>into </i><i>it</i>.¡±


    After hanging up with Aaron, I quickly called a party supply chain in Banton that specialized in making invitations, I would make sure special invites went to my former family members.


    By the time Damon and I arrived at the hotel, Aaron and Vincent were finished with their conference meetings with the board back in Convington. As we made our way through the lobby, they were existing the conference room. As soon as we locked eyes, an instant smile formed on my lips. I could feel my face getting flushed with heat as I walked towards him. After shaking Damon¡¯s hand, he embraced me with a passionate hug. It felt as if we hadn¡¯t seen each other in years instead of just a few days, I couldn¡¯t help butugh to myself, I actually missed him.


    Once everyone got settled into our rooms, we all had dinner in the hotel restaurant. Over dinner, we discussed the next part of our n.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯ve </i>already called <i>Chairwoman </i>Lockwood. She agreed to meet with us tomorrow.¡±


    Aaron gave a ¡®proud like¡® smile. Sipping his wine, he began to speak.


    Chapter 29 <fn3055> Th?s chapter is updated by FindN()vel</fn3055>


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>she¡¯s </i>okay with all of <i>this</i><i>? </i><i>I </i>mean it <i>is </i>her grandson we¡¯re <i>taking </i><i>down</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I gave a lighthearted smile, while it was true Thomas was her grandson, she was furious when I told her of the divorce. Apparently Thomas had lying to her as well, keeping up the pretense that we were still married. Not keeping up his end of the bargain by maintaining our marriage was bad enough, but LYING, that she wouldn¡¯t tolerate.


    Damon let out a low chuckle.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Grandma Lockwood loved Ruby more than she loved her own grandson.¡±


    After dinner, everyone went to their suites, Aaron rented out the entire three VIP floors for us as well as his staff and family members that would be arriving Thursday for the ball. We¡¯d decided we would share a suite instead of getting separate ones, though he offered.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i>you <i>sure </i><i>about </i><i>that </i><i>Ruby</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>ufortable</i>.¡±


    Truth be told, I was morefortable with him than I had ever been with Thomas. He made me feel safe


    and secure in such a short time.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sure</i>. <i>No </i><i>worries </i><i>soon </i>to <i>be </i><i>husband</i>, <i>I </i><i>trust </i><i>you</i><i>. </i>


    Aaron shed a bright smile that almost made my heart do a race down a 500 dash. Always so dazzling.


    After taking a much¨Cneeded shower, I was patting my hair dry when I saw him standing by the bay window. Wearing only pajama pants, Aaron was truly a work of art. Being that gorgeous should be a crime. I definitely didn¡¯t trust my inner thoughts at that moment. He was finishing up a call when he noticed me staring like a fool. Brandishing a seductive smile, he walked over to me.


    ¡°See <i>something </i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>future </i><i>wife</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Smiling.


    ¡°Perhaps<i>.</i>¡±


    Still smiling at me, Aaron reached up and gently grabbed my hair towel, My long and wavy hair fell down my back and over my shoulders. He stared at my hair for brief moment before touching it.


    ¡°Would <i>you </i><i>like </i>me to <i>blow</i><i>¨C</i><i>dry </i><i>your </i><i>hair </i><i>for </i><i>you</i>?¡±


    That was unexpected. Blushing I nodded my head slightly.


    ¡°Sure<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron took my hand and led me over to the vanity in our bedroom. I watched him with steady eyes as he plugged in the dryer. He then took his hands and gently ran his fingers through my hair. Maybe it was jeg, or exhaustion, or maybe it just felt damn good. But I couldn¡¯t help but close my eyes as he began to dry my hair. My hair was pretty thick, so it took about 20 minutespletely dry. To make sure it was


    thoroughly dry, he took some hair cream that smelt like roses and rubbed it through my hair. It felt so good I couldn¡¯t help but let out a light moan.


    <b><i>-Aaron¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    That sounding out of her mouth did something to me that was uncontroble. I had already been longing to touch her but told myself I would be on my best behavior. But the way she closed her eyes and that sound; I was beginning to betray my own thoughts. Rabena¡¯s eyes slowly opened. She had this look of longing on her face, like she had been waiting for me all her life. That was it, n cracked. I leaned down and kissed her lips soft and slowly.


    Out of habit I woke up before sunrise that next morning. Rabena was still asleep. Her face was perfect mouth slightly open. I could still smell her sweet scent on my lips. I hadn¡¯t intended forst night to happen, but I was most certainly d it did. Thomas was fool, the fact that he¡¯d never touched her even after their marriage was ridiculous. Still, I relished in the thought of being her first and only.


    Now that the invitations had been sent, it was time to wrap this up, I had a wedding to n.


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 Hunted 30

    <b>Chapter </b><b>30 </b>


    <i>-Rabena¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    I woke up that next morning feeling like I¡¯d slept for 100 years. My body felt so rxed I couldn¡¯t help buty and smile. Last night was like a romance novel. Aaron made my body and soul feel things I never thought I¡¯d experience. I felt loved and cherished. I was actually happy I gave myself to him and found myself feeling greedy for wanting more. Aaron had already got up and would be in the conference room for most of the morning setting everything up for the ball. He¡¯d left a note for me on the pillow.


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>Good </i></b>morning my beautiful wife to be. I trust you <i>slept </i>wellst night¡­I most certainly did ??<i>. </i>Enjoy <i>a </i><b>good </b>and <b><i>hearty </i></b><b><i>breakfast</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><i>I¡¯ve </i>booked you an appointment at <i>the </i><b>spa</b>. There¡¯s a <i>little </i>surprise waiting <b>for </b><b><i>you </i></b><b>when </b>you arrive. I¡¯ll <b>be </b><b>to </b>pick you <i>up </i>at 12:30 <b>for </b>our <i>meeting </i>with <b><i>the </i></b>chairwoman.


    <b><i>Love</i></b><b><i>, </i></b>


    Your <i>Husband </i><b>to </b><b><i>be</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    I couldn¡¯t help but blush all over. After taking a shower, I met up with Damon and had breakfast. Taking a sip of my coffee, I noticed Damon had a peculiar look on his face.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>staring </i><i>at</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tilting his head, he took a bite of toast.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know</i><i>. </i><i>Something </i><i>about </i><i>you </i>seems <i>different </i><i>this </i><i>morning</i>.¡±


    My eyes instantly bulked up. How the hell did he know! Was it that obvious? Stuffing pancakes in my mouth to make sure I wouldn¡¯t say anything too embarrassing, I yed at not knowing what he was referring too.


    ¡°I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>why </i><i>you </i><i>feel </i><i>that </i><i>way</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>still </i><i>the </i><i>same </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Looking at my brother with a slightly guilty expression, he lowered his head and smiled.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i>that¡¯s not <i>true</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>much </i>as I <i>want </i>to <i>kill </i><i>him </i><i>right now</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m d <i>you¡¯re </i><i>happy</i><i>.</i>¡±


    We both stared at each other for a brief moment, a protective big brother to his little sister, I put my fork down and hugged him tight. Tears forming as I began to speak.


    ¡°Thank you for <i>always </i><i>loving </i><i>me</i><i>. </i>I <i>am </i><i>really </i>happy<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon gripped a little tighter,


    <i>¡°</i><i>He </i><i>better </i>keep <i>it </i><i>that </i><i>way </i>or else <i>he¡¯ll </i><i>have </i>to deal with me<i>.</i>¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh, remembering the day he saved me and beat Thomas¡® ass, I knew he met every


    word.


    After breakfast, me and Damon split up. He decided to hit the gym and then catch up with some friends while I made my way to the hotel¡¯s spa. As soon as I arrived, hostess immediately knew who I was. She eagerly led me to the VIP room.


    <i>¡°</i>Mrs. <i>Michales </i><i>wee</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i>husband made <i>reservations </i><i>for </i><i>you </i>to <i>have </i><i>our </i><i>full </i><i>VIP </i><i>spa </i>treatment <i>so </i><i>please </i><i>let </i>us know if <i>there¡¯s </i><i>anything </i>we can do to <i>make </i><i>your </i><i>stay </i>more <ifortable</i><i>. </i><i>Please </i><i>follow </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As we got closer to the doors I could have sworn I heard voices of women chatting, some I even thought I recognized. When the double doors opened I was taken by a full surprise. Aaron arranged for everyone to be here! Pera, Brea, Tara, Gloria, Caroline, even little Grace. I so was overwhelmed with joy all I could do was hold my breath. Just as I was about to walk over and hug everyone there was a light tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, I could hardly believe it. Standing before me was Lina and Lisa, Aaron¡¯s mom and younger sister. That was it, I couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore. The tears began flowing down my face as I hugged them both tightly.


    Lina extended her arms and stepped back.


    ¡°<i>Well</i>, <i>my </i><i>goodness</i><i>! </i><i>Look </i><i>at </i><i>how </i><i>beautiful </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>Ruby</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Lisa chimed in, her voice still full of that vivacious excitement, she hadn¡¯t changed one bit.


    ¡°<i>OMG </i>mom <i>right</i><i>! </i><i>Ruby </i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>gorgeous</i>! Oh <i>my </i><i>gosh </i><i>I¡¯ve </i>missed <i>you </i>so <i>much</i><i>!! </i>I¡¯m so <i>d </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>home</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The word home meant so much more to me than any of them would ever know. My heart finally felt the way it felt over five years ago. I was finally back with my loved ones; Aaron had truly outdone himself. <fnb926> This update is avable on findnovel</fnb926>


    After the hugs and introductions, we all sat around in the spaughing and catching up. It was just like old times when my mom would host slumber parties for me.


    ¡°<i>Ohhh </i><i>I </i><i>cannot </i><i>wait </i><i>to </i><i>start </i><i>nning </i><i>the </i><i>wedding</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Lisa pped her hands loudly; she¡¯d just graduated designer school and was eager to put her skills to use.


    ¡°<i>Absolutely</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>son </i>won¡¯t <i>be </i><i>allowed </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>cheap </i><i>with </i><i>this</i><i>. </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>going </i>to <i>have </i><i>nothing </i><i>but </i><i>the </i><i>best</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>Grace </i><i>smiling </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>way </i><i>from </i><i>heaven</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Hearing my future mother¨Cinw say that about my mom, the tears started to pour again.


    ¡°Awe Ruby<i>! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>cry</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i>gonna make me <i>cry</i>.¡±


    Tara chuckled as she handed me a tissue and also wiped tears out of her own eyes. I couldn¡¯t help it however<b>, </b>it had been so long since felt this happy, it made thest five years feel like it was just a bad dream,


    <i>¡°So</i><i>, </i>what¡¯s on the itinerary after <i>the </i>spa?¡±


    Brea asked as she sipped her champagne. My Aunt Gloria pulled out a list from her pocket. I couldn¡¯t believe it; they actually had an itinerary.


    <i>¡°</i><i>After </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>finished </i><i>here </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>few </i><i>hours </i>of downtime <i>from </i><i>12</i>:30-3pm<i>. </i><i>Aaron </i>and <i>Ruby </i><i>have </i><i>an </i><i>appointment</i>. <i>Once </i><i>she </i><i>gets </i>back to <i>the </i>hotel, <i>we¡¯ll </i>head to <i>Charte</i>¡® <i>Boutique </i><i>to </i><i>buy </i><i>gowns </i>for tomorrow <i>night</i>. <i>Aaron </i>booked out <i>the </i>entire store from <i>3:30</i><i>pm-7pm</i>, <i>After </i><i>that</i>, <i>we¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>family </i><i>dinner </i><i>with </i><i>everyone </i>at <i>Tremark¡¯s </i><i>Steakhouse</i>.¡±


    Lisa took a sip of her wine and giggled.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i>my god, <i>my </i><i>brother </i><i>is </i><i>really </i><i>in </i><i>love</i><i>! </i><i>He </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>all </i><i>out</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    With a proud smile on her face, Lina began to speak.


    ¡°Well<i>, </i><i>he </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>in </i><i>love </i><i>with </i><i>Ruby </i><i>since </i><i>he </i>was 17.¡±


    Hearing that almost made me choke on my wine. Who¡¯s been in love! I looked over at my mother¨Cinw withplete shock. Suddenly, Tara chimed in with a slight hint ofughter in her voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ruby</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>really </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>know</i>. <i>He </i><i>definitely </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>crush </i><i>on </i><i>you </i><i>when </i><i>we </i><i>were </i><i>in </i><i>high </i><i>school</i>.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing, how had I not known this? Why did everyone else know? What was going on?


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>he </i><i>used </i><i>to </i><i>watch </i><i>you </i><i>y </i><i>your </i><i>violin </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>time</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Pera said with smile as she picked out a nail polish color. Hearing all of this was crazy, I never knew Aaron paid that much attention to me. Growing up, I used to think he was just Lisa¡¯s uptight big brother, he barley even smiled. Caroline suddenly spoke breaking my train of thought.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>fate</i>. <i>The </i><i>two </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>destined </i>for <i>each </i><i>other</i>.¡±


    Fate. I wonder if there was some truth to that. After so many years of feeling unloved and unwanted, I certainly hoped it was true.


    We spent the rest of the time in spaughing and talking about dream weddings, kids, careers. This was without a doubt the best day I had in a long time.


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 Hunted 31

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>31 </b>


    <i>-Thomas</i><b><i>¡® </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    We received the ball invitations that same night, he¡¯d sent one for each of us, Rabena included. I could feel my palms start to sweat as I read her name on the fancy stationary. All that day I had my assistant trying to find her with no luck. At this rate we would have no choice but to go along with Danielle¡¯s n of feigning sickness. Every time he thought about that day his blood boiled over. Danielle really put him in a difficult position lying about that proposal. He would have never agreed to a divorce had he known Rabena was behind it. Suddenly, a text message came through on his phone, it was from his grandmother.


    Grandmom: I just received an invitation for the annual MGT charity ball. I¡¯ll be taking your cousin as my escort as I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll go with Rabena.


    Thomas could feel the color drain from his face. For the past several weeks he¡¯d been lying to his grandmother about his divorce from Rabena, if he didn¡¯t secure that deal Friday his promotion to CEO was as good as dead. Today was Thursday and he still had not heard anything regarding Rabena¡¯s whereabouts.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Where </i><i>the </i><i>fuck </i><i>did </i><i>she </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>another </i><i</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    Suddenly, his phone rang, it was his assistant Andrew.


    ¡°<i>Have </i><i>you </i><i>found </i><i>her</i>?!¡±


    There was a slight pause before he responded.


    ¡°No, <i>we </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>sir-</i>¡±


    ¡°Then what the hell did you call me for!¡±


    His irritation growing Thomas cut Andrew off, what was the point in calling him if he hadn¡¯t yet found her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>you </i><i>might </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>Damon </i><i>is </i><i>back </i><i>in </i><i>town</i>.¡±


    Thomas paused for a moment. This might actually be some good news. It was no secret that shortly after Rabena left he also disappeared; it was naturally assumed that she was with him. That could be the reason why she¡¯s been able to survive this whole time. She had no money, no means and no connections, so it had


    to be Damon.


    ¡°Good, this is good<i>. </i><i>Do </i>you <i>have </i><i>a </i><i>location </i>for him?<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>I </i>was able to find out <i>threw </i><i>one </i><i>of </i>his <i>friends </i>that he¡¯ll be meeting him <i>for </i>brunch at the <i>Ivy </i>around noon.¡±


    Thomas took a look at his watchy, the time was 11:15am.


    ¡°<i>Okay </i><i>great </i>work<i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i>headed there <i>now</i><i>. </i><i>She </i>didn¡¯t <i>have </i><i>many </i><i>friends </i><i>but </i>see <i>if </i>she <i>may </i><i>have </i><i>reached </i><i>out </i>to <i>any </i>one <i>today </i><i>as </i><i>well</i>.¡±


    Thomas made a U¨Cturn and headed straight for the Ivy. He¡¯d find out where she was one way or another.


    -Aaron¡¯s <b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    After his meetings, Aaron showed up in the lobby at exactly 12:30pm. When he finally found Rabena he could hardly believe his eyes. Aaron always thought she was beautiful but right now, she looked like a mature beautiful goddess ready to take on the world. The spa most certainly did her justice. She¡¯syered and added honey blonde streaks to her hair. Her nails had a French manicure and her skin looked amazing. A beautiful caramelplexion with the right amount of soft makeup. She was wearing a navy¨Cblue pencil skirt and cream colored buttoned up blouse. She looked every bit the part of a businesswoman meeting with a chairwoman. Aaron was beyond impressed. Walking up with a huge smile on his face, he couldn¡¯t help but feel pride. <fnd115> Get full chapters from find?novel</fnd115>


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>look </i><i>gorgeous </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Price</i>.¡±


    <b><i>-Rabena¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    That was the first time in a while since he called me that. It actually sounded kind of strange now. Rabena


    had a mischievous smile on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>thank </i><i>you </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Extending his arm to Rabena, Aaron couldn¡¯t help but smile, as they made their way to the valet, Rabena felt like she was ready to conquer the world.


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 Hunted 32

    <b>Chapter </b><b>32 </b>


    They arrived at the Lockwood manor at 1pm. The head butler Martin met them at their car.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels</i><i>, </i><i>Lady </i><i>Rabena</i><i>, </i>wee to Lockwood <i>Manor</i>. <i>If </i><i>you </i><i>would </i>please <i>follow </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>Chairwoman </i><i>Lockwood </i><i>is </i>in <i>the </i>grand room.¡±


    Memories of the Lockwood manor began to flood Rabena¡¯s mind. All of them weren¡¯t bad, Grandmother Lockwood had always been kind to her even before she saved her life, and though she didn¡¯t interact with him as much, Tyler was also always kind. The bad memories were just from Thomas and the Crests. She shook her head slightly as if to make those memories disappear. Today was about brokering a deal not going back down memoryne.


    As Martin introduced both Rabena and Aaron while they made their way through the grand room doors, Both Tyler and Chairwoman Lockwood stood up to greet them. As soon as soon as their eyes met, Grandmother Lockwood¡¯s eyes began to water. It had been months since she¡¯d saw Rabena, and she missed her so. Tyler held her arm as she made her way to Rabena, standing in silence for a moment, Chairwoman Lockwood sized Rabena up. She couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on it, but Rabena seemed different. No longer the quiet, shy, and humble girl, before her stood a confident and regal young woman ready to do business. Releasing her arm from Tyler¡¯s, she embraced Rabena in a hug.


    Rabena could feel her eyes began to water as she hugged Grandmother Lockwood; she had missed her as well. Taking a step back, Rabena introduced Aaron to both Chairwoman Lockwood and Tyler.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grandmother</i><i>, </i><i>Tyler</i>, <i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>introduce </i><i>you </i><i>both </i>to <i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>. <i>This </i>is <i>Chairman </i><i>Aaron </i><i>Michaels </i>of <i>MGT </i><i>Corp.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena beamed proudly as she introduced Aaron. He couldn¡¯t help but blush a little as he shook Tyler¡¯s hand. Gently kissing Grandmother Lockwood¡¯s hand, Aaron spoke in smooth and crooning tone. <fnc39f> Readplete version only at find?novel</fnc39f>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairwoman </i><i>Lockwood</i>, <i>it¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>finally </i><i>meet </i><i>you</i>. <i>Rabena </i><i>has </i><i>spoken </i><i>so </i><i>highly </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>though </i><i>as </i><i>beautiful </i><i>as </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>having </i>s <i>difficult </i><i>time </i><i>believing </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>a </i><i>grandmother</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena smiled and rolled her eyes slightly, such a dazzler. Grandmother Lockwood however was grinning from ear to ear, her face full of blush.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>my</i><i>. </i>Well, he¡¯s quite <i>the </iplementor. <i>My </ipliments to <i>you </i>Rabena, you¡¯ve certainly outdone yourself <i>with </i>this one<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After taking their seats, Chairwoman Lockwood decided to get right down to business.


    ¡°So, let¡¯s not beat around the bush here. I understand <i>you </i>made one hell of a business proposal originally <i>for </i><i>my </i><i>idiot </i>grandson Thomas correct Rabena?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes ma¡¯am</i>. I <i>originally </i>reached out to <i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels </i>after <i>marrying </i>Thomas in hope of a merger <i>deal </i><i>for </i><i>the </i>Northern continent expansion of <i>MGT </i>Resorts and <i>Hotels</i>.¡±


    While Rabena was updating the Chairwoman, Tyler was pulling out the proposal. Rabena decided to give


    him a copy a few days before the meeting to give him time to go over the n. Unlike Thomas, she knew he would read it thoroughly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>see</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>why </i>you <i>decided </i>not to move <i>forward </i><i>with </i><i>Thomas </i>Rabena, as I¡¯m sure <i>there </i><i>are </i><i>simr </i><i>reasons </i><i>for </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels </i><i>as </i><i>well</i><i>. </i><i>What </i><i>my grandson </i>did <i>to </i><i>you </i><i>was </i><i>beyond </i><i>despicable</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>me </i><i>you </i>at <i>all </i><i>for </i><i>the </i>divorce, <i>always </i><i>knew </i><i>he </i><i>would </i><i>screw </i><i>it </i><i>up </i><i>over </i><i>that </i><i>girl</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena couldn¡¯t help but smile, it was true, she never cared for Danielle. Rabena often wondered if that was part of the reason she loved her so much, unlike everyone else, she wasn¡¯t snowed by Danielle¡¯s tricks. The Chairwoman continued to speak.


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>being </i><i>said</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>why </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>here </i><i>today</i><i>?</i>¡±


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 Hunted 33

    <i>-Rabena¡¯s </i><b>POV</b><i>: </i>


    I knew Grandmother Lockwood would be cautious of our intensions today, she wouldn¡¯t be the shrewd and charismatic businesswoman she was if she weren¡¯t. I looked over at Aaron, he had a slight smile¨Cin his eyes as he let me lead this meeting. His face quietly saying, ¡®you got this future wife.¡® My confidence excelled through the roof. I wasn¡¯t the same girl from two months ago.


    ¡°Tyler, have you had a chance to read <i>over </i><i>the </i><i>proposal</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler¡¯s head popped up, excitement in his eyes.


    ¡°Yes! <i>Rabena</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>business </i><i>genius</i>! <i>This </i><i>proposal </i><i>is </i><i>immacte</i><i>, </i><i>every </i><i>aspect </i><i>in </i><i>full </i><i>detail </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>number </i>of profits <i>Lockwood </i><i>Corp </i><i>can </i><i>expect </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>way </i>down to <i>rise </i><i>in </i><i>our </i><i>shares</i>.¡±


    Chairwoman Lockwood looked over at Tyler with a shocked expression. This was the first time she¡¯d ever heard himpliment someone. Tyler was not the most personable man, his standards were often viewed as unreasonable, and it was hard to impress him. Whatever was in that proposal, it must have been nothing short of amazing. Looking back at Rabena, the Chairwoman began to speak.


    ¡°<i>Well</i>, I see <i>you </i><i>have </i><i>my </i><i>grandson¡¯s attention</i><i>, </i><i>now </i><i>you </i><i>REALLY </i><i>have </i><i>mine</i>. <i>What </i><i>exactly </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>wanting </i><i>to </i>do?¡±


    Rabena smiled at the Chairwoman.


    ¡°It¡¯s <i>simple</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>still </i><i>go </i><i>into </i><i>business </i><i>with </i><i>Lockwood </i><i>Architecture </i>& <i>Corp.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Chairwoman Lockwood could hardly believe her ears. She¡¯d thought for sure this deal was good as dead the minute she divorced Thomas.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i>sorry<i>, </i><i>am </i><i>I </i><i>understanding </i><i>you </i><i>correctly </i><i>Rabena</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>want </i>to <i>still </i><i>do </i>business with <i>us</i><i>, </i><i>why</i>?¡±


    Rabena smiled and ced the Chairwoman¡¯s hands into hers.


    ¡°Grandmother, for the five years I was here, you know better than anyone how horrible my life was. The only people that ever showed me love was my brother Damon¡­and you, while Tyler always showed me kindness, Part of the reason I wanted this deal so bad was because it would also mean helping you. So, if you¡¯re willing, we¡¯d love to make this deal. In addition to MGT, you¡¯ll also receive top of the line Techware and equipment from Prd Tech


    Tyler nearly chocked on his water, only the Chairwoman knew the true identity of Rabena, she¡¯d kept her secret all these years to make sure she would never be exploited by the Crests or her grandson.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rabena<i>, </i>what¡¯s your connection to Prd Tech?¡±


    The chairwoman shot an annoyed look over at Tyler and pped his shoulder.


    ¡°<i>You </i>fool; <i>she¡¯s </i>one the <i>heirs</i><i>. </i><i>You¡¯re </i>looking <i>at </i>President Rabena <i>Price</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler¡¯s eyes almost bulgedpletely out the sockets; he had no idea Rabena¡¯s adoptive parents were the Prices. After a quick history lesson regarding her adoption, Tyler was now all caught up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>can¡¯t believe it<i>. </i><i>All </i>that time <i>he </i>was married to a <i>Price</i>. <i>My </i><i>cousin </i><i>is </i><i>truly </i><i>a </i><i>fool</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Chairwoman Lockwood rolled her eyes in agreement.


    ¡°Well, that much <i>is </i><i>obvious </i><i>which </i><i>is </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>have </i>to <i>ask</i><i>. </i><i>Rabena</i>, <i>are </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>wiling </i><i>to </i>work <i>with </i><i>my </i>grandson even <i>after </i>all of <i>this</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Rabena and Aaron both looked at each other, now came the catch of the deal.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually </i><i>Chairwoman</i>, <i>we¡¯re </i><i>not</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Now the chairwoman was confused, if they weren¡¯t willing to work with Thomas how could they possibly go into business.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i>¨C<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn0a4e> Updates are released by f?ndnovel</fn0a4e>


    ¡°<i>Chairwoman</i>, <i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>originally </i><i>grooming </i><i>Thomas </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>CEO </i><i>due </i><i>to </i><i>his </i><i>father</i><i>. </i><i>However</i><i>, </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>two </i><i>years </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>with </i><i>him</i>, <i>I </i><i>realized </i><i>he </i><i>had </i><i>no </i><i>real </i><i>business </i><i>acumen</i>. <i>Thomas </i><i>is </i><i>spoiled </i><i>and </i><i>entitled </i>sitting back <i>just </i><i>waiting </i>for <i>the </i><i>keys </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>kingdom </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>handed </i>to <i>him </i><i>with </i>minimum <i>effort</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Tyler couldn¡¯t help but shake his head slightly in agreement. He¡¯s hated the fact that Thomas was going to be CEO simply because his father who passed away was. He was the one that took special interest in the growth and development of Lockwood Corp, and now, hearing how his grandmother had also brokered an entire marriage with one of the world¡¯srgest conglomerates, it just felt unfair. Thomas never deserved Rabena, if she¡¯d been married to him; they would not have lost her to Michaels.


    ¡°<i>Then </i><i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>propose </i><i>Rabena </i><i>because </i><i>he </i><i>is </i><i>in </i><i>fact </i><i>being </i>groomed <i>for </i><i>CEO</i>.¡±


    Rabena nced over at Tyler and smiled.


    ¡°Simple, <i>give </i><i>the </i>position to <i>the </i>one <i>that </i>deserves it most. Give it to Tyler. <i>If </i>you agree to make Tyler CEO of Lockwood Architecture & <i>Corp</i>, <i>MGT </i><i>Corp </i><i>will </i><i>hire </i><i>your </i>firm toplete the hotels and resorts for the entire northern <i>continent</i><i>. </i>It¡¯ll <i>be a </i><i>multi</i><i>¨C</i><i>billion</i>¨C<i>dor </i>deal.¡±


    Both Tyler and Chairwoman Lockwood sat in shock. They knew MGT was expanding to Banton, they had no idea they were expanding the entire continent. After the mild shock wore off, the Chairwoman exhaled, looked at her grandson whose eyes were still bulged, and then at young woman sitting before her. She was beyond impressed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i>No, President Price, you¡¯re dn amazing businesswoman. You have no idea how much of me <i>I </i>see in you. <i>Chairman </i>Michaels, <i>I </i>hope you are in fact smarter than my grandson with this one.¡±


    Aaron smiled with pride, gently grabbing Rabena¡¯s hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>promise</i><i>, </i><i>I </i>won¡¯t <i>let </i>you down ma¡¯am.¡±


    Chairwoman Lockwood gave a soft and sincere smile while Rabena blushed.


    ¡°Well, then <i>there¡¯s </i><i>just </i>one thing to do¡­<i>when </i><i>do </i>we sign the <i>contracts</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ps and celebrations followed the signing of the contracts. Chairwoman Lockwood had Martin bring in some champagne to toast the new deal.


    ¡°Here¡¯s to a <i>long </i>a <i>beautiful </i><i>rtionship </i>between <i>the </i><i>three </i><i>families</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    HERE<i>! </i>HERE!


    After the toasting, Rabena excused herself to thedies room. Washing her hands, Rabena took a look at herself in the mirror. Standing before her was no longer the sad and meek girl, but a confident and strong businesswoman. She was beyond proud of herself. After leaving the restroom, Tyler stopped her in the hallway. Without saying a word, he walked up and hugged Rabena tightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>hate </i><i>that </i><i>he </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>he </i><i>had</i><i>. </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i>so <i>much </i><i>Rabena</i>. <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>forever </i><i>in </i><i>your </i><i>debt </i><i>and </i><i>rooting </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>happiness</i>. <i>You </i><i>deserve </i><i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    cing a gentle kiss on her cheek, Rabena slightly blushed.


    ¡°<i>T</i>¨C<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>Tyler</i>. <i>Excuse </i><i>me</i><i>, </i>I <i>mean </i><i>CEO </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena¡¯s smile nearly made Tyler¡¯s heart leap out of his chest. Just then, Aaron walked up, his eyes slightly darkening at Tyler. A slight smile curled up on Tyler¡¯s lips, he knew what that look met and he understood the feeling.


    ¡°CEO <i>Lockwood</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>certainly </i><i>look </i><i>forward </i><i>to </i><i>our </i><i>partnership</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>make </i>it <i>to </i><i>our </i><i>wedding </i><i>as </i>well<i>.</i>¡±


    Tylerughed to himself, hepletely understood why Michaels was marking his territory, Rabena was an exceptional woman. It was too bad he never had the chance to tell her he¡¯d always liked her from the moment he first met her. Extending his hand, he shook Aaron¡¯s hand with a look that said, ¡®<i>I </i>hope you value what you <b><i>have</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡® </i></b>While Aaron¡¯s look read <b>indeed </b><b>I </b><b>do</b><b>.</b>¡® With Rabena being none the wiser to this exchange of silent words between the two men. After saying their goodbyes, Aaron informed Tyler and Chairwoman Lockwood that he would make the announcement of the deal at the ball and to wait to announce Tyler¡¯s promotion there as well. The time was now 2:17pm, Aaron decided to take Rabena straight to the boutique to meet with the other woman.


    Smiling, Rabena turned to Aaron.


    ¡°<i>I </i>almost forgot, <i>I </i><i>never </i>got to thank <i>you </i>for this <i>morning</i>. That was the best surprise I could ever have.¡±


    Aaron picked Rabena¡¯s hand up and kissed it gently.


    ¡°<i>My </i>pleasure future <i>wife</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>34 </b>

 Hunted 34

    <b>Chapter </b><b>34 </b>


    <i>-Thomas</i><b><i>¡® </i></b>POV<b><i>: </i></b>


    Thomas arrived at the Ivy around 12:30pm. As he made his way past the reception, he could see the friend that informed Andrew of Damon¡¯s return. Walking over, Thomas began to ask where Damon was. Before he could finish, the man waived his hand in the air.


    ¡°<i>First </i>things, <i>first </i><i>Lockwood</i>, <i>that </i><i>assistant </i>of <i>yours </i><i>said </i>I¡¯d <i>be </i><ipensated </i>for <i>my </i><i>information</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Thoams looked at the man withplete disgust.


    ¡°So, you¡¯d <i>sell </i><i>your </i><i>friend </i>out <i>for </i><i>money</i><i>, </i><i>how </i><i>disgraceful</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The man scoffed.


    ¡°<i>Whatever</i>, <i>you </i><i>want </i><i>the </i><i>information</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>gonna </i>cost <i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas pulled his checkbook out and wrote the man a check for two thousand dors. After cing the check in his pocket, he pointed over to the section Damon was sitting with his friends.


    ¡°<i>Pleasure </i><i>doing </i><i>business </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas made his way to the section, hopefully he could find out where Rabena was in time for the ball.


    Damon wasughing with his friends Jake and Chris. They had been his best friends since grade school and was upset when he left.


    ¡°Man look <i>at </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>The </i><i>west </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>good </i><i>to </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Still </i><i>pissed </i><i>at </i><i>you </i><i>for </i>leaving <i>us </i><i>though</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Chris joked as he gave Damon a soft punch to the arm. Jake chimed in as


    well.


    ¡°Yeah dude, I can¡¯t <i>believe </i><i>you </i>ditched us<i>! </i><i>We¡¯ve </i><i>really </i>missed you!¡±


    Damon smiled sheepishly at his friends, when he¡¯d decided to leave with Rabena, everything happened so fast he didn¡¯t get the chance to really say goodbye.


    ¡°Sorry guys<i>. </i><i>I </i>had to protect <i>my </i><i>little </i>sister <i>though</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Both Chris and Jake knew about the hell Rabena had been through at the hands of Thomas and the Crests, so even though they missed their friend, theypletely understood.


    <i>¡°</i>Nah, <i>we </i>understand. <i>I </i>would have done the same thing for my sister. How is Rabena<i>?</i>¡±


    Jake asked as he stuffed fries in his mouth.


    1/3 <fnf86a> Read full story at find[f]ovel</fnf86a>


    12:44 <b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>30 </b>Aug


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i>doing <i>great </i><i>actually</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>really </i>grown <i>up </i><i>and </ie <i>into </i><i>her </i>own<i>. </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>got </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>her </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>totally </i><i>new </i><i>light</i>. It¡¯s so much <i>I </i>got to <i>catch </i><i>y¡¯all </i><i>up </i>on.¡±


    Damon looked at his watch, hisst friend Raymond was also supposed toe, but he still hadn¡¯t arrived.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>, </i>wasn¡¯t Raymond supposed toe too?¡±


    Chris looked at his phone.


    ¡°Yeah it <i>looks </i><i>like </i><i>he </i><i>just </i><i>texted </i>me <i>saying </i><i>something </i><i>came </i><i>up</i><i>. </i><i>Guess </i><i>he </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><iing</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon didn¡¯t mind; he¡¯d never really cared for Raymond. He hung out with him only because of Chris, same for Jake.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>know <i>that¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>friend </i><i>Chris</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>that </i><i>dude </i><i>always </i><i>seemed </i><i>shifty </i><i>to </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Nah</i><i>, </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>alright</i>. <i>He¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>not much of </i><i>a </i><i>people¡¯s </i><i>person</i>.¡±


    Jake shrugged his shoulders as if to say, ¡®whatever you say¡®.


    Just as Damon was about to say something, he noticed both Jake and Chris look up startled. Curious, he turned around to see what they were staring at. There was Thomas, looking nervously at Damon remembering thest time the two of them were in the same room.


    Thomas extended his hand nervously to Damon.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Long </i><i>time </i><i>no </i><i>see </i><i>Damon</i><i>. </i><i>How¡¯ve </i><i>you </i>been<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Damon looked at Thoams¡¯s hand with disgust, no way did he think he was going to be friendly with him after what he did to his sister. Standing slowly, Damon looked down at Thomas.


    ¡°What the hell are you <i>doing </i><i>here </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas felt a slight surge of fear down his spine, he didn¡¯t think Damon would attack him in a public ce, but he stepped back just to be cautious.


    ¡°I didn¡¯te to start <i>any </i>trouble <i>Damon</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>just </i>wanted <i>to </i>know <i>if </i>you could tell me <i>where </i>Rabena <i>is</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>in </i><i>the </i>hell would I do <i>that</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas knew this wouldn¡¯t be easy, still, this was the only chance he had left.


    ¡°Look <i>Damon</i>, I <i>know </i><i>I </i>wasn¡¯t the best to <i>your </i>sister, for that I¡¯m sorry. You have no idea how much <i>I </i><i>wish </i>I <i>could </i>take back what I did. <i>That¡¯s </i><i>why-</i>¡±


    Before he could finish, Damon cut him off.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Exactly </i><i>what </i>were <i>you </i>wishing you could take back Lockwood? <i>Throwing </i>a marriage certificate <i>in </i><i>her </i>face and


    <i>then </i>bailing on <i>her </i>to <i>celebrate </i><i>her </i><i>sister¡¯s </i><i>birthday </i><i>even </i><i>though </i><i>it </i><i>was </i>her <i>day </i><i>too</i>? Or <i>how </i>about <i>all </i>the times <i>you </i><i>picked </i><i>Danielle¡¯s </i>side over <i>Ruby¡¯s </i><i>even </i><i>though </i><i>she </i><i>didn¡¯t </i>do <i>anything</i><i>. </i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>this </i>is a <i>good </i><i>one</i>, <i>maybe </i><i>allowing </i><i>her </i>to catch you <i>fucking </i><i>Dani </i>in <i>the </i><i>guest </i>room. <i>You¡¯d </i><i>like </i>to take that <i>back</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jake and Chris stood in shock, they knew things were bad between Thomas and Rabena, but they had no idea it was THIS bad. Thomas was a whole monster.


    Suddenly, Damon walked up to Thomas¡¯s face causing his color to drain with fear.


    ¡°Or <i>maybe </i>you wanna <i>take </i><i>back </i><i>nearly </i><i>killing </i><i>my </i><i>sister </i><i>by </i><i>locking </i><i>her </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>hot </i><i>shed </i><i>for </i><i>over </i><i>three </i>days with no food <i>or </i><i>water</i>.¡±


    All the color had drained from Thomas¡¯s face at this point. He knew this meeting wouldn¡¯t be easy, but he hadn¡¯t expected it to go this horrible. There was no way Damon would tell him anything after expressing all of Rabena¡¯s grievances. With Damon still staring in Thomas¡¯s face, Jake decided to speak up.


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>your </i><i>n </i><i>was </i><i>here </i><i>Lockwood</i>, <i>but </i><i>whatever </i><i>it </i><i>was </i>it¡¯s <i>not </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>happen</i>. <i>Why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>take </i><i>your </i><i>leave </i><i>and </i><i>spare </i><i>yourself </i><i>any </i><i>further </i><i>embarrassment</i>.¡±


    Thomas panicked and looked over at Jake.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jake </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sorry </i><i>but </i><i>this </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>anything </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>want </i>to-¡±


    Jake walked up to Thomas followed by Chris; a crowd of people were now looking in their direction. Chris decided to speak now.


    <i>¡°</i>Lockwood<i>, </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>doing </i><i>you </i><i>a </i><i>favor </i>because <i>unless </i><i>you </i><i>want </i>all <i>these </i><i>people </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>put </i><i>on </i><i>your </i><i>ass</i>, <i>I </i>suggest you leave <i>now</i><i>. </i>


    Realizing he was outnumbered, Thomas decided to take his loss. Holding his head slightly down, Thomas turned to take his leave. Fuming, he called his assistant and told him to put a stop order on the check he wrote out to Raymond. Next he headed over to the Crest estate to inform them they would be going with n B.


    Seething, Thomas knew he had to secure this deal by any means necessary, but he¡¯d also begun to feel guilty about how he¡¯d treated Rabena all these years. He told himself after he secured the deal with MGT he would make it up to her, it was the least he could do for her writing that proposal.


    Chapter Comments


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 Hunted 35

    <i>-Rabena¡¯s </i><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    Aaron dropped me off at Charte¡® Boutique right before 3pm. Thedies were already there, he¡¯d already sent a car to pick them up at the hotel. My¨Chusband¨Cto¨Cbe was very thorough, I couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡°What are you over <i>there </i>giggling <i>about</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron looked at me with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Oh nothing, <i>just </i><i>admiring </i><i>how </i><i>thorough </i><i>my </i><i>future </i><i>husband </i><i>is</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>quite </i><i>the </i><i>turn </i><i>on</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron¡¯s eyes slightly darkened. If Rabena kept up this flirtatious act she might not make to the boutique. The urge to turn the car around and head back to the hotel was racing through his thoughts.


    ¡°Well, I <i>supposed </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>have </i>to <i>be </i><i>rewarded </i><iter </i>on, <i>right </i><i>President </i><i>Price</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena could feel her face starting to burn, he was clearly better at flirting than her. Stumbling on her words, Rabena began to exit the car.


    ¡°<i>I</i>¡­I <i>suppose </i>so.¡±


    Almost tripping as she left the car, Aaron couldn¡¯t help butugh. He¡¯d make sure she stayed true to her


    words.


    As soon as Rabena entered the boutique, the hostess Vrie greeted her with a huge smile.


    ¡°Wee <i>to </i><i>Charte</i>¡®<i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>Vrie </i><i>the </i><i>boutique¡¯s </i><i>owner</i>. <i>You </i>must <i>be </i>the <i>lovely </i><i>Rabena </i><i>Price</i>.¡±


    Rabena smiled shyly, clearly her fianc¨¦ made quite the impression.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a pleasure to <i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Vrie</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vrie slightly blushed. She was already anticipating what type of people she would be hosting. When she learned Chairman Michales wanted to rent her entire boutique for several hours just so his fianc¨¦ and her entourage could pick out dresses, she¡¯d imagine a bunch of snobby uptight women from the western continent. But that wasn¡¯t the case, all thedies were cheerful, polite, and talkative. They¡¯dplimented how beautiful her store and clothing were and asked if she was willing to travel for business. Vrie never had that type of respect from some of the elite socialites in Banton, she wanted to make sure she fulfilled


    the Chairman¡¯s wishes<b>. </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with Banton¡¯s clothing stores but I was told your boutique has some of the most beautiful designs and evening gowns, is that correct?¡± <fn40ad> Chapters first released on F¦ÉndNovel</fn40ad>


    Blushing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i>, yes <i>Chairman </i>Michaels, you <i>were </i>told correct! May I ask <i>who </i><i>you </i>would like to <i>buy </i>a <i>gown </i><i>for</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Aaron was looking around the store, from what he¡¯d seen so far, he was d he chose this ce.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s for <i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i>announcing our <i>engagement </i><i>at </i><i>my </i><i>charity </i><i>ball</i><i>, </i>and <i>I¡¯d </i>like <i>her </i>to look like <i>a </i><i>queen</i><i>. </i><i>Would </i><i>you </i>be <i>able </i>to do <i>that </i>for me<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vrie could still remember that gorgeous smile on his face as he made reservations to book the entire store. With the challenge epted she wouldn¡¯t let him down. She¡¯d turn Rabena Price into the queen of the night, luckily, she was absolutely gorgeous with a petite but structured figure. Dolling her up would be an easy task.


    Rabena made her way to dressing room where everyone else was at,ughing, looking at dresses and drinking wine. Gracie was the first to notice her walk in, running over she gave Rabena a big hug.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Auntie </i><i>Rabena </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>finally </i><i>here</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>picking </i><i>out </i><i>dresses</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie took her hand a led her to the seating area as if she were the shop¡¯s hostess, all the womenughed as she exined some of the different type of dresses the boutique had. Vrie bent down and gave Gracie a hi¨Cfive.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>might </i><i>have </i><i>some </i><i>sales </i>talent <i>in </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>fashion</i><i>! </i><i>Would </i><i>you </i><i>like </i>to <i>be </i><i>my </i><i>assistant </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>evening</i>?¡±


    Gracie¡¯s eyes instantly lit up as she yelled ¡°yes!¡± Everyoneughed as she followed Vrie to retrieve some more clothing. Pera handed Rabena a ss of wine as she sat down.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Alright </i><i>gorgeous</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>hubby </i><i>has </i><i>informed </i><i>us </i><i>we¡¯ll </i>need <i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>the </i><i>bell </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>ball </i>for <i>Friday¡¯s </i><i>g</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>also </i><i>need </i><i>something </i><i>for </i><i>tonight¡¯s </i><i>dinner</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 36

    The family meet and greet dinner was tonight. Since the Michaels were alling to the charity ball, Aaron that tonight would be a perfect opportunity for the families to meet before the wedding.


    As Rabena and thedies began looking at gowns, Lisa started going over the list of family members.


    <i>¡°</i>Mom, <i>exactly </i><i>how </i>many of our family members <i>are </iing <i>tonight</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Lina looked up to the ceiling as if she were counting to herself.


    ¡°Well, quite <i>a </i><i>bit </i><i>I </i><i>imagine</i><i>. </i><i>Your </i><i>brother </i><i>booked </i><i>out </i><i>the </i><i>entire </i><i>restaurant </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>evening</i>.¡±


    Rabena couldn¡¯t help butugh, Lina had no idea how extravagant her son was. He¡¯d done the same thing just for a dinner of two. Lisa started counting on her fingers while naming some of their family members.


    ¡°<i>Well </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>see</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>have </i><i>Dad</i><i>, </i><i>all </i><i>five </i><i>uncles</i><i>, </i>all <i>five </i><i>aunts</i><i>, </i><i>27 </i><i>first </i><i>cousins</i>, <i>about </i><i>12 </i><i>second </i><i>cousins</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>7third </i><i>cousins</i><i>. </i><i>Their </i><i>spouses</i><i>, </i>Grandmom. Am I <i>missing </i><i>anyone </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>Michaels </i><i>side</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena¡¯s eyes nearly bulged out the sockets, were THAT many family membersing to this dinner. Not to mention, that was just the Michaels side! After the engagement, Uncle Pete called every Price he could think of with all of them saying they couldn¡¯t wait toe. Although she was feeling a little overwhelmed, Rabena couldn¡¯t help butugh, going from practically no family to a huge family after five lonely years,


    she¡¯d take it.


    ¡°<i>Ruby </i><i>what </i><i>about </i><i>the </i>Prices<i>? </i><i>Are </i><i>your </i><i>extended </i><i>family </i><i>members </iing <i>tonight </i><i>too</i>?¡±


    Gloria was able answered that question more thoroughly. <fn1c61> This content belongs to find?novel</fn1c61>


    ¡°We do have quite a bit of family membersing.¡±


    Although Pete and Paul were the only children of Pierre and Ma Price; their father had two sisters and four brothers, while their mother had four sisters. All of them had children and grandchildren. On Grace¡¯s side the Martins, she had three sisters whom all had children, and the two families were all close. Rabena spent many summers growing up going to her extended family vacations and reunions, had the Crests never interfered, she would have more than enough family to love and support her.


    Giggling, Rabena started looking at some of the gowns Vrie brought over.


    ¡°Is there going to be enough <i>room </i>at the restaurant?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh </i>yeah! Aaron had Vincent <i>verify </i><i>the </i>Restaurant space and it¡¯s pretty <i>big</i>!¡±


    Catherine, who was now trying on a gown behind a dressing curtain, poked her head out.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Not </i>to <i>worry </i>Ruby<i>, </i><i>Sean </i>sald <i>fonight¡¯s </i><i>dinner </i><i>will </i>be just us, Pete, Damon, the grandparents <i>from </i><i>both </i>sides <i>and </i><i>the </i><i>aunt¡¯s </i><i>and </i>uncles. <i>Everyone </i>else you¡¯ll meet at the <i>ball</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    That made Rabena feel much better, although she was excited to see and meet everyone, it felt like everything was happening at a rapid pace. Suddenly, Rabena spotted a gown she instantly fell in love with. It was royal blue with silver and diamond trimming throughout the gown. It reminded her of a dress in a fairytale book her mother read to her once she was a child. This would be the dress she would wear for the- g. Vrie noticed Rabena admiring the gown.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>beautiful </i>isn¡¯t it<i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i>, <i>my </i><i>goodness</i>, <i>it </i><i>truly </i><i>is</i>. <i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>design </i><i>this</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Vrie blushed with pride; this dress was an original creation of hers.


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>think </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>your </i><i>size </i><i>but </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>try </i><i>it </i><i>on </i>in <i>case </i>I need <i>to </i><i>make </i>some <ist</i>¨Cminute <i>touch </i><i>ups</i><i>.</i>¡±


    After Rabena and the otherdies chose their gowns for the g, they decided to also purchase some dresses for the family dinner. The time was now 5:30pm, knowing their women would be pressed for time, Aaron had a team of hairstylists and makeup artists meet thedies at the boutique so that they could get ready there. By 6:30pm a stretched limo arrived to take them all to the restaurant.


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 Hunted 37

    Aaron¡¯s POV:


    Aaron arrived at Tremark¡¯s Steakhouse at 6:50pm. The manager had truly outdone himself. There were tworge tables each with 22 chairs. The tables disyed beautiful centerpieces, te sets, sses, and utensils. The row of crystal chandeliers aligned perfectly with the settings. The menu for the evening was braised beef short ribs, with parmesan asparagus tips, and creamed mashed potatoes with a red wine sauce. The appetizers consisted of chilled shrimp, Brazilian steak and pork samples, and sweet puffs. Aaron handpicked the menu himself choosing foods everyone would enjoy. The guest all began to arrive ten minutester, Aaron had just received a phone call from his mother letting him know they were all on the way, he¡¯d anticipated what Rabena would be wearing.


    The first to arrive was his father Alvin along with Uncle Pete, Sean, Damon and Vincent. Alvin and Pete were reminiscing about their own weddings when they walked over to Aaron who was now at the door greeting everyone.


    ¡°There he is!¡±


    Alvin walked over and hugged his son tightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you son.¡±


    Alvin looked at his son with fatherly pride, he was one of the few people that knew how devastated Aaron was when he learned Rabena was taken by her biological family. Shortly after, Uncle Pete walked over and gave a stern handshake followed by a hug.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting a long time for this day! I only wish Paul was here to see this.¡±


    Aaron gave an emotional smile; he could still remember the day he¡¯d told Paul he would marry Rabena when he came back from studying abroad. He could still remember Paulughing.


    Ha¨Cha¨Cha!!


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m gonna hold you to that Aaron! As long as you treat my princess right, you¡¯ll have my blessings.¡±


    Thinking back, Aaron knew he would do everything he could to hold up that promise. Embracing Pete back,


    Aaron became emotional.


    ¡°If it means anything Uncle Pete, I¡¯m d she still has you. In honor of Paul, I¡¯m going to make sure I uphold that promise.¡±


    Pete could feel his eyes starting to water, he patted Aaron on the shoulder and made his way over to the table. Next, Sean and Damon walked over.


    ¡°You know you¡¯ve always been like family Aaron, I¡¯m d my little cousin has made it official. Be good to


    her.¡±


    12.45 <fncd15> This text is hosted at f?ndnovel</fncd15>


    Aaron gave Sean a heartfelt nod, he¡¯d make sure not let his longtime friend down. Damon walked over, there was a slight sadness in his eyes, he¡¯d told himself he would spend the rest of his life protecting his little sister, now, passing that job over to someone else, Damon found himself feeling like a father giving away his daughter. Embracing Aaron for the first time, Damon became emotional.


    ¡°Please, take care of my baby sister. Protect her better than my father could; better than I could. And thank you, for embracing me and allowing me to step up on behalf of her biological family.¡±


    Aaron looked at Damon for a moment, he could only imagine how much he must¡¯ve cursed himself for being powerless to stop his own family. He admired him for being to family Rabena needed in order to survive that house. Smiling slightly, he gave Damon a nob and respect a groom would give to a father.


    The uncles and aunts from both sides of the families made their way in all giving their heartfelt congrats and hugs. The Michaels¡® grandmother followed by Rabena¡¯s grandparents were the next to arrive all giving their congrats and well wishes. The time was now 7:10pm, the stretched limo finally arrived. Lina and Gloria were the first to step out followed by Catherine, Lisa, Gracie, and the friends. Thest was Rabena. As Aaron was saying thank you to Pera and Brea, his heart almost skipped a beat.


    Rabena was absolutely stunning. She was wearing a short off¨Cshoulder ck cocktail dress with a long sheer train that draped to her left side. There was a cris¨Ccross design thatplimented her curves, and she wore ck 4in heels with a diamond flower on the back. Her hair was spiral curled and pinned to the left side mirroring her train with diamond clips. For essories, she wore ssic diamond looped earrings with a diamond ne and matching bracelet. Her makeup was light but wless, with light blush, rose colored lip gloss, and light eye shadow. Aaron could hardly believe his eyes, as she made her way to him, his thoughts were running marathons. Pulling her gently towards him, he whispered in her ear.


    ¡°Only I am allowed to take this off.¡±


    Rabena¡¯s face instantly went red as Aaron chuckled and kissed her gently on the cheek. Taking her hand into his, finally it was time for the family meeting.


    The night went off beautifully, rtives that Rabena had not seen for over five years made their way to her hugging and crying happy to see her.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t get over how beautiful you look.¡±


    Cora, Grace¡¯s older sister cried. Just then, her aunts De and Sophie made their way to the main table to hug and congratte the couple.


    ¡°Little Aaron, we¡¯ve known you for a long time, you better take care of our baby.¡±


    De cried as she hugged Aaron tightly. One by one all the family members from both sides gushed over how beautiful the couple was.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you! This was a long time in the making! Alvin said Aaron would marry no one else but Ruby!¡±


    <b>Aaron¡¯s </b>uncle Adamughed as he chatted with Sean and Damon. Alvin and Pete both gave heartfelt speeches to the couple causing wet eyes throughout the restaurant, even the waiters and waitresses were


    crying. The evening went off without a hitch, Aaron was <b>the </bst to speak thanking everyone for showing their love and support while weing Rabena back home.


    After dinner, multiple stretched limos made their way to the restaurant to pickup all the guests, thest car to arrive was a town car for Rabena and Aaron. One the way back to the hotel, Rabena snugged under Aaron. In a low voice just above a whisper, she began to speak.


    ¡°Aaron, if I told you I love you, would you believe me?¡±


    The question caught Aaronpletely off guard, his goal was to always make Rabena fall in love, though he hadn¡¯t expected it to happen this fast. Without saying a word, He gently pulled Rabena¡¯s face to his and gently kissed her lips. After their passionate kiss, Aaron answered her question.


    ¡°Rabena, I would believe the sky was falling if the words came from your lips.¡±


    Blushing, Rabena leaned in for another kiss.


    That night, Aaron stayed true to his word, he was the one to take the dress off Rabena. As their bodies intertwining for the second time, Aaron wanted Rabena to feel all the love he¡¯d held for her for over five years. There was never another person he had or would ever love the way he loved her.


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 Hunted 38

    <b>Chapter </b><b>38 </b>


    <b><i>-Aaron¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    That Friday morning, Aaron and Rabena enjoyed a quiet breakfast in their suite while the rest of the family ate in the hotel restaurant. The ball was set to begin at 4pm and they both knew the day would be hectic, so they used this rare opportunity to enjoy some alone time. While eating her bacon, Rabena began to giggle.


    ¡°Something <i>funny </i><i>my </i><i>future </i><i>wife</i>?¡±


    Aaron gave a mischievous smirk at Rabena.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>thinking</i>, <i>if </i><i>a </i><i>charity </i><i>ball </i>and engagement <i>party </i><i>was </i><i>this </i><i>hectic</i>, <i>imagine </i><i>what </i><i>our </i><i>wedding </i><i>weekend </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>like</i>.¡±


    Aaron began tough along with Rabena, it was true, their wedding was definitely going to be a weekend to remember. He would have to make sure there would be a way for him and his bride to`sneak off.


    After breakfast, Aaron went to ballroom of the hotel and began to prepare for the ball. Rabena informed


    him she would be to help once her dress arrived.- <fnea24> Official source is Find[F]ovel</fnea24>


    <b><i>-Thomas</i></b><b><i>¡® </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    It was the morning of the Charity Ball and Thomas was at his grandmother¡¯s estate. He¡¯d failed to locate Rabena, and panic began to seep into his mind. He paced back in forth in the kitchen as he tried his best to think of a good illness to give his imaginary wife. Just then, Tyler walked in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>where¡¯s </i><i>Rabena</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>seen </i><i>her </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>while</i><i>, </i><i>is </i><i>she </i><i>okay</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Thomas decided to test his lie out on his cousin regarding Rabena¡¯s illness.


    ¡°Actually, she hasn¡¯t <i>been </i><i>feeling </i><i>too </i><i>well</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>looks </i><i>like </i><i>she </i><i>may </i><i>have </i><i>a </i>severe case of <i>the </i><i>flu</i><i>, </i>I think I¡¯m going to


    let <i>her </i><i>stay </i><i>home</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas stared nervously at his cousin trying to determine if his story worked. Tyler raised an eyebrow, he knew Thomas was lying, still, he smiled and nodded leaving no signs he was aware,


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh </i>no, I hope she feels better<i>. </i><i>Maybe </i><i>I¡¯ll </ie and <i>see </i>her in a <i>few </i><i>days</i>.¡±


    Thomas let out a sigh of relief, it looked like his lie was working. He decided to head to the Crest mansion to make sure everyone was on the page.


    Arriving shortly after 11am, Thomas waited in the grand room for the Crests all to arrive, he¡¯d decided not to tell them about his run¨Cin with Damon. The first to arrive was Danielle, she hadn¡¯t spoken to Thomas since the day of the proposal and was worried about where their rtionship stood.


    ¡°Hello Tommy.¡±


    Chapter an


    She said in her sugary yet sad voice. She was hoping like always, her tears would win him over Thomas


    on


    ¡°He need to discuss the n for tonight E¡¯ll wait for everyone else so we can go over everything together,¡±


    Danielle¡¯s heart began to race, he didn¡¯t even acknowledge her let alone pay attention to her tears. Sitting next to him on the s, she looked directly into his eyes.


    ¡°Is that all you have to say to me


    Thomas let out a slight sigh, what exactly did she want from him? He wasn¡¯t sure how he felt after everything that happened.


    ¡°What do you want me to say Dant, I¡¯m still upset.


    ¡°I know! I¡¯m sorry Tommy! I didn¡¯t mean for all of this to happen!¡±


    Danielle¡¯s voice began to break in between sols thawing some of the tee around his heart


    ¡°Dani, I just don¡¯t understand why you did it. Why would you lie about th¡±


    ¡°Because I was afraid!!¡±


    Danielle cut Thomas off as he continued to question her, oyes Howing with tears, sobs getting louder.


    ¡°I was afraid that if you learned the truth it would be over for us! Don¡¯t you understand how much I love yout¡±


    Thomas began to rub his temples; he didn¡¯t understand Danielle¡¯s fear. He¡¯d loved her even before all of this, there was no need to le.


    ¡°Dant, haven¡¯t I always shown you how much I loved you above everything else. You didn¡¯t have to lie, I would have never left you


    Danielle suddenly stopped crying; her red eyes pierced straight through Thomas. While it was true he did love her, she knew how much he wanted to be CEO.


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 Hunted 39

    <b>Chapter </b><b>39 </b><fn3214> Th?s chapter is updated by find?novel</fn3214>


    ¡°Tommy, tell me the truth, <i>if </i>you had known <i>my </i><i>sister </i><i>was </i><i>the </i>one <i>that </i><i>wrote </i><i>that </i>proposal<i>, </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>have </i>wanted to divorce her?¡±


    Thomas¡¯s face suddenly fell, he loved Danielle more than anyone else, but the position was owed to him. Without responding, she already knew the answer. Wiping her eyes, Danielle let out a lowugh.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought. What was <i>I </i>supposed to do Tommy<i>, </i><i>be </i><i>your </i>permanent <i>mistress</i><i>? </i><i>Marry </i><i>someone </i><i>else? </i><i>Tell </i>me!¡±


    Thomas knew Danielle was right, if it met securing that deal; he would have dly stayed married to Rabena and yed the dutiful husband. What would his ns have been for Danielle then? Thomas wasn¡¯t sure, besides, none of that mattered now, all that mattered was him pleasing Michales finance and securing that deal. He wasn¡¯t about to let his smug cousin take his position!


    ¡°None <i>of </i>that matters <i>right </i>now <i>Danielle</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>focus </i><i>right </i>now <i>is </i>securing the <i>contract</i><i>, </i><i>help </i>me do <i>this </i><i>and </i><i>we </i><i>can </i>still have <i>our </i><i>happily </i>ever <i>after</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Danielle¡¯s eyes beamed with joy, she¡¯d still had a chance at her happily ever after with Thomas, all she had to do was y the role she¡¯d known so well. The role of a loving sister. Just then, the rest of the Crests walked into the room. Amber the first to speak.


    ¡°Well<i>, </i><i>I </i>most <i>certainly </i><i>hope </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>calmed </i><i>down </i>and <i>apologized </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Amber sneered as she saw the two of them sitting together. Before he could answer, Danielle grabbed his


    arm.


    ¡°<i>Mother </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>enough</i><i>. </i><i>Tommy </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>have </i>made <i>up</i><i>! </i><i>The </i><i>most </i>important thing <i>tonight </i><i>is </i><i>making </i><i>sure </i>we all secure <i>that </i><i>MGT </i><i>deal</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Darius scoffed, no longer was he thrilled about the idea of Thomas and Danielle being together. All that week, he couldn¡¯t help but think about the pain and anguish this family had caused Rabena,


    ¡°And how exactly do <i>you </i><i>n </i>on <i>doing </i>that?<i>¡°</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°We¡¯re going to go <i>with </i><i>Danielle¡¯s </i>n and <i>say </i><i>Rabena </i><i>is </i><i>sick</i>.¡±


    Daniel looked at Thoams in disbelief, surly he didn¡¯t think Chairman Michaels would fall for something


    like that.


    ¡°You don¡¯t really <i>think </i>that¡¯s <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>work</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas red at Daniel and Dafius. ¡®What the hell is wrong with these two! Did the miss the part about Crest Real Estate being a part of the deal?¡® Thomas began to get annoyed, usually the only brother that gave him a hard time was Dampon. Suddenly, Davis spoke up.


    ¡°<i>We </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i>a choice <i>Dantel </i>and Dartus. The market has been staggered, a deal <i>like </i><i>this </i>could <i>be </i><i>worth </i>


    <i>billions </i><i>if </i><i>he </i><i>expands </i><i>throughout </i><i>the </i><i>entire </i>continent. <i>We </i><i>have </i><i>to </i>do <i>this</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Darius looked slightly disgusted at his father, suddenly those words from Damon yed in his mind. ¡®I¡¯ll never respect a man that didn¡¯t protect his own daughter.¡®


    ¡°And <i>if </i>Rabena finds <i>out </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>lying </i>not <i>only </i><i>on </i><i>her </i><i>name </i><i>but </i><i>on </i><i>her </i><i>health</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Amber let out a loud scoff, who the hell cared about that nobody! Before she could answer, Davis responded.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find <i>a </i><i>way </i><i>to </i>make it up <i>to </i><i>her</i>, <i>right </i><i>now </i><i>this </i>is <i>more </i><i>important</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Davis looked directly at Amber as if to say, ¡®stay quiet if you want them to help.¡® Rolling her eyes, she sat on the sofa next to Danielle.


    Thomas began to go over the n for the evening, by the time he was finished, it a little after 1pm. Standing up to leave, he gave one more final walk through.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Alright</i><i>, </i>so <i>that¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>whole </i><i>n</i>, <i>if </i><i>we </i><i>all </i><i>stick </i>to same <i>story </i><i>that </i><i>Rabena </i>is <i>sick </i><i>with </i><i>pneumonia </i><i>and </i><i>could </i><i>not </i><i>make </i><i>this </i><i>evening</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>fine </i><i>with </i><i>exining </i><i>why </i><i>she </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>there</i>. As <i>long </i>as <i>everyone </i><i>ys </i><i>the </i><i>role </i><i>of </i><i>a </i><i>loving </i><i>and </i><i>concerned </i><i>family</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>good</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thoams made sure to look directly at Amber, it was no secret she hated the girl the most, he would need her to at least pretend to care.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Amber</i>, <i>just </i><i>pretend </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>Dani</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    With that, Thoams left the mansion leaving everyone speechless.


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 Hunted 40-

    <b>Chapter </b><b>40 </b>


    -Aaron¡¯s <b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    The time was now 3:30pm and Rabena was finished getting dressed for the ball. As Aaron tied his tie, he couldn¡¯t help but gaze at his fianc¨¦. She looked like a beautiful fairy from a childhood story. The royal blueplimented herplexion perfectly. Today, she wore her hair in an updo with spiral curled tail in the back. Her makeup artist used shimmering mascara to match the shimmers and diamonds on the dress. Aaron made a mental note to leave a generous tip for Vrie, she¡¯d certainly turned his bride to be into a


    queen.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>look </i><i>breathtaking </i><i>my </i><i>love</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena blushed lightly, she wondered if she would ever get used to that crooning tone of his.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>look </i>so <i>bad </i><i>yourself </i><i>Chairman</i>.¡±


    Rabena walked slowly up to Aaron pulling his tie lightly until he was in earshot.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>like </i><i>this </i><i>tie</i><i>. </i><i>Make </i><i>sure </i><i>I </i><i>take </i>it off <i>tonight</i>.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s body tangled as Rabena walked away seductively looking back. Aaron couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    <i>¡®</i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>created </i><i>a </i><i>monster</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    Finished with his attire, Aaron made his way down to the ballroom. He and Rabena agreed to stay separate until it was time to make the big reveal.


    The guest all began to arrive, news camera crews, reporters, and bloggers from all over, made their way into the ballroom to take pictures and film the yearly event. Prominent guests, business owners, elite socialites, everyone from all over the world was at this annual ball. It was no secret the impact Chairman Michaels and the entire family had on the world, not to mention, the Prices were here, a rare sight for many as they typically stayed in their respective continent. Aaron was making his way around the room greeting guests, Tyler and Chairwoman Lockwood made their way to his station.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>I </i>must <i>say</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>event </i><i>is </i><i>every </i><i>bit </i>as <i>beautiful </i><i>as </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>been </i>rumored to <i>be </i><i>over </i><i>the </i>


    years.


    Chairwoman Lockwoodplimented as Aaron kissed the back of her hand.


    ¡°Thank you very <i>much </i><i>for </i>that Chairwoman <i>Lockwood</i>, <i>though </i><i>you¡¯re </i>still <i>the </i>prettiest person here<i>.</i><b>¡± </b>


    Chairwoman Lockwood blushed while Tyler shook Aaron¡¯s hand. Looking around the room, he had a puzzled look on his face. Sensing/what he was looking for, Aaron answered his unasked question.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i>over <i>in </i>the Price section, as of <i>right </i>now, <i>I </i><i>have </i><i>her </i>keeping a bit of <i>low </i><i>profile</i>. Once our <i>honored </i><i>guests </i>arrive<i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i>sure you see <i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler nodded his head, he wasn¡¯t sure what the overall n was, but he most eager to see. Finally, Thomas


    <b>1/4 </b>


    would get his just dues.


    As the evening went on, many peopleplimented how beautiful Rabena was, because the Crests never took her to any social events, many people were not aware of who she was making it easy to blend in with the Prices. Aaron watched her from afar smiling and chatting with his sister and her friends, a look of pride showering over his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Michaels</i><i>, </i><i>how </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>been</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    A business associate of Aaron¡¯s walked up shaking his hand. As Aaron kept watch on the front entrance, he caught the associate staring in the direction of Rabena.


    ¡°<i>Whoa </i><i>Hoo</i>! <i>Who </i><i>is </i><i>THAT </i>beauty?¡±


    Aaron looked over in the direction the man was pointing, however there were several women in that circle, one of course being Rabena. Wanting rification, Aaron asked in a cool voice,


    ¡°<i>Which </i><i>beauty </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>referring </i><i>too</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Pointing his finger straight ahead, the man singled out Rabena.


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>supposed </i><i>they </i><i>are </i><i>all </i><i>beautiful</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>talking </i><i>about </i><i>the </i><i>one </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>blue </i><i>gown</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯s breathtaking</i>.¡±


    Aaron could feel his irritation rising, Rabena was too beautiful for his own good; he¡¯d have to announce their engagement quickly or else he¡¯d end up wanting to destroy every male eye in the room. Smiling cooly, Aaron responded.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>believe </i><i>that </i><i>one </i>is off <i>limits</i>.¡±


    A slight shiver went down the man¡¯s spine as he looked at Aaron, the message loud and clear¡­¡®she¡¯s mine!¡®


    The evening was going well, Rabena got to meet a lot of interesting people and many of the charity auction items were selling out. The time was time was 6:00pm when Thomas and The Crests arrived. He figured it would be smart to arrivete using Rabena being sick as the excuse. Aaron spotted them as they walked through the entrance, so did Damon.


    Damon walked over to Aaron sipping his drink.


    ¡°I can¡¯t <i>believe </i><i>they </i><i>actually </i><i>showed </i><i>up</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron was looking with equal disgust, a part of him had hoped they would not show. <fna4c9> For original chapters go to Find_Novel(.</fna4c9>


    <i>¡°</i>Greed has no <i>bounds</i>. It¡¯s no matter, soon we¡¯ll be able to get justice for Ruby<i>.</i>¡±


    Damon nodded at Aaron, finally this dark chapter was about to close.


    Darius noticed him first, he¡¯d saw Damon talking to a tall gentleman before walking over to another section. Confused, he pulled Daniel over to a corner.


    ¡°I just saw Damon.¡±


    Darius looked as if he¡¯d saw a ghost as he spoke to his brother.


    ¡°What. What are you talking about, saw Damon where?¡±


    Darius turned his head slightly as to not draw any attention; he pointed in the direction he saw Damon walk over to. Daniel began to panic, that was impossible! How would Damon have been able to get an invitation to this ball? Where had he even been all this time? Suddenly, a realization came to Daniel.


    ¡°Darius, the day we received the invitations, did you notice Damon didn¡¯t have one?<i>¡± </i>


    Confused, Darius tried to grasp what his brother was talking about.


    ¡°What do you mean<i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°I mean, there was personal invitation for everyone in the Crest family all except for Damon<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Darius didn¡¯t understand why that was so important.


    ¡°Daniel<i>, </i>I¡¯m not following<i>, </i>why would they send an invitation for Damon, he left the same day Rab-<i>¡± </i>


    Daniel cut Darius off mid¨Csentence.


    ¡°How would they <i>have </i><i>known</i><i>? </i><i>MGT</i><i>, </i><i>Chairman </i>Michaels, <i>how </i><i>would </i><i>they </i><i>have </i><i>known </i><i>Damon </i>was no longer <i>there</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Darius began to panic, something wasn¡¯t right. Trying to find reason, he gave what could possibly be the


    reason.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Maybe </i><i>Thomas </i>informed him <i>that </i>day <i>when </i><i>he </i>invited <i>him </i>to <i>the </i><i>ball</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Daniel¡¯s face twisted up.


    <i>¡°</i>Darius, even if that <i>were </i>the case, <i>how </i><i>would </i><i>MGT </i><i>know </i><i>where </i>Damon <i>has </i>been to even <i>give </i><i>him </i><i>an </i>invitation<i>? </i>This <i>charity </i><i>ball </i>is by <i>Invites </i><i>only</i><i>, </i><i>what </i>the <i>hell </i>is <i>doing </i>here?¡±


    Darius and Daniel continued to look over in the direction Damon walked in, a foreboding feeling was creeping over them, something was not right.


    <i>¡°</i>Before <i>we </i><i>panic</i>, let¡¯s make sure that was him you actually saw<i>.</i>¡±


    Daniel looked at Darius with unsure certainty.


    <i>¡°</i>Should <i>we </i>tell everyone else<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Daniel pondered that for a moment but then decided it would be best to find out if it was in fact Damon first.


    Walking over in the same direction, they noticed a tall young man in a ck and silver pin stripped suit. As they grew closer, there was no mistaking it. The man speaking with an investment banker the Crests had worked with before was indeed their brother Damon.


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 Hunted 41

    <b>Chapter </b><b>41 </b>


    -Damon¡¯s POV:


    As they made their way over Damon, he began to feel like dark omen was approaching, like they were walking right into a lion¡¯s den. How long had Damon been back in Banton, why hadn¡¯t <b>he </b>called them, how had he received an invitation? All these questions were roaming in his mind as they made they <b>way</b>. but thergest question of all, where was Rabena?


    Damon was finishing a conversation with an old acquaintance when he saw his brothers approaching. A smug look on his face, he knew it was only <b>a </b>matter of time before they spotted him. After the man walked off, Damon walked slowly toward Daniel and Darius. Darius¡¯s face began to darken as Damon smiled coolly at his brothers.


    <i>¡°</i>Damon. <i>Just </i>what the hell <i>are </i>you <i>doing </i><i>here</i><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Daniel <b>was </b>the <b>first </b><b>to </b><b>speak</b><b>, </b>clear disdain in his voice. Damon let out a light chuckle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hello </i>brother, it¡¯s <i>nice </i><b>to </b>see you too.<b>¡± </b>


    In <b>low </b>voice to avoid attention, Daniel¡¯s frustration <b>grew</b>.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a wise ass <i>Damon</i><i>. </i><i>What </i>are you <i>doing </i>here!<b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>I </i></b><i>was </i><i>invited </i>dear brother<b>, </b>the same as you<b>.</b>¡±


    Damon pulled out his invitation from his breast pocket. Daniel and Darius <b>eyes </b>grew


    <b>. </b>None of this made any sense. Darius needed answers.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Damon</i>, <i>exactly </i><i>HOW </i><i>did </i>you <i>get </i><i>an </i><i>invitation </i>to <i>this </i><i>ball</i><b><i>? </i></b>Where <i>have </i>been <i>all </i><i>this </i><i>time</i><i>? </i>Where is Rabena<b>; </b><i>is </i>she <b><i>here</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Damon closed his eyes for a brief moment, Darius was asking a million questions a minute. Taking a deep breath, he finally answered.


    <i>¡°</i>Darius, <i>if </i><i>you </i>want me <b>to </b><i>answer </i>all <i>of </i><i>these </i>questions <b>I </b>suggest you stop asking so <i>many </i><i>at </i><b>once</b>. <i>Where </i>I¡¯ve been <i>is </i>not of <i>importance</i><i>; </i>neither is how I got here. <b>As </b><i>for </i><i>Rabena</i><b><i>, </i></b>she¡¯s no longer <b>your </b>concern either<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Daniel <b>and </b>Darius could feel their faces burning up, why Damon being this way<b>? </b>They could feel something brewing in the air, an ufortable feeling rising. Daniel took a <b>step </b>closer <b>to </b>Damon whispering speaking within earshot.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what <i>the </i>hell is <i>going </i>on <i>Damon</i>, but <i>if </i>you try <i>and </i><i>mess </i><i>up </i>the <i>deal </i>we¡¯ll <i>have </i><i>with </i><b><i>MGT</i></b><b>, </b>you can consider yourself no longer a Crest.¡±


    Damon let out a smug chuckle, <b>to </b>think Daniel thought that was <b>a </b>threat.


    ¡°Daniel, I haven¡¯t considered myself a ¡®<i>Crest</i>¡® for <i>quite </i>some time. <i>Solidifying </i>it would be doing me a <i>favor</i>.¡±


    With that, Damon walked off leaving the two men stunned,


    -Aaron¡¯s <i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    Meanwhile, Aaron decided now was the right time to sey everything into motion, he was growing tired of the Crests and Thomas being at his event. He walked up to Thomas slowly with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Lockwood, I <b>see </b>you made it, as did the Crests. <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i>seem to see your ¡®wife¡® anywhere.¡±


    Aaron emphasized on wife, eager to hear what lie/thomas woulde up with. Feeling beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Thomas could feel the anxiety rising in his chest. Throughout the evening, he and Crests had been volunteering that his wife was sick with pneumonia Now, it was time to see if Aaron would believe him. Smiling coolly, Thomas held an apologetic expression.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>A</i></b>¨C<i>Actually </i>Chairman Michaels, she wasn¡¯t able to make it this evening I¡¯m afraid she¡¯se down with pneumonia.¡±


    Thomas stared at Aaron for what seemed like an eternity trying to decipher if he¡¯d believed him or not<b>; </b>however, Aaron left no room for expressions. Suddenly, Danielle along with her parents walked up. Sliding her arm into Thomas¡® arm, <b>she </b>smiled brightly at Aaron while speaking in a <b>sugary </b><b>voice</b>.


    <b>1/2 </b><fn08fe> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN()vel</fn08fe>


    <i>¡°</i>Tommy! There you are, we¡¯ve been looking all over for you! Oh, who¡¯s this?¡±


    Aaron cut his <b>eyes </b>over at Danielle. ¡®So, this is Danielle Crest, the one everybody seems to fawn over?¡® Aaron looked unimpressed, he didn¡¯t understand the appeal she had over others. He could tell she relied on acting innocent as a way to manipte others. And she was cute, Rabena possessed an alluring quality that gravitated others to her. She <b>was </b>intelligent, brave<b>, </b>and above all kind. She didn¡¯t need cheap tricks and lies to make people notice her. With sardonic smile, Aaron introduced himself.


    <i>¡°</i>Pleasure to meet <i>you</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m Chairman Michales, the host <b>of </b>this g.¡±


    Danielle¡¯s <b>eyes </b>widen, she¡¯d heard rumors of how handsome the chairman <b>of </b>MGT was but seeing him in person, the rumors did not due him justice. Refere her stood a tall and handsome man with beautiful <b>eyes </b>and authorized presence, much more than Thomas who often seemed whiny. Dawning her best smile<b>, </b>Danielle introduced herself.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i>, <i>my</i><i>. </i>It¡¯s a pleasure to meet <i>you </i><i>Chairman </i>Michaels. I¡¯m <i>Danielle </i>Crest and these <b>are </b>my <i>parents </i><i>Davis </i><b><i>and </i></b>Amber <b><i>Crest</i></b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aaron looked at all four <b>of </b>the people standing before him, with hidden disgust in his eyes, he nodded slightly. Just then<b>, </b>Darius and Daniel walked over with troubled looks on their faces<b>. </b>Amber Crest suddenly turned cheerfully,


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>Chairman </i>Michaels, these <b>are </b>our <i>sons </i><i>Darius </i>and <i>Daniel</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Aaron extended his hand to shake Daniel¡¯s and <b>Darius</b><b>¡®</b><b>. </b>He¡¯d notice a troubled look on their <b>faces </b>and figured it was <b>because </b><b>of </b>Damon.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s a pleasure to meet <i>you </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Darius said in a cool and distant tone. It was still bothering him on exactly how he knew Damon. Aaron looked back <b>over </b>at Thomas<b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><b><i>very </i></b><b><i>sorry </i></b>to hear <i>about </i><i>your </i><i>wife </i><i>Lockwood</i>, <i>though </i>it seems her <i>sister </i>has been nice enough to keep <i>you </i><ipany</i><i>. </i>Still, I hope she¡¯s <i>being </i><i>properly </i>cared <i>for</i><b><i>. </i></b>seeing as <i>to </i><i>how </i><i>her </i>entire <i>family </i>is <i>here</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Aaron spoke in cynical tone that made everyone feel slightly ufortable, Thomas suddenly removed his arm for Danielle¡¯s <b>grip</b>. A shot of panic across his face.


    ¡°W¨CWell yes<b><i>, </i></b><b><i>everyone </i></b><b>received </b>an <b><i>invitation</i></b><b><i>, </i></b>we didn¡¯t <i>want </i>to be rude <i>and </i><i>miss </i><i>by </i>not <i>showing </i><i>up</i><i>. </i><i>Rest </i><i>assured </i>though; <i>Raby </i>is <i>receiving </i><i>around </i><i>the </i><i>clock </i>care <i>from </i>the best medical <i>staff </i><i>in </i><i>Banton</i><b><i>.</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas spoke with a nervous tone as his lied dug further. He didn¡¯t notice the slight look of disgust at the name ¡®Raby¡®. Rabena had told him how the family didn¡¯t even bother <b>to </b><b>pronounce </b>her nickname Ruby correctly after Danielle called her Raby once. Regardless of her constantly correcting them, they¡¯d continued to mispronounce her name, finally she¡¯d stop correcting them altogether.


    Amber chimed in next<b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i>yes. <i>Our </i>Rabena is being well taken care <i>of</i><b><i>. </i></b>¡®<i>Why </i>the hell does he care <i>about </i><i>that </i>girl <i>so </i>much when my Danielle <i>is </i>standing right before him<i>!</i><i>¡°</i><b><i>¡°</i></b>.


    Amber¡¯s inner thoughts were causing her to seethe, she didn¡¯t understand what was so great about Rabena. For her, despite being her biological daughter, she would always that poor girl from a different continent.


    <b>¡°</b>I see. Well, that¡¯s good, and I¡¯m d <i>you </i><i>all </i>able to receive my <i>Invitations</i>.¡±


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 Hunted 42

    <b>Chapter </b><b>42 </b>


    -Thomas¡® <b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    The mentioning of the invitations, Darius thought this would be a good time to ask about Damon. Speaking coolly, Darius walked closer to Aaron


    ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to ask Chairman, what exactly is your rtionship to my older brother Damon?¡±


    Thomas and the Crests all looked at Darius in shock, why was he <b>asking </b>about Damon? Daniel¡¯s face suddenly darkened, he hadn¡¯t expected Darius to t out ask the chairman. He¡¯d hope <b>they </b>would have time to speak with the family first<b>, </b>but Darius just blurted it out! Davis gave a puzzled took to his son.


    ¡°Darius, the chairman doesn¡¯t know Damon, why would you as-<b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i>Because he¡¯s here.¡±


    Darius cut his father off<b>; </b>his gaze never leaving Aaron, there <b>was </b>something about his coolness that concerned Darius. He had a feeling there was something going on and an uneasy feeling began to <b>creep </b>into his chest<b>. </b>Amber¡¯s <b>gasp </b>broke his train of thought.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>A</i></b><b><i>¨C</i></b><b><i>Are </i></b>you <i>saying </i>Damon <i>is </i>here this <i>evening</i>? In THIS <i>ballroom</i><b><i>?</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    Thomas could feel the color draining from his <b>face</b><b>, </b>if Damon revealed the truth about Rabena, they would all be screwed! Grabbing Darius¡® arm, Daniel spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i>Darius, <i>might </i>we have <i>a </i><i>word </i><i>with </i><i>our </i><i>family in </i><i>private </i>for a moment.¡±


    He spoke in earshot so that Aaron couldn¡¯t hear them. Darius gave Daniel a quick look, he¡¯d realized this was not the best way to handle things. Letting out a slight sigh, he nodded in agreement. Daniel smiled coolly at Aaron about to apologize when he noticed a slight smirk on his face. Something was definitely going on.


    ¡°My apologies <i>Chairman </i><i>Michales</i>, <i>I </i><b>need </b>to <i>have </i><i>a </i><b><i>word </i></b><i>with </i>my <i>family </i>for a moment.¡®


    Aaron gave a polite but dark smile<b>, </b>just as he suspected, they¡¯d seen Damon which was causing them to panic. This was most certainly going to be fun. Aaron <b>gave </b>a polite nod approving Daniel¡¯s request<b>. </b>After thanking him, Thomas along with the Crests walked frantically away.


    Once they found a secluded section, Thomas pushed Darius against the wall.


    ¡°What the fuck is going on <i>Darius</i>! <i>Damon </i>is <b><i>here</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Thomas seethed as he barked in a quiet tone <b>sure </b>not <b>to </b><b>cause </b><b>a </b>scene. Daniel then <b>grabbed </b>his shoulder pulling his back.


    ¡°Take it easy Lockwood! Yes¡­Damon is here<b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Everyone stood with their faces pale, they knew this could cause some serious problems. Thomas ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, what the hell is he doing here; and <i>why </i>the hell didn¡¯t you both tell me!¡±


    Darius walked up to Thomas¡® face; he¡¯d had enough of lim acting like they were his assistants.


    ¡°Let¡¯s be clear Lockwood, we don¡¯t <i>work </i>for <i>you</i>. This <i>really </i>doesn¡¯t concern you; Damon is OUR brother.¡±


    Thomas began to seethe, had this fool forgotten what was at stakel


    <i>¡°</i><i>In </i><b>case </b><b>you¡¯ve </b>forgotten Darius, <i>we¡¯re </i>here tonight to secure the MGT deal. That DOES concern me as it does you all ass well? Have you forgotten, thaman <b>could </b>blow <i>the </i>whistle on this whole thing if he tells Mifhales the truth!¡±


    Amber let out an exasperated sigh, that runy! Causing trouble again! That¡¯s all she ever does! Danielle also looked around in a panic, if word got out about how the <b>Crests </b>treated Rabena this could ruin them all. She wasn¡¯t about to lose her <b>chance </b>to snatch Chairman Michaels. From the moment she¡¯d saw <b>him</b>. she decided she wanted to be the chairman¡¯s wife, no longer interested in marrying Thomas. In a sugary voice, she decided to speak <fn3fd1> Content originallyes from F¦ÉndNovel</fn3fd1>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Maybe </i></b>we should <b>all </b>find Damon, if we <b>can </b>reason with him, maybe he¡¯ll help us.¡±


    Darius looked over at Danielle with irritation, he¡¯d saw how she was looking at the chairman He also noticed how the chairman looked at her and he could have sworn he saw hints of disgust in his eyes.


    ¡°Dani, I don¡¯t think Damon cares about what we¡¯re trying to do.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Then make him!¡±


    Voice raising, Danielle was starting to lose her patience. Damon had always been annoying, constantly siding with Rabena. She couldn¡¯t understand why be didn¡¯t love her like everyone else did.


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 Hunted 43

    <b>Chapter </b><b>43 </b><fna861> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find{n}ovel</fna861>


    <b>¡°</b>Keep <i>your </i>voice down!¡±


    Thomas barked as he looked around the room to make sure no one noticed. Amber suddenly stepped beside Danielle rubbing her back as if to <b>calm </b><b>her </b>


    down.


    ¡°<i>Dani</i><i>, </i>sweetie don¡¯t <i>yell</i>. We¡¯re going to figure out something¡­right.¡±


    Amber cut her <b>eyes </b>over at Thomas causing his irritation to rise. All of them <b>were </b>useless<b>! </b>


    ¡°I <b>don¡¯t </b>know, <i>perhaps </i>if <i>your </i>sons had informed me <b>of </b><i>him </i>being here BEFORE confronting <i>Michaels </i>I <i>could </i><i>have </i><b>got </b>in <b>front </b><b>of </b><b>it</b>.¡±


    Thomas red at Darius, his eyes reddening with fury. Darius walked directly to Thomas <b>face </b>leaving little room between them.


    ¡°Or <i>maybe </i><i>if </i>you <i>hadn¡¯t </i>locked my sister in fuckin shed for three <i>days </i><i>nearly </i>killing her none of <i>this </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>happened</i>.¡±


    Danielle, Davis, and Amber¡¯s face all ashen at Darius¡® words. Daniel however<b>, </b>stood quiet. The image of Rabena in that shed still haunted <b>him </b>to this day. Thomas stared at Darius with a smug look. Letting <b>out </b><b>a </b>scoff,


    ¡°<i>Your </i><i>sister</i><i>? </i>Don¡¯t make me <iugh </i><i>Crest</i>. <i>You </i><i>practically </i>cheered me <i>on </i>when I put her <i>in </i><i>there</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Darius gripped Thomas¡¯s cor, <b>eyes </b>ring with rage. The Crests soon bunched in front of the <b>two </b>men trying their best <b>to </b>prevent a scene<b>. </b>They weren¡¯t aware that both Damon and Rabena were watching the whole thing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Darius</i>, <i>let </i><i>him </i>go!¡±


    Davis spoke in a low and pleading tone, but Darius was seeing red. Thomas let out low chuckle.


    ¡°Tell me something Darius, <i>those </i><i>three </i>days <b><i>she </i></b><i>was </i><i>locked </i>up<i>¡­</i><i>did </i><i>you </i>check on <i>her </i>even once<b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Thomas¡¯s words hit Darius like a tone of bricks. During Rabena¡¯s three¨Cday hold, he¡¯d spent those days with the rest of the family celebrating Danielle¡¯s birthday. He didn¡¯t think about Rabena not one time. The blood slowly drained from Darius¡® face as a sudden realization seeped in. He had no right to be upset. Letting go of his cor, Darius stalked away. The remaining Crests let out a low sigh of relief<b>. </b>Amber¡¯s thoughts began <b>to </b>run wild; she med Rabena for all of this, it was HER fault why her family was falling apart.


    Thomas looked over into the <b>crowd </b>trying to spot Aaron<b>, </b>he had to move fast and secure this deal before the <b>Crests </b>all screw everything <b>up</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m going to <i>find </i>Michales and <i>his </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>. <i>Hopefully </i><i>I </i>can <i>secure </i><i>this </i>deal <i>before </i><i>your </i>sons <i>ruin </i><i>everything</i>.¡±


    Daniel had reached his limit; Thomas¡¯s <b>arrogance </b>was pissing him off.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>Hey </i>Lockwood, let¡¯s be <i>clear </i>about something. <i>Rabena </i>was <b>YOUR </b><i>wife</i>, and <i>maybe </i>if you <i>had </i><b>been </b>even a half decent <i>husband </i><i>instead </i><b><i>of </i></b>having your head <i>up </i><i>Danielle¡¯s </i>ass <i>you </i><i>would </i><i>have </i>known she <i>was </i>the one <i>that </i>wrote <i>that </i><i>proposal </i><i>and </i>got you <i>that </i>meeting. <i>So </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>try </i><i>and </i>put this on <i>us</i><i>, </i>you¡¯re <i>the </i>one that fuck this <i>up</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas opened his mouth to say something but closed it quickly after<b>. </b><b>He </b>had no rebuttal to Daniel¡¯s harsh words because everything he said was true. If he had been a better husband, none of this would have happened. Thomas turned to leave looking for Michaels. <b>As </b>he stalked away, thoughts of Rabena started to flood his mind. <b>How </b>she would always cook for him because he had a special diet, how she organized all of his paperwork and kept everything in order. Even though he did not respect their marriage or even her, Rabena still performed her duties <b>as </b>a perfect wife. Never bothering or nagging him, <b>never </b>asking for money <b>or </b>expensive gifts, always supporting him while maintaining grace. Even after securing this deal, Thomas made up in his mind that he would find Rabena and remarry her. This time he would do her right. Spotting Aaron speaking with some guests, Thomas walked up to him with a big smile.


    ¡°Chairman Michaels, if you¡¯re okay <i>with </i>it, I¡¯d <i>like </i>


    <i>pick </i>back <i>up </i>where <i>we </i><i>left </i>of <i>the </i>other <i>day</i>. Your fianc¨¦, I¡¯d love to meet her.¡±

 Hunted 44

    <b>Chapter </b>44


    -Aaron¡¯s POV:


    Aaron could see Thomas making his way over to his section. Vincent and Damon had already filled him in about Thomas and the Crests falling apact Everything wasing together as nned. He and Uncle Pete nced at each other signally that it was almost time to bring Rabena. As Thomas grew closer, Pete walked away to find Gloria and Rabena. Vincent made his way over to Aaron. Just then, Thomas walked up with this huge smile on his face.


    ¡°Chairman Michaels, apologies for my brother¨Cinw earlie


    <i>do </i>you know him?¡±


    gh <b>I </b>must admit, I was little surprised to learn Damon is here. <i>If </i>you don¡¯t mind <i>my </i>asking, how


    see the


    sweat forming on his forehead as he spoke. Giving a slight smile Aaron signaled for Aaron knew Thomas was trying to y it cool, but he could Thomas to follow him over towards the stage. As they walked, Aaron began to speak.


    ¡°I actually had the pleasure of meeting Damon <i>Crest </i><i>recently</i><i>. </i>We even spoke about his sister<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron looked at Thomas with a mischievous grin, he knew mentioning Rabena would send instant fear to him. Judging by his expression, he was night. The color in Thomas¡¯s face was almostpletely drained.


    ¡°I¨C<i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>right</i>? Um, <i>what </i>did <i>he </i><i>say</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Aaron was having too good a time watching Thomas panic. It was what he deserved after what his finance suffered through at <b>the </b>hands of <b>him</b>.


    <i>¡°Oh</i>, a little <i>of </i>this and <i>that</i><i>. </i><i>You </i>can <i>tell </i>he¡¯s <i>really </i><i>protective </i><i>of </i><i>her</i>. <i>Though </i>I must <i>say</i><i>, </i><i>after </i><i>learning </i>all <i>about </i>her, I <i>almost </i><i>asked </i>him for her hand <i>in </i><i>marriage</i>.¡±


    The two men reached their destination, Aaron was now staring Thomas directly in the face. Thomas looked as if the ceiling was about to fall, ¡®Is he joking? Isn¡¯t he about to introduce me to his fianc¨¦?¡± Walking right into his trap, Thomas arrogantly reminded Aaron that Rabena was his wife. <fn2211> Original content can be found at F?nd-Novel</fn2211>


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>guess </i>it¡¯s <i>ashamed </i>I <i>married </i>her <i>first</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Thomas looked smugly at Aaron. Although he wanted this deal, he wasn¡¯t about to let Michaels disrespect him, as far as he knew, Rabena was his wife! Aaron gave Thomas a nk look, it was pissing him off hearing him call Rabena his wife, but he had to stick to the n. Smiling coolly, Aaron let out <i>a </i>chuckle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>suppose </i><i>it </i><i>is</i>. <i>Although</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>way </i><i>you </i><i>spake </i>so <i>highly </i><i>of </i><i>that </i><i>Danielle </i><i>person</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>thought </i><i>SHE </i><i>was </i><i>your wife</i>. <i>Especially </i>the <i>way </i><i>she </i><i>clung </i>onto your arm <i>tonight</i><i>. </i>It¡¯s a <i>shame </i><i>your </i><i>wife </i><i>is </i><i>sick </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>loved </i>to meet her. <i>Maybe </i>some <i>other </i><i>time </i><i>hmm</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas could feel something was off, he wasn¡¯t sure why<i>, </i>but Michaels entire demeanor was different. Something felt cold, distant. Pushing those thoughts back, Thomas told himself it must be his nerves. Besides, he nned on remarrying Rabena anyway so that smug look on Michales¡® face wouldn¡¯tst forever.


    <i>¡°</i>Indeed! I¡¯ll <i>have </i>to <i>n </i>a <i>gathering </i><i>after </i><i>the </i>merger so <i>that </i>our <i>wives </i><i>can </i><i>meet</i>.¡±


    Aaron nearly burst outughing. Though he had to give it to Lockwood, he was trulymitted to this lie. Aaron turned to Vincent as he nodded his head indicating Rabena was ready, a smile on his face he turned back over to Thomas.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i>, <i>let¡¯s </i>not waste <i>anymore </i><i>time </i><i>than </i><i>shall </i><i>we</i><i>. </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>, </i>first let me <i>say </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>decided </i>to <i>make </i><i>the </i><i>deal </i><i>with </i><i>Lockwood </i><i>Architecture </i><i>Corp. </i><i>It¡¯s </i>going to be a <i>multibillion</i>¨Cdor deal <i>as </i><i>we </i><i>n </i>to <i>expand </i><i>the </i>entire <i>Northern </i><i>Continent</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas could hardly believe his ears! Just like that! The deal was evenrger than he¡¯d dreamed! Not to mention he hadn¡¯t even had the chance to meet Michaels¡® fianc¨¦. What had changed his mind? Well, whatever it was, he sure as hell wasn¡¯t going to question it! Grabbing Aaron¡¯s hand to shake it, Thomas could hardly contain <i>his </i>glee.

 Hunted 45

    Chapter <b>45 </b>


    ¡°C¨CChairman Michaels, I don¡¯t know what to say!


    Just as Thomas began thanking Aaron, his grandmother over to the chairwoman, Thomas grabbed her hand.


    ¡°Grandmother! You¡¯ll believe this! I <i>just </i>secured a


    yon!


    <i>This </i>means so much fa mel


    Tyler walked over. Thomas seeing Tyler had an instant smug expression on his face. Walking


    -dor deal with MGT¡¯s Chairmant¡±


    Chairwoman Lockwood looked at her ridiculous grandson with a nk expression. She couldn¡¯t believe how clueless he was<b>. </b>Tyler turned his head in disgust. Thomas, assuming it was due to jealousy as he had just secured the CEO position, wasted no time rubbing it in his face.


    ¡°My dear cousin, with this new deal, I¡¯m sure I


    can find for you


    Tyler couldn¡¯t help butugh, Thomas truly was a fool. Before


    ¡°What makes you think you¡¯re the new <i>CEO</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <b>be </b>


    in charge of. With me bing CEO<i>, </i>I¡¯ll make sure to take care of you.¡±


    to


    ld respond, his grandmother spoke.


    Thomas had a puzzled look on his face, surly she couldn¡¯t be serious. He¡¯d just secured a billion¨Cdor deal, pushing back his concerns and doubts. Thomas assumed his grandmother was joking. Turning back to Aaron, he resumed their conversation.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯ll have </i><i>to </i><i>excuse </i><i>my </i><i>grandmother</i><i>, </i><i>though </i>she <i>may </i><i>not </i><i>always </i><i>show </i><i>it</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>beyond </i><i>ted</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Aaron remained silent, watching Thomas gloat and celebrate was making it that much easier to bring on his downfall. The truth of that matter was Aaron


    drinks. found his behavior disgusting. iming credit for a deal he had no parts in was what pissed him off the most. iming glory for a deal your WIFE secured is what made him all the more disgusting. As a waiter walked by, Aaron signaled for him to bring over <fn8739> Get full chapters from fin?novel</fn8739>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Lockwood</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>we </i><i>toast </i>to the <i>new </i><i>deal </i><i>between </i><i>our </i><ipanies</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Thomas¡¯s face lit up! This was surely a joyous moment. Grabbing three sses, he handed one to his grandmother and one to Tyler. Aaron did a light tap on his ss causing others to look in their direction. Suddenly the music ying paused as Aaron walked up to the podium and grabbed the mic, all eyes on him.


    ¡°If I <i>could </i><i>have </i><i>everyone¡¯s </i><i>attention </i><i>please</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    All eyes were on Aaron as he continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>First</i>, I¡¯d <i>like </i>to <i>think </i><i>everyone </i>for <iing </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>annual </i><i>charity </i><i>ball</i><i>. </i><b><i>The </i></b><i>money </i><i>raised </i><i>here </i><i>tonight </i><i>will </i>be used <i>to </i><i>fund </i>the <i>orphanage </i>center <i>here </i>in Banton, <i>Part </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>reason </i><i>I </i>do <i>these </i><i>events </i><i>all </i><i>over </i>the <i>world </i><i>is </i>to <i>make </i>sure <i>my </i><ipany </i><i>continues </i>to <i>help </i><i>these </i><i>organizations</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Loud ps and cheers spread throughout the ballroom. Aaron held his hand up signally for the crowd to quiet down as he continued.


    ¡°Second, <i>as </i><i>many </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>may </i>or <i>may </i>not <i>know</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>recently </i><i>got </i><i>engaged</i><i>. </i><i>So, </i>I¡¯ll be <i>introducing </i><i>my </i><i>beautiful </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>soon</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><istly</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i>like to use <i>this </i>opportunity <i>to </i><i>announce </i><i>that </i><i>MGT </i><i>Hotels </i>and <i>Resorts </i><i>will </i><iing </i><i>to </i>the entire <i>Northern </i><i>continent</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>pleased </i><i>to </i><i>announce </i><i>that </i><i>Lockwood </i><i>Architecture </i><i>Corp </i><i>will </i>be <i>the </i><i>leading </i><i>architecture </i>and designing <ipany</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cheers irrupted throughout the ballroom, many screaming congrattions to the Lockwoods fornding such a deal. As the apuds continue, the Crests made their way over to the front. The looks on their faces were stunned. They couldn¡¯t believe Thomas actually secured the deal. Davis was the first to congratte him.


    ¡°Thomas <i>my </i><i>boy</i><i>! </i><i>Congrattions </i>to my <i>dear </i>son<i>¨C</i><i>in</i><i>¨C</i><iw</i><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Thomas had a smug look as he shook Davis¡¯s hand. Looking over at Darius and Daniel whose faces darken, he let out a <i>light </i>chuckle. Danielle kept her eyes on Aaron, she would wait until after the celebrating to make her <b>move</b>.

 Hunted 46

    <b>Chapter </b><b>46 </b>


    -Aaron¡¯s <b>POV</b><b><i>: </i></b>


    As the apuses continued, Aaron made his way back over to the Crests and Lockwoods. He could see the joy and smugness in their faces, and he <b>couldn¡¯t </b>wait to tear it off. As Aaron grew closer, Davis made his way over. With a huge smile, he extended his hand to Aaron. There was a slight pause before Aaron shook his hand causing Davis to feel slightly nervous, brushing it off, he continued to speak.


    ¡°So, Chairman, my¨Cson¨Cinw tells me that my daughter also included Crest <i>Real </i>Estate in <i>the </i>proposal <i>for </i><i>the </i><i>property </i>developments. <i>I¡¯d </i>like to get started <b>as </b>soon as possible.¡±


    Aaron cut his eyes over to Davis, the nerve of him trying to use his fianc¨¦ and speak as if was a loving father. Smiling, Aaron held his hand up


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we save this conversation forter.¡±


    There was something about the way he saidter that made Davis feel uneasy. Darius and Daniel felt the shift too. Something was definitely wrong. Thomas, still reeling from the merger, didn¡¯t sense the shift at all. Walking over to Aaron, he had a puzzled look on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels</i>, I <i>meant </i>to <i>ask </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>since </i><i>I </i><i>never </i>got the chance <i>to </i>meet <i>your </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>changed </i><i>your </i><b><i>mind</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Aaron tilted his head to the side with a slightly puzzled smile on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not <i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>mean </i><i>Lockwood</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Puzzled.


    ¡°Um, <i>your </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>. <i>On </i><i>Monday </i><i>you </i><i>said </i><i>your </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>would </i>have to meet me in order to decide<b><i>?¡± </i></b>


    Aaron let out a light chuckle. Now the stage was finally set.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually</i>, Lockwood <i>I </i><i>said </i><i>she </i><i>would </i>need <i>to </i>meet <i>the </i><i>CEO</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>she </i><i>already </i><i>has</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas had a confused look on his face. What did he mean by ¡®she already has¡®, to his knowledge, he had never met his fianc¨¦.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Have </i>I met her before<i>? </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>afraid </i>I don¡¯t <i>remember</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>never </i>said <i>YOU </i>met <i>her</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    A bad feeling was seeping into Thomas¡¯s chest. Why was the chairman speaking so cryptically and if it wasn¡¯t him he referring too then who was he speaking about? Surely he knew that Thomas was the future CEO of Lockwood Corp.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>afraid </i>I¡¯m <i>confused</i>.¡±


    Aaron had a sardonic smile on his face. Now was the time to finish this.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, <i>where </i><i>are </i><i>my </i><i>manners</i>. <i>Thomas</i><i>, </i><i>let </i>me <i>introduce </i><i>you </i>to <i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>.<b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Everyone looked forward. Suddenly, a beautiful woman in a royal blue gown made her to the center. Everyone in the ballroom gasp as she made her way. Whispers of how beautiful she was filled the room, while others questioned who she was. Thomas and the Crests however, their faces however looked <b>as </b>if all the blood had been drained for they had recognized the woman all too well.


    Aaron Michales¡® fianc¨¦ <b>was </b>none other than Rabena.


    <b><i>-Rabena¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    Amber was the first to speak as Rabena ced her hand into Aaron¡¯s while hended <b>a </b>soft kiss on her cheek. With fire seething through her words, Amber walked up to Rabena.


    ¡°Rabena<i>! </i>What the hell <i>are </i>doing <i>here</i><i>! </i><i>What¡¯s </i>going on<i>! </i><i>Take </i>your hand out <i>of </i>the chairman¡¯s hand this instant.


    Rabena had a smirk on her face, she¡¯d been waiting for this moment all evening.


    ¡°Why would I do that Mrs. Crest, he is after all my fiance.¡±


    Amber could feel a lump in her throat, her eyes burning with rage. How could something like this happen! Darius and Daniel stood in shock is Danielle looked as if she wanted to kill Rabena. Turning on her fake innocent charm, she walked up and grabbed Rabena¡¯s hand,


    ¡°My darling sister, did you <i>get </i>Chairman Michales to <i>y </i>along with you to make Thomas Jealous? Please sister<i>, </i><i>I </i>know I¡¯ve caused you pain because your <i>jealous </i>of me, but I beg you not to involve <i>others</i>. Punish me if you <i>must </i>but leave the chairman out of <i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena had seen this act so many times, the fake concern, the fake tears it was regr ybook for Danielle. Rabena snatched her hand out hers giving her a look of deadly daggers.


    ¡°What the hell would I <i>be </i>jealous of you for<i>? </i>It¡¯s <i>funny </i><i>you </i>should mention <i>my </i>husband, I certainly hope you don¡¯t mean Thomas. Afterall, you¡¯re the one who¡¯s been sleeping with him.¡±


    Gasps started irrupting all over the ballroom. The guests couldn¡¯t believe what they had just heard. Did she just use Danielle Crest of sleeping with her husband? There was so much confusion. Danielle looked as if all the color drained from her face. Still putting on act, she began to cry.


    ¡°<i>Raby</i><i>! </i>Why <i>would </i>you <i>say </i><i>that</i><i>! </i>You <i>know </i><i>Tommy </i>has <i>always </i>been <i>nothing </i>but a <i>brother </i>to me! Isn¡¯t <i>that </i>right? Tell her Tommy!<i>¡± </i>


    Thomas finally came back to reality, he¡¯dpletely zoned out at the sight of Rabena, hearing Danielle pleas, he began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Rabena</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>is </i><i>this</i><i>? </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>here </i>and <i>calling </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels </i><i>your </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena looked over at Thomas with a mocking expression andughed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>guess </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>confused</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>were </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>telling </i><i>people</i>, I¡¯m <i>sick</i><i>? </i><i>Hm</i>, am I <i>sick </i><i>honey</i><i>? </i>


    Rabena looked over at Aaron who was now smiling, hearing her call him honey affected him in dark ways.


    ¡°<i>You </i>seem <i>fine </i><i>and </i><i>look </i><i>even </i><i>better</i><i>. </i><i>Perhaps </i><i>they </i><i>weren¡¯t </i><i>referring </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>after </i><i>all</i><i>, </i>he <i>said </i><i>his </i><i>fianc¨¦¡¯s </i><i>name </i>is <i>Rabena </i><i>Crest</i>.¡±


    The Crests all looked confused, why had Michaels emphasized her name that way. It was as if he were insinuating her name to be different. Davis finally decided to speak.


    Chairman


    <i>¡°</i><i>Rabena</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>doing</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>embarrassing </i>us like <i>this</i><i>! </i><i>Apologize </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>sister </i><i>now</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>apologize </i>to <i>Chairman </i><i>Michaels </i>for dragging <i>him </i><i>into </i><i>this </i><i>mess</i>!<b>¡± </b>


    Before Rabena could say anything, her Uncle Pete and Aunt Gloria stormed over along with Damon, Sean, and Catherine. Pete spoke first.


    ¡°Mr. <i>Crest</i>, <i>you </i><i>wanna </i><i>exin </i>to <i>me </i><i>why </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>yelling </i>at my <i>daughter</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Davis looked over at Pete inplete shock, his daughter, what the hell was going on? Amber stepped in to speak. <fn30e1> For original chapters go to Find1Novel</fn30e1>


    ¡°Who <i>exactly </i><i>are </i><i>you </i>and <i>why are </i><i>you </i><i>calling </i>my <i>daughter </i>YOUR <i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria walked up to Amber; she had been wanting to give her a piece of her mind ever since <b>they </b>all learned <b>the </b>truth about how Rabena had been treated. Lifting her right hand, she flung it as hard as she could.


    <i>SLAP</i><i>! </i>


    The pnded directly on Amber¡¯s right cheek stinging like hot fire to her face. She instantly fell back; Davis immediately grabbing her. Daniel and Darius


    rushed over <b>as </b>well.


    ¡°<i>What </i>the hell <i>do </i><i>you </i>think <i>you¡¯re </i><i>doing</i><i>! </i><i>Kabena </i>who <i>are </i>these <i>people</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Daniel barked at Rabena as the crowd gasps in shock. Rabena stood smiling, a proud look on her face. Before she could answer, Aaron walked in between Pete and Gloria, the three of them shielding her.


    ¡°Mr. and Mrs, Crest, allow me to introduce you to my future inws. This Pete and Gloria Price of Prd Techware, they¡¯re n Raben¡¯t nunt and sche


    The Crests all looked in shock, what was going on! As Amber stood to her feet, still holding her cheek, she had fire in her eyes<b>, </b>the formalities now gone.


    ¡°Chairman Michaels I¡¯m not sure what type of game you¡¯re ying at, but <i>they </i>are not rted to Rabena Crest!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, they¡¯re rted to Rabena Price.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>Comments


    Visitor

 Hunted 47

    ¡°Burn those who burned mel¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>47 </b>


    -Pete¡¯s <b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    The entire ballroom was filled with gasps, whispers, and confusion as the scene between the Michaels¡®, Lockwoods, and Crests yed out. What was the true identity of the Chairman¡¯s fianc¨¦?


    Davis looked at Aaron as if he had three heads, there was no way Rabena was rted to the Prices.


    Chairman Michaels<i>, </i>I¡¯m not sure who these people are, but my daughter¡±


    Pete cut Davis off mid¨Csentence; he¡¯d had enough of these fools disrespecting his niece. Pulling out a piece a paper, Pete decided to address the crowd to clear up the confusion. Aaron handed him the mic so that the entire room could hear him.


    ¡°Allow me to introduce myself. My name <i>is </i>Pete Price Chairman of Prd <i>Techware</i>, this is my wife <i>Gloria</i>, our son Sean, his <i>wife </i>Catherine, our granddaughter Gracie¡­¡±


    Pete then turned around and gently pulled Rabena to the front. <fn9b28> Th?s chapter is updated by find?novel</fn9b28>


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>this </i><i>is </i>my niece Rabena <i>Price</i><i>.</i>¡±


    The crowd let out loud <b>gasps</b>, as Thomas and the Crests tried to walk over, fourrge security guards stood in their way. Pete continued on.


    ¡°19 <i>years </i><i>ago</i>, <i>my </i>older brother <i>Paul </i><i>along </i><i>with </i><i>his </i><i>wife </i><i>Grace </i><i>adopted </i>Rabena after she <i>had </i>been <i>abandoned </i>to an <i>orphanage</i>. <i>Later </i>on<b>, </b>around the time Rabena <i>was </i>six<i>, </i><i>it was </i><i>discovered </i><i>that </i><i>there </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>human</i>¨C<i>trafficking </i><i>ring </i><i>going </i><i>around </i>to different continents <i>stealing </i><i>babies </i><i>and </i><i>selling </i><i>them </i><i>to </i>ck market orphanage workers <i>who </i><i>were </i><i>receiving </i><i>percentages </i>for <i>children </i><i>being </i>adopted <i>out</i>.¡±


    This information stunned even Rabena, her parents never told her this information. Pete looked at Rabena with slight sadness in his eyes<b>, </b>it looked as if he were about to reveal a dirty secret.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Shortly </i><i>after </i><i>the </i><i>ring </i><i>was </i><i>taken </i><i>down</i>, <i>my </i>brother <i>and </i><i>sister</i>¨C<i>in</i><i>¨C</i><iw </i><i>investigated </i>to <i>verify </i><i>if </i><i>Ruby </i><i>was </i><i>apart </i>of <i>that </i><i>kidnapping </i>ring. <i>Turns </i>out she <i>was</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Rabena could feel the blood drain from her face as her hands started to tremble. Aaron looked at his fianc¨¦, his face filled with sorrow, he knew Pete would be revealing the full truth. He gently held her hand to give support. Damon walked up and grabbed her other hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Once </i><i>my </i><i>brother </i>and <i>his </i><i>wife </i>learned the truth<i>, </i><i>though </i>it <i>pained </i><i>them </i>realizing <i>they </i><i>may </i><i>be losing </i><i>their </i><i>only </i><i>child</i><i>, </i>they <i>decided </i>to find out who <i>Rabena¡¯s </i><i>biological </i><i>parents </i><i>were</i><i>. </i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>when </i><i>we </i><i>learned </i>it <i>was </i><i>the </i><i>Crests</i><i>. </i><i>Figuring </i><i>they </i>would <i>be </i><i>happy </i>to <i>find </i><i>their </i><i>long</i><i>¨C</i>lost <i>daughter</i>, <i>they </i><i>book </i>an immediate flight to Banton<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Pete turned back to Rabena; her breathing had slightly elerated as she wondered where this story was going. ncing over to the Crests, she noticed Amber and Davis looking as if all the air had been taken from them. Pete continued.


    <i>¡°</i>Some of you may or may not know <i>this</i>, but <i>my </i><i>brother </i><i>and </i><i>his </i><i>wife </i>were <i>not </i><i>very </i><i>shy </i><i>people</i>, <i>and </i><i>they </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>often </i><i>leave </i>the western <i>continent </i>much <i>less </i><i>travel </i>to the northern continent. <i>That¡¯s </i><i>why</i>, when the <i>Crests </i><i>first </i><i>met </i><i>them</i>, <i>they </i>assumed <i>they </i><i>were </i><imoners </i>or at <i>the </i><i>very </i><i>least </i><i>below </i><i>them</i><i>. </i><i>When </i>they informed them <i>they¡¯d </i><i>had </i>their <i>biological </i>daughter <i>for </i>the <i>past </i><i>5 </i>1?2 <i>years</i>¡­¡±


    Rabena could feel the tears streaming down her face. Pete¡¯s eyes began to water as well. Damon looked over at his parents with shock, if Pete <b>was </b>about to say what he thought¡­.


    ¡°<i>The </i>Crests told them <i>they </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>Ruby </i><i>because </i>she had been <i>tainted </i><i>by </i><i>people </i><i>beneath </i><i>them</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Loud gasps irrupted throughout the ballroom, many of the guest had <b>tears </b>in their eyes as they listened to Pete. What kind of people would abandon their own child. Hearing the whispers, Amber yelled out


    ¡°<i>THAT¡¯S </i><i>A </i><i>LIE</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Pete opened up the paper he¡¯d been holding. It <b>was </b>adoption forms along with the parental release forms. The Crests signed their rights as parents over to the Prices.


    Rabena felt as if she was going to faint. Her <b>eyes </b>burned as they overflowed with tears. Damon was now also crying; he looked over at his parents; <b>Darius </b>and Daniel also standing in shock. They never knew about this. Darius spoke first.

 Hunted 48

    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>M</i></b><b>¨C</b>Mom, tell me this isn¡¯t <i>true</i>. You found Robena before she was 157¡±


    Amber looked at her sons in horror. The words caught in her throat like lumps of coal. Davis just stood in silence like a statue refusing to look anyon the <b>eyes</b>..


    ¡°When my brother and <i>sister </i>died in a car ident, my wife and I were going to officially adopt my <i>niece</i>. <i>The </i>day before the adoption however, we received notice that the Crests wanted Rabena back. When <i>my </i>wife and I traveled to Banton to fight it, they had awyer provide us with paperwork showing my brother and sister would relinquish parental rights back to the Crests in the <i>event </i>something happened to them<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Pete looked as if a bad memory formed into his mind.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i>was the <i>first </i>time I had ever cursed my brother. <i>Ruby </i><i>was </i><i>our </i>niece, <i>and </i>we loved <i>her </i>dearly. <i>I </i>had every intention on fighting it; but Rabena showed excitement about meeting her birth parents, <i>I </i>couldn¡¯t bare to do that to her. Of course<i>, </i><iter </i>on <i>we </i>would learn those documents were false.<i>¡± </i>


    Rabena¡¯s mind went nk. She¡¯d remember learning of her birth parents for the <b>first </b>time and the excitement she¡¯d had learning they found her. How foolish she had been back then, five years taken away from her true family all because she wanted to meet strangers. Aaron¡¯s heart felt as <b>if </b><b>a </b><b>tight </b>wire was crushing it. He knew Rabena¡¯s hearth was breaking, and he didn¡¯t know how to sooth her; but she needed to learn the full truth.


    ¡°To be honest<i>, </i><i>I </i>could <i>have </i><i>forgiven </i>the Crests <i>for </i><i>lying </i>and <i>stealing </i><i>my </i><i>niece </i><i>from </i>her <i>family </i><i>had </i><i>they </i><i>taken </i>care of her. I found outter <b>my </b>niece was only brought back to <i>Banton </i><i>because </i>she <i>was </i>bone <i>marrow </i><i>match </i>for <i>her </i><i>fraternal </i>twin sister <i>Danielle</i><i>. </i>They <i>never </i><i>had any </i><i>interest </i><i>in </i>loving her or making her apart <i>of </i>their <i>family</i><i>.</i>¡±


    The ballroom was filled with tears, soon, angry shouts from the Prices and Martins irrupted. Peter continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>learned </i><iter </i><i>on </i>from <i>my </i><i>niece </i><i>that </i>she <i>endured </i><i>over </i><i>five </i>years of <i>abuse </i>at the hands of her <i>parents</i><i>, </i>two <i>of </i><i>her </i>brothers<i>, </i><i>her </i>sister<b><i>, </i></b>and her husband. Too <i>ashamed to </i><i>tell </i>me, she <i>kept </i><i>this </i><i>all </i><i>bottled </i>up <i>inside</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>only </i><i>people </i><i>that </i><i>ever </i><i>showed </i>her <i>love </i><i>was </i>her older brother <i>Damon </i><i>whom </i>we¡¯ve taken in like a son <i>and </i><i>Chairwoman </i>Lockwood <i>along </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>grandson </i><i>Tyler </i><i>Lockwood</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Grace¡¯s older sister Cora charged directly at Amber.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>bitch</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>could </i><i>you </i>do <i>this </i>to my <i>niece</i>! <i>Your </i>own <i>daughter</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>kind </i>of mother <i>are </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cora¡¯s husband and daughter grabbed her as she tried to attack Amber while the security team tried to break up the fight. Through tears, Cora¡¯s daughter Laura stopped her mom. <fne4dd> The source of th?s content is f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fne4dd>


    <i>¡°</i>She¡¯s not worth it <i>mom</i><i>! </i><i>Come </i><i>on</i>. <i>Let¡¯s </i>go <i>and </ifort <i>Ruby</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>all </i><i>that </i><i>matters</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    The other family members from the Prices, Martins, and Michaels all came over to embrace Rabena who was now hugging Aaron and sobbing. Pete continued.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>telling </i><i>you </i>all <i>this </i>so <i>that </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>know </i>the <i>type </i><i>of </i><i>people </i><i>you </i><i>put </i><i>up </i><i>on </i><i>a </i><i>pedestal </i><i>of </i><i>high </i><i>society </i><i>but </i>also to <i>atone </i>for <i>failing </i>to honor my brother <i>and </i><i>sister</i>¨C<i>in</i><i>¨C</i><iw¡¯s </i><i>promise </i><i>by </i><i>protecting </i><i>me </i><i>niece </i><i>if </i><i>anything </i><i>ever </i><i>happened </i>to <i>them</i>.¡±


    Pete walked over to Rabena along with Gloria and Sean, tears streaming down their faces.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ruby</i><i>, </i><i>p</i><i>¨C</i><i>please</i><i>. </i><i>Could </i><i>you </i><i>forgive </i><i>us</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Rabena grabbed her uncle and aunt and hugged them tightly. Sean wrapped his arms around all of them. Finally, the family was truly reunited.


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 Hunted 49

    <b>-Rabena¡¯s </b><b>POV</b>:


    After an emotional story and embrace. The ballroom was filled with tears from the story of the little orphan girl and disgust for her biological family. Shorts from the crowd irrupted towards the Crests and Thomas, Daniel and Darius looked at their parents with disgust hot said nothing for they also participated in the mistreatment and abuse of their sister.


    As the family finished embracing Rabena, she made her way over to Thomas and the Crests. Pure hatred and disgust rested within her eyes, <fn2510> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? </fn2510>


    ¡°Thomas, you should know <i>I </i>had a meeting with your grandmother regarding the business deal between the Lockwoods and MGT Corp. You¡¯ll be d to know I convince my fiance to still go into business with them.¡±


    Thomas¡¯s eyes lit up; he went to reach for Rabena¡¯s hands, but she jerked away.


    ¡°Thank you so much Rabena. I promise <i>I </i>won¡¯t-¡±


    Rabena held her hand up to stop Thomas from speaking.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>wouldn¡¯t thank me <i>just </i>yet. I made the deal <i>with </i>the chairwoman under the <i>condition </i><i>Tyler </i><b><i>bes </i></b><i>CEO</i>. She¡¯s assured me that won¡¯t be a problem. And seeing <i>as </i>to how you never even read <i>my </i><i>business </i>proposal<i>, </i><i>and </i>he read <i>the </i><i>entire </i><i>thing</i>, I <i>think </i>it¡¯s <i>only </i><i>fair </i>he leads this project.¡±


    As fast as Thomas was about to rejoice, that¡¯s how quickly his joy came to an end. The color drainedpletely from his face as his knees began to buckle. He frantically searched for his grandmother who looked at him with disgust while standing next to Tyler.


    ¡°Grandmother<i>!! </i>Tell <i>her </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>not </i>true!! <i>Tell </i>her <i>either </i>I¡¯m the <i>CEO </i>or <i>there¡¯s </i>no <i>deal</i><i>! </i><i>Tell </i><i>her</i>!!¡±


    Thomas began to frantically yell; on his knees in front of his grandmother, he panicked as she stared down at him. Looking at Thomas for the disgraceful fool he¡¯d always been, the chairwoman¡¯s handnded hard on his cheek.


    <i>SLAP</i>!


    Thomas grabbed his cheek, stunned his grandmother hit him.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯re </i>aplete <i>disgrace</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>did </i><i>everything </i>we <i>could </i>to turn <i>you </i>into a <i>respectable </i>young man and <i>leader</i>, <i>but </i><i>you¡¯ve </i>done nothing <i>but </i>turn into <i>a </i><izy</i>, spoiled, <i>selfish</i><i>, </i><i>fool</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The chairwoman unleashed all her fury out on Thomas, he¡¯d embarrassed the Lockwood name for the final time.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>be </i>good <i>to </i><i>the </i><i>young </i><i>woman </i><i>that </i><i>saved </i><i>my </i><i>life</i><i>! </i><i>Rabena </i><i>was </i><i>every </i><i>bit </i>the <i>ideal </i><i>spouse </i><i>and </i>I <i>regret </i><i>wasting </i><i>a </i>person like her on a person like <i>you</i>! <i>You¡¯ve </i>coasted all these <i>years </i><i>off </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>talent </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>cousins </i><i>hard</i>¨C<i>work</i><i>. </i><i>Well</i><i>, </i>no <i>more</i><i>! </i><i>From </i><i>this </i><i>point </i><i>on </i><i>you¡¯re </i>no <i>longer </i><i>apart </i>of <i>Lockwood </i><i>Corp</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thomas looked on in horror, his entire future gone within a matter of minutes.


    ¡°<i>N</i>¨C<i>No</i><i>, </i><i>grandmother</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>do </i><i>this </i>to me!!!¡±


    Tyler stood in front of his grandmother and gripped Thomas up.


    <i>¡°</i>Stop <i>embarrassing </i><i>yourself </i><i>Thomas</i>, <i>it¡¯s </i><i>over</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler released Thomas causing him to fall directly on back.


    Rabena then walked over to Danielle who was looking on in horror and anger. This wasn¡¯t fair! She was supposed to get everything! She was always first! How had things gone so wrong for her yet so right for her worthless <b>sister</b><b>! </b>


    <i>SLAP</i><i>! </i>


    Rabena¡¯s hand came flying across Danielle¡¯s cheek. <b>As </b>she let out a loud yelp, Rabena leaned down and spoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s for these <i>past </i><i>five </i><i>years </i>of making <i>my </i><i>life </i><i>a living </i>hell<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 50

    <b>Chapter </b><b>50 </b>


    Chapter 1: The Rebirth of ra Granger.


    -ra¡¯s POV:


    I stared at the receptionist withplete confusion. What was I doing back here? My name is ra Granger; I was a groundbreaking world¨Crenowned bio- chemist creating groundbreaking lifesaving medicines. I was also murdered at the age of 29 at the hands of my husband, father, and stepsister. Right now, however, I was staring in the face of the clerk at Bartrum Private Academy, asking if I would be applying to Lexington¡¯s pre¨Cbiochemistry early admission program. Lexington was one of Glendale¡¯s most prominent schools of Pharmacy. It was also the alma mater my parents, Caroline and Jameson Granger went.


    My parents got married straight after undergrad. My father wanted to be married before they entered pharmacy school together. Everyone always talked about the storybook romance my parents had.


    ¡°Your father loved your mother so much! It¡¯s rare you seen that type of <i>love</i><i>.</i>¡±


    It is what I would hear all the time from people who thought they knew them. But the truth was, my father was a notorious cheater who often mentally, verbally, and emotionally abused my mother. Jealous of her genius, my dad couldn¡¯t handle constantly living in the shadow of the great Caroline Rouleau. They weren¡¯t aware of all the anguish she¡¯d suffered at the hands of my father up until the day she died in a violent car crash.


    I was thirteen when my mother died. The day after, my father brought home his mistress Anna and their lovechild Sophie. With no regard for my feelings, my father expected my to be okay with this new arrangement.


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i><i>is </i>your <i>sister </i>Sophie. I expect <i>you </i>to <i>treat </i>her <i>and </i><i>your </i>new <i>mother </i><i>with </i>respect.¡±


    He¡¯d barked his orders without even an ounce of remorse. In the beginning my stepmother and sister yed the dutiful mother and sister. Pretending to be considerate and caring forcing my guard down before their true intentions began to show. It started one evening when <b>I </b>came home from school. On my way to my room, I noticed Sophie wearing a white¨Cgold ne with a pink heart. It belonged to my mother; it was the color of our birthstone as we shared the same month. Angry, I walked straight up to Sophie and demanded she give it back.


    ¡°<i>Where </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>get </i><i>that</i><i>! </i><i>Have </i><i>you </i><i>been </i>in <i>my </i><i>room</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sophie looked at me with half innocent eyes. Tears began to form <b>as </b>she shook nervously.


    <i>¡°</i>Oh, my gosh <i>ra</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i>so sorry<i>! </i><i>I </i><i>went </i><i>into </i><i>your </i><i>room </i><i>looking </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>I </i>noticed it <i>on </i><i>your </i><i>vanity</i>. <i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>being </i>your <i>sister</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i>mind <i>if </i><i>I </i>wore it.¡±


    I tried my best to conceal my anger, after all, I never exined to her what that ne meant to me. Holding back my frustration, I calmed my voice.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>fine </i><i>Sophie</i><i>. </i><i>Just </i><i>please </i><i>take </i><i>it </i><i>off</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><ist </i><i>thing </i><i>I </i><i>brought </i>my mother before she died<i>. </i><i>It </i><i>holds </i><i>sentimental </i><i>value</i>.¡±


    As soon as I reached my hand out to take the ne, Sophie fell backwards onto the floor hurting her leg.


    <b>THUMP</b><b>! </b>


    Sophie let out a loud yelp causing our parents to run over. Suddenly, she grabbed my leg and began begging for my forgiveness.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Please </i><i>ra</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i>so sorry<i>! </i><i>I </i>didn¡¯t <i>know </i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>allowed </i>to <i>touch </i><i>your </i><i>ne</i>! <i>It </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>happen </i><i>again</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Loud sobs followed as she continued to beg for my forgiveness. In state a shock, all I could do is stare at her. Suddenly, her mother came falling to the floor.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>know you don¡¯t <i>want </i>us here<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>never </i>try <i>and </i><i>rece </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i>but <i>please</i>, <i>don¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>your </i>hatred out our <i>daughter</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>leave </i>if it means <i>you¡¯ll </i>be <i>happy</i>!¡± <fn7710> Get full chapters from find[f]ovel</fn7710>


    Confused by her words, I began to protest. I hadn¡¯t even touched Sophie, let alone told them to leave.

 Hunted 51

    <b>SLAPI </b>


    That was the first time my father had ever hit me. Though he¡¯d never been the most affectionate, he never faid his hands on me. As my cheek throbbed from the sting causing me to feel slightly lightheaded; I could hear my father yelling.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you! Why would you hit your sister! Haven¡¯t I given you everything<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Through sobs, Sophie began to protest.


    <i>¡°</i>Please don¡¯t be mad at her daddy, I should have never taken the ne.<b>¡± </b><fne67a> Newest update provided by find(?)ovel</fne67a>


    My father looked down at the ne on the ground.


    ¡°Is <i>that </i><i>what </i>this <i>is </i>about! Some stupid <i>ne</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The words burned like coal in my chest, how could he say such a thing.


    ¡°<i>Dad</i><i>, </i><i>that </i><i>was </i>mom¡¯s-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>give </i>a <i>shit</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>mother </i>is <i>dead</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>difference </i>does it <i>make </i><i>if </i><i>Sophie </i><i>wears </i>some <i>stupid </i><i>ne</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    With that, he stomped on my mother¡¯s ne causing the causing the heart to shatter. After helping his new wife and daughter stand up, he sent me to my room to stay while the three of them went out to eat that night. It was at that moment I realized I waspletely alone in that house. <b>My </b>only refuge was Jason.


    Jason Sterling was my childhood friend. Our parents were in business together for many years and he was my first love. He would always tell me how he would marry me one day and we would live happily ever after. All of that changed, however, when he started hanging around Sophie. Suddenly I became the big bad stepsister picking on poor Sophie.


    ¡°Honestly <i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>get </i><i>so </i><i>petty</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    He¡¯d said to me one afternoon when Sophie began crying because I wouldn¡¯t give her the ring he brought me after my mom died. The ring represented loss for a loved one. I remember him telling me as long as I wore that ring, my mother would always be with me. So, from that day on, I never took it off.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>just </i>a stupid <i>ring</i>. <i>You </i>act like <i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>buy </i><i>you </i><i>another </i>one. <i>Sophie </i>doesn¡¯t <i>have </i><i>anyone </i>to <i>buy </i>her <i>things</i>.¡±


    So, from that point on, I kept my distance. I put all of my energy into my schooling. I was already the top student at Grayson middle school which earned me a spot at Bartrum Private Academy, one the city¡¯s most elite schools. That day, <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t wait to get home and show my father. Even if he didn¡¯t care for me as a daughter, I figured he¡¯d be thrilled as an academic. Instead, I was used of being a ¡°show off trying to humiliate Sophie.¡±


    ¡°<i>What </i>do you <i>think </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>doing</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>Sophie </i><i>has </i><i>been </i>struggling <i>and </i><i>you </i><ie </i><i>in </i>here bragging<i>! </i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>go </i>to <i>this </i>school <i>I </i>won¡¯t <i>spend </i><i>a </i><i>dime </i>of my money!¡±


    True to his words, my father refused to pay for my schooling. What he didn¡¯t know was that my mother had set money aside for <b>me </b>in case something ever happened. I used that money to pay for my tuition as well as my uniforms and took a part time job at a caf¨¦ to throw my father off. Because so many people praised him for my getting into Bartrum, he never forced me to leave. Instead<b>, </b>he chose to stay distant, <b>never </b>attending an award show, or parent teacher, never showing any type of devotion. Instead, I would watch him praise the gods for Sophie getting participation awards. It didn¡¯t matter however, I loved my school, I had friends, my teachers loved me, and it was the one ce I didn¡¯t have to share with Sophie.

 Hunted 52

    Chapter <b><i>52 </i></b>


    ra¡¯s POV:


    Over the years, I yed invisible to my father and his family. I still married Jason, but our marriage was filled with bitterness and anguish. He became f that his father still wanted him to marry me instead of Sophie. It didn¡¯t matter that I was an academic genius studying pharmaceuticals at one of Glordata¡¯s top universities, all he knew was that he loved Sophie. One our wedding night, instead being in marital blist<b>, </b>he spent it with her.


    ¡°Look, Sophie¡¯s stomach isn¡¯t feeling well<i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i>going to go check on <i>her</i>. <i>I¡¯ll </i>be back before morning.¡±


    I remember crying and begging him not to leave only for him to use me of being cruel and clingy. Over the years, it became obvious that they <i>we¡¯re </i>having an affait,ter I would learn it had been going on since we were all 16. Still, I yed the dutiful wife, never wavering, never faltering. By the time I was 28, I had be one of the country¡¯s top biochemists and pharmacists at IGP, by 29, 1 was dead. At the hands of my husband who was now the president at JGP, I was pushed down the stairs after he and my father learned I was able to breakthrough my mother¡¯s research on finding a core for cancer. Before her death, my mother began extensive research and trials on a cure for cancer that caused no severe side effects. Throughout the years, no other scientists had been able to crack her code, until me that is.


    I¡¯d spent years detailing her research, looking for possible forms and equations when finally, I hit a breakthrough. At the time, I had been working for JGP, I informed my father about my discovery but instead of him being proud, his mind immediately filled with disdain and then greed. He and my so called husband wanted to market the medicine only to the rich and keep it secret from the public. I wasn¡¯t about to allow that, my mother worked too hard for that research all the way up until her death. In my previous life, I reached out to Ethan Taylor. He had one of the world¡¯srgest pharmaceuticalpanies as well as biochemical facilities. I¡¯d admired him for years, he offered to work with me several years before my death<b>, </b>but due to my blind and dumb devotion to my father and husband, I¡¯d declined. Now, fate has given me second chance to correct my foolish mistakes and bring my mother¡¯s dream to life. Smiling at the school receptionist I nodded and moved forward with my application.


    In my previous life, due to my genius, Lexington offered me an early admissions eptance. However, in an attempt not to piss my dad, sister, and fianc¨¦ aff by ¡°showing off¡°, I declined. Later, I went to Lexington after graduating Bartrum hoping that would help me get closer to my father and fiance. It didn¡¯t work, instead, I fell into the shadows of my <b>less </b>than exceptional and academically challenged sister. Years of my father and husband praising Sophie for medicinal treatments already being performed in other countries while stealing the credit for all of my work. But not this time, this time I would be smart. I¡¯ll do two years at Lexington so that I can use theirbs and after that, I¡¯ll be moving to Springsten to attend Osha Bio¨CPharmacy school of technology. There, I¡¯ll finally get to partner with Ethan.


    The receptionist smiled brightly at me. Everyone in Bartum knew how hard I had been working and how much I excelled.


    ¡°Excellent Ms. <i>Granger</i><i>! </i><i>With </i><i>your </i><i>grades </i>and <i>test </i><i>scores</i>, <i>I </i><i>just </i>know <i>you¡¯ll </i><i>get </i><i>in</i><i>! </i><i>Would </i><i>you </i>like me to send <i>a </i>letter <i>to </i><i>your </i><i>parents</i><i>?</i>¡± <fna1de> Newest update provided by f¦É¦Ídn¦Ïvel</fna1de>


    I immediately panicked, I couldn¡¯t have them find out and try to ruin my chances in an attempt to not hurt Sophie¡¯s precious feelings.


    ¡°<i>Actually</i><i>, </i><i>I </i>would like to <i>tell </i><i>them </i><i>once </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>epted</i>. It¡¯s my <i>father¡¯s </i>alma <i>mater </i><i>so </i><i>I </i><i>would </i>like to be <i>the </i>one <i>to </i><i>share </i><i>that </i>news. <i>If </i><i>you </i><i>could</i><i>, </i><i>please </i>keep this off <i>the </i><i>school </i><iwork</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The receptionist smiled brightly, praising me for being such a great daughter and how proud my father will be. She winked her eyes and assured me this would remain between us.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>Comments </b>

 Hunted 53

    ¡°Burn those who burned mel¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>53 </b>


    Perfect.


    That day, I went back home. <b>My </b>mind was still wrapping around this whole rebirth thing and I finally felt fatigue. After grabbing a snack. I headed straigra to my room in the basement, just then, I was stopped by Jason and Sophie. I could feel the fury rising in my chest as all of my previous life¡¯s meraries came nooding at once. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes in order to control my temperament. Jason spoke first.


    ¡°What are you doing home so carly? I thought you¡¯d be at <i>the </i><i>library</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After I transferred to Bartrum, I would spend countless days in the library ready biology, chemistry, and pharmaceutical books. Mainly to help advance my research, but also to stay out of the way of them. My voice t, I responded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be studying from home today. Excuse me.¡±


    Jason was caught off guard by my indifference, in my past life, I wanted to desperately hold on to the boy that brought me that ring. As I walked by, for grabbed my wrist.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong <i>with </i>you? Don¡¯t <i>you </i><i>have </i>any manners<b><i>? </i></b><i>Your </i><i>sister </i>is <i>standing </i><i>right </i>


    <i>here</i><b>.¡± </b>


    I could tell by the smugness in his voice; he was trying to get a rise out of me. <b>As </b><b>I </b>nced my wrist out of his grasp and smiled politely at Sophie.


    <b>at </b>


    Sophie, I could <b>see </b>a look of <b>triumph </b>on her face. I snatched


    ¡°<i>Apologies </i><i>sister</i><i>. </i><i>Hopefully </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>having </i><i>a </i><i>wonderful </i><i>day</i><i>; </i><i>and </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>aren¡¯t</i>, I¡¯m sure <i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>will </i><i>see </i><i>to </i>


    it


    <b><i>that </i></b><i>you </i><i>do</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Both Sophie and Jason had an instant look of shock on their faces, never had I been so curt with them. <b>I </b>swiftly walked away before either could say anything and locked the door to my tiny room in the basement.


    After taking a nap, I woke up with determination, in five days I would have my eptance letter from Lexington, <b>I </b>wanted to make <b>sure </b>I had as much research with me as possible. While taking some notes, I heard a loud bang on my door. After the ne fiasco, my father moved <b>me </b>to the basement because Sophie needed sunlight, and her mother needed the extra room for her ¡°projects¡°. I was forced to switch my room to the basement, never once did any of theme down here until now.


    As soon as I opened my door, my father started yelling at me.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>this </i><i>I </i><i>hear </i><i>about </i><i>you </i><i>upsetting </i><i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i>I <i>told </i><i>you </i>to stop all of <i>this </i><i>foolishness</i>!<i>¡± </i><fn88c5> ?????? ???? find?novel</fn88c5>


    I had no clue what he was referring too but my guess was that she went crying about my remarks in the kitchen. In the past, I would have tried to defend myself, but now, I realized there was never any point, Putting on my best apologetic expression, I bowed my head and began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Though </i>I¡¯m not <i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>done</i>, <i>I </i><i>apologize </i><i>deeply </i><i>Sophie</i>. <i>I </i><i>promise </i><i>it </i>won¡¯t <i>happen </i><i>again</i><i>, </i><i>whatever </i><i>it </i>


    <i>may </i><i>be</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My father<b>, </b>stepmother, and Sophie all looked at me with shock and puzzlement. They were so used to me constantly trying to defend myself, shamefully trying to get my father to take my side for once. Leaving no room for him to scowl me any further, my father simply scoffed.


    ¡°<i>Whatever</i><b><i>, </i></b>just don¡¯t let <i>it </i><i>happen </i><i>again</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    With that, he turned around and stalked away with my stepmother directly behind him. Sophie lingered for a moment, her face was filled with anger and disdain, she¡¯d clearly looked forward to my father humiliating me on her behalf.


    Scoffing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ying </i><i>at </i><i>being </i><i>the </i>obedient <i>daughter</i><i>? </i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i>too <ite </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i>I <i>already have </i>daddy <i>wrapped </i><i>around </i><i>my </i><i>finger</i><i>. </i><i>He </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i>even <i>know </i><i>you </i>exist, neither <b><i>does </i></b>


    <i>Jason</i>.¡±


    Sophie smiled smugly, waiting for my expression to change. Withplete indifference, I simply smiled and closed my door, leaving her fuming <b>as </b><b>she </b>stomped up the stairs.

 Hunted 54

    <b>Chapter </b>54


    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    I arrived at school an hour early, because I retained all of my memories from my previous life, I would be able to develop the drug much sooner. As I made my way to theb, my friend Christine ran up to me filled with excitement. <fn7da4> Read full story at f?ndnovel</fn7da4>


    ¡°OMG!!! I can¡¯t believe <i>you </i>got <i>epted </i>into <i>Lexington </i>TWO <i>WHOLE </i><i>YEARS </i><i>in </i><i>advance </i><i>and </i>didn¡¯t <i>tell </i>


    me!¡±


    My eyes bulged, how in the hell did she know? Dammit Mrs. Fraizer you promised! Annoyed, I quickly ced my hand over her mother.


    ¡°Christine<i>! </i><i>How </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>find </i><i>out</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christine lifted her hands as if to say, ¡°I won¡¯t say anything!¡± Moving my hand, she began to exin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>saw </i><i>it </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>office</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>I </i><i>volunteer </i><i>there </i><i>sometimes</i>. <i>Don¡¯t </i><i>worry</i><i>, </i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Fraizer </i><i>already </i><i>told </i><i>me </i>


    <i>not </i>to <i>say </i><i>anything</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I let out a deep sigh, thanks Mrs. Fraizer, slightly chuckling, I pulled Christine into theb.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>just need to <i>keep </i><i>it </i><i>a </i><i>secret </i><i>until </i>I <i>transfer</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>my </i><i>father </i><i>to </i><i>know</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christine¡¯s face twitched up, she knew all too well about how my family treated me. She couldn¡¯t


    stand Sophie or Jason.


    ¡°Yeah she told <i>me </i><i>you </i><i>want </i>to <i>surprise </i><i>him</i>. <i>Honestly </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>that </i>man doesn¡¯t deserve <i>it</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Smiling, I hugged my friend of over two years. In that little time, she¡¯d shown me more love that my family in a lifetime. I wanted to give her reassurance,


    ¡°I just told Mrs. <i>Fraizer </i><i>that </i>so <i>she </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>pry. </i><i>I </i><i>could </i>care less about <i>surprises </i>that man, I just don¡¯t want him to interfere<i>. </i>Once <i>I¡¯m </i><i>in</i><i>, </i><i>he¡¯ll </i><i>be </i>too embarrassed <i>if </i>he tries to pull his prodigy daughter from


    his <i>own </i>alma <i>mater</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christine smiled with pride, finally her friend would stop trying to please those horrible people! Wrapping her arms around her waist, she cheered with joy.


    <i>¡°</i>Now <i>that¡¯s </i><i>what </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>talking </i>about!! Forget those stupid people! You¡¯re the daughter Caroline Rouleau! <i>There </i>is nothing prouder than that<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Hearing those words brought tears to my eyes, in my previous life, I¡¯d spent so much time trying to please those people that I¡¯d forgotten whose daughter I really was! Not this this time, this time I


    would make sure the world remembered my mother!


    After school, I made my way to the front office to pick up my eptance letter, the day I applied, I asked Mrs. Fraizer to have the letter sent to the school, I was d she obliged. As soon as I walked


    into the office, she had a huge smile on her face.


    ¡°See! <i>I </i>told you<i>! </i><i>Congrattions</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    She gave me huge hug and handed me the letter. Finally, I¡¯d be on my way out of that house and


    into a realb. I only needed the two years because a key ingredient to the medication would not be avable until 2023, so I decided to spend my time putting everything else together while also creating additional medicinal remedies I created in my previous life. I decided to head back to theb to finish up some more equations.


    I got home around 5pm, and when I walked through the door everyone was in the living room. My father had an unreadable look on his face while Jason and Sophie looked annoyed. ¡®What are you all gonna me me for now¡®, was I could think as I walked further in.


    ¡°Is <i>something </i><i>wrong </i><i>father</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Years of watching Sophie y the poor damsel in distress taught me how to y meek. My father


    stood up and walked over to me, suddenly, his hand reached towards me. I thought for sure he was


    going to hit to I flinched on natural reaction. Instead, he handed me a paper.


    My eptance letter. Shit,


    For a brief moment, he almost looked soft, shortly after, his face hardened back up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i>tell <i>me </i><i>you </i><i>not </i>applied <i>to </i><i>Lexington</i>, but got epted into their early bio¨Cchem program<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>Chapter </b>Comments


    2

 Hunted 55

    <b>Chapter </b><b>55 </b>


    I couldn¡¯t tell if he was angry or disappointed. His expression was hard to read, and his voice had a hint of sadness. Looking around the room, I swallowed hard, prepared to hear him tell me I could not go. With a low voice, I answered.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i>you don¡¯t mind me asking <i>father</i>, <i>how </i><i>did </i><i>you </i>find out?¡±


    My father looked at me like I had three heads. Scoffing he began to exin. Apparently, the school reached out, letting one of their most famous alma maters know his daughter was epted.


    <i>¡®</i>Shit. I didn¡¯t take <i>that </i>into <i>consideration</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    Smiling faintly, I tried my best to sound as sincere as possible.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to <i>upset </i><i>Sophie</i>.¡±


    All eyes turned to her. I could see her eyes fuming, but as always, she yed the perfect sweet


    victim. <fn5c19> This update is avable on find?novel</fn5c19>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sister</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>would </i><i>make </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>that </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>upset</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>always </i><i>wanted </i><i>what </i><i>was </i><i>best </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Right on cue. Her eyes began to water as she huped through her words. Instantly, Jason began to


    ¡°Honestly <i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>what </i>does <i>Sophie </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>with </i><i>this</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, my stepmother stood up, anger in her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how you¡¯re <i>neglecting </i>to <i>tell </i><i>your </i><i>father </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i><i>about </i>that letter <i>is </i><i>my </i><i>daughter¡¯s </i>fault! Why are <i>you </i>always <i>bullying </i><i>Sophie</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Just like always, the band of Sophie came marching in. I looked at my stepmother with nk eyes.


    ¡°Mrs. Anna, <i>the </ist time I got epted into a school<i>, </i><i>I </i>was used <i>of </i>showing off and hurting Sophie¡¯s feelings. I simply didn¡¯t want to <i>make </i>that mistake<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>


    That shut her up, My stepmother¡¯s eye¡¯s bulged, having no rebuttal, she simply scoffed and sat next to Sophie. My father turned back to me, again looking at me with an unreadable expression.


    ¡°No one is <i>saying </i><i>you </i><i>have </i>to showboat, but anything involving Lexington let me know. I assume you <i>will </i>be attending?<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>sir</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    With a pleased look, my father informed me he would be sending my tuition. He wasn¡¯t fooling


    <b>1/2 </b>


    anybody; the only reason he was pleased was because HE would get all the praise for raising such a chip off the ole block. He did the same thing to my mother. He wouldn¡¯t have a chance to do it again. Holding up my hand, I protested his ¡°kind gesture¡°.


    ¡°No need <i>father</i>. While <i>I </i>appreciate <i>this </i><i>kind </i><i>gesture</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>saved </i><i>up </i><i>enough </i><i>money </i><i>from </i><i>my </i><i>part</i><i>¨C</i><i>time </i><i>job</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>also </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>schrship </i><i>from Bartrum</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    My father was shocked, not only had I refused his money, but he was not aware I had been doing so well. I really did have a full schrship from Batrum, and I would use the money I had from my mother to cover the rest. Hearing my refusal instantly pissed him off, the subtle nice act over.


    ¡°This<i>! </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>what </i><i>I </i>am <i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>! </i><i>So </i><i>headstrong</i><i>. </i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>aware </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>school </i><i>achievements</i><i>! That </i><i>doesn¡¯t give </i><i>you </i><i>the </i><i>right </i><i>to </i><i>act </i><i>all </i><i>high </i>and <i>mighty</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As he scolded me I didn¡¯t say a word, I simply stared at him with an expressionless face. Suddenly,


    Jason spoke up.


    ¡°<i>Honestly </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>exactly </i><i>why </i><i>none </i><i>of </i><i>us </i><i>celebrate </i><i>anything </i><i>you </i><i>do</i>. <i>Why </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>you be </i><i>more </i><i>like </i><i>Sophie </i><i>instead </i><i>of </i><i>being </i><i>so </i><i>high </i><i>and </i><i>mighty </i><i>just </i><i>because </i><i>you </i><i>pass </i><i>some </i><i>stupid </i><i>tests</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I smiled cooly at Jason, withughter in my thoughts. The only way I could act like Sophie was if I were dumb. Looking back at my father, I apologized once more and excused myself. Before I could walk away, he grabbed my arm.


    ¡°<i>If </i>you so <i>much </i><i>as </i><i>embarrass </i><i>this </i><i>family </i><i>even </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>slightest </i><i>way</i><i>, </i>I¡¯ll <i>make </i><i>sure </i>you <i>regret </i><i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I gave my father a sardonic smile sending a chill down his smile. He slowly let my arm go and


    allowed me to leave<i>. </i>


    Chapter Comments


    0 2

 Hunted 56

    ra¡¯s POV:


    It had been two weeks since getting into Lexington, finally it was my day to move onto campus. Unlike most parents who would cry tears of joy as they escorted their kids onto campus, the only thing my father said to me was ¡°DO NOT EMBARRASS ME!¡± As I made my way upstairs with the remaining of my boxes, Jason was standing in the foyer.


    ¡°You know ra, everyone would like you more <i>if </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>act </i><i>like </i><i>such </i><i>a </i><i>know </i>it all. Most <i>people </i>like women <i>who </i><i>are </i><i>humble </i>and demure.¡±


    This fucking asshole. He¡¯s been banging my sister for over a year, caused my death in my previous life and has the nerve to preach humility. Paying him no attention, I grabbed my boxes and headed for the door. Suddenly, Jason grabbed my arm tightly.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>know </i><i>it </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>matter </i><i>how </i>smart <i>you </i><i>are</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>never </i><i>be </i><i>as </i><i>good </i><i>as </i><i>Sophie</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I looked at Jason, this person I once loved more than anything, the person that said he would always


    love me, now aplete stranger and smiled.


    ¡°Well <i>then </i><i>you </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>happy </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>leaving</i><i>, </i><i>for </i><i>once </i><i>you </i><i>get </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>smartest </i><i>person </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>room</i>.¡±


    With that, I snatched my arm out of his grasp leaving him fuming.


    I arrived at Lexington around noon; after getting my ss roster and filling out paper, the receptionist handed me a pair of keys.


    ¡°Now, because <i>you¡¯re </i><i>a </i><ite </i><i>admission</i>, <i>you </i><i>actually </i>get <i>to </i><i>stay </i>in one of our campus apartments<i>! </i>Freshman don¡¯t <i>usually </i><i>get </i>to <i>stay </i><i>in </i>those, <i>so </i><i>everyone </i><i>is </i>going to be jealous<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The receptionist Mrs. Martin said with a jolly expression,


    <i>¡°</i>Everyone is so excited to have <i>the </i>daughter of <i>Caroline </i>and Jameson Granger at the school!¡±


    I smiled coolly, I hated being affiliated with my father, I would have to break that connection soon.


    When I arrived at my new apartment, I could hear music ying in the living room, As I entered through the front door, I met with big green bubbly eyes and huge smile. This must be my roommate Gloria. I was paired with a Junior named Gloria Rhinehorne. I¡¯d actually met her a few times before in my previous life. Her father was a world¨Crenowned neurologist; she was really sweet


    then <b>as </b>well.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>my </i>goodness! <i>You </i>must be the star prodigy <i>I¡¯ve </i>heard so much about! I¡¯m Gloria, your new


    roommate<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled brightly at my new roommate; her energy was rather infectious.


    ¡°It¡¯s lovely to meet you Gloria<i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>ra </i><i>Granger</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Gloria chuckled as she helped me with my boxes.


    ¡°You know, I was worried about <i>sharing </i>an apartment as young <i>as </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>you </i><i>seem </i><i>more </i>mature than people my age.¡±


    Iughed an ironicugh. The truth was I had the mind of an almost 30¨Cyear¨Cold woman.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯ve been told <i>I </i><i>was </i><i>born </i>35 <i>a </i>few <i>times</i><i>.</i><b>¡± </b>


    We bothughed as we made our way to my room.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>took <i>the room </i>on <i>the right</i><i>; </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>okay </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled brightly at Gloria, honestly, no matter what room I had, anything was better than home.


    ¡°That¡¯s <i>not </i><i>a </i><i>problem </i><i>at </i><i>all</i>. <i>So</i>, <i>your </i><i>dad</i><i>, </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>world</i><i>¨C</i><i>renowned </i><i>neurologist </i><i>right</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Gloria smiled sheepishly.


    <i>¡°</i>Yup, <i>that¡¯s </i><i>him</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>everyone </i><i>expected </i><i>me </i>to <i>follow </i><i>in </i><i>his </i><i>footsteps </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>really </i><i>wanna </i><i>be </i><i>a </i><i>bio- </i>chemist. In all <i>honesty</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>mom </i><i>is </i><i>part </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>reason</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Even though I¡¯d heard these exact words from her in my previous life, it still brought tears to my eyes knowing my mom influenced so many other people.


    I smiled brightly at Gloria; she was every bit the pure soul I thought she was back then.


    ¡°Gloria, I have no doubt <i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i>an amazing <i>bio</i>¨C<i>chemist</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria¡¯s eyes watered up, Hugging me tightly she squeaked.


    <i>¡°</i>Do you really <i>think </i>so ra? <i>That </i>means so muching <i>from </i><i>you</i>!¡±


    I¡¯d actually met every word, before my death, Gloria began working for ETP, Ethan Taylor¡¯s pharmaceutical corporation. She¡¯d began working on a medication that could help cure Alzheimer¡¯s and dementia without the controversial usage of stem cells and was sessful. Her father being a neurologist is why she was so passionate. Her mind was brilliant, and her heart was pure, I¡¯m d I¡¯ll get to work with her this time around.


    After I finished unpacking, Gloria invited me to dinner at the school diner, I was actually famished by the time I finished so I wee her invitation with open arms.


    <b>2/4 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>who </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>on </i>your roster for <i>sses</i>?¡±


    Gloria asked as she stuffed fries into her mouth.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>have Manago, Strouter, <i>Chester</i>, and <i>White</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Gloria¡¯s eyes popped open.


    ¡°They weren¡¯t kidding<i>! </i><i>You </i><i>really </i><i>are </i>a <i>genius</i><i>! </i><i>All </i><i>those </i><i>sses </i><i>are </i><i>advanced </i><i>sses</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i>asking you for help<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    We bothughed out loud, like Batrum, I had a feeling my life in Lexington would be pretty good. Me and Gloria stayed up chatting until about 9pm, by the time I took my shower andid down I was exhausted. A much¨Cneeded good night¡¯s was finally happening. As I closed my eyes, I started formting my n. These next two years, I would use this school and it¡¯sb to begin creating my medicines in secret, and after two years, I head to Osha Bio to finish my schooling. It was on the other side of the country, so I¡¯d be far away from them and close to Ethan. This time, I would take him up on his offer.


    The next morning, I ate a bagel and grabbed atte for breakfast and made my way to my first ss, Bio¨COrganic Chemistry. As soon as I walked into the ss, all heads turned on me. My instructor, Professor Manago looked up at me with a slight gleam in her eyes. I met her in my previous life as well; she was my mother¡¯s mentor. As I made my way to the front, a guy sitting a few rows back made a snarky remark.


    <i>¡°</i>Just got here <i>and </i><i>think </i><i>your bold </i><i>enough </i>to <i>sit </i><i>in the </i><i>front</i><i>, </i><i>just </i><i>like </i><i>a </i><i>Granger</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    1 spun my head to look at the young man who made the remark. He looked like he was about 20 years old, handsome enough, but you could tell he was arrogant. Probably use to always having his way and having women fawn all over him. I wasn¡¯t impressed. Smiling, I responded.


    ¡°Actually, <i>sometimes </i>it¡¯s <i>the </i><i>simplest </i><i>answers</i>. <i>I </i>often <i>sit </i>in the front because I have poor eyesight.¡±


    Just as it appeared he was about to apologize, I continued.


    ¡°Still, I probably do know <i>all </i><i>the </i>answers?


    <i>That¡¯s </i><i>not </i>being a Granger, that¡¯s being a Rouleau.¡±


    I smiled and winked at the young troublemaker causing him to frown and blush as the other students began to tease him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Casey </i><i>you </i>better <i>chill </i>dude! <i>Her </i><i>mom </i><i>was </i><i>THEE </i><i>Caroline </i>Rouleau, there¡¯s <i>a </i>reason <i>why </i><i>she¡¯s </i>in this <i>ss </i>at <i>just </i>16 <i>years </i><i>old</i>. Girl is a certified genius.¡± <fn350c> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n </fn350c>


    One of his friends began to boast on my behalf, when I looked back, Casey had an intense stare directly at me. I really hope this kid doesn¡¯t give me hard time¡­Day one.


    <b>3/4 </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>57 </b>

 Hunted 57

    <b>Chapter </b><b>57 </b>


    <i>ra¡¯s </i>POV<b>: </b>


    After my sses ended, I ran to the student diner to grab something to eat. Luckily for me, I remembered all of these sses from my previous life, otherwise it would have been a grueling day. As I walked up to the register to pay for my burger, someone reached over me handing the cashier their ck card. I quickly spun around to see who was paying for my lunch. It was Casey. Confused, I was about to ask him why when he held up his hand.


    ¡°Consider it an apology <i>for </i><i>giving </i><i>you </i><i>shit </i><i>earlier</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    During ss, I¡¯d answered majority of the instructor¡¯s questions. All of the students just stared on as


    the prodigy proved she was worth the hype. <fnb96e> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find?novel</fnb96e>


    I smiled sheepishly at him and nodded my head.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i>you<i>, </i><i>I </i><i>appreciate </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Casey wasn¡¯t a bad person, he was just cocky, it was good for him to learn now he wasn¡¯t god¡¯s gift


    to the world. Holding out my hand for a shake, I smiled my most polite smile.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Friends</i>?¡±


    He stared at my hand for a moment before taking it into his and shaking. His face was full of


    confusion when he finally smiled.


    <i>¡°</i>You¡¯re a <i>strange </i><i>girl </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Hearing him call me that immediately shocked me. In all my years, even in my previous life, no one had ever referred to me as Rouleau. It was always Granger up until I married Jason and then it became Sterling. Hearing him call me my mother¡¯s name did something poetic to me. Why should I bare the name of a man who cared nothing for me. All that did was allow him to ride off my glory. I¡¯d made up my mind, first thing tomorrow, I would be changing my name, Smiling at Casey, I offered him to join me for lunch.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you </i>went to Batrum <i>huh</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    I nodded as I continued to eat my fries.


    <b>¡°</b><b>If </b><b><i>I </i></b><i>hadn¡¯t </i><i>left </i><i>early</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>probably </i>would <i>have been </i>valedictorian<i>,</i>¡®


    When I looked up at Casey, he had this puzzled look on his face.


    are <b>D </b>


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>old </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i>¡±


    1/3<b>. </b>


    29 almost slipped out my mouth, thankfully I caught it in time.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m 16<i>, </i>I¡¯ll be 17 in <i>October</i><i>. </i><i>Why</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Because </i>you <i>just </i>seem <i>really </i><i>old </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>this </i>young.¡±


    I let out a nervousugh, that was the second time I heard that over that past two days. I better figure out how to act 17 again before people get suspicious, though I doubt they¡¯d surmise I died and came back to life.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯ve been around <i>a </i>lot of adults<i>.</i>¡±


    Casey scrunched his eyes but decided my exnation made sense.


    After we ate, Casey followed me out to the annex.


    ¡°<i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>going</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><ibs</i>. I <i>need </i><i>to </i><i>use </i><i>the </i><ib </i><i>for </i><i>something</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>have </i><ib </i><i>homework </i><i>already</i>?¡±


    ¡°<i>Something </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I answered vaguely not wanting to give too much away, I was already slightly annoyed he was


    following me.


    As we entered theb, I took a look over. The same as it was in my previous life, Lexington had some


    of the bestbs in the country, I would definitely be able to put my medicines together here.


    I pulled out my books and ingredients immediately and got to work. Casey looked at me with a


    confused expression. Slowly walking over to the table, he took a look at all of my notes and the ingredients next to them.


    ¡°What is all of this<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Staring into a microscope, I answered ndly.


    ¡°They¡¯re medications I¡¯ve created to help with themon cold.¡±


    In my previous life, I managed to do what many others before me could never do. CURE themon cold. Once I mastered that, I was able to create cures for a variety of ailments such as covid, the flu,


    pneumonia<b>, </b>etc.. It also opened the door for me to create my cure for cancer expanding on my mother¡¯s equations<b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wait </i><i>what</i><i>! </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>telling </i>me <i>you¡¯ve </i>created medications to <i>help </i>with themon <i>cold</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Still writing and looking through the microscope, I once again answered tly.


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, <i>because </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>about-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>created </i>an <i>actual </i><i>cure </i>for <i>it</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>just </i>needed <i>a </i><ib </i>to <i>put </i><i>it </i><i>all </i><i>together</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Casey stood inplete and total shock. His mouth was hanging open, his mind trying to grasp what I¡¯d just said. Finally, he swallowed and began to speak.


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    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±

 Hunted 58

    Chapter <b>58 </b>


    ¡°You¡¯re joking¡­right? There¡¯s no way you¡¯re serious¡­are you?<i>¡± </i>


    I put my pencil down and looked Casey directly in the eyes.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m not. I¡¯ve been working on it for a few <i>years</i><i>; </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>finally </i>created <i>the </i><i>perfect </i>formbination<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Casey could hardly believe his ears.


    ¡°For a few years?? You mean to tell me <i>you¡¯ve </i>been <i>working </i>on <i>this </i><i>since </i><i>middle </i><i>school</i><i>?!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Middle sch¡­Oh yeah, I supposed that is what I¡¯ll have to say.


    ¡°Yeah, <i>I </i><i>guess </i>so<i>.</i>¡±


    Casey stared at me in total disbelief, just this morning he¡¯d thought this young girl¨Cwas just some


    legacy kid riding off her parents¡® hype, turns out she may have surpassed even them.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯d </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>an </i><i>alien</i>¡­<i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    WHAT!


    I let out a loud and hystericalugh. Though it was understandable why he would think that, it


    didn¡¯t make his words any less hrious. Not wanting to freak Casey out anymore, I decided to give him an exnation about my research.


    ¡°I¡¯m not an <i>alien </i><i>Casey</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>promise</i><i>. </i><i>Before </i><i>my </i><i>mom </i><i>died</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>made </i><i>a </i>lot <i>of </i><i>groundbreaking </i><i>medicinal </i>discoveries, <i>unfortunately </i><i>she </i><i>died </i><i>before </i><i>she </i><i>could </i><i>finish </i><i>it and </i><i>put </i><i>it all </i><i>together</i>. <i>Once </i><i>I </i><i>started </i>studying <i>her </i>work, <i>I </i><i>was </i><i>able </i>to <i>put </i><i>a </i><i>lot </i>of <i>the </i><i>pieces </i><i>together</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    That wasn¡¯t a lie, I had used a lot of my mother¡¯s research to help advance my medicinal forms


    thus being able to create a lot the medications I made in my previous life.


    Casey nodded his head, epting my answer.


    <i>¡°</i>That makes sense. Your <i>mom </i>was amazing.<i>¡± </i>


    I smiled proudly; indeed, she truly was.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So </i>are <i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    His words caught me off guard, Casey blushed slightly as he looked to the left avoiding eye contact.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>saying</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯d </i><i>have </i>to be a total genius to <i>even </i>understand these <i>equations </i>and an even bigger <i>freak </i>to advance them. <i>That¡¯s </i><i>pretty </i>amazing <i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I blushed and smiled as I continued my work. Casey stayed in theb with me until I was finished, he even began to help.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>should </i>start paying more attention, <i>this </i>could help <i>me </i><i>as </i>well.<i>¡± </i>


    He said as we began to clean up. By the time we got finished, the sun had already gone down. Casey offered to walk me back to my apartment.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t have to do <i>this </i><i>Casey</i>.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s cool, <i>I </i>live in theplex too<i>, </i>I¡¯m a <i>few </i><i>floors </i><i>up</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As we entered my apartment, a sweet and spicy aroma hit both our noses. Gloria came put of the kitchen with a slightly angry expression on her face.


    ¡°<i>Hey </i>young <idy</i><i>! </i><i>Where </i><i>have </i><i>you </i>been<i>? </i><i>sses </i><i>were </i><i>over </i><i>hours </i><i>ago</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh, I was scowled by my roommate for beingte. Watching her pout made both me and Caseyugh. Gloria beganughing too, popping my shoulder, she tried to get serious


    again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Seriously </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>really </i><i>worried </i><i>about </i><i>you</i>. <i>It </i><i>dawned </i><i>on </i><i>my </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>your </i><i>number</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I apologized to Gloria for scaring her and thanked her for being so thoughtful. I exined to her I


    went to ab for some work. Afterwards, she thanked Casey for walking me home and offered him to


    join us for dinner. For the first time in a long time, it felt like I was having dinner with family.


    After dinner, Casey updated Gloria on what I was working on. She could hardly believe it.


    ¡°So, wait! You <i>created </i><i>a </i><i>cure</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°More or less.¡±


    Both Gloria and Casey looked at me like I had three heads. Finally, Gloria spoke,


    ¡°Sheesh! I knew <i>you </i>were <i>amazing </i><i>ra</i>, but <i>you¡¯re </i>on a whole different level<i>!</i>¡± <fn8f1e> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find?novel</fn8f1e>


    After we winded down, I walked Casey to the door, suddenly he pulled outside.


    ¡°I need a favor ra<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>


    Favor?


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Casey blushed and then looked through our window.


    09:47 Tue, 2 Sept C


    CX 3.84%8


    <i>¡°</i>Help me ask Gloria out.¡±


    Okay¡­didn¡¯t expect that. Trying to figure out the right words, I scratched my head. Finally, I settled on a simple¡­


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯ll see <i>what </i>I <i>can </i><i>do</i><i>.</i>¡±


    That was enough for Casey, he hugged me tightly and headed home. Laughing I made my way back into my apartment and finished helping Gloria clean up.


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 Hunted 59

    ra¡¯s POV:


    Several months have passed since my arrival at Lexington. By December, I¡¯d fallen into a basic routine. sses,b, research. Over the course of those past few months, Gloria, Casey and I became a healthy family of three. Casey had finally mustard up enough courage to ask Gloria out and to his surprise she said yes. Everything was going great, I was excelling in my sses, shocking even the instructors. Never one to hog anything, I¡¯d gained friends through study groups and tutoring. After- all, these were gonna be the minds of the people to help pioneer medicine, if I could help them get


    there a little faster I was honored to do it.


    By the time mid¨Cterms rolled around, everyone was exhausted and eager to go home, except for me that is. I actually dreaded leaving my peaceful sanctuary of school. As Gloria and I packed, she


    walked over handing me a small notebook.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>this</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i>has <i>all </i>of <i>my </i>points of contact as well as my parents.¡±


    During Thanksgiving, I actually spent it with Gloria and her family. Casey came that weekend to <fn39c0> The rightful source is fin?novel</fn39c0>


    meet her parents. Form the moment I met Charles and Whitney Rhinehorne, they embraced me like


    a daughter. Just as sweet and caring as Gloria, I could see where she got it from. Over break, I broke


    down and told Gloria and Casey the truth about my home life.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>a </i>fucking scumbag<i>!</i>¡±


    Casey was every bit the angry big brother. Gloria cried hearing all that I had been through. Hugging me tightly, she told me any time I wanted to, I could live with her once I turned 18.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>serious </i><i>ra</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>know <i>you </i><i>only </i><i>just </i><i>turned </i><i>17</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i>to <i>deal </i><i>with </i><i>those </i><i>people </i><i>forever</i><i>! </i><i>The </i>minute <i>you </i>turn <i>18</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>leave </i><i>our </i><i>doors </i><i>are </i><i>opened</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    That night I cried hard for the first time in a long time, it felt as if the weight of two lives came crashing into me at once. I was d I had these people in my life this time around.


    ¡°So, <i>if </i><i>anything </i><i>happens </i><i>during </i><i>winter </i><i>break</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>call </i>me immediately, me and Casey <i>will </ie and <i>get </i>


    <i>you</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I hugged my friend tightly and promised her I would only stay there for a few days. In the months I had been a Lexington, I had already received multiple awards for award winning thesis papers. Not once did my fathere to any of the ceremonies, lying and telling his fellow alumni he was busy. So, I had no intention on staying, I just wanted to get a few more things from that house.


    I arrived home that Friday around 6pm, there were still 6 days until Christmas, so I wanted to finish


    packing and be gone by day three.


    As I walked into the mansion, the family I had not seen in months didn¡¯t even bat an eye as I walked through the door. It didn¡¯t bother me; however, I wasn¡¯t there for their warm wees.


    As I made my way to my room, I father suddenly called out to me.


    ¡°<i>ra</i><i>! </i>Get in <i>here </i>now<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I walked backwards and turned around to enter the living room. My stepmother and Sophie stared at me with a smug look. Rolling my eyes slightly so he wouldn¡¯t notice, I looked directly at my father.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>there </i><i>something </i><i>I </i><i>can </i>do <i>for </i><i>you </i><i>father</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson¡¯s face twisted up with disdain at my question.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Such </i><i>disrespect</i><i>! </i><i>Do </i><i>they </i><i>no </i><i>longer </i><i>teach </i><i>manners </i><i>at </i><i>Lexington</i>, <i>or </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>too </i><i>good </i><i>to </i><i>address </i><i>your </i><i>father </i><i>now</i>.<b><i>¡± </i></b>


    I silentlyughed at the irony of him talking about manners and respect.


    ¡°<i>Apologies </i><i>father</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>exhausted </i><i>from </i><i>mid</i><i>¨C</i><i>terms </i><i>and </i><i>traveling</i>.¡±


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 Hunted 60

    <b>Chapter </b><b>60 </b>


    Jameson was unimpressed. He let out another scoff and continued toin.


    ¡°Always some excuse <i>with </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>sister </i><i>had </i><i>mid</i>¨C<i>terms </i><i>as </i>well <i>and </i><i>you </i><i>see </i><i>she </i><i>is </i><i>showing </i><i>me </i>all of her


    love.¡±


    I watched while Sophie snuggled under our father with an innocent expression.


    ¡°That¡¯s because <i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you </i>daddy. <i>But </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i>we <i>give </i><i>ra </i><i>a </i><i>break</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>must </i><i>be </i><i>extremely </i>busy at Lexington, she didn¡¯t <i>even </ie <i>home </i><i>during </i><i>Thanksgiving</i>.¡±


    Jameson¡¯s eyes shot up, fury burning inside of them. Finally, he stood up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>right</i><i>! </i>You <i>didn¡¯t</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>what </i><i>is </i><i>this </i><i>foolishness </i><i>I </i><i>hear </i><i>about </i><i>you </i><i>changing </i><i>your </i><ist </i><i>name </i><i>to </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>! </i><i>Do </i>you <i>think </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>too </i><i>good </i>to <i>be </i><i>a </i><i>Granger</i><i>?!</i>¡±


    Ah. So that¡¯s what he¡¯s pissed about. I¡¯m sure by now some of his colleagues have informed him of


    my name changing. Jameson was now staring me directly in the eyes. I could feel the heat from his body as he fumed.


    ¡°<i>Listen </i><i>girl</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i><i>a </i><i>shit </i><i>what </i>¡®<i>prodigy</i><i>¡® </i><i>they </i><i>im </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>be</i><i>! </i><i>In </i><i>this </i><i>family</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>represent </i><i>me</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>won¡¯t tolerate <i>any </i><i>disrespect</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    At that point I had enough. Staring back at my father without the slightest bit of fear, his eyes slightly recoiled.


    ¡°<i>I </i>wasn¡¯t aware <i>taking </i><i>on </i><i>my </i><i>mother</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>deceased </i><i>wife¡¯s </i><i>name </i><i>was </i><i>disrespectful</i><i>. </i><i>She </i>meant <i>just </i><i>as </i>much to the <i>medicinal </i><i>world </i><i>as </i><i>anyone </i><i>else</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>not </i><i>more</i><i>.</i>¡±


    SLAP<i>! </i>


    My father pped me hard across the face, his breathing erratic. By now, Sophie and her mother were rushing over. Anna began rubbing Jameson¡¯s back while staring daggers at me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Can¡¯t </i>you evere home without starting trouble <i>ra</i>!¡±


    Sophie chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Daddy</i><i>, </i>please <i>don¡¯t </i><i>be </i>mad at ra! It¡¯s <i>not </i>her fault if mother still isn¡¯t as precious as her dead


    <i>mother</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    That was it¡­


    <b><i>SLAP</i></b><b><i>! </i></b>


    <b>1/3 </b>


    I pped Sophie hard. She went sprawling onto the floor. Anna went running towards her while my father stood in shock. Never had he seen me be so brazen.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra </i>what the hell do you think you¡¯re doing!! Apologize to your sister <i>now</i><i>!</i>¡±


    I looked at my father like he wasn¡¯t human, it¡¯d be a cold day in hell before I apologized.


    ¡°Did you hear me!!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I heard you; I¡¯m just not apologizing. She should learn <i>to </i>keep my mother¡¯s name out of her mouth.<i>¡± </i>


    Sophie and Anna were crying hysterically; my father was fuming.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>want you out of this house <i>first </i>thing tomorrow morning<i>!</i>¡±


    I scoffed.


    <i>¡°</i>Fine by me.¡±


    Suddenly my father grabbed my arm, he mouth was practically foaming.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>think </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>some </i><i>hot </i><i>shit</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>think </i><i>I </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>beat </i><i>that </i><i>sass </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>you </i>and pull <i>you </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><fnfbc8> Th?s chapter is updated by find?novel</fnfbc8>


    <i>Lexington</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at my father, not nking once. Maybe he could sense the fire andck of fear because he


    suddenly let my arm go.


    <i>¡°</i>You could do <i>that </i><i>father</i><i>. </i><i>But </i><i>know </i><i>that </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>do</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>I </i>let <i>every </i>person you¡¯ve ever known the entire truth. <i>That </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>spent </i><i>years </i><i>abusing </i>and humiliating your daughter. Caroline Rouleau¡¯s daughter<i>! </i><i>What </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>your </i><i>colleagues </i><i>would </i><i>say </i><i>then</i>?¡±


    My father stood back in shock; he hated what I said but my words were true. He knew the medical


    world still held my mother to the highest regard, Backing away, he said in a lowered tone,


    ¡°I want you gone <i>by </i>noon<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I turned and headed to the basement. As I began packing the rest of my things, I called Gloria.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Change </i>of ns, can Ie tomorrow?¡±


    Without a single waiver Gloria immediately answered.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Me </i><i>and </i><i>Casey </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>there </i>tomorrow morning at 10am.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯ll be ready!<i>¡± </i>


    213


    09:47 Tue, 2 Sept 00:


    Smiling, I turned my music on and finished packing.

 Hunted 61

    <b>Chapter </b><b>61 </b>


    <i>ra¡¯s </i>POV:


    I woke at 7am, excited at the thought of leaving this house for good. I texted my friend Christine and told her I would see her before break was over and that I was leaving my father¡¯s house. She responded with a single word.


    ¡°<i>Finally</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled as I gathered the rest of my bags, I didn¡¯t want to take much of the crap in this room, just my books and some more clothing. I was smart enough to remove my mother¡¯s mementos when I first moved to Lexington. Neither my father nor Sophie bothered me for the rest of the evening. I appreciated their ability to be smart enough not to. Around 9am, I began bringing my bags up when Jason met me at the head of the stairs. His expression was filled with hatred, Sophie must¡¯ve called him crying.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯re </i>in <i>my </i><i>way</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Move </i><i>Jason</i>, <i>I </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>bring </i><i>my </i><i>bags </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>door</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jason let out an exasperated sigh.


    ¡°<i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>who </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>think you </i><i>are </i><i>to </i><iy </i><i>your </i><i>hands </i><i>on </i><i>Sophie</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    He spoke in a low and menacing tone. I looked at him and scoffed, I was in no need for the Sophie


    show. Matching his stare of hatred, I answered.


    <i>¡°</i>I bet she¡¯ll <i>keep </i><i>my </i><i>mother¡¯s name </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>mouth</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jason¡¯s eyes bulged, and suddenly he gripped my shirt.


    <i>¡°</i>You think just because <i>of </i>some <i>arranged </i><i>marriage </i><i>I </i>won¡¯t <i>make your </i><i>life </i>a <i>living </i><i>hell</i><i>! </i>Apologize to Sophie now<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I was over this conversation, pushing past Jason, I began sitting my bags at the door, Gloria and Casey would be here in 30 minutes. Jason stalked behind me yelling.


    ¡°Look at me <i>ra</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>won¡¯t </i>waste <i>not </i>one moment making you suffer <i>if </i>you ever touch Sophie again!¡±


    Suddenly, Sophie came running. Time to fake cry.


    ¡°<i>Please </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>yell </i><i>at </i><i>ra </i>for me Jason. She¡¯s the one you¡¯re marrying, she¡¯s the one you care <i>about</i>.¡±


    Jason immediately hugged Sophie, I knew what she was doing, she just wanted me to hear Jason


    denounce me for her.


    ¡°Care, please. You¡¯re the only one I care about Sophie; I¡¯m only marrying her because of my father. I¡¯ll do anything to protect you.¡±


    Not wanting to stick around for the newest episode of Romeo and Juliet on drugs, I grabbed my bags and walked out the door. Both Jason and Sophie turned around stunned that I didn¡¯t react. Jason came running outside still yelling.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re jealous of Sophie! Ha! I guess I can understand. She has everything you have! You think just because you¡¯ve beenbeled some genius, Sophie has everything <i>else</i>!¡±


    His outburst was so hrious I couldn¡¯t help butugh hysterically. Did he realize he was actually insulting his precious Sophie. Frustrated by myughter, Jason began asking what I wasughing at.


    ¡°What the hell <i>is </i>so funny!¡±


    ¡°Well, you are. So, she¡¯s got everything except a brain ch. Okay scarecrow.¡±


    Realizing what he was saying, Jason began to fume. Sophie¡¯s eyes looked like she was wishing death on me. No matter how many insults orparisons they wanted to make, one thing she could never steal was my intelligence.


    ¡°Shut up! That¡¯s not what <i>I </i>said.¡±


    Still chuckling, I began looking at my phone to check the time.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>okay</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Leave </i>Sophie alone! <i>Otherwise</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i>make you beg <i>for </i>death<i>! </i><i>I </i>won¡¯t care <i>if </i>you¡¯re my wife, it¡¯ll be in name only! My heart belongs <i>to </i><i>Sophie</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i><fn459a> Chapters first released on find?novel</fn459a>


    Sophie walked up to Jason still fake crying.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i>mustn¡¯t say that Jason, ra is just stressed. Maybe she¡¯s under pressure at Lexington.¡±


    As if a lightbulb went off, Jason grew a smug expression.


    ¡°<i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>what </i>it is. Finding out you¡¯re not the smartest person in the room! I bet you¡¯re barely surviving in a school like Lexington-¡±

 Hunted 62

    <b>Chapter </b><b>62 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Seven</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I cut Jason off mid monologue, both he and Sophie were puzzled.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Seven </i><i>what</i>.¡±


    Jason demanded as I continued ying a game on my phone.


    ¡°That¡¯s how many awards <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>won </i><i>so </i><i>far </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>past </i><i>five </i><i>months </i><i>for </i>multiple <i>thesis </i><i>papers </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>wrote</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Jason¡¯s face began to drain of color. He¡¯d epted a long time ago I was smarter than him, but now it seemed as if I was light years ahead.


    Stuttering over his words, he shook his head in disbelief.


    ¡°T¨C<i>That¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>lie</i>. <i>That¡¯s </i>imposs-¡±


    ¡°Look <i>it </i><i>up </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>believe </i><i>me</i><i>. </i>


    As if right on cue, Gloria and Casey pulled up in Casey¡¯s range rover.


    As soon as Gloria hopped out of the truck she ran over and hugged me tightly.


    ¡°re<i>¨C</i>bear <i>I </i><i>missed </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    So dramatic. Throughughs I hugged her back.


    ¡°It¡¯s only <i>been </i><i>two </i><i>days</i>.¡±


    Casey walked around and began putting my bags in his trunk.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know<i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>with </i>Gloria <i>ra</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>felt kind </i>of off not being <i>with </i>y¡¯all these past few days.¡±


    Gloria instantly popped up and pointed to Casey.


    ¡°See! It¡¯s not just <i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    While Iughed with mt friends<b>, </b><b>Jason </b>and Sophie fumed at the tant way Casey and Gloria refused to acknowledge their presence, Jason was the first to speak.


    ¡°<i>ra</i><i>, </i>who are these people?¡±


    Both Gloria and I turned to face Jason.


    ¡°<i>Why</i>?¡±


    Jason¡¯s eyes began to bulge out of his sockets. Before he could say anything, Sophie interjected. Turning on her best I¡¯m made of sugar and spice act; she walked over to Gloria and Casey.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>must </i><i>be </i><i>ra¡¯s </i>friends<i>! </i>I¡¯m so d <i>she¡¯s </i><i>able </i>to <i>make </i><i>friends </i>at <i>Lexington</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>always </i><i>been </i><i>so </i><i>hard </i><i>for </i><i>her </i>because everyone <i>always </i><i>loved </i>me more.¡±


    Sophie grabbed Gloria¡¯s hands, putting on her most innocent look.


    <i>¡°</i>Even <i>though </i><i>she </i>hates me, <i>please </i><i>take </i>care of <i>my </i><i>sister</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Poor Sophie, I supposed this act would have worked on anyone else. The sweet and dutiful sister and the evil mean sister. Except Gloria and Casey were already aware of the type of person she was. Gloria immediately snatched her hands out of Sophie¡¯s. Scoffing, she couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>a </i><i>foolish </i>family<i>.</i>¡±


    Gloria¡¯s voice was filled with disdain. Sophie¡¯s cheeks redden; that wasn¡¯t the response she¡¯d expected. Her mask almost slipped; she quickly regained herposure.


    ¡°<i>Excuse </i><i>me</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her voice was sweet with a hint of disbelief, but Gloria wasn¡¯t backing down.


    ¡°I said<i>, </i><i>what </i>a <i>foolish </i><i>family</i>. <i>ra </i><i>went </i><i>to </i><i>Bartum</i><i>, </i><i>yeah</i><i>? </i><i>While </i><i>you </i><i>went </i><i>Northern </i><i>Prep</i><i>. </i><i>How </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>if </i><i>she </i><i>made </i><i>friends </i><i>or not</i><i>? </i><i>Not </i><i>to </i><i>mention </i><i>that silly </i><i>little </i><i>act </i><i>of </i><i>yours</i><i>.</i><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What act<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sophie¡¯sposure was now shredding away, but Gloria didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°That whole ¡®please <i>love </i>me for <i>pretending </i>to <i>love </i><i>my </i><i>sister </i>as I make <i>sure </i><i>I </i><i>try </i><i>my </i><i>best </i>to embarrass and insult <i>her</i><i>¡®</i><i>, </i>act<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I had tough out loud; Gloria nailed it all the way the down to the mocking voice tone, Finally, Jason jumped in.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>, </i>you <i>don¡¯t </i>what <i>the </i>hell <i>you¡¯re </i>talking about! Sophie is ¡±


    Before he could finish, Casey was in Jason¡¯s face. I was only 5¡¯2, so any time Jason stood over me, it always felt like he was giant. It wasn¡¯t until I saw Casey¡¯s 6¡¯3 frame standing over Jason that I


    realized 5¡¯10 wasn¡¯t that tall at all.


    <i>¡°</i><i>We </i><i>know </i>more <i>than </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>Sterling</i>, but <i>if </i><i>you </i><i>yell </i>at my girlfriend or <i>my </i><i>little </i><i>sister </i>again <i>we¡¯re </i>going <i>to </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>problem</i>. <i>Gloria</i><i>, </i><i>ra</i>, <i>everything </i>is in the <i>truck</i><i>. </i><i>Let¡¯s </i><i>head </i>home.¡±


    371% 0


    Without another word, Gloria and I got into the truck without looking back once as Jason and Sophie stood in silence. Funny how he had all that mouth for me not too long ago.


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 Hunted 63

    <b>Chapter </b><b>63 </b>


    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    Two years have passed since I left home. During that time, I father only contacted me twice. Once was the next day after I left. I figured Jason and Sophie gave him the cliff notes version of what went down, portraying themselves as victims no less.


    ¡°What the hell <i>do </i>you <i>think you¡¯re </i>doing<i>! </i>How dare <i>you </i><i>allow </i><i>outsiders </i><i>to </i>insult <i>your </i><i>precious </i>sister<i>! </i>If you try and spread <i>lies-</i>¡±


    I immediately hung up the phone. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to hear his baseless threats. The second time was at the end of my first academic year. There was a huge g held for all the students who excelled. By the end of my freshman year, I was number one in my entire ss. Because of this, I was one of the guest speakers. My ¡°family¡± was given special invitations. To save face and avoid gossip, my family including Jason all showed up pretending to be the perfect and supportive family.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jameson</i><i>! </i><i>Good </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>again</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The Dean of the school, Roger Woodcrest eagerly shook my dad¡¯s hand.


    ¡°<i>Good </i>to <i>see </i><i>you </i><i>too </i><i>Roger</i><i>! </i>I <i>see </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>doing an excellent </i><i>job </i>as <i>Dean</i>.¡± <fna9eb> Updates are released by Find_Novel(.</fna9eb>


    ¡°<i>Thanks </i>for <i>that</i>. <i>Man</i>, <i>I </i><i>got </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>daughter </i><i>is </i><i>nothing </i><i>short </i><i>of </i><i>amazing</i><i>! </i><i>A </i><i>chip </i>off <i>the </i><i>ole </i><i>block </i>she¡¯s <i>brilliant </i><i>Truly </i><i>Caroline¡¯s </i><i>daughter</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Jameson along with Anna looked slightly ufortable. Managing a fake smile, he thanked Dean


    Woodcrest and excused himself. After my speech, the crowd cheered, especially the students. By the


    end of the year, I was one of the most popr students at Lexington, mainly due to my tutoring


    sessions.


    After Christmas break, I set up tutoring sessions inb with many of the students from freshmen to seniors. The end result, Lexington had some of the highest test score rates during the school had ever seen. After an hour of praise, my family decided to y the proud role. I caught my father and stepmother lying about how they had always been so proud of me. Sophie twirled around doing her ¡°I just love my sister so much¡°, dance. It was sickening.


    The real vomiting moment was when I overheard Jason bragging about me being his fianc¨¦ to my ssmate Gregory West.


    ¡°Oh<i>, </i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>aware </i>she was engaged. That¡¯s <i>certainly </i><i>going </i>to break <i>a </i><i>few </i><i>hearts</i>.¡±


    <i>engaged</i>.


    Jason had a sh of irritation across his face; he didn¡¯t want me by the idea of others wanting me pissed him off too.


    After the ceremony, I didn¡¯t see any of them again. After I turned 18, Jason began sending me messages asking when I wanted to announce our engagement. He¡¯d concluded we would get married after he graduated from Lexington, which wouldn¡¯t be for another five years. I ignored all those messages however as I had no intention of marrying him. The end of my second year at Lexington wasing to an end. Gloria and Casey were about to graduate, and I was about to transfer to Osha.


    The day I got my eptance letter from Osha, Gloria and Casey took me out to dinner to celebrate.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh </i>my gosh<i>!! </i><i>I </i>can¡¯t <i>believe </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>all </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>together </i><i>at </i><i>Osha</i><i>! </i><i>re</i><i>¨C</i><i>bear </i><i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>proud </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Gloria and Casey both looked at me like proud older siblings. Before I received my letter, Gloria informed me she and Casey would be going to Osha for grad school. Hey father was opening up a new practice in South Bay and she wanted to be close to her family, Casey of course wanted to be close to her. She practically had tears in her eyes thinking we would separate.


    <i>¡°</i><i>re</i><i>¨C</i><i>bear</i>, <i>all </i><i>my </i><i>life </i><i>I¡¯ve always </i><i>wanted </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>sister</i><i>; </i><i>I </i><i>mean </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>get </i><i>me </i><i>wrong </i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>my </i><i>brothers </i>but still! I <i>feel </i><i>bad </i><i>about </i><i>leaving </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I¡¯d nned on keeping my transfer a secret until graduation, but I didn¡¯t want Gloria to be sad. Pulling out my phone, I showed her my submitted application to Osha.


    ¡°So, you <i>see</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>worry</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><iing </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Eeekkkk!


    1


    Gloria¡¯s squeal almost ruptured my ear drums, but I was happy she was happy.


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s <i>time </i>to make a <i>toast</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Casey handed us both champagne sses,


    ¡°To a new adventure, more <i>memories</i>, and a <i>lot </i><i>more </i><i>schoolwork</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Here! Here!


    Laughter erupted as we all nked our sses, suddenly, the waiters came over with sprinklers and a cake with the words CONGRATUALTIONS CLASS OF 2023!


    Other customers from around the restaurant realized we were celebrating graduation and quickly chimed in on the cheers. The next morning, I headed back to the Granger estate, there were some additional journals in the shed from my mother. When I arrived, everyone was standing in the grand


    room.


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±

 Hunted 64

    <b>Chapter </b><b>64 </b>


    <i>Jameson </i>Granger¡¯s <i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    It¡¯s been over two years since that ungrateful brat left the estate. She¡¯s just like her mother! She thinks she¡¯s smarter and better than me! If it hadn¡¯t been for me needing to keep face, I would have disowned her all together. Still, even I can¡¯t deny how brilliant she is. JGP will most certainly benefit


    from her.


    Sigh, she really is just like her mother¡­


    As Jameson went over thetest reports, his business partner Edward came into his office with a


    look of excitement.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jameson</i><i>! </i>You¡¯re <i>never </i><i>going </i>to <i>believe </i><i>this</i><i>! </i><i>Guess </i><i>who </i><i>wants </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>meeting </i><i>with </i><i>us</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Jameson looked up at his business partner with an inpatient expression, he hated suspense.


    ¡°Well, <i>who </i>is <i>it</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Edward let out a light chuckle, he was used to his partner being rash. Sitting in the chair, he ran his fingers through his hair.


    ¡°Ethan. Fucking. <i>Taylor</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    It took Jameson a moment to process what he was hearing. Ethan Taylor, THEE Ethan Taylor as in the chairman of ETP Pharmaceuticals and the youngest chairman in the entire world. For years ETP has been the highest rated pharmaceutical and bio¨Cchemical corporation throughout the world, and he was a pioneering genius.


    ¡°Are you saying that <i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor </i><i>wants </i>to <i>coborate </i><i>with </i><i>us</i><i>? </i><i>You¡¯re </i>sure?¡±


    Edward¡¯s face lit up. He began to fill Jameson in on everything.


    ¡°So that¡¯s the gist of it. He want¡¯s a meeting with us tomorrow afternoon.¡±


    That night, Jameson couldn¡¯t wait to share the news with his family.


    <i>¡°</i>Honey that¡¯s wonderful!<i>¡± </i>


    Anna¡¯s eyes beamed with joy as Jameson informed her and Sophie about ETP¡¯s chairman.


    Anna had been with Jameson for over 17 years. They first met one morning at a coffee shop. She¡¯d identally spilled her orange juice on him and offered to help him clean up. What Jameson didn¡¯t know was that their chance encounter had been thoroughly nned out by Anna. She¡¯d seen him several times at that coffee shop andter learned he was a biochemist. It didn¡¯t bother her that he


    was married to a pioneering genius like Caroline Rouleau. Like most men, she knew he probably hated living in the shadows of his wife.


    Frome the moment she met him, she made sure to appear as submissive, demure, and innocent as possible stroking Jameson¡¯s ego at every turn. This caused Jameson to fall head over heels in love with her. He¡¯d got her pregnant the same month he and Caroline announced her pregnancy. For years, she yed the role of the dutiful mistress, never wavering or cing pressure on him to leave


    his wife.


    She knew how influential Caroline was so if it ever hade out about an affair, that would hurt Jameson. By now, he¡¯d already formed JGP, and she was not about to allow any demise. Besides, as long as his heart belonged to her and the child they shared, nothing else mattered. After Caroline¡¯s fatal crash, Jameson immediately moved both her and their daughter into his estate and married her. He also legally adopted Sophie and changed herst name to Granger. Finally, all of her hard work had paid off, not to mention, she and Sophie had finally ran off that dreadful daughter of his. Now, she beamed proudly as her husband was on his way tonding the greatest merger theirpany had ever seen, and Sophie would be the one to inherit it all. <fn2eb1> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on F¦ÉndNovel</fn2eb1>


    The next morning, both Sophie and Anna made sure Jameson had everything he needed. From a hearty breakfast to his clothing, they¡¯d spent the entire morning catering directly to him. In his smugness, Jameson relished it.


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i>is <i>how </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>supposed </i><i>to </i><i>treat </i><i>the </i><i>man </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>house</i><i>. </i><i>Not </i><i>like </i><i>that </i><i>wretched </i><i>ra </i><i>or </i><i>Caroline</i>.<i>¡® </i>


    As Jameson finished his coffee, Sophie came out with his briefcase while Anna opened a small gift box. Inside were diamond encrusted cufflinks with the initials JP on them.


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 Hunted 65

    <b>Chapter 65 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>brought </i>something <i>for </i><i>your </i><i>special </i><i>day </i><i>my </i><i>love</i><i>. </i><i>Wear </i><i>these </i><i>and </i><i>think </i><i>only </i><i>of </i><i>me </i>and <i>Sophie</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>good </i><i>luck </i><i>charms</i><i>.</i>¡±


    As Anna ced the cufflinks on Jameson¡¯s suit jacket, he couldn¡¯t help but gleam with arrogant pride. ¡®That¡¯s right! I¡¯m the king! No more being overshadowed by that wretched woman, and I¡¯ll make sure to take every bit of credit for that girl. Afterall, if it weren¡¯t for me being her father, what


    would she have.¡±


    Jameson¡¯s smug thoughts followed him all the way to the office. Once he arrived, Edward immediately began going over what the primary focus of the meeting should be.


    ¡°So, <i>I </i><i>think </i><i>if </i><i>we </i><i>keep </i>him <i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>what </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>working </i><i>on </i><i>regarding </i><i>our </i><i>nano </i><i>technology </i>as well <i>as </i><i>vines </i><i>we </i><i>should </i><i>definitely </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>maintain </i><i>his </i><i>interest </i>as <i>well </i><i>as </i><i>broker </i>a <i>deal</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson paid little attention to what Edward was speaking on. He¡¯d convinced himself that Taylor


    wasing to work with him because his own genius.


    ¡®He may be the youngest chairman, but I¡¯ve got years of experience!¡®


    As Edward finished the nned proposal, Jameson looked slightly annoyed.


    <i>¡°</i>Edward, <i>while </i>I <i>appreciate </i><i>this </i><i>proposal</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>mustn¡¯t </i><i>forget</i><i>, </i><i>Taylor came </i><i>to </i><i>US</i><i>! </i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>appear </i>as <i>if </i><i>we </i><i>are </i><i>begging </i><i>for </i><i>his </i><i>business</i>. <i>He </i><i>clearly </i><i>concluded </i><i>he </i><i>needed </i><i>the </i><i>assistance </i>of JGP. <i>We¡¯ll </i>be prepared<i>, </i><i>but </i><i>we </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>grovel</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Edward felt a surge of annoyance, although he loved working at JGP, it was no secret Jameson had the ego of a thousand men. And while many respected Jameson for the work he did and forming the group, Edward knew the truth. If it weren¡¯t for the brilliance of Caroline, JGP would not have existed. During the startup, she¡¯d singlehandedly structured and created their entire biobs, not to mention, it was her revered brilliance that brokered many of their investors, Though it was true Jameson was highly intelligent, he¡¯d rode off the back of his first wife¡¯s brilliance. Over the years, it became clear that his inferiority out wayed his admiration and his greed and arrogance out wayed


    hismon sense.


    Still, JGP needed this contract, though thepany was sessful, it had grown stagnated. ETP monopolized arge sector in pharmaceuticals making it difficult for them to expand to other regions. Over the past several years, many hospitals, clinics, andpanies praised ETP on their effective and inexpensive medications<b>. </b>


    Many facilities praised ETP abilities to care about the quality and healing structures of their patients while maintaining cost and care. There was certainly no way JGP couldpete, but they most certainly could benefit from a coboration. Edward took a deep breath, hoping Jameson would listen to bottom¨Cline above everything else.


    <i>¡°</i>Jameson, I¡¯m not looking to grovel, <i>but </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>we </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>realistic </i><i>here</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>sure </i>why Taylor is wanting this meeting, but <i>I </i><i>think </i>we <i>should </i><i>stick </i><i>to </i><i>what </i><i>makes </i>us <i>unique </i><i>so </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>secure </i>this deal<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Though annoyed, Jameson reluctantly agreed, Edward wasn¡¯t wrong about them needing this deal,


    but he would not allow Taylor to make a fool of him.


    At exactly 2pm, Ethan Taylor arrived at JGP for his meeting with Jameson. Throughout the past


    several years, Ethan watched the development of JGP with little admiration. He¡¯d been a huge fan of


    Caroline Rouleau¡¯s work and her medicinal breakthroughs. After her death, he watched with


    irritation as Jameson Granger made one greedy decision after another in an attempt to only secure


    financial increasement. No longer did thepany have someone that cared about the progression


    of medicine and curing illnesses.


    That was until he¡¯d learned about ra Granger.


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 Hunted 66

    <b>Chapter </b>66


    <b><i>Ethan¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    As we made our way to the conference room, Jameson was trying to make small talk. Though I paid him no mind, truth was I was there for one reason only, ra Granger¨CRouleau. I had no interest in JGP, honestly I found Jameson rather repulsive, but I acknowledged that as his daughter, poaching ra would be close to impossible. So even if it meant partnering with this insufferable man, if it meant getting close to her, I¡¯d endure it.


    After arriving, Jameson and Edward began setting up proposals and paperwork. Edward spoke first.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i><i>, </i><i>let me </i><i>just </i><i>say</i><i>, </i><i>on </i><i>behalf </i>of <i>JGP </i>we <i>are </i><i>so </i>excited <i>about </i><i>the </i><i>possibility </i><i>of </i><i>working </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Now-</i>¡±


    Before Edward could finish, Jameson cut him off.


    ¡°<i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>delighted </i>to <i>partner </i><i>with </i><i>ETP</i><i>! </i><i>And </i>I <i>say </i><i>this </i><i>as </i><i>the </i>Chairman of <i>one </i><i>the </i><i>most </i><i>influential </i><i>pharmaceutical </i><ipanies </i>in <i>the </i><i>world</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>d </i><i>you </i><i>had </i><i>the </i><i>resolve </i><i>to </i><ie </i>to <i>us </i><i>for </i><i>help</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Arrogant.


    Was this jackass for real. He honestly thought I came to thispany for him. I would need to end this meeting quickly before I lose my reserve. I nced over at Edward who was now looking at Jameson with nervous annoyance.


    ¡°A¨C<i>As </i><i>I </i>was <i>saying </i><i>Chairman</i>, <i>we¡¯ve </i><ipose </i><i>an </i><i>entire </i><i>proposal </i><i>regarding </i><i>our </i><i>recent </i><i>advancements </i><i>with </i><i>nano </i><i>technology </i><i>as </i><i>well </i>as <i>medicinal </i><i>breakthroughs </i><i>that </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>find </i><i>very </i><i>imp</i>¡­-


    I held my hand to cut Edward off, I wasn¡¯t trying to be rude to him, honestly I had no qualms with Edward. But I didn¡¯t want to waste anymore time if I didn¡¯t have too.


    ¡°VP <i>Lawrence</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>forgive </i>me <i>for </i><i>being </i><i>curt </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>actually </i><i>have </i><i>another </i><i>meeting </i>I¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>intending </i><i>soon </i><i>so </i><b><i>I </i></b><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i>to <i>take </i><i>too </i><i>much </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>time</i>. <i>While </i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>your </i><i>proposal </i><i>is </i><i>impressive</i><i>, </i><i>ETP </i><i>has </i><i>already </i>begun <i>nano </i><i>treatment </i><i>research </i>as <i>my </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><i>brother </i>runs one <i>the </i><irgest </i><i>tech </ipanies in <i>the </i>


    <i>world</i>.¡±


    Both Jameson and Edward stared at me with confusion. I could tell Jameson¡¯s annoyance was rising but I couldn¡¯t care in the slightest. I knew theirpany¡¯s finances weren¡¯t in the greatest position. Granger had been spending hispany¡¯s funds quicker than he was producing. Over the past few years their medicinal production grew stagnant, and the talent was dwindling. Edward exhaled and began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman</i>, if <i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>mind </i><i>my </i>asking<i>, </i><i>what </i><i>exactly </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>this </i>meeting <i>for</i>?¡±


    <b>10:29 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>4 </b>Sept 0


    Fair question.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually </i><i>VP</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>interest </i><i>is </i>in <i>Chairman </i><i>Granger¡¯s </i><i>daughter</i>, <i>1-</i>¡±


    Before I could finish, Jameson¡¯s eyes beamed with joy.


    <b>74</b><b>% </b>


    ¡°<i>Well</i>, <i>why </i>didn¡¯t <i>you </i><i>say </i><i>so</i><i>! </i><i>You </i>didn¡¯t <i>have </i>to <i>hold </i><i>this </i><i>meeting</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>my </i><i>Sophie </i><i>all </i><i>you </i><i>had </i><i>to </i><i>do-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m sorry <i>Chairman</i>, <i>who </i><i>is </i><i>Sophie</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Jameson looked at me with confusion. For some reason he thought I was referring to his idiot daughter Sophie. I¡¯d done my research on the other Granger daughter, I¡¯m not sure what the spell was she¡¯d cast on her father, but there was nothing special about her at all. She was ackluster student at best that clearly only got into the schools she went to because of her father¡¯s


    connections.


    ¡°<i>Who¡¯s </i><i>Sophie</i><i>? </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>my daughter</i><i>. </i><i>How </i><i>could </i><i>you </i><i>be </i><i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>her </i><i>and </i><i>not </i><i>know </i><i>her </i><i>name</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could see Edward slightly roll his eyes in annoyance; we clearly were on the same page. Clearly his


    throat, he began to speak.


    ¡°Um<i>, </i><i>Jameson </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>the </i><i>Chairman </i>is <i>referring </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>other </i><i>daughter</i><i>, </i><i>ra</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Jameson shot Edward hard re.


    ¡°Why <i>on </i><i>earth </i><i>would </i><i>he </i><i>be </i><i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    His voice raised higher than a normal tone. Clearly his held a disdain for her, though I wasn¡¯t sure why, I had my spections. Looking over at my assistant Owen, I gave the signal it was time to leave. Clearly I would have to think of another way to work with ra. Standing up, I could see panic rising in both Jameson and Edward¡¯s eyes. Edward held his hand up.


    ¡°Wait a second <i>Chairman </i><i>Tyler</i><i>! </i><i>If </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>working </i><i>with </i><i>ra</i>, you made the <i>right </i>decisioning here,<i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 67

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    Jameson shot Edward a cooled re. You could clearly tell they were not on the same page, and I


    had no time for games.


    ¡°VP Lawrence, with all <i>due </i>respect, it <i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>look </i><i>like </i><i>you </i>and <i>your </i><i>chairman </i>are <i>on </i>the <i>same </i><i>page</i><i>. </i>I came here for one reason only<i>; </i><i>I </i>want to <i>work </i>with <i>ra </i>Rouleau. If she¡¯s not here there¡¯s <i>no </i>reason I


    would be.¡±


    As we turned to walk out, Edward spoke again. This time with urgency in his tone.


    ¡°Ch¨CChairman wait! <i>Look</i>, we never said <i>ra </i>wouldn¡¯t <i>be </i><i>here</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I stopped walking and turned slowly, staring directly at Jameson.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i>that right?¡±


    As Jameson red back at me, Edward continued.


    ¡°Well, of course. <i>I </i>mean <i>with </i><i>all </i><i>due </i><i>respect</i><i>, </i><i>after </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>finished </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>degree </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>of </i><i>course </i><i>going </i><i>to </i>work for <i>her </i><i>father¡¯s </ipany<i>. </i>That <i>stands </i><i>to </i>reason <i>does </i><i>it </i><i>not</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    He had a point, in fact that was the whole reason I decided on this meeting. I assumed she would naturallye here once she graduated. Jameson decided to chime in, this time his expression was more rxed and his tone slightly smug, although you could still see the subtle hint of annoyance.


    ¡°Edward is <i>right</i>. <i>My </i><i>daughter </i><i>will </i><i>undoubtedly </ie <i>to </i><i>JGP </i><i>after </i><i>she </i><i>graduates </i><i>from </i><i>Lexington</i>, so <i>if </i>you want to work <i>with </i><i>her </i><i>you </i><i>will </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>with </i><i>us</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My annoyance reached its breaking point. I¡¯was curious though, something told me Jameson had no idea about what his daughter had aplished during her two years at Lexington so far. I decided


    to put that theory to a test.


    ¡°Tell me something Granger, <i>are </i><i>you </i><i>aware </i><i>of </i><i>why </i>I¡¯m <i>so </i>interested in your daughter?¡±


    Jameson¡¯s face twisted up, and at that moment, he realized he never even asked WHY or WHAT my


    interest in ra was.


    Scoffing, he began to speak.


    ¡°Look Taylor<i>, </i>I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have time for riddles. Whatever your reasons, the matter still stands, <i>ra </i><i>will </i><i>be </i>at JGP so if you want to work with her, you¡¯ll have to make a deal with us.¡±


    Edward looked at his partner with exasperation, clearly this wasn¡¯t how he wanted this meeting to go, but Jameson¡¯s arrogance overpowered it.


    I let out a light chuckle and scoffed.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>really </i>don¡¯t know <i>do </i>you<i>?</i>¡±


    I looked over at Edward who now looked as if he wanted to faint. Suddenly, I noticed an invitation


    on the table for a g. I walked over and picked it up reading its contents. It looks like Granger was throwing a graduation G for his precious mediocre daughter. Just then, an idea formed in my


    head, smiling smugly I walked over to Jameson.


    ¡°This g<i>, </i><i>is </i><i>ra </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>there</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Before Jameson could answer, Edward interjected.


    ¡°Of <i>course </i><i>she </i><i>is</i><i>! </i><i>She¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>there </i>to <i>celebrate </i><i>her </i><i>sister </i><i>graduating </i><i>high </i><i>school</i><i>! </i><i>In </i><i>fact</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>invitation </i><i>was </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>as </i><i>Jameson </i><i>was </i><i>hoping </i><i>to </i><i>invite </i><i>you </i><i>after </i><i>we </i>made <i>our </i><i>deal</i><i>. </i><i>Isn¡¯t that </i><i>right </i><i>Jameson</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Edward looked over a


    his partner with nervous eyes. I chuckled slightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>High </i><i>school </i><i>huh</i><i>? </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>almost </i><i>forgot </i><i>she </i><i>and </i><i>ra </i><i>are </i><i>the </i><i>same </i><i>age </i><i>since </i><i>ra </i><i>has </i><i>already </i><ipleted </i>two <i>years </i><i>of </i><i>college</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fna9da> Original content can be found at f?ndnovel</fna9da>


    Jameson¡¯s face twisted up, he knew exactly what I was insinuating. Speaking with Edward but keeping my eyes on Jameson, I continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>what</i><i>, </i><i>after </i><i>I </i><i>meet </i><i>with </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>my </i><i>decision</i>. <i>The </i><i>proposal </i>we <i>have </i><i>would </i><i>lock </i>JGP in on a <i>multi</i><i>¨C</i><i>billion</i><i>¨C</i><i>dor </i><i>deal </i><i>for </i><i>research </i><i>and </i><i>medicinal </i><i>creation</i>.¡±


    Both Jameson and Edward¡¯s eyes bulged. ¡®Did that catch your attention Granger.¡® I nodded to Owen; it was time to go. I¡¯d wasted enough time on this jerk.


    Owen looked over at me with slight amusement, he knew better than anyone what working with ra meant to me and was eager to see what my next n was. Handing him the invitation I made


    a request.


    ¡°Find out everything you can <i>on </i><i>ra¡¯s </i>rtionship <i>with </i><i>her </i>father<i>,</i>¡±


    Owen smirked.


    ¡°I assumed you mean <i>the </i>rtionship he doesn¡¯t want people to know about.¡±


    I faintly smiled at Owen; he knew me too well.

 Hunted 68

    <b>Chapter </b><b>68 </b>


    <i>Ethan </i><i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    After the meeting with Jameson, Ethan headed back to his hotel. Something was going on between Jameson and ra, he obviously wasn¡¯t aware of all she¡¯d aplished over the past two years like finding a possible cure for themon cold. More importantly, he couldn¡¯t have been aware about the breakthrough she made regarding a medication that kills cancer cells without the need of radiation and without causing stress to the human body.


    Ethan Taylor was the second oldest child of four; an older brother and two younger sisters. His parents, Joseph and A Taylor had been married for over 30 years always disying the epitome of love and grace. His father was the chairman of NovaTech; a global Techwarepany that specialized in nano technology. His brother Corey was currently the president and being poised to be CEO. Joseph¡¯s original n was to have both sons take over the family business, however, after his youngest sister Maria got diagnosed with Leukemia, Ethan took a special interest in biochemistry.


    By age 21, Ethan founded ETP, which quickly became one of the world¡¯s top global biochemic and pharmaceutical corporations. This was mostly due to him figuring out how to incorporate nano technology into surgery. Over the past two years, he managed to build a biochemical empire, still, with all of his genius, he hadn¡¯t found a cure to cancer. During his school and college years, he¡¯d studied many of the biochemical greats, however, it wasn¡¯t until he started reading the thesis and equation marks from Caroline Rouleau, that he felt he may have a chance to break that code. After he graduated Osha, he spent endless nights looking into thetest uing biochemist checking to see if they made breakthroughs.


    He¡¯d been short of disappointment, until he came across ra Rouleau formally Granger. From the moment he saw her he¡¯d instantly recognized her. Though they never met, she was dead ringer for her mother. He spent so many nights reading her research, he could practically see her in his dreams. He¡¯d learned of her genius following her academic career and was highly impressed, but it wasn¡¯t until the end of her freshman year that he was convinced she would be the one that would take medication and medicinal practices to the next level.


    While he was thinking about ra, his assistant Owen walked into his room with a folder filled with documents. Putting his sses on, Ethan reached for the folder. As he read through, his eyes darkened. As expected, Jameson was not a good father to ra. Based on the information Owen gathered, it seemed he preferred his illegitimate child Sophie over her. Throughout the years following her mother¡¯s death he¡¯d be increasingly cruel and often abusive. Owen managed to speak with some of the maids on the estate and they¡¯d all said the same thin Jameson Granger was an incredible father to Sophie and a horrible one to ra. Someth Listen the report however did catch his attention, something he hadn¡¯t expected to see. cing the


    Content


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    Rewards


    folder on the desk, Ethan had a sinister smile on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Huh</i><i>, </i><i>looks </i><i>like </i><i>I¡¯ll </i>be <i>able </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>with </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau </i><i>without </i>Jameson <i>after </i>all<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Owen sat at the desk grabbing the folder.


    <i>¡°</i>Yes, <i>I </i>was <i>actually </i>quite <i>surprised</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>transferring </i>out of <i>Lexington </i>for <i>Osha</i>. <i>Considering </i><i>he </i><i>hasn¡¯t </i>been to <i>LexU </i>in <i>over </i>two <i>years</i>; <i>I </i><i>doubt </i>Granger <i>is </i><i>aware</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Ethan sat in silence for a moment, his wheels turning as a n was forming. Owen looked at Ethan with a puzzled expression.


    <i>¡°</i>So, <i>I </i><i>guess </i>that means <i>we </i>don¡¯t <i>have </i><i>to </i>go to <i>ridiculous </i><i>g </i><i>tonight</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan smiled at Owen.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i>to go. It¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>fun </i><i>watching </i><i>Jameson </i>squirm <i>as </i><i>he </i><i>waits </i><i>for </i><i>ra </i>to <i>arrive</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Owen¡¯s right eyebrow rose.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>really </i><i>think </i><i>she </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>show </i><i>up </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>g</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan gave a light chuckle.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>we </i><i>make </i><i>a </i><i>friendly </i><i>wager</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Owen smiled, curious to see how tonight¡¯s events would pan out, he made a phone call to the


    hotel¡¯s luxury clothing store and ordered two suits for him and Ethan.


    <b><i>-ra¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    I arrived back at <i>the </i><i>Granger </i>Estate <i>that </i>noon <i>after </i><i>celebrating </i>with Gloria and Casey the night before. I dreaded <i>having </i>to go <i>back</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>I needed <i>to </i>the rest of my mother¡¯s journals. The mineral I needed for my <i>cancer </i><i>medication </i>had <i>finally </i>been created. <i>Over </i>the past two years I¡¯d followed thepany that specializes in <i>medicinal </i><i>minerals </i>and herbs. In my previous life, I was able to use a <i>mineral </i><i>named </i>artasium, <i>when </i><i>paired </i>with the right substance, it had the <i>ability </i>to detect and disintegrate irregr cells <i>without </i>attacking healthy cells. <i>Now </i>was the time to begin creating my cancer medication <i>and </i>I <i>would </i>need <i>my </i><i>mother¡¯s </i>journals to help me.


    As I <i>opened </i>the door, I felt a surge of unease. As I walked in, I noticed no one <i>was </i>in the grand room. <i>Perfect</i><i>. </i><i>Maybe </i>I can grab <i>my </i>things a leave before anyone notices. The time <i>was </i><i>2pm </i><i>when </i>I <i>finished </i><i>packing </i>and <i>I </i>was famished. <i>My </i>n was to head to the hotel and then <i>grab </i>something to


    2/3 <fn68f6> ?????? ???? find?novel</fn68f6>


    <i>eat</i>. My flight was set to leave at <i>7pm </i>this evening. Gloria <i>would </i>be picking me <i>up </i>from the airport at 9pm; so, I wanted to make sure <i>I </i><i>would </i>be at <i>the </i><i>airport </i><i>by </i>6pm. <i>As </i>I made <i>my </i><i>way </i>upstairs, <i>I </i>could <i>hear </i>voices <iing </i><i>from </i>the <i>kitchen</i><i>. </i>


    <i>Crap</i><i>. </i>


    <i>Coming </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>kitchen </i><i>was </i><i>my </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><i>stepmother</i>. <i>He </i>looked <i>as </i><i>if </i><i>he </i><i>had </i>been <i>fussing </i><i>about </i><i>something</i><i>. </i>As I <i>turned </i><i>to </i><i>leave</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>let </i>out a <i>loud </i>scruff.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>He </i><i>barked </i><i>my </i><i>name </i><i>with </i><i>grunt </i><i>and </i><i>annoyance</i>, <i>clearly </i><i>he </i>was <i>upset </i>at me. <i>I </i><i>ced </i><i>my </i><i>boxes </i>and <i>bags </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>front </i><i>door </i><i>and </i><i>made </i>my way to <i>the </i><i>grand </i><i>room </i>where my <i>father </i><i>was </i>standing, <i>looking </i><i>at </i><i>me </i><i>as </i><i>if </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>ruined </i><i>his </i><i>day</i>.


    <i>¡°</i>Just <i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>are </i><i>you </i>bringing into <i>this </i><i>house </i><i>now</i>! We <i>have </i><i>enough </i><i>of </i><i>your </i>junk <i>in </i><i>that </i>


    basement<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    **¡°I¡¯m not moving anything in father; I just came home to grab a few things. I¡¯ll be taking my leave.¡°*


    As I turned to leave, he gripped my wrist hard, forcing me to almost stumble.


    ¡°<i>Where </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going</i>. <i>The </i><i>school </i><i>year </i><i>is </i><i>now </i><i>over</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>moving </i><i>back </i><i>into </i><i>the </i>


    <i>mansion</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I stared at my father with a confused expression, I hadn¡¯t been home in over two years and not


    once had he asked for me toe home.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i><i>aware </i><i>the </i><i>school </i><i>year </i>is <i>over </i><i>father</i><i>; </i><i>however</i>, <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>staying </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>friend</i><i>, </i><i>so </i>I¡¯ll <i>be </i>


    <i>heading </i><i>back </i><i>now</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My father looked at me with impatience. What the hell was going on?


    <i>¡°</i>From now on, <i>you¡¯ll </i><i>be staying </i><i>at </i><i>the estate </i><i>during </i><i>all </i><i>school breaks</i>. <i>Take </i><i>your </i><i>junk </i><i>back </i><i>downstairs</i>.¡±


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    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±

 Hunted 69

    <b>Chapter </b><b>69 </b>


    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><i>POV</i><b>: </b>


    My eyes bulged, what the hell was going on! My father hadn¡¯t cared about where I stayed since kicking me out during Christmas break of 2021. I didn¡¯t want to tell him my ns, but I needed to figure out how to get out of this.


    ¡°Father, with all <i>due </i><i>respect</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>told </i>me to <i>leave </i><i>this </i><i>house </i>in <i>2021 </i><i>and </i><i>I-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°I¡¯ve changed <i>my </i>mind<i>! </i><i>This isn¡¯t </i><i>something </i><i>you </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>making </i><i>a </i><i>big </i><i>deal </i><i>about</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>will </i><i>move </i><i>back </i><i>home</i>, <i>and </i><i>you </i><i>will </i>attend <i>tonight¡¯s </i><i>g</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>celebrating </i><i>your </i><i>sister¡¯s </i><i>graduation</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Of course.


    So that¡¯s the reason he wants me here, so he can lie about us all being one big happy family. No thanks. I looked at my father as if he had three heads, it dawned on me at that moment, not only was I not a part of this family, but I was grown. With a slight smile, I began to leave.


    <i>¡°</i>ra! <i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>said</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°I <i>heard </i><i>you </i><i>father</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>in </i><i>case </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>remember </i><i>my </i><i>age</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m over </i><i>18 </i><i>years </i><i>old</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>no </i><i>longer </i><i>need </i><i>your </i><i>permission </i><i>to </i><ie </i><i>and </i><i>go</i>.¡±


    My father looked at me as if a circuit was about to blow. Suddenly, Anna stood up with her usual fake concern and crocodile tears.


    ¡°ra! I don¡¯t <i>understand </i><i>your </i><i>hostility</i><i>. </i><i>Your </i><i>father just </i><i>wants </i><i>you </i>toe <i>home</i>. <i>Why </i><i>are </i>you being so difficult<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I almostughed, in hindsight, Sophie had it honestly. Without answering I turned to walk away. My father and Anna followed me out the room.


    <i>¡°</i>You little brat<i>! </i>What do <i>you </i><i>have </i>without me! <i>One </i><i>word</i>! One word and I¡¯ll have you kicked out of Lexington<i>! </i><i>Do </i>you think your so¨Ccalled <i>friends </i>will care about you then?¡±


    I took another look at my pathetic father. Of course he would say something crass like that. Without missing a step, I continued towards the door. Suddenly, I could feel my arm getting yanked back.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Who </i>do <i>you </i>think you are<i>!</i>¡±


    I was over this charade. I pulled my arm away from my father, turning to look at him. There


    was a time in my previous life when I wanted nothing more than for this man to acknowledge me. But now, now all I could feel was disgust for the man I once loved more than anything.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>can </i><i>do </i><i>whatever </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>father</i><i>, </i><i>regardless</i>, <i>I¡¯m </i><i>leaving</i>. <i>I </i><i>will </i>not <i>be </i><i>at </i><i>that </i><i>party </i><i>tonight</i>, <i>in </i><i>the </i><i>five </i><i>years </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>celebrated </i><i>your </i><i>precious </i><i>Sophie</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>never </i>wanted <i>me </i><i>there</i><i>. </i>Let¡¯s <i>not </i><i>change </i><i>traditions</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Jameson looked at me as if he were chewing nails. I¡¯d never spoken to him like this way in any


    of my lives. Suddenly, his eyes darkened as he realized something. Walking closer to me his


    voice sneered.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>rtionship </i><i>with </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    What?


    Why was he asking about him? Had he found out about Osha? No, that¡¯s not likely seeing as to how he just threatened to have my removed from LexU. Giving my father a puzzled look, I shook my head in confusion.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>idea </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i>. <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>know </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>believe </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Now </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    What was going on? Why is he so fixated on Taylor?


    ¡°<i>Father</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯re going </i><i>through </i><i>but </i><i>I don¡¯t know </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i><i>. </i><i>Now </i><i>if </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>excuse </i><i>me</i>, <i>I¡¯m </i><i>on </i>a <i>bit </i>of <i>time </i><i>clock </i><i>here</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As I was about to walk out, Sophie and Jason walked in.


    Great.


    Sophie came barging in with this fake look of happiness to see me while Jason looked like I was about to perform a root canal on him.


    ¡°<i>Sister</i>! I¡¯m so d <i>you¡¯re </i>here<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    She threw her hands up in the air as if she wanted a hug. I moved to the left before she could touch me. With a slight look of being startled, she smiled again.


    ¡°Oh, <i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>since </i>your home you¡¯ll <i>have </i>to <ie </i><i>to my </i>graduation g<i>! </i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>I </i><i>have </i>a <i>dress </i><i>you </i>


    <i>can¨C</i>¡±


    ¡°No <i>need</i><i>. </i>I <i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>attending</i>.¡±


    <b>211 </b>


    As Sophie¡¯s eyes began to water, I turned around to make my way towards the door once more. Suddenly Jason called out in a disgusted tone.


    ¡°<i>Ugh</i><i>, </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>always </i><i>have </i>to <i>be </i><i>petty </i>and <i>make </i><i>everyone </i><i>around </i><i>you </i><i>miserable</i><i>! </i><i>Sophie </i><i>is </i><i>just </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>be </i>nice<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Iughed out loud at Jason, did he even care how ridiculous he sounded? <fnf543> For more chapters visit find~novel</fnf543>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jason </i>as always you vex me<i>. </i><i>If </i>I <i>make </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>miserable </i><i>why </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>around </i>


    you?¡±


    Jason scuffed, a smug expression on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>around</i>. <i>But </i><i>because </i><i>Sophie </i><i>has </i><i>such </i><i>a </i><i>pure </i><i>heart</i><i>, </i><i>even </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>act </i><i>like </i><i>this</i>,


    <i>she </i><i>still </i><i>wants </i><i>you </i><i>around</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    HAHAHAHAHA<i>!!! </i>


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh hysterically! Sophie had a pure heart. After regaining myposure, I looked Jason dead in the eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jason</i><i>, </i><i>exactly </i><i>how </i><i>many </i><i>pure </i><i>women </i><i>sleep </i><i>with their </i><i>sister¡¯s fianc¨¦</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    My question caught everyone off guard. Instant panic surged onto the faces of Sophie, Anna, and Jason while confusion was stered on my father¡¯s. Suddenly, Jason began to protest.


    <i>¡°</i>That¡¯s a lie<i>!!</i>¡±


    Like clockwork, Sophie¡¯s tears came raining down.


    ¡°ra, I don¡¯t <i>understand </i><i>why </i><i>you </i><i>hate </i><i>me </i>so <i>much</i><i>. </i><i>All </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>ever </i>wanted <i>was </i>for <i>us </i>to be close.¡±


    Suddenly, my father walked directly towards me.


    SLAP!


    My father pped me hard leaving a ring in my ear. As I grabbed my cheek, he began to yell.


    ¡°<i>Stop </i><i>lying </i>on <i>your </i>sister<i>! </i><i>You¡¯ve </i><i>always </i>been ungrateful! <i>This </i><i>is </i><i>why </i><i>I¡¯ve </i>always <i>loved </i>her most<i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i>just as wretched as your mother wa-<i>¡± </i>


    That was it! I couldn¡¯t take it! I instantly kicked my father sending him flying across the room. My stepmother and Sophie let out a loud scream as they all ran towards him. Jason was yelling and cursing at me asking if I¡¯d lost my mind. What they didn¡¯t know was that for the past two


    <b>10:30 </b><b>Thu, 4 Sept </b>


    XS 74%


    years, Casey had been training me in self¨Cdefense. If I wanted to, I could have done real


    damage.


    As they all panicked, trying to help my father up, I calmly made my way to the door to collect my things and leave. As I walked out the door, my father came heaving and yelling.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>little </i><i>bitch</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>kick </i>me<i>! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><ie </i><i>back</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>threw</i>! I¡¯m <i>having </i><i>you </i><i>removed </i><i>from </i><i>Lexington and </i><i>ck </i><i>balled </i><i>by </i><i>every </i><i>school </i>in <i>this </i><i>state</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯ll </i><i>never </i><i>be </i><i>a </i>


    <i>biochemist</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    As he ranted and raved, I calmly made my way to the gate calling my rideshare. My phone


    showed it would be arriving in three minutes. The time was now 4pm.


    Damn.


    Oh well, maybe I can grab something at the airport. I asked my rideshare to give me a few minutes while I grabbed my things from the hotel, afterwards, I arrived at the airport around


    5:30pm.


    Perfect.


    Time to leave. Goodbye Glendale and hello Springsten, it was time for me to have a new life.


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 Hunted 70

    <b>Chapter </b><b>70 </b>


    <i>Jameson </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    As the Grangers made their way to Lowelston Grand Hotel for the g, Jameson was still


    fuming.


    ¡®I <i>can¡¯t </i><i>believe </i><i>that </i><i>little </i><i>bitch dared </i><i>to </i><i>kick </i>me<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    After ra left, Jameson immediately went to his study fuming. In his haste of anger, he¡¯d forgotten how imperative it was for her to be at the g. Suddenly, Anna walked in with a


    ss of water and an aspirin. Angry, she began to yell.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>call </i><i>the </i><i>cops </i><i>on </i><i>that </i><i>little </i><i>bitch </i>for <i>assault</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Jameson scoffed, there was no way he was going to call the authorities about getting his ass


    kicked by his daughter. The embarrassment would be to much to bear.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>will </i><i>do </i><i>no </i><i>such </i><i>thing </i><i>and </i><i>neither </i><i>will </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Anna¡¯s eyes bulged. She couldn¡¯t believe Jameson would not want to throw ra in jail. Softening her voice, Anna rubbed Jameson¡¯s back.


    ¡°<i>Honey</i>, <i>I </i><i>know </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>daughter</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>I¡¯m <i>afraid </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>has </i><i>crossed </i><i>the </i><i>line</i><i>! </i><i>Sophie </i><i>would </i>


    <i>never-</i>¡±


    Jameson raised his hand and cut Anna off.<b>, </b>


    ¡°I said no! <i>Do </i>you <i>realize </i><i>what </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>gossip </i><i>will </i><i>go </i><i>draw </i><i>if </i>people found out <i>I </i>couldn¡¯t control my got damn daughter<i>! </i><i>No </i><i>cops</i>! <i>That¡¯s </i>final!¡±


    Anna sulked, though she didn¡¯t want to admit, Jameson was right. This could potentially backfire if word got out about transpired today. <fndb8d> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n </fndb8d>


    ¡°Well <i>then </i>what are <i>we </i>going <i>to </i>do<i>? </i><i>She </i>can¡¯t get away with this<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson kept quiet, right now his mind was on the g. He knew Taylor would not want to go into business with him if he did not produce ra.


    <i>¡°</i>Jameson, do you hear me? What are <i>we </i>going-¡±


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>enough Anna<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Startled, Anna backed into thew chair with a shocked look, Jameson had never raised his voice to her. Anna¡¯s eyes began to water in confusion.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jameson</i>¡­¡±


    Jameson looked at Anna, his expression began to soften, he hadn¡¯t meant to take his anger out on her. Speaking in a calmer tone, he grabbed Anna¡¯s hand.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m sorry <i>dear</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>didn¡¯t mean to <i>yell </i><i>at </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>That </i><i>little </i><i>runt</i><i>! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>causing </i><i>more </i><i>trouble </i><i>than </i><i>she¡¯s </i>worth! <i>If </i><i>I </i>can¡¯t get <i>her </i>to <i>that </i><i>g tonight </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>screwed</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Puzzled, Anna waited for Jameson to exin. Why was it so important for her to be at the g.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jameson</i>, <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand</i>. <i>Why </i><i>does </i><i>she </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>there</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson looked over to Anna. After exhaling, he began to exin the events that took ce at the meeting that morning. Anna stood shock, what in the world was going on! Why had Chairman Taylor requested that girl and with to such a degree! None of it was making any


    sense.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand </i><i>this</i><i>! </i>Do <i>they </i><i>know </i><i>each </i><i>other</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how. Taylor is usually on the west continent, and even when he does travel, he neveres this way. He knows Glendale and the entire northern continent is dominated by


    JGP.¡±


    Anna began to pace.


    ¡°So, what are <i>we </i>going to <i>do </i><i>if </i>she <i>doesn¡¯t¡¯arrive </i>tonight?¡±


    Jameson pondered nervously, he hadn¡¯t had a chance to think of a n B. He was so sure ra would be grateful of him allowing her back home. In the past, even the smallest kind gesture would be enough, but now, now she was a totally different person. Completely uncontroble. He had to think of a way to regain his control over her if he was going to use her genius to


    expand his business.


    Picking up his phone, he immediately called his assistant.


    ¡°Find ra and bring her back to the estate now<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson barked his orders to his assistant leaving little room for questions.


    <i>¡°</i>Yes sir<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Click.


    <i>Edward¡¯s </i>POV<b>: </b>


    <i>He </i>wasn¡¯t <i>sure </i><i>why</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>clearly </i><i>Jameson </i><i>had </i><i>been </i><i>lying </i><i>about </i>the <i>rtionship </i><i>he </i><i>had </i><i>with </i><i>his </i><i>daughter</i>. <i>Though </i><i>Edward </i><i>knew he </i><i>favored </i><i>his </i><i>adoptive </i>daughter, he never <i>thought </i><i>Jameson </i><i>was </ipletely <i>estranged</i>. But <i>something </i><i>Taylor </i>said <i>at </i><i>that </i>meeting was gnawing at <i>his </i><i>brain </i><i>like </i><i>a </i>mouse <i>with </i><i>cheese</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡®</i><i>You </i><i>really </i>don¡¯t know why I¡¯m interested <i>in </i>your daughter<i>?</i><i>¡® </i>


    <i>Those </i><i>words </i><i>kept </i>haunting <i>at </i><i>him</i>. Why <i>was </i>he <i>so </i>interested in <i>ra</i>. <i>Edward </i>wasn¡¯t <i>unaware </i>of <i>her </i><i>brilliance</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>surely </i><i>that </i>wasn¡¯t enough to go <i>through </i><i>such </i>lengths <i>just </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>with </i><i>her</i><i>. </i><i>After</i>¨Call, Ethan <i>Taylor </i><i>was </i><i>a </i>pioneering genius <i>himself</i><i>, </i>the nano <i>technology </i><i>he </i><i>advanced </i>for <i>medicine </i>was nothing <i>short </i>of amazing. <i>There </i>had to be more. <i>As </i><i>Edward </i><i>pulled </i><i>up </i>to <i>LexU</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>hoped </i><i>his </i>answers <i>would </i><i>be </i><i>here</i>. <i>The </i><i>school </i>was <i>practically </i><i>empty </i>now <i>that </i><i>the </i><i>school </i><i>year </i><i>was </i><i>over</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>he knew <i>the </i><i>dean </i>would <i>still </i>be <i>in</i>. Walking into <i>the </i><i>front </i><i>office</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>receptionist¡¯s </i>head <i>popped </i><i>up in surprise</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i><i>Williams</i><i>! </i>Wee <i>back </i>to <i>LexU</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>brings </i><i>you </i><i>here </i><i>today</i>?¡±


    <i>Letting </i><i>out </i><i>a </i><i>bright smile</i><i>, </i><i>Edward </i><i>thanked </i><i>the </i><i>receptionist </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>warm </i><i>wee </i><i>and </i><i>informed </i><i>her </i><i>he </i>was <i>looking </i><i>for </i>Dean <i>Woodcrest</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>absolutely</i><i>! </i><i>Dean </i><i>Woodcrest </i><i>is </i><i>in </i><i>his </i><i>office</i><i>. </i><i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>call </i><i>him </i><i>now</i><i>. </i><i>Please </i><i>have </i>a <i>seat</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Edward </i><i>nodded </i><i>his </i><i>head </i><i>with </i>a smile <i>and </i><i>sat </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>waiting </i><i>area</i>. A <i>few </i><i>moments </i><iter</i><i>, </i><i>Woodcrest </i><i>walked </i>into <i>the </i><i>front </i><i>office</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Edward</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>brings </i><i>you </i><i>here </i><i>today</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Edwards </i><i>immediately </i><i>stood </i><i>shaking </i><i>Dean </i><i>Woodcrest¡¯s </i>hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s been <i>a </i><i>while </i>I <i>know</i><i>. </i>I need toe <i>visit </i>more often, take a look at what some of <i>the </i><i>promising </i>new students are up too.¡±


    **¡°Think nothing of it, I know you¡¯re working hard at JGP.¡°*


    Edward almostughed out loud at thatment. If only Woodcrest knew just how he¡¯d been working to help thatpany grow.


    ¡°<i>Absolutely</i><i>! </i>Still, I¡¯m excited to see <i>what </i>new <i>talent will </i><i>be </iing <i>through </i>those <i>doors</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>have </i>


    <i>a </i><i>full </i><i>inter </i><i>program </i><i>next </i><i>year </i>so I¡¯m <i>excited </i>to <i>meet </i><i>the </i>new talent<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>wonderful</i><i>! </i><i>The </i><i>students </i><i>will definitely </i><i>be </i><i>working </i><i>hard </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>epted</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>honestly </i><i>say </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>had </i><i>some </i><i>bright </i><i>and </i><i>amazing </i><i>talent </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>few </i><i>years</i>.¡±


    Edward so that as his way in to ask about ra.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Speaking </i>of <i>new </i><i>talent</i><i>, </i><i>how </i><i>has </i><i>ra </i><i>been </i><i>doing</i>?¡±


    Dean Woodcrest paused for a brief as they made their way to his office. Walking into the office, Woodcrest motioned for Edward to take a seat. A serious expression on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra </i><i>Gra</i>¨C<i>Rouleau</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Edward¡¯s brows furrowed. When did ra start going by Rouleau? A dark cloud started looming over his head like a bad omen. Something was wrong. Maintaining his lightposure, Edward smiled faintly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>aware </i><i>she </i><i>started </i><i>going </i><i>by </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>came </i>as a <i>bit </i><i>of </i><i>shock </i><i>to </i><i>us </i><i>when she </i><i>put </i><i>the </i><i>request </i><i>in</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>too </i><i>surprised</i>. <i>Afterall</i><i>, </i><i>her </i><i>mother </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>true </i><i>genius</i>. <i>Though</i>, <i>and </i><i>I </i>can¡¯t <i>believe </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>saying </i><i>this</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>ra </i>


    <i>may </i><i>have </i><i>surpassed </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>Comments </b>

 Hunted 71

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>71


    <i>Edward¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    Edward sat wordless and in shock. ra surpassed Caroline, was something like that even possible? In order to surpass Caroline, she would have to have invented some type of cure. Caroline single handedly pioneered some of our most advanced medicine and technology. Confused, Edward stayed silent as Woodcrest continued.


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>mean</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>I </i>found out <i>she </i>was doing <ib </i><i>tutoring </i>helping even some of our most advanced <i>seniors </i><i>in </i><i>Bio</i><i>¨C</i>Organic <i>chemistry </i>I knew <i>she </i><i>was </i>going to be something special. With <i>her </i><i>help </i>our <i>test </i><i>scores </i><i>increased </i><i>over </i>78 percent for students scoring 90 and above!¡±


    All of this information was crashing into Edward like a tidal wave! When did ra start tutoring courses? Was Jameson aware of all she had been doing here at LexU. Suddenly, while deep in thought, Woodcrest said something that snatched Edward back to reality.


    ¡°What <i>did </i><i>you </i>say<i>?</i>¡±


    He looked at Woodcrest like he grew another head.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>right</i><i>! </i><i>Creating </i><i>a </i><i>cure </i>for <i>the </i><imon </i><i>cold</i><i>! </i>Imagine <i>what </i><i>that </i><i>will </i>do for <i>future </i><i>cures </i>and <i>supplements</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>possibilities </i><i>are </i>going <i>to </i><i>be </i>endless<i>! </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>Jameson </i>can¡¯t <i>wait </i><i>to-</i><i>¡± </i><fn8ed8> For original chapters go to f¦É¦Ídn¦Ïvel</fn8ed8>


    Edward cut Woodcrest off. What the hell was happening! When did ra create a cure!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>telling </i>me<i>, </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>a </i><i>mere </i><i>sophomore</i><i>, </i><i>created </i><i>a </i><i>cure </i>for <i>something </i>not <i>even </i><i>the </i><i>world¡¯s </i><i>top </i><i>biochemist </i><i>and </i><i>pharmacists </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>create</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    It sounded basic, but in reality, curing themon cold was nothing short of amazing. Being able to stead a cure for baseline of majority diseases and infections could possibly open the door to everything from pneumonia to advanced covid and flu infections. Not to mention the breakthroughs it could open for cancer, AIDS, etc. How was this possible!


    Woodcrest looked confused; he was sure Edward would have learned all of this from Jameson.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sophomore</i><i>, </i>she <i>was </i><i>still </i><i>a </i>freshman.¡±


    Edward¡¯s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. A FRESHMAN! This was impossible!


    ¡°Woodcrest<b><i>, </i></b><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>saying</i>? I know <i>the </i><i>girl </i><i>is </i><i>intelligent </i><i>but </i><i>even </i><i>her </i><i>mother</i>¡­¡±


    Edward¡¯s words trailed off. There was no way Woodcrest was being truthful. Or maybe he


    meant she was on the path to finding a cure. But when Edwards looked into Woodcrest¡¯s eyes, he could see the slight disdain.


    ¡°<i>Edward</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>never </i><i>lie </i>on <i>my </i><i>students</i><i>. </i><i>Honestly</i>, <i>I </i>can¡¯t <i>believe </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>any </i>of <i>this</i>. <i>I </i><i>figured </i><i>Jameson </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>allow </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>begin </i><i>trials </i><i>for </i>that <i>or </i><i>the </i><i>cancer </i><i>treatments</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>I <i>assumed-</i>¡±


    Edward held his hands up.


    ¡°<i>Whoa</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>cancer </i><i>treatments</i>?¡±


    Puzzled.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Shortly </i><i>after </i><i>she </i><i>created </i><i>the </imon <i>cold </i><i>cure </i><i>she </i><i>naturally </i><i>started </i><i>working </i><i>on </i><i>cancer </i><i>treatments</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>create </i><i>a </i><i>medication </i><i>that </i><i>would </i><i>heal </i><i>and </i><i>restore </i><i>damaged </i><i>or </i><i>lost </i><i>blood </i><i>cells</i><i>, </i><i>that </i><i>would </i><i>not </i><i>only </i><i>remove </i><i>the </i><i>cancer </i><i>but </i><i>ensure </i><i>it </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>grow </i><i>back</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>believe she¡¯s </i><ie </i><i>close</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>think the </i><i>only </i><i>thing </i><i>that </i><i>has </i><i>stopped </i><i>her </i><i>is </i><i>not </i><i>being </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>any </i><i>trials</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    There it was. THAT was why Taylor wanted to work with her so badly. Woodcrest was right, ra had indeed surpassed her mother, in fact, she¡¯d surpassed just about every scientist and


    biochemist throughout the world and if they didn¡¯t act fast, JGP would lose that brilliance.


    Edward quickly stood up. He shook Woodcrest¡¯s hand thanking him for seeing him today.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>sure she </i><i>was </i><i>excelling </i><i>here</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m sure </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>future </i><i>of </i>JGP.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i>, <i>of </i><i>course</i><i>! </i><i>Hey</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>Jameson </i><i>has </i><i>big </i><i>ns </i><i>for </i><i>her</i>. <i>That¡¯s </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>so </i><i>surprised </i><i>when </i><i>she </i>


    <i>transferred</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Edward¡¯s smile faded in an instant. Transferred?


    ¡°What are <i>you-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before Edward could get his question out, Woodcrest continued.


    ¡°Not to <i>mention </i><i>how </i>heartbroken we as <i>well </i>as <i>our </i>students <i>were</i>! I mean the entire sophomore and freshman ss equates her tutoring to <i>why </i><i>they </i>passed<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Woodcrest, where is <i>she </i>transferring too?¡±


    Woodcrest once again looked at Edward with confusion, had Jameson also not informed him of this<b>? </b>


    ¡°Why <i>she¡¯s </i><i>going </i>to <i>Osha</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Osha! As in Osha university in Springsten! That school was on the other side of the world!


    CRACK.


    Whatever piece of hope Edward felt instantly crumbled. ra was going to Osha and to make matters worse; Jameson was none the wiser. Not to mention, now Taylor would no longer need JGP in order to work with her. Word was bound to get out that his star prize would be attending his alma mater.


    Edward left LexU with a heavy heart filled with anger. Jameson had single handedly just destroyed any chances of JGP ever going global all because of his inferiority to his dead wife and daughter. Edward was no fool, he knew the real reason Jameson favored that fool of a daughter and her mother was because of his ego. Constantly falling into the shadows of Caroline left a bitter mark on him and it was no different with his genius daughter. One thing was clear for Edward, tonight would be hisst night at JGP Corp.


    Chapter Comments

 Hunted 72

    <b>Chapter </b><b>72 </b>


    <i>Jameson¡¯s </i><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    As Jameson finished dressing for the g, frustration gloomed over his face. For the past several hours, his assistant tried locating ra with no luck. She wasn¡¯t registered in any hotels, rideshares, or domestic flights. Where could she have gone in such short notice with little to no money! As he finished his tie, his phone rang.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Have </i><i>you </i><i>found </i><i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The assistant stuttered nervously on the phone.


    ¡°<i>I</i>¨CI¡¯m <i>sorry </i><i>sir</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>locate </i><i>her </i><i>anywhere</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>as </i><i>if </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>vanished</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson mmed his phone down. That¡¯s impossible! Someone must have been helping her! Anna walked into their grand closet just as Jameson was finishing his tie. She could see the annoyance on his face.


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>damn </i><i>brat</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    She seethed inwardly hating that ra may steal her daughter¡¯s special moment.


    ¡®<i>So</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>she¡¯s </i>so <i>genius</i>! <i>Jameson </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>care </i><i>about </i><i>her </i><i>anymore </i><i>than </i><i>he </i><i>cared </i><i>about </i><i>her </i>


    <i>mother</i>!<i>¡® </i>


    Walking up behind Jameson, she slithered her arm over his shoulder while looking at him in


    the mirror.


    <i>¡°</i>You look <i>handsome </i><i>my </i><i>love</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    She cooed as she walked in front of him, but Jameson¡¯s face was still darkened. Still, Anna


    believed she could sooth him like she always had.


    ¡°Honey<i>, </i>whatever is going <i>on </i><i>with </i>that <i>girl</i><i>, </i><i>it </i>won¡¯t be <i>resolved </i>tonight. Come on, everyone is already<i>. </i><i>Let¡¯s </i>head to <i>the </i>hotel and celebrate our daughter¡¯s graduation. We¡¯ll deal with everything


    else tomorrow<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson looked down at Anna, he knew what she was saying was true, but we still feared what would happen tonight if ra didn¡¯t show up.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand Anna, if she doesn¡¯t=¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i><i>she </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>show </i><i>up</i><i>, </i>we¡¯ll <i>make </i><i>up </i>a <ipelling </i><i>story </i><i>of </i><i>how </i><i>she </i><i>came </i><i>down </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>flu</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>back </i><i>you </i>all <i>the </i><i>way </i><i>up </i>and <i>with </i><i>Sophia </i><i>and </i><i>Jason </i><i>corroborating</i><i>, </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor </i><i>will </i><i>have </i><i>to </i>


    <i>believe </i><i>us</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Jameson smiled at Anna, this was why he fell in love with her. She always knew exactly what to say and do to make him feel better. Pulling her into his arms, he ced a kiss gently on her


    lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re <i>right </i>dear. <i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you</i>. <i>Come</i><i>, </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>go </i><i>celebrate </i><i>our </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Anna smiled in triumph as Jameson took her hand. ¡®See that Caroline, even in your death, you


    can¡¯t beat me.¡¯


    As Jameson and Anna made their way to the foyer, they saw Sophie and Jason smiling at each other. Sophie was wearing a beautiful pink gown with powder pink jewels for essories. She


    looked absolutely beautiful as she smiled in triumph¡­


    <i>See </i><i>this </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>matter </i><i>how </i><i>smart </i><i>you </i><i>are</i><i>, </i><i>daddy </i><i>only </i><i>cares </i><i>about </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>Jason </i><i>only </i>


    wants me.¡®


    Jameson walked up and kissed Sophie on the cheek as he beamed with joy.


    ¡°Princess, <i>you </i><i>look </i><i>beautiful</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Yes, La Carte <i>has </i><i>truly </i><i>outdone </i><i>themselves </i><i>with </i><i>this </i><i>beautiful </i><i>gown</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Anna chimed in as Sophie spun in a circle. Jameson then turned to Jason, holding out his hand, he shook Jason¡¯s with fatherly pride.


    ¡°Jason, you look handsome <i>tonight</i>. Remember <i>you¡¯re </i>representing <i>my </i>daughter and take good care of her<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jason beamed with pride; he wasn¡¯t sure how Jameson would respond to his rtionship with Sophie considering he was engaged to ra. Suddenly, Sophie began to pout.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh </i>daddy, it¡¯s not fair! ra will be marrying Jason when everyone knows we love each other. Why should she get <i>my </i><i>happy </i>ending!<i>¡± </i><fn8c78> Latest content published on Find?Novel</fn8c78>


    Jameson walked up to his daughter with a protective stare.


    <i>¡°</i>Not <i>to </i>worry princess, I¡¯ll be speaking with Sterlings soon regarding changing <i>his </i>fianc¨¦. That <i>brat </i>doesn¡¯t <i>deserve </i>to be happy after how she¡¯s been behaving!<i>¡± </i>


    Sophie and Jason¡¯s eyes gleamed! Finally, they could be together officially. For a slight


    8:01


    moment, however, Jason felt a nudge of guilt. He¡¯d known ra since they were children, at one point, he was in love with her. But she just wasn¡¯t like Sophie. Sophie knew how to cater to him and stroke his ego when needed, he knew she would always be submissive and y every part of the trophy wife instead of him being Mr. Granger because he married the great genius ra. This was the right choice, otherwise he would be in ra¡¯s shadow forever.


    Chapter Comments


    ? 1

 Hunted 73

    <b>Chapter </b>73


    As they made their way to the limo, Jameson told himself that once he found ra, he would make sure she paid.


    <i>¡®</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i><i>lock </i><i>that </i><i>brat </i>in <i>the </i><i>basement </i><i>so </i><i>that </i><i>she </i><i>can </i><i>never </i><i>leave </i><i>again</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>she </i><i>only </i><i>works </i>for <i>JGP </i><i>as </i><i>my </i><i>unofficial </i><i>ve</i>.¡®


    Jameson smiled smugly as the family made it way to the hotel for Sophie¡¯s big night.


    Once they arrived, Anna and Jameson immediately began getting prepared to meet the guest as Sophie made her way to the dressing suite before making her grand entrance. Smiling at herself in the mirror, Sophie felt aplished.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Everyone </i><i>is </i><i>here </i>to <i>see </i>me<i>! </i><i>And just </i><i>like </i>everything <i>else </i><i>she </i><i>holds </i><i>dear</i><i>, </i>I¡¯ll <i>make </i><i>sure </i>I <i>steal </i><i>her </i><i>precious </i><ipany </i><i>too</i><i>. </i><i>All </i>of <i>her </i><i>brilliance </i><i>will </i><i>be </i>given <i>to </i>me on <i>a </i><i>silver </i><i>tter </i><i>just </i><i>like </i><i>her </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>.<i>¡® </i>


    As the guests began to arrive, Anna and Jameson yed the roles of perfect hosts, greeting and thanking everyone as they made their way into the ballroom.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jameson</i>, <i>Anna</i>. <i>How </i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Alen Conway one of Glendale¡¯s most respected neurosurgeons greeted the Grangers along with


    his wife and daughter Terra.


    ¡°Alen<i>! </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>a </i><i>long</i>¨C<i>time </i><i>old </i><i>friend</i><i>! </i><i>How¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>hospital</i><i>. </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>the </i><i>chief </i><i>of </i><i>neuro</i>¨C<i>surgery </i>


    correct?¡±


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>hospital </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>great</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>yes</i><i>! </i><i>In </i><i>fact</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>getting </i><i>a </i><i>new </i><i>ward </i><i>build </i><i>over </i><i>the </i>summer.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°That¡¯s <i>excellent </i><i>to </i><i>here</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>you¡¯re </i>running <i>things </i><i>like </i>a <i>tight </i><i>ship</i>. <i>And Isabelle</i><i>, </i>you and Terra look <i>absolutely </i><i>beautiful</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson took Isabelle¡¯s hand into his and ced a light kiss on the back of her hand. Alen followed suit with Anna.


    ¡°<i>Anna </i><i>you </i>look breathtaking as <i>always</i>. We can¡¯t to see the guest <i>of </i>honor.¡±


    Anna beamed with pride. <fn31b9> For more chapters visit FindN0vel</fn31b9>


    ¡°She¡¯s <b>so </b>excited<i>! </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>such </i>an honor to <i>have </i><i>everyone </i>here celebrating <i>her </i><i>big </i><i>night</i><b>.</b>¡±


    Alen¡¯s daughter Terra, however, scoffed under her breath.


    <i>¡®</i><i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>big </i><i>deal </i>about <i>graduating </i><i>from </i><i>high </i><i>school</i><i>? </i><i>Isn¡¯t </i>that <i>what </i><i>you¡¯re </i>supposed


    <i>to </i><i>do</i>?¡±


    Terra also attended Bartrum Private Academy, and she was all too familiar with the Granger sisters. Like many, Terra admired ra not only for her brilliance, but for her sweet and loving personality. She was always kind and helped others, tutoring them when they needed assistance and always smiling. She never looked down on anyone or made them feel less than. That was Sophie. Sophie was crude, arrogant, and spoiled. She made people feel small, always boasting about how her father got her anything she wanted, and she was his perfect princess.


    The truth was, Sophie lived in the shadows of ra¡¯s brilliance so to make up for it, she used being mean as a defense mechanism. It wasn¡¯t until ra left for college that others even paid her any real attention. They all watched as she roamed through the school like she was some queen bee with Jason following behind her like some love puppy. It all made Terra sick, others may have been willing to suck up to her, but she wasn¡¯t. The only reason she was here tonight was because her parents dragged her.


    ¡°<i>Terra</i><i>, </i><i>say </i><i>hello </i><i>to </i><i>Mr. </i><i>and </i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Granger</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Terra¡¯s father snapped her back to reality. Just as she was about to speak, the announcer stepped to the podium.


    ¡°Ladies <i>and </i><i>gentlemen</i>, <i>on </i><i>behalf </i><i>or </i><i>Mr. </i><i>and </i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Granger</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>would </i><i>like </i>to <i>thank </i><i>everyone </i><i>from </i><i>celebrating </i><i>this </i><i>joyous </i><i>night </i><i>as </i><i>they </i><i>celebrate </i><i>their </i><i>beautiful </i><i>daughter Sophie </i><i>graduating </i><i>from </i>Bartrum Private <i>Academy</i><i>, </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>city¡¯s </i>most <i>prestigious </i><i>high </i><i>schools</i>. <i>If </i><i>everyone </i>could <i>please </i>make their way to <i>the </i><i>center</i><i>, </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Sophie </i><i>Granger </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>arriving </i>now<i>.</i>¡±


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 Hunted 74

    <b><i>Sophie¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    As Sophie made her way to the stairs, the crowd began to p. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a since of gratification and aplishment as she made her way down.


    <i>¡®</i><i>See</i>, <i>everyone </i><i>loves </i>me<i>! </i><i>Who </i><i>cares </i><i>that </i>I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>some </i><i>stupid </i><i>genius</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m <i>a </i><i>thousand </i><i>times </i><i>better </i>


    <i>than </i><i>ra</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    As Sophie made her way to the bottom of the stairs, Jason walked up extending his hand for


    hers as if she were a princess in a fairytale movie. Everything was perfect. Amongst the crowd however, many of Sophie¡¯s ssmates sneered under their breaths.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Am </i><i>I </i><i>tripping </i><i>or </i><i>is </i><i>her date </i><i>her </i><i>sister¡¯s </i><i>boyfriend</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sara Reamer, one of her previous ssmates said under her breath.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Boyfriend</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>heard </i><i>they </i><i>got </i><i>engaged </i><i>after </i><i>she </i><i>turned </i><i>18.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Another ssmate chimed in.


    ¡°Eh<i>. </i><i>That¡¯s </i>ssless.<i>¡± </i>


    Another ssmate named Laura Johnson scanned the room before speaking.


    ¡°<i>Speaking </i><i>of </i><i>which</i><i>, </i><i>where </i>is <i>ra</i><i>? </i><i>Do you </i><i>guys </i><i>think </i><i>she¡¯ll </i><i>show </i><i>up</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Sara scoffed.


    ¡°Hell no. I mean <i>would </i><i>you </i><i>show </i><i>up </i>to <i>your </i><i>stepsister¡¯s </i>extravagant g to celebrate her doing <i>what </i>everyone else <i>did </i><i>this </i><i>year</i>¡­graduate <i>high </i><i>school</i><i>?</i>¡±


    The girls all began to chuckle,


    ¡°Sara <i>you¡¯ve </i>got <i>a </i>point<i>. </i>I mean it¡¯s not <i>like </i>she was an honor student.¡±


    ¡°Honor student<i>! </i>Please, she barley gra-¡±


    Before Laura could finish her sentence, Sophie showed up arm in arm with Jason with a smug expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>well</i><i>. </i><i>Hello </i><idies</i><i>, </i><i>thank </i>you so much <i>for </iing to my g<i>.</i>¡±


    The women all smiled faintly at Sophie hoping she hadn¡¯t heard their gossiping. Although they couldn¡¯t stand Sophie, it was no secret her father was one of the most powerful people in Glendale. Nervously, all the girls nodded.


    <i>¡°A</i>¨C<i>Absolutely</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i>dream of noting.¡±


    Laura said nervously as she smiled at Sophie.


    Your dress is so beautiful Sophie, you and Jason look amazing tonight.¡±


    Another one of the girlsmented while dawning a fake smile. Sophie could see right through all of them, she knew they had been gossiping moments before she arrived. It was no secret that many of the girls at Bartrum disliked her.


    <i>¡®</i><i>They¡¯re </i><i>all </i><i>just </i><i>jealous</i><i>! </i><i>Whatever</i><i>, </i><i>who </i><i>needs </i><i>friends </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>have </i><i>flunkies</i>.¡®


    Sara suddenly spoke snapping Sophie out of her thoughts.


    <i>¡°</i><i>By </i><i>the </i><i>way </i><i>Sophie</i><i>, </i><i>where¡¯s </i><i>ra</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The girls all looked in surprise at Sara, they had no idea she¡¯d be bold enough to ask.


    ¡°<i>Excuse </i><i>me</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Sara smiled innocently and repeated herself.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>saying</i><i>, </i><i>where¡¯s </i><i>Sophie</i><i>? </i><i>Afterall</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>is </i><i>you </i><i>sister</i>. <i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>de </i><i>be </i><i>here </i><i>for </i><i>your </i>¡®<i>big</i>¡® <i>night</i><i>¡®</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>surly </i><i>Jason </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><ie </i><i>without </i><i>his </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sara spoke with a smug undertone, ¡®let¡¯s see how you exin this Sophie.¡® But Sophie smiled energetically. Walking closer to Sara, she released her arm from Jason and held Sara¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Sara, <i>my </i>sister <i>isn¡¯t </i><i>here </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>her </i><i>here</i><i>, </i><i>as </i><i>for </i><i>Jason</i>, he <i>is </i><i>MY </i>fianc¨¦. I don¡¯t <i>appreciate </i>you <i>calling </i>my <i>fianc¨¦ </i>someone <i>else¡¯s</i><i>, </i><i>Mistakes </i>like <i>this </i>are unforgivable. Your father, doesn¡¯t <i>he </i><i>own </i><i>the </i><i>supply </i><i>chain </i><i>that that </i><i>creates </i>the measuring <i>sses </i>my father¡¯s biochemistrypany uses?¡±


    Sara¡¯s eyes began to bulge as panic streaked through her body. Sara¡¯s father was CEO of a fiber sspany that specialized in measuring and medical sses. JGP was hisrgest client, if he lost that contract because of her, Sara would never forgive herself. Smiling nervously<i>, </i>she began to backpaddle.


    ¡°I¨C<i>I </i>wasn¡¯t <i>aware</i>, W<i>¨C</i><i>Well </i>congrattions! I <i>always </i>said you and Jason made a far better couple


    <i>than </i>him and <i>ra</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The other girls couldn¡¯t believe it. She was the one that started all of that trouble and now she was sucking up. Sophie smiled with triumph, a smug snicker across her lips.


    <i>¡®</i>That¡¯ll <i>teach </i>to <i>y </i><i>with </i>me <i>Sara</i><i>, </i>do it again and <i>the </i><i>only </i><i>thing </i><i>your </i>daddy <i>will </i><i>be </i>able to <i>sale </i><i>is </i>


    <i>trash </i><i>cans</i>.¡®


    Sophie and Jason walked away leaving the women all speechless. Across the room, Ethan and Owen saw the whole thing.


    <i>Ethan</i><i>¡® </i><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    <i>Ethan </i><i>watched </i><i>the </i><i>whole </i><i>scene </i><i>unfold </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>other </i><i>side </i>of <i>the </i>room. <i>A </i><i>slight </i><i>chuckle on </i><i>his </i><i>lips</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Seems </i><i>the </i><i>little </i><i>bastard child </i><i>has </i><i>spunk</i>.


    <i>Ethan </i><i>looked </i><i>over </i><i>at </i><i>Owen </i><i>as </i><i>he </i><i>sipped </i><i>his </i><i>champagne</i>. <i>Owen </i><i>seemed </i><i>less </i><i>than </i><i>impressed</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know</i>, <i>she thinks </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>too </i><i>highly </i><i>of </i><i>herself </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>ask </i><i>me</i><i>. </i>


    39


    <i>Ethan </i><i>chuckled</i>. <i>No </i><i>arguments </i><i>there</i><i>. </i><i>Sophie </i><i>relished </i><i>undeserved </i><i>praise </i><ipliments </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>parents</i>, <i>while </i><i>ra </i><i>was </i><i>barley </i><i>acknowledged</i><i>. </i><i>After </i><i>being </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>g </i><i>for </i><i>over </i><i>30 </i><i>minutes</i>, <i>Ethan </i><i>decided </i><i>now </i><i>was </i><i>time </i><i>to </i><i>approach </i><i>Jameson</i>.


    ¡°Shall <i>we</i><i>?</i>¡±


    He smiled <i>at </i><i>Owen </i>as <i>he </i><i>began </i><i>to </i><i>walk </i><i>in </i><i>Jameson¡¯s </i><i>direction</i>. <i>Owen </i><i>chuckled</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°<i>What </i>was <i>the </i><i>point </i><i>of </i><i>even </i><iing </i><i>here</i><i>, </i><i>you already </i><i>knew </i><i>she </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>going </i>to <i>show </i>and I already paid you for <i>the </i><i>bet</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethanughed loudly.


    <i>¡°</i>Purely for entertainment<i>. </i><i>It¡¯ll </i><i>be </i>fun seeing <i>what </i>ridiculous excuse hees up with.¡±


    As <i>Ethan </i>and <i>Owen </i>made their <i>way </i>across the room, Edward spotted them growing closer. In a panic, he made his <i>way </i><i>over </i><i>to </i>Jameson.


    <i>Prior </i>to arriving at the <i>g</i>, Edward told himself he¡¯d stay at IGP if Jameson could get them out of <i>this </i>mess. He wasn¡¯t sure how that would be possible, but he wasn¡¯t ready to throw away <i>over </i><i>20 </i><i>years </i>of dedicated work.


    <i>Ethan </i>noticed <i>Edward </i><i>warning </i>Jameson of their <i>arrival</i>. He could see the nerves in Jameson¡¯s <i>face </i>


    <b>74</b><b>% </b>


    <i>spark </i>up. With <i>a </i><i>silent </i><i>chuckle </i><i>he </i><i>finally </i><i>reached </i><i>his </i><i>destination</i>. Jameson tried <i>to maintain </i><i>his </i>cool, extending <i>his </i>hand, <i>he </i><i>greeted </i><i>Ethan </i><i>cheerfully</i><i>. </i>


    **¡°Chairman Taylor, so d you were able to join us this evening. Please, allow me to


    99* <fn1027> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN()vel</fn1027>


    introduce you to my wife Anna.¡±


    Anna <i>blushed as </i><i>she </i>bowed to <i>Ethan</i>.


    ¡®What a pleasure to finally meet you Chairman Taylor! My husband has spoken so highly of your brilliance.¡±


    Anna <i>dawned </i>a <i>perfect </i>smile <i>as </i><i>Jameson </i><i>tried </i>to <i>make </i><i>small </i><i>talk</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>Ethan </i><i>curtly </i><i>cut </i><i>him </i><i>off</i>.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to be rude Granger but where exactly is your daughter?¡±


    <i>Before </i><i>Jameson </i><i>could </i><i>answer</i><i>, </i><i>Sophie </i><i>and </i><i>Jason </i><i>walked </i><i>up </i><i>arm </i><i>and </i><i>arm</i>. <i>Sophie </i><i>looked </i><i>at </i><i>Ethan </i><i>with </i><i>admiration </i><i>in her </i><i>eyes</i>, <i>never </i><i>had </i><i>she </i><i>seen </i><i>such </i><i>a </i><i>handsome </i><i>man</i>.


    ¡°Father, who¡¯s this?¡±


    <i>Before </i><i>Jameson </i><i>could </i><i>answer</i><i>, </i><i>Ethan turned </i>to <i>face </i><i>Sophie </i><i>and </i><i>Jason</i>, <i>seeing </i><i>them </i>arm <i>and </i>arm, <i>his </i><i>eyes </i><i>darkened</i><i>. </i>


    Disgusting<i>. </i>


    With a <i>smile </i><i>that </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>reach </i><i>his </i><i>eyes</i>, <i>Ethan </i>introduced <i>himself </i>and Owen.


    ¡°Oh! Chairman Taylor! What a pleasure it is to meet you! Thank you so much foring to


    celebrate me this evening. I-¡±


    Before Sophie could finish<i>, </i><i>Ethan </i>cut <i>her </i><i>off</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°I didn¡¯te to celebrate you Ms. Granger, to be honest, there¡¯s nothing to celebrate, I find


    this entire event a bit ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°Now wait a minute chairman!¡±


    Jameson stepped closer, his eyes reddening at Ethan disrespecting his daughter. Ethan looked over at Jamesonpletely unfazed,


    ¡°Chairman, you told me Ms. Rouleau would be here. I¡¯ve now waisted over an hour of my time


    and she still has not arrived.¡±

 Hunted 75

    <b>Chapter </b>75


    <b><i>Ethan¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    I watched Granger squirm around to find an answer, or better yet find a lie to tell. He already knew she wasn¡¯ting as did I. Suddenly, his VP Edward nervously walked over.


    <i>¡°</i>Chairman <i>Taylor</i>, <i>a </i><i>pleasure </i><i>your </i><i>being-</i>¡±


    Ethan cut Edward off. He was no longer in the mood for this <i>¡°</i><i>lighthearted</i><i>¡± </i>conversation. Enough time had already passed.


    ¡°Well <i>Chairman</i><i>, </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>hear </i><i>it</i>. <i>Where¡¯s </i><i>ra</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sophie¡¯s eyes began to burn with hatred; tonight was her big night and all they cared about was that stupid girl! What the hell was so special about her! Masking her emotions, Sophie walked up and ced her hand on Ethan¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°<i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i>, <i>my </i><i>father </i><i>informed us </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>with </i><i>JGP</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>all </i>so <i>excited</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>afraid </i><i>my </i><i>sister </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>make </i><i>it </i><i>this </i><i>evening</i><i>, </i><i>however</i>. <i>You </i><i>see </i><i>she¡¯s </i><ie </i><i>down </i><i>with the </i><i>flu</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan looked at Sophie as if she were something filthy. Moving his shoulder so that she could no longer touch him, he took a step back. Owen then handed him a wipe to clean his shoulder. Sophie nearly screamed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>fucking </i><i>prick</i><i>! </i><i>Is </i><i>he </i><i>insinuating </i><i>that </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>dirty</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    Owen nced at Sophie.


    ¡°Ms. Granger, <i>please </i><i>reframe </i><i>from </i><i>touching </i><i>the </i><i>chairman</i>, <i>he </i>doesn¡¯t <i>like </i>the idea <i>of </i>germs being spread.<i>¡± </i>


    Once again, masking her emotions<b>, </b>Sophie forced a smile. <fnd489> Find the newest release on Find1Novel</fnd489>


    <i>¡°</i>My apologies. I understand <i>Chairman</i>. Well, as you all can see, my <i>sister </i>will not be joining us this evening, Please continue to <i>enjoy </i>the g<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Without so much as ncing at Sophie, Ethan began to speak.


    ¡°I¡¯m disappointed Granger. <i>I </i>was told <i>ra </i><i>would </i><i>be </i>here<i>; </i>she¡¯s the <i>only </i>reason I woulde to something like this. You and your <i>VP </i>assured me she¡¯d be here.¡±


    Jameson grew nervous, he knew this would be problem. <i>¡°</i><i>This </i>is all that damn <i>girl¡¯s </i>fault<i>!</i>¡® He


    began to seethe inwardly making sure Ethan wouldn¡¯t notice. Edward finally spoke in a low unconvincing tone.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>disappointed </i><i>as </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>us</i><i>. </i><i>However</i>, <i>as </i><i>Jameson </i><i>stated</i><i>, </i><i>ra </i><i>is </i><i>unwell</i>. <i>Surly </i><i>she </i>wouldn¡¯t <i>be </i><i>in </i><i>the </i>mood <i>for </i><i>a </i><i>g</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan smirked, a thought instantly popping in his head.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Then </i><i>call </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson nearly gagged.


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>heard </i><i>me</i>. <i>Call </i><i>her</i>. <i>If </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>sick </i><i>should </i><i>she </i><i>be </i><i>at </i><i>home </i><i>correct</i><i>? </i><i>Then </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>call </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before Jameson could panic, a sudden thought popped into his head, he knew there was no way ra would answer her phone for him; he could use that as a way to further prove she was sick. With a smug smile, Jameson pulled out his phone.


    <i>¡°Fine </i><i>chairman</i>, <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>call </i><i>my </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After one ring, ra¡¯s voicemail answered.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>reached </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>sorry </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><ie </i><i>to </i><i>the phone </i><i>right </i>now so <i>please </i><i>leave a </i><i>message</i>.¡±


    Jameson clicked his phone, a smile triumphed on his face.


    ¡°As you <i>can </i>see <i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i>, <i>my </i><i>daughter </i><i>is </i><i>too </i><i>sick </i>to <i>even answer </i><i>the </i><i>phone</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>truly <i>don¡¯t </i>appreciate <i>you-</i>¡±


    Before Jameson could finish however, Ethan pulled out his phone and dialed a number. After


    two rings a woman answered.


    It was ra,


    ¡°Hello, this is ra<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gasps irrupted throughout the crowd.


    There was a lightness in ra¡¯s voice that made Ethan¡¯s heart flutter with an emotion he wasn¡¯t familiar with. In a soothing tone, he began to speak.


    ¡°<i>Hello </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i>I just wanted to <i>make </i>sure <i>you </i><i>were </i>enjoying <i>your </i><i>upgrade</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silence followed by a giggle.


    ¡°Oh, <i>my </i><i>goodness</i><i>! </i><i>Yes</i><i>! I¡¯ve </i><i>never </i><i>been </i><i>on </i><i>a </i><i>private </i><i>jet </i>before<i>! </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>so </i>amazing!¡±


    Ethan could feel his heart pounding at the sound of her voice. In a smiling tone he spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>d </i>to <i>hear </i><i>that</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>you </i><i>were </i>well. <i>Have </i><i>a </i><i>safe </i><i>flight</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    There was a slight pause on the line as if neither of them wanted to hang up. Right as Ethan was going to press the end button, ra screamed wait. Not wanting to give too much away, Ethan took the phone off speaker.


    <i>¡°</i><i>How </i><i>can </i><i>I </i><i>help </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>ra</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Can </i><i>I </i><i>at </i><i>least </i><i>know </i><i>who </i><i>my </i><i>benefactor </i>of <i>this </i><i>marvelous </i><i>jet </i><i>is</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Ethan slightly blushed.


    ¡°<i>In </i><i>due </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra gasped slightly. <i>¡®</i><i>How </i><i>did </i><i>he </i><i>know </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>going </i><i>by Rouleau</i><i>?</i><i>¡®</i>, but instead of asking, she smiled and whispered,


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 Hunted 76

    <b>Chapter </b><b>76 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°<i>My </i><i>pleasure</i>.¡±


    :


    96


    After hanging up with ra, Ethan handed his phone to Owen who was now smirking in a painful attempt to conceal hisughter. The people around them faces now in shock.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>sound </i><i>sick </i><i>to </i><i>me </i><i>Chairman</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson eye¡¯s began to bulge.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>put </i><i>my </i><i>daughter </i><i>on </i><i>a </i><i>private </i><i>jet</i><i>! </i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>find </i><i>her</i><i>! </i>Where <i>is </i><i>she</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethanughed lightly.


    ¡°<i>Find </i><i>her</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>at </i><i>home </i><i>sick</i>. <i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you knew </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>gone </i><i>and would </i><i>not </i><i>be </i><i>showing </i><i>up</i>, <i>yet </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>family </i><i>chose </i><i>to </i><i>lie</i>? <i>How </i><i>ridiculous</i>.¡±


    Everyone faces turned ashen at Ethan¡¯s usations. The crowd began circling in as they started to notice themotion.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Where </i>is <i>my </i><i>daughter </i><i>Taylor</i><i>! </i><i>You have </i>no <i>right </i><i>interfering </i><i>with </i><i>family </i>matters<i>! </i>You lied <i>as </i><i>well</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Ethan smiled mischievously.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i>Granger, <i>how </i>did I <i>lie</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°W<i>¨C</i>Well, you <i>knew </i><i>ra </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><iing </i>because you put her on a jet, yet you came here stating she woulde<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan rolled his eyes.


    <i>¡°</i>Your memory is as bad as <i>your </i>lies Granger. I never said she would show <i>up</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i>did<i>. </i><i>All </i>I <i>did </i><i>was </i><i>asked </i><i>where she </i>was at.<i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:39 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    The color began to drain from Jameson¡¯s face, Ethan was correct, he never lied about anything. Suddenly, Sophie spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look </i>Chairman <i>Taylor</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>appreciate you¡¯re </i><iing </i><i>here </i><i>in </i><i>an </i><i>attempt </i>to embarrass my <i>family</i><i>! </i><i>Did </i><i>my sister </i><i>put </i><i>you </i><i>up </i><i>to </i><i>this? She¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>jealous </i>of <i>me </i>her <i>entire </i>life!<i>¡± </i>


    469


    Ethan let out a hystericalugh catching everyone in the ballroom¡¯s attention. Suddenly, the music stopped, and all eyes were them.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jealous</i>. <i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>get </i><i>this </i><i>straight</i>. <i>You </i><i>think </i><i>someone </i>as <i>intelligent</i><i>, </i><i>brilliant</i><b>, </b><i>beautiful</i>, and <i>caring </i><i>as </i><i>ra </i><i>Rouleau </i><i>would </i><i>waste </i><i>her </i><i>time </i><i>being </i><i>jealous </i><b><i>of </i></b><i>someone </i>as <i>mediocre </i>as


    <i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sophie¡¯s face began to redden with fire. How dare he speak to her that way! But Ethan didn¡¯t stop there.


    <i>¡°</i><i>With </i><i>regard </i><i>to </i><i>embarrassment</i><i>, </i><i>how </i><i>could </i><i>I </i><i>possibly </i><i>embarrass </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>more </i><i>than </i><i>you </i><i>embarrassed </i><i>yourselves </i><i>this </i><i>evening</i><i>? </i><i>Throwing </i><i>some </i><i>extravagant </i><i>g </i><i>merely </i><i>because </i><i>you </i><i>graduated </i><i>number </i>362 <i>in </i><i>your </i><i>ss</i>, <i>that¡¯s </i><i>embarrassment</i>.


    Ethan¡¯s eye¡¯s darkened.


    ¡°Spending years celebrating mediocrity because you were inferior to your former wife and daughter¡­THAT is embarrassing. The only reason people are here tonight is because of your father¡¯s influence. Influence made off the back of Caroline Rouleau.¡±


    Jameson nearly caught on fire from rage! How dare he say that! He built this business! He was the true king!


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯ve </i>crossed <i>the </i><i>line </i><i>Taylor</i>! I <i>don¡¯t </i>give a shit who you are<i>! </i>Get out of here <i>now</i><i>! </i><i>JGP </i>will <i>never </i><i>work </i><i>with </i>you!<i>¡± </i>


    Owen suddenly let out a lightugh.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman </i>Granger, <i>you¡¯re </i><i>severely </i>mistaken, the chairman never had any intentions on <i>dealing </i><i>with </i><i>your </i>outdatedpany, our <i>only </i>interest has been Ms. Rouleau<i>.</i>¡±


    Jameson could feel all the blood draining from his face. He¡¯d been made aplete fool


    <b>9:39 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    <i>20 </i>


    in front of everyone. As Ethan and Owen turned to walk away, Jason finally spoke up.


    ¡°<i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i><i>! </i><i>What¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>rtionship </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan raised his eyebrow in confusion.


    ¡°<i>Exactly </i><i>what </i><i>rtionship </i><i>would </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>likes </i><i>of </i><i>Sophie </i><i>Granger</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jason¡¯s face reddened, he wasn¡¯t referring to Sophie. In a low and embarrassed tone, he


    rified.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>meant </i><i>ra</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan¡¯s eyes lit up withughter.


    Sophie looked at Jason as if she were eating crushed ss. How could he refer to ra as his fianc¨¦! Ethan also looked annoyed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><i>nerve </i><i>of </i><i>this </i><i>asshole</i><i>, </i><i>calling </i><i>ra </i><i>his </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>after </i><i>announcing an </i><i>engagement </i>to her <fn8b07> Read full story at find?novel</fn8b07>


    <i>sister</i>.¡®


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯ll </i><i>forgive </i><i>me </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>confused </i><i>due </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>¡®</i><i>keep </i><i>it </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>family</i>¡®. <i>That </i><i>being </i><i>said</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>overheard </i><i>you </i><i>announce </i><i>your </i><i>engagement </i>to <i>Sophie </i><i>Granger</i>. <i>I¡¯d </i><i>reframe </i><i>from </i><i>calling </i><i>someone </i><i>else </i><i>your </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan turned around and continued towards the door, pausing for a brief moment.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>whatever </i><i>my </i><i>interest </i><i>is </i>in ra, no <i>longer </i><i>your </i>concern.¡±


    With that<b>, </b>Ethan and Owen left the ballroom leaving the guests all in shock and <b>the </b>Grangers severely embarrassed. While Jason lookedpletely foolish.


    <b>Chapter Comments </b>


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 Hunted 77

    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    96


    ra arrived at the airport around 5:30pm that evening. She had an hour in a half before


    her flight took off. As she went through security, her phone began to ring. It didn¡¯t take a genius to know who was calling. Her father had been blowing her phone up since she left the estate. Once again hitting ignore, a barrage of text messages started to flood her


    phone.


    <b>[</b><b><i>ra</i></b><b><i>! </i></b><b><i>Bring </i></b><b><i>your </i></b><b><i>ass </i></b><b><i>back </i></b><b>to </b><b><i>this </i></b><i>mansion </i><b><i>immediately</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>If </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b>don¡¯t </b>I¡¯ll <b><i>have </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>thrown </i></b><i>out </i><b>of </b><b><i>LexU</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <b>[</b><b><i>You can </i></b><b>forget </b><i>about </i><b><i>working at </i></b><b><i>JGP</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><b><i>your </i></b><b><i>father</i></b><b><i>! </i></b><b><i>You¡¯ll </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>nothing </i></b><b><i>without </i></b><b><i>me</i></b><b><i>!] </i></b>


    <b>[</b><b><i>ra</i></b><b><i>! </i></b><b><i>The </i></b><b><i>G </i></b><b><i>starts </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>7pm</i></b><b><i>! </i></b><b><i>Have </i></b><b><i>your ass </i></b><b><i>back here </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>dressed </i></b><i>no </i><b><iter </i></b><b><i>than </i></b><b><i>6pm </i></b><b>or </b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>g </i></b><b><i>no </i></b><b><iter </i></b><b><i>than </i></b><b><i>7:30</i></b><b><i>pm</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    raughed as she looked at her watch. Well, that¡¯s good, the g is the same time as my flight. After texting Gloria and Casey to let them know she made it to the airport, ra made her way through the airport¡¯s security.


    After being cleared, ra was on her way to her gate when she was suddenly stopped by two security guards and a clerk.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i>?<b><i>¡± </i></b>


    The pretty airport clerk said with a bright smile. Nervous, ra took a step back.


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>Yes</i></b>, <i>I¡¯m </i><i>ra </i>Rouleau, may <i>I </i>ask if something is wrong?¡±


    The clerk didn¡¯t respond, nodded brightly at the guards as the began to drab her luggage<b>. </b>In <b>a </b>panic, ra began to protest.


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>Wait</i></b><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>are </i>you <i>doing</i><i>! </i>I <i>have </i>a flight to catch!¡±


    <b>9:39 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    Suddenly, a dark thought entered ra¡¯s mind. Jameson.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hey</i><i>! </i><i>Wait! </i>Did my <i>father </i><i>put </i><i>you </i><i>up </i><i>to </i><i>this</i><i>? </i><i>Please</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i>to do <i>this</i>!<b>¡± </b><fn7f6f> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? ?ovelFind</fn7f6f>


    As ra tried to pull her luggage from the guards, the clerk began to exin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>, </i><i>please</i><i>, </i><i>if you </i><i>could </i><i>allow </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>exin</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    But ra wasn¡¯t listening, convinced her father was trying to force her to miss her flight, as she struggled fiercely with the guards, the clerk blurted something out that made her pause.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>did you </i><i>say</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Taking a deep breath, the clerk smiled brightly again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i>. <i>We¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>here </i><i>to </i><i>stop </i><i>your </i><i>travel</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>upgraded </i><i>to </i><i>a </i><i>private </i><i>jet</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra could hardly believe her ears<b>. </b>Upgraded? Private Jet? What the hell was going on! Swallowing the lump in her throat, ra cleared her voice.


    ¡°<i>Um</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sorry</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>I </i><i>misheard </i><i>you</i>. <i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>say </i><i>private </i><i>jet</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Yes <i>ma¡¯am</i>, so <i>if </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>please </i><i>follow </i>us <i>as </i><i>we </i>escort you. <i>Terminal </i>locations for private jets are <i>on </i><i>the </i><i>other </i><i>side </i>of <i>the </i><i>airport</i><b><i>; </i></b>we¡¯ll <i>have </i>to take the train.


    ra reluctantly followed, not quite understanding what was going on. Who upgraded her to a private <b>jet </b>and why? Quickly, she pulled her phone out and dialed Gloria.


    <i>¡°</i>Hey gorgeous! <i>You </i><i>make </i>it <i>to </i><i>your </i>terminal <i>yet</i>?¡±


    <b>Silence</b><i>. </i>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Hello</i></b><i>? </i><i>re</i><b><i>¨C</i></b><i>bear</i>? Are you there?¡±


    <b>ra </b><b>shook </b>her head <b>to </b><b>pop </b><b>herself </b>back into reality. In a low voice<b>, </b>she answered <b>Gloria</b><b>. </b>


    <b>2/4 </b>


    9:39 Fri<b>, </b>Sep <b>5 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>here</i>. <i>Um</i><i>, </i><i>Gloria</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>need </i>you <i>to </i>be <i>honest </i><i>with </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Puzzled, Gloria wasn¡¯t sure what ra was referring too.


    ¡°<i>Honest </i><i>about </i><i>what</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>flight</i><i>. </i><i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>upgrade </i><i>it </i><i>to </i><i>a </i><i>private </i><i>jet</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Cough! St!


    ¡°<i>WHAT</i>!!! <i>You¡¯re </i><i>taking </i><i>a </i><i>private </i><i>jet</i><i>???</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra stared at her phone in confusion, what Gloria insinuating she wasn¡¯t the one that upgraded her?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>wait</i>, <i>are </i><i>you </i><i>saying </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i>do <i>this</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria let out a nervous chuckle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you </i><i>honey </i><i>bunny</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>not </i><i>THAT </i><i>much</i><i>! </i><i>Chuckling </i><i>We only </i><i>charter </i><i>a </i><i>PJ </i><i>once </i><i>a </i><i>year </i><i>when </i><i>we </i><i>go </i><i>on </i><i>our </i><i>family </i><i>vacation</i><i>. </i><i>We </i><i>definitely </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>own </i><i>one</i>! <i>My </i><i>dad </i><i>is </i><i>rich </i><i>but </i><i>not </i><i>THAT </i><i>rich</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra stood in silence as they waited for the airport train. This didn¡¯t make any sense, if Gloria hadn¡¯t done it then who did?


    <i>¡°</i><i>Could </i><i>Casey </i><i>have </i>done <i>this</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>doubt </i><i>it</i><i>. </i><i>He </i><i>would </i><i>have told me</i><i>! </i>Not <i>to </i><i>mention</i>, <i>he¡¯s </i>kind <i>of </i>in the same <b><i>situation</i></b>.¡±


    ¡°<i>This </i><b>is </b><b><i>so </i></b><i>weird</i><i>. </i><i>Let </i>me <i>call </i><i>you </i><i>back</i><i>.¡± </i>


    Gloria instantly panicked.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wait </i>don¡¯t <i>hang </i><i>up</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>if </i>it¡¯s a <i>ploy </i><i>by </i>your dad <i>to </i><b><i>force </i></b><i>you </i><i>back</i>!¡±


    Gloria <b>had </b>a point<b>; </b>ra <b>wasn¡¯t </bpletely sure her father <b>wasn¡¯t </b><b>behind this</b>.


    <b>9:39 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>staying </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>phone </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>until </i><i>you </i><i>arrive </i>at <i>this </i>so¨C<i>called </i><i>private </i><i>jet</i>.¡±


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    <b>9:39 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>78 </b>

 Hunted 78

    ra instantly felt better. At least if Gloria was on the line she could call for help if anything went wrong. Still, ra had to know. Looking at the clerk, she lightly tapped on her shoulder.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>, </i><i>is </i><i>there </i><i>something </i><i>you </i><i>need</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>As a <i>matter </i><i>of </i><i>fact</i><i>, </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>mind </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>who </i><i>provided </i><i>me </i><i>with </i><i>this </i><i>lovely </i><i>upgrade</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The clerk smiled at ra, a hint of nervousness on her face as she looked at the security guards.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually </i>Ms. <i>Rouleau</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>afraid </i><i>your </i><i>benefactor </i><i>has </i>asked to <i>remain </i><i>private</i>. He stated all <i>would be </i><i>exin </i><i>in </i><i>due </i><i>time</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>sorry</i>. <i>What </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>assure </i><i>however </i>is<i>, </i><i>your </i><i>father </i>is <i>not </i><i>behind </i><i>this</i>.¡±


    ra stared at the pretty clerk, there was something about the sternness in her voice that made her believe at least that much. Suddenly, Gloria broke her out of her thoughts.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>believe </i><i>her</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Pause. Silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>do. <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>call </i><i>you </i><i>once </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>settled </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>ne</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Are </i><i>you </i>sure<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Smiling</i>. <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m sure.<i>¡± </i>


    Sigh. <i>¡°</i><i>Okay</i><i>, </i>but call <i>me </i>the <i>minute </i><i>you¡¯re </i>settled and <i>if </i>ANYTHING goes wrong! I love <i>you </i><i>and </i><i>we¡¯ll </i>see <i>you </i>soon<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra <b>let </b>out a light chuckle, Gloria was every bit the big sister she¡¯d always wanted.


    <i>¡°</i><b>I </b><i>sure </i><i>will </i>big <i>sister</i>. <i>Love </i><i>you </i>too<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra smiled brightly after hanging up. Just then they arrived at the terminal. ra


    <b>96 </b>


    <b>9:39 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    could hardly believe her eyes. A beautiful pearl colored jet with gold trimming was waiting for her at the gateway. She couldn¡¯t believe it! She¡¯d never flown in a private jet before. When her mother was alive, she was so busy helping her father build JGP that they rarely had time for family vacations, not to mention her dad was having an affair which drew a lot of his time away. After he remarried, whenever they would do family vacations, Sophie would think of some ridiculous reason why she couldn¡¯t be <b>near </b><b>ra </b>causing Jameson to exclude her from the trips.


    As she made her way into the cabin, it was like being in a movie. The inside was an ivory white with cherry oakwood and gold trimmings. As the flight attendant led her to her seat, ra couldn¡¯t help but chuckle on the inside.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Who </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>done </i><i>this </i><i>for </i><i>me</i><i>?</i><i>¡® </i>


    She wasn¡¯t sure who her mystery benefactor was, but she was surly grateful!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Would </i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>some </i><i>wine </i><i>or </i><i>champagne </i><i>ma¡¯am</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The flight attendant stood in front of her with a bright smile while holing a menu.


    <i>¡°</i>Yes, <i>please</i>! I¡¯ll <i>have </i><i>some </i><i>wine</i>. <i>May </i><i>I </i><i>try </i><i>the </i><i>Le¡¯flour </i><i>De </i><i>Rampe</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Yes, <i>ma¡¯am</i><i>, </i><i>excellent </i><i>choice! </i><i>The </i><i>Rampe </i><i>is </i><i>one of </i><i>our top </i><i>sweet </i><i>red </i><i>wines</i><i>.</i>¡±


    The flight took off without a hitch. The entire staff was absolutely amazing; they were also tightly lipped about who¡¯s ne she was on.


    About an hour into her flight, ra had already drank two sses of wine. She wasn¡¯t drunk, but she certainly felt lighter. After talking with Gloria on the jet¡¯s phone, <b>she </b>curled up in her seat and turned on TV, she still had four hours left on her flight<b>. </b>Suddenly, the jet phone rang. Thinking it was Gloria calling back, she instantly answered.


    Slight chuckles in her voice, ra spoke.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Hello</i></b><b>, </b><i>this </i><b>is </b><i>ra</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>A soothing </b><b>voice </b>came through on the other line. ra was sure <b>she¡¯d </b>heard <b>that </b><b>voice </b>


    <b>2/4 </b>


    <b>9:39 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    before but wasn¡¯t sure where or when.


    :.


    After the mysterious voice exined the reason for the call<b>, </b>ra figured this must <b>be </b>the person that put her on the jet. Not wanting to hang up just yet, the word ¡°wait¡± flew out of her mouth before she could stop herself. <fn1e42> For more chapters visit findnovel</fn1e42>


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>can </i><i>I </i><i>help </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>ra</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    It was something about the way he said her name that made ra blush.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Can </i><i>I </i><i>at </i><i>least </i><i>know who </i><i>my </i><i>benefactor of </i><i>this </i><i>marvelous </i><i>jet </i><i>is</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>In </i><i>due </i><i>time</i><i>, </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡®</i><i>Rouleau</i><i>? He </i><i>knows </i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>by </i><i>my </i><i>mother¡¯s </i><ist </i><i>now</i><i>?</i><i>¡® </i>


    ra was more intrigued than concerned, but she¡¯d hold off on her questioning untilter.


    Smiling.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><i>pleasure</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Blushing. Puzzled.


    Before hanging up, ra could have sworn she heard music ying as <i>if </i>her mysterious benefactor was at an event and for a moment, she could have sworn she heard her father.


    Interesting.

 Hunted 79

    <b>Chapter </b><b>79 </b>


    <i>Jameson¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    After Ethan left, the atmosphere in the g waspletely tainted. Everyone in the ballroom were stunned. Not only had ra left, but Ethan Taylor was now at odds with Jameson. Many wondered what his rtionship to ra was. After what seemed like hours, Sophie finally spoke. <fn5305> For more chapters visit findnovel</fn5305>


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>did </i><i>the </i>music <i>stop </i><i>ying</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    She barked at the band as they also looked on while the exchange happened between the Grangers and Ethan. Nervously, they began ying music. Sophie scoffed as she walked over to the bar and began downing a ss a wine. Anna walked over to her to try andfort her.


    ¡°<i>Sophie </i><i>dear </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>lose </i><i>our </i><i>cool</i><i>. </i><i>We </i><i>have </i><i>guests </i><i>here</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sophie scoffed. What was the point in keeping up pretense? The entire g heard what Ethan said to her. Mediocre. That¡¯s what she was to him, while ra was the star!


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>bitch</i><i>! </i><i>That </i><i>fuckin</i><i>¡® </i><i>bitch</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sophie became more enraged as she continued to drink wine. Jameson stormed over snatching the ss out of her hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sophie</i><i>! </i><i>Above </i><i>everything </i><i>else </i><i>we </i><i>must maintain our </i><iposure</i><i>! </i><i>Do </i><i>not </i><i>embarrass </i>me<i>!</i>¡±


    Sophie let out a dark chuckle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Embarrass</i><i>, </i><i>embarrass</i>. <i>How </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>could I </i><i>be </i><i>anymore </i><i>embarrassed </i>that <i>I </i><i>already </i>am <i>father</i><b><i>! </i></b><i>You </i><i>just </i><i>stood </i><i>there </i>and <i>let </i>that man call me mediocre!!¡±


    Suddenly<b>, </b>there was aughing from the crowd. Sophie spun around quickly to <b>see </b>where theughter wasing from. In the crowd<i>, </i>she could see Terraughing hysterically. Angry<b>, </b>she stormed over.


    06


    <b>9:39 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>got something </i>to <i>say </i><i>me </i><i>Terra</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>As a <i>matter </i><i>of </i><i>fact</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t</i>. <i>I </i><i>think </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor </i><i>said </i><i>it </i>all.<i>¡± </i>


    Terra¡¯s father tried to pull her arm, but Terra quickly moved it. Suddenly, Laura Johnson


    spoke up.


    ¡°<i>Give </i><i>it </i><i>a </i><i>rest </i><i>Terra</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Terra darted her eyes over at Laura and scoffed.


    ¡°<i>Oh please</i>! <i>The </i><i>three </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>cackling hens </i><i>were </i><i>over </i><i>there </i><i>talking </i><i>about </i>Sophie like <i>your </i><i>lives </i><i>depended </i><i>on </i><i>it</i><i>. </i><i>Now </i><i>you </i><i>wanna </i><i>backpaddle </i><i>because </i><i>she </i><i>threatened </i><i>your </i>families. Well, <i>she </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>my </i><i>father </i><i>in </i><i>her </i><i>back </i><i>pocket</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The crowd suddenly began to whisper. It was true, throughout the past several years Sophie had been put on this high pedestal by Jameson while ra, even with her mass brilliance, was often overshadowed. Though many never understood, they¡¯d dare not say anything about it. JGP was one of thergest clients of many of the manufacturingpanies throughout the northern continent, many wouldn¡¯t risk pissing Jameson off in fear it would cost them his business.


    Jameson soon stepped forward, this night had already given him a headache bigger than he could handle, he wasn¡¯t about to let some low¨Clevel girl increase it.


    ¡°Alen<i>! </i><i>Control </i><i>your </i><i>daughter </i>or <i>leave </i><i>this </i>g at once<i>! </i><i>I </i>won¡¯t have <i>her </i>speaking to my daughter <i>that </i><i>way</i><i>! </i><i>Know </i><i>your </i><i>ce</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Alen scoffed. He didn¡¯t want Terra to start any trouble, but he <b>wasn¡¯t </b>about to let Jameson speak to his daughter in such a manner.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Know </i><i>her </i>ce. Granger<i>, </i><i>you </i>really <i>have </i>lost it haven¡¯t <i>you</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>Excuse <i>me</i>!¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>You¡¯re </b>excused. <b><i>Let¡¯s </i></b><b>be </b><i>clear</i>, I¡¯m not one <i>of </i><i>these </i><i>people </i><i>afraid </i><i>to </i>piss off the great <b><i>Jameson </i></b>Granger. <i>My </i><i>career </i>doesn¡¯t hang in <i>your </i><i>bnce</i>. <i>You </i>can <i>walk </i>around here and <b><i>pretend </i></b><i>like </i><b>you¡¯re </b>some god, but the truth <i>is</i>¡­. <i>You¡¯d </i>be nothing it weren¡¯t for Caroline<b><i>!</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:40 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    Jameson looked as if he were about to blow a gasket. Alwayspared to her<b>! </b><b>Always </b><b>in </b>her shadow! Jameson¡¯s face reddened with rage.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>just </i><i>some </i><i>two</i><i>¨C</i><i>bit </i><i>doctor</i><i>! </i><i>Get </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>out </i>of here <i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Alen chuckled as he wiped his hands with a towel and tossed it to the ground.


    <i>¡°</i><i>With </i><i>pleasure</i>. <i>No </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>keep </i><i>my </i><i>family </i><i>around </i><i>such</i><i>¡­</i><i>what </i><i>was </i><i>that </i>word <i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor </i><i>used</i><i>? </i><i>Mediocre</i>? Yes, <i>no </i><i>need </i>to <i>stay </i><i>around </i><i>such </i><i>mediocracy</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    With that, Alen took Terra and his wife¡¯s hands and made his way out of the ballroom. Soon, others started to follow suit.


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    <b>373 </b>

 Hunted 80

    <b>Chapter </b><b>80 </b>


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>mean </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>ridiculous </i><i>to </i><i>begin </i><i>with</i>.¡± A <i>couple </i><i>whispered </i>as <i>they </i><i>made </i><i>their </i><i>way </i><i>out</i>.


    ??)


    <i>¡°</i><i>Honestly</i><i>. </i><i>Who </i><i>throws </i><i>such </i><i>an </i><i>extravagant </i><i>party simply </i><i>because </i><i>his </i><i>daughter </i>graduated <i>almost </i><ist </i><i>in </i><i>high </i><i>school</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><i>Another </i><i>woman </i><i>chimed </i><i>as </i><i>she </i><i>and </i><i>her </i><i>daughter </i><i>left</i>.


    Seething with rage, Sophie began to yell.


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>party </i><i>is </i><i>over</i><i>!!! </i><i>Everybody </i><i>leave</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before Jason and Anna could say anything, she stormed off to the dressing room.


    Jason followed behind though he wasn¡¯t sure what he would say. He knew she would still be furious about calling ra his fianc¨¦. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but hate the way Ethan Taylor fawned over ra.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Is </i><i>he </i><i>the </i><i>reason she¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>acting </i><b>so </b><i>cold towards </i><i>me</i><i>?</i><i>¡® </i>


    He wondered as he made his way to the room. Back in the ballroom, Jameson and Anna sat in shock. How did everything go so wrong. Anna began to seethe.


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i>is <i>all </i><i>that </i><i>little </i><i>bitch¡¯s fault</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>ruined </i><i>my </i><i>baby¡¯s big </i><i>night</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>want her to pay<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson¡¯s eyes were crimson red. Steamed almost pulsed through his ears as he reyed the events over in his mind.


    ra made aplete fool of him and in front of Ethan Taylor. She would surly pay!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>worry</i><i>! </i>I don¡¯t <i>give </i>a damn <i>where </i><i>she </i><i>is</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i>find her and make her <i>pay </i><i>for </i><i>all </i>of this! I¡¯m going to-¡±


    ¡°Oh<b>, </b><b>Jesus </b>Christ Jameson! Have you still learned nothing!¡±


    Jameson and Anna snapped their heads to see Edward walking towards them. Cutting Jameson off mid rant<b>, </b>he had a look of disgust on his face. This night went exactly <b>how </b>he thought it would and yet <b>he¡¯d </b>still held on to hope that things would <b>go </b><b>differently</b>.


    <b>9:40 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    :


    20


    Jameson¡¯s face turned red. Who the hell did Edward think he was speaking to him that


    way?


    <i>¡°</i><i>Edward</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>speak </i><i>to </i><i>me </i><i>that </i><i>way</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Edward walked directly in front of James.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>fool</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>still </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>get </i><i>it</i><i>¡­</i><i>do </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Get </i><i>what</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell are </i><i>you </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Edward rolled his eyes; he¡¯d had enough of Jameson¡¯s antics. <fnf4c8> Follow current nov?ls on find?novel</fnf4c8>


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>blew </i>a <i>multi</i><i>¨C</i><i>billion </i><i>dor </i><i>deal </i><i>just </i>to <i>protect </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>daughter¡¯s </i><i>pathetic </i><i>pride </i><i>and arrogance</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Anna¡¯s eye¡¯s shot up. Jameson never told her what the offer was.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Multi</i><i>¨C</i><i>billion</i><i>. </i><i>Jameson </i><i>what </i><i>is </i><i>he </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Edwardughed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i>, <i>he </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>tell </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>Taylor </i><i>was </i><i>offering </i>a multi<i>¨C</i><i>billion</i><i>¨C</i><i>dor </i><i>contract </i>with <i>JGP </i>for <i>the </i><i>chance </i>to <i>get </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>with </i><i>ra</i><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i><i>¨C</i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>true? </i><i>He </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>that </i><i>bad</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Jameson¡¯s eyes had fire in them. Why was Edward doing this?


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>enough </i><i>Edward</i><i>! </i>Like <i>hell </i><i>would I </i><i>ever </i><i>work </i>with someone <i>who </i>disrespected me and <i>daughter</i>! <i>JGP </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i>need <i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i>, and <i>you¡¯d </i><i>do </i>well <i>to </i>watch <i>your </i>mouth <i>before </i>I not <i>need </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Edward scoffed. Jameson thought entirely too high of himself.


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>Yeah</i></b><i>. </i><i>You </i>don¡¯t <i>have </i>to <i>worry </i><i>about </i>that <i>Jameson</i>. As <i>of </i><i>today</i><i>, </i>I quit.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Y</i>¨C<i>You </i><i>what</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <b>9:40 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    Jameson was now startled, he hadn¡¯t expected Edward to suddenly quit. As Edward turned to leave, he paused for a brief moment.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>wanna </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>best </i><i>thing </i><i>about </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>this </i><i>is</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>still </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>clue </i>as <i>to </i><i>why </i><i>Taylor </i><i>was </i>so <i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>your </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson let out a sardonicugh.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>care </i><i>less </i><i>why </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>her</i>. <i>As </i><i>of </i><i>tomorrow</i><i>, </i>I¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>ending </i><i>her </i><i>school </i><i>career </i><i>at </i><i>LexU </i><i>which </i><i>means </i><i>she </i><i>won¡¯t </i>receive <i>her </i><i>credentials </i><i>to </i><i>practice </i><i>medicine and </i><i>biochemistry</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Edward let out a hystericalugh. He was already aware ra no longer attended LexU. Walking towards the exit, he waived his hand in the air.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good luck with </i><i>that </i><i>Jameson</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    After he left, Jameson couldn¡¯t help but feel as if there was something he was missing.


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    96


    <b>9:40 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>

 Hunted 81

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>81 </b>


    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    <b>?</b>?


    Two weeks had passed since ra moved to Springsten. Gloria¡¯s father purchased a condo for the girls to live in while attending Osha for the next three years and today was the day they would move in.


    As Gloria finished packing she let out a loud yelp as she stretched.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ughh</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m so <i>d </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>finished </i><i>packing</i>. <i>I </i><i>knew </i><i>I </i><i>should </i><i>have </i><i>hired </i><i>a </i><i>packing </i>service<b><i>.</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    ra let out a light chuckle.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>just </i><izy</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Hey</i>! <i>That¡¯s </i><i>not </i><izy</i><i>! </i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>smart</i><i>!</i>¡±


    The girls shared augh as they closed up the remaining boxes in Gloria¡¯s room.


    ra did a look around therge room to make sure nothing else was left. Satisfied, she also stretched.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gloria</i><i>, </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>this </i><i>the </i><i>wrong </i><i>way </i><i>but </i><i>man </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>lot </i><i>of </i><i>shit</i>!¡±


    <i>Hahahaha</i><i>!!! </i>


    Gloria let out a loudugh as she looked around her room, slight embarrassment on her


    <b>face</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°I know<i>! </i><i>When </i>my dad moved us to <i>Glendale </i><i>so </i>that he <i>could </i><iplete </i><i>his </i>tenure at LexUI <i>swear </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i>have <i>this </i><i>much</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Always <fn670d> Content originallyes from find¡¤novel</fn670d>


    raughed at her friend. <b>The </b>past few weeks had been <b>so </b>peaceful. Gloria¡¯s <b>parents </b>weed her <b>to </b>their home with open


    treating her like <b>one </b><b>of </b><b>their </b><b>own</b>. <b>It </b><b>was </b>the <b>first </b><b>time </b><b>since </b>her mother passed away that <b>she </b>felt the <b>joy of </b><b>parental </b><b>love</b><b>. </b><b>It </b><b>sadden </b>a little that her <b>own </b>father <b>couldn¡¯t </b><b>show </b>that same emotion. After <b>cing </b><b>the </b>remaining <b>boxes </b><b>in </b>the foyer for the movers, Gloria¡¯s phone rang.


    <b>9:40 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    Joy instantly popped on her face; it was Casey. Before he could say hello, Gloria squealed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Casey</i><i>!! </i>I <i>miss </i><i>you</i><i>!! Are </i><i>you </i><i>here </i><i>yet</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ra could hear Caseyughing on the other end, she couldn¡¯t help butugh too. Casey went on a summer vacation with his family, so they hadn¡¯t seen each other in a few weeks. Gloria spent the entire time pouting but today he was arriving in Springsten.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>missed </i><i>you </i><i>too</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>yeah I </i><inded</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>tell me</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><ie </i><i>and </i><i>got </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>okay</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you </i><i>guys </i><i>were </i><i>moving </i><i>today</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>headed </i>to <i>my </i><i>hotel </i><i>now </i><i>and </i><i>then </i>I¡¯ll <i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>guys</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>Pouting</i><b><i>. </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Okay</i><i>. </i>I¡¯ll text <i>you </i><i>the </i><i>address</i>!¡±


    ¡°Cool<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Blushing. ¡°<i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you </i><i>too</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra smiled, she was happy her friends found each other and even more happy they found her.


    Gloria¡¯s parents walked into the foyer with boxes of donuts. Mrs. Rhinehorne had slight tears in her eyes.


    ¡°I can¡¯t <i>believe </i><i>you </i><i>two </i>are <i>moving </i><i>into </i><i>your </i><i>own </i>apartment. Oh Gloria, I feel like it was only yesterday <i>you </i>were learning <i>how </i><i>to </i>walk.


    Gloria blushed and hugged her mother.


    <b>¡°</b>Awe, <b><i>mom</i></b>, don¡¯t <i>cry</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m still your <i>little </i>girl!¡±


    <b>Wiping </b><b>the </b>tears <b>from </b>her eyes, Mrs. Rhinehorne walked over to ra.


    <b>9:40 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    ¡­


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>two </i><i>years </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>like a </i><i>daughter </i>to us. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>so </i>proud <b>of </b><b>you</b><b><i>!</i></b>¡±


    ra hugged Mrs. Rhinehorne tightly, tears welding up in her eyes. She felt as if her mother¡¯s love was seeping through Mrs. Rhinehorne.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, <i>momma </i><i>Whitney</i><i>, </i><i>thank </i><i>you </i>so <i>much</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>idea </i><i>what </i><i>that </i><i>means </i>for me to hear <i>you </i><i>say </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria and her dad began to tear up. Suddenly, there was loudughter running towards them. Gloria¡¯s twin brothers Luke and Liam came running into the foyer.


    ¡°<i>Waaiiiitttt</i>!!!!<i>¡± </i>


    Both boys screamed as they ran with boxes in their hands.


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both boys said in unison to Gloria and ra. Opening the boxes, the girls eyes began to water. The boys made small picture frames, and each frame had pictures taken during Thanksgiving and Christmas.


    ra and Gloria hugged both of the boys.


    Chapter Comments


    2

 Hunted 82

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>82 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Make </i><i>sure you </i><i>both </i><ie </i><i>home</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    That final word pierced ra¡¯s heart with warmth. Finally, she could <b>feel </b>at home.


    After saying their final goodbyes, ra and Gloria headed to their new condo.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Whoo</i><i>¨C</i><i>hoo</i>!!! <i>ra </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>ready</i><i>! </i><i>The new </i><i>adventure </i><i>starts </i><i>now </i><i>mama</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>finally </i><i>an </i><i>adult</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>AND </i><i>we </i><i>gotta </i><i>new </i><i>mystery man </i><i>on </i><i>our </i><i>hands</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ra slightly blushed. She hadn¡¯t heard from her mystery benefactor since the day of her flight, but she did hear from her friend Christine about some of what happened at the g. She and Gloria had a good timeughing at that, but because Christine didn¡¯t attend the g, she wasn¡¯t sure who the mystery person was.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>meeting </i><i>up </i><i>with </i><i>Terra in </i><i>a </i><i>few weeks </i>so I <i>should have </i><i>the full </i><i>story</i>.¡±


    That was the day after the g, ra knew she would be hearing from them soon.


    The movers finished unpacking the condo swiftly leaving the girls time to unwind. While rxing in their new living room, there was a sudden knock on the door.


    ¡°I¡¯ll <i>get </i><i>it</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Gloria popped up before ra could move.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ehhh</i>!!!! <i>Casey</i>!!!¡±


    Casey picked Gloria up and hugged her tight, nting a soft kiss on her <b>lips</b><b>, </b><b>she </b><b>beamed </b>brightly.


    <i>¡°</i>Hey <i>baby</i><i>, </i><i>did </i>you miss me<i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>Did </i></b>I <b><i>miss </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><i>? </i><b><i>Yes</i></b>!¡±


    <b>Casey </b><bughed </b><b>lightly </b><b>as </b><b>he </b><b>made </b><b>his </b>way into the condo. Looking around <b>before </b><b>spotting </b><b>ra</b>.


    A


    174


    <b>9:40 Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    :


    ¡°<i>This </i>is <i>really nice</i><i>! </i><i>Now </i>I¡¯m <i>sad </i><i>I </i><i>gotta </i><i>live </i><i>in </i><i>the dorms</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Looking around, his eyes finally spotted ra.


    <i>¡°</i><i>re</i><i>¨C</i><i>bear</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ??


    96


    Casey bear hugged ra spinning her in a circle. She couldn¡¯t help butugh<b>, </b>Casey was every bit a big brother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hey</i><i>! </i><i>d </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>here</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria interjected.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Me </i><i>too</i>! <i>I¡¯m </i><i>starving</i>!¡±


    Both ra and Caseyughed out loud.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>got </i><i>a </i><i>point</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>hungry </i><i>too</i>. <i>Y¡¯all </i><i>want </i><i>some </i><i>pizza</i><i>; </i><i>my </i><i>treat</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria instantly perked up.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>! <i>I </i><i>know </i><i>a </i><i>great </i><i>pizza </i><i>ce </i><i>not </i><i>far </i><i>from </i><i>here</i><i>, </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>go</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria took everyone to Pizza Pce. After making their order, the three of them sat at a booth catching up. Casey showed the girls pictures from his family vacation.


    ¡°<i>OMG</i><i>! </i><i>It </i>looks like <i>everyone </i><i>had </i>so <i>much </i><i>fun</i>!¡±


    Gloria gushed as she scrolled through the pictures.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i>, <i>my </i><i>mom </i>said next vacation <i>you </i>gottae<i>.</i>¡±


    Gloria blushed. She and Casey¡¯s mom bonded over Christmas vacation. Casey suddenly looked at ra with a mischievous smile,


    ¡°<b>So</b>, <b>I </b><i>heard </i><i>what </i>happened at <i>your </i>step¨Csister¡¯s little g<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra <bughed </b><b>as </b><b>she </b>stuffed fries in her mouth.


    <b>2/4 </b>


    <b>9:40 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yup</i>, <i>apparently </i><i>somebody </i><i>made </i><i>them </i><i>look </i><i>very </i><i>foolish</i>.¡±


    Casey looked at ra with a puzzled expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Somebody</i>? <i>You </i><i>mean</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Both Gloria and ra looked confused. <fn427d> Chapters first released on f?ndnovel</fn427d>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Know </i><i>what</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Gloria asked as she sprinkled garlic on her pizza.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b><i>WHAT</i></b><i>!!!!!! </i>


    ra could hardly believe her ears. ETHAN TAYLOR! Why?


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand</i>. <i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>saying Ethan </i><i>Taylor ruined </i><i>my </i><i>sister¡¯s </i><i>g</i><i>? </i><i>Why</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>because </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra and Gloria¡¯s eyes bulged. Gloria practically choked on her soda.


    ¡°<i>Wait</i><i>! </i><i>Ethan Taylor </i><i>knows </i><i>ra</i>. <i>ra </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>him</i>?¡±


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>! </i>No! I <i>have </i><i>no </i>idea what¡¯s goin on <i>right </i>now. <i>Casey</i>, are <i>you </i>sure?¡±


    Casey wiped his hands and reached for his phone, Pulling up a video, he widened <b>his </b>screen so both girls could. It was video from the g. The scene was when Ethan confronted the Grangers.


    ra could hardly believe what <b>she </b>was seeing<b>, </b>there was Ethan Taylor, <b>confronting </b><b>her </b>father on her behalf. But the most shocking part came next. The phone call. ra <b>looked </b><b>on </b>in shock <b>as </b>she remembered that exact conversation. Suddenly, Gloria <b>spoke </b><b>up. </b>


    <b>3/4 </b>


    196


    <b>9:40 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    ¡°Oh, <i>my </i><i>gosh</i><i>. </i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>mysterious </i><i>benefactor</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    ra waspletely bbergasted.


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 Hunted 83

    <b>Chapter </b><b>83 </b>


    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    96


    Summer break went by fast, before they knew it, the trio was getting ready for their first day of school. ra was extremely excited, she couldn¡¯t wait to see what thebs were like at Osha. Reading her sybus as she walked to her first ss, ra identally bumped into someone.


    ¡°Oh, <i>my </i><i>gosh</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>so </i><i>sorry</i>! <i>I </i><i>should </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>paying </i><i>attention</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i><i>worries</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ra froze. Although she¡¯d only heard that voice a few times, ra instantly recognized <ol><li>it. </li></ol>


    <b>Ethan </b><b>Taylor</b>.


    As Ethan picked up the remaining papers, his eyes locked with ra. He could feel his heart tighten as he stared at her, finally, he got to see her face to face. She was beautiful. Her thick long hair was tied into a neat ponytail revealing all of her face.


    Ethan was speechless. So, this was the face of the little genius that could save many lives including his sister. Handing ra her papers<b>, </b>Ethan cleared his throat.


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><i>apologies</i><i>. </i>Allow me <i>to </i><i>introduce </i><i>myself</i><i>, </i><i>I-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>ra </b>cut him off. Ethan¡¯s brows furrowed at the sound of her saying his name.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>who </i>I <i>am</i><b><i>?</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    Feeling slightly shy, ra turned her head.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>do</i>. <b><i>I </i></b><i>saw </i>a <b><i>video </i></b>of <i>the </i><i>g</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ah<b>. </b>


    174


    <b>9:40 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    96


    That made sense. He knew it was only a matter of time before what happened that night got back to ra. Ethan smiled sheepishly, cing his hand behind his neck.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sorry </i><i>about </i><i>that</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>forgive </i><i>me </i><i>for </i><i>interfering </i><i>with </i><i>your </i><i>personal </i>business.¡±


    ra¡¯s eyes popped out!


    ¡°Oh, <i>no</i><i>! </i><i>Please </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>apologize</i>! I¡­<i>Well </i><i>you </i><i>see</i>, <i>not </i><i>too </i><i>many </i><i>people </i><i>have </i><i>ever </i>spoke <i>up </i>for <i>me </i><i>like </i><i>that before </i><i>so </i><i>thank </i><i>you</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan could feel his heart pounding loudly, why did she have this type of effect on him.


    Strange.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>most </i><i>certainly </i><i>deserve </i><i>it </i><i>and </i><i>much </i><i>more</i>.


    22


    ra could feel her ears reddening. Nervously, she gathered her papers and turned


    around.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>really </i><i>nice </i><i>meeting </i><i>you </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>to </i><i>ss </i><i>now</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>yes </i><i>of </i><i>course</i>. I¡¯ll <i>see </i><i>you </i><i>soon</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ra bowed her head and turned to leave. As if she forgot something, ra turned back around.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i>¡­<i>Thank you</i><i>! </i><i>That </i>jet¡­it <i>was </i><i>my </i><i>first </i>time <i>flying </i>in one!¡±


    Her face beamed disying her dimples and bright teeth. After thanking Ethan, she turned and rushed to ss leaving Ethan Speechless.


    <b><i>Ethan¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    Ethan <b>made </b>his way to <b>the </b>east wingb <b>office</b><b>. </b>Pulling out his phone, he <b>hurriedly </b><b>called </b>Owen<b>. </b>


    <b>9:40 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    ¡°Boss.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>here</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Huh</i><i>? </i><i>Who¡¯s </i><i>where</i>?¡±


    ¡°<i>ra </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>! I </i><i>just </i><i>met </i><i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    :


    Owen was in shock. He¡¯d never seen Ethan act like this over a woman before. Owen had known Ethan since middle school, and they had been friends ever since. Although many girls and young woman often liked him, because he was so fixated on his work, he never made time to focus on things like dating. It was interesting hearing him get so excited


    about someone.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>yeah</i><i>, </i><i>did </i><i>she </i><i>recognize </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>As a <i>matter </i>of <i>fact</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>did</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Owen satpletely up in his chair. He hadn¡¯t expected that response.


    <i>¡°</i><i>How</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan let out a light chuckle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Apparently </i><i>there </i><i>was </i><i>video </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>g</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Huh</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>guess </i><i>that </i><i>makes </i><i>sense</i>. <i>So</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>take </i><i>it </i><i>she </i><i>figured </i><i>out </i><i>you </i>were <i>the </i>one that put her on the <i>jet</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yup</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>even </i><i>thanked </i><i>me </i><i>for </i><i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Owen let out a nervousugh.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>a </i>first.<i>¡± </i>


    Pause<b>. </b>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Yeah</i></b><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>is</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    96: <fn409b> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? f?ndnovel</fn409b>


    <b>9:40 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>going </i>to <i>tell </i><i>her </i><i>about </i><i>why </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>with </i>her<i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    ¡°In <i>due </i><i>time</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>at </i><i>least </i><i>get </i><i>limated </i><i>in </i><i>Osha first</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Owen paused for a moment.


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    414

 Hunted 84

    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>understand </i><i>that</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>remember </i><i>Ethan</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>a </i>lot <b>of </b><i>time</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Ethan¡¯s face frowned. He knew what Owen meant, as the days went on, Maria¡¯s cancer was progressing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know</i><i>. </i>I¡¯ll <i>talk </i><i>with </i><i>youter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Click.


    After Ethan hung up with Owen his mind began to wonder. How would he approach ra and ask her for her help in order to save his little sister. Ethan¡¯s heart began to feel heavy, he knew he would have to act fast.


    ***


    176


    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    <i>The </i><i>rest </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>day </i><i>went </i><i>by </i><i>like </i><i>a </i><i>breeze</i>. <i>After </i><i>her </i><i>sses </i><i>ended</i><i>, </i><i>ra </i><i>decided </i><i>to </i><i>tour </i>some of <i>the </i><ibs</i>. <i>In </i><i>her </i><i>previous </i><i>life</i>, <i>ra </i><i>had </i><i>only </i><i>heard </i><i>of </i><i>how </i>much <i>more </i><i>advanced </i><i>Osha </i>was <i>in </i><i>pharmaceutical </i><i>and </i><i>biochemical </i><ibs </i><i>but </i><i>seeing </i><i>them </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>own </i><i>eyes</i>, <i>it </i>was almost <i>magical</i><i>. </i>As she <i>made </i><i>her </i><i>way </i><i>to </i><i>the east </i><i>wing </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>school</i>, <i>her </i>phone began to ring. <i>It </i>was <i>Gloria</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°<i>Hey </i><i>Gloria</i>, <i>what¡¯s </i><i>up</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i><fnf221> Checktest chapters at </fnf221>


    <i>¡°</i><i>re</i><i>¨C</i><i>bear</i><i>! </i><i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>you</i>? <i>How </i><i>your </i>first <i>day </i>of ss?¡±


    ¡°It was great<i>! </i>I can honestly <i>say </i>biochemical engineering <i>my </i>hands down be one of my favorite <i>sses</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>Gloria </i><i>let </i>out a loudugh.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b>ra</b>, <i>you </i><i>might </i>be <i>the </i><i>only </i>person I <i>have </i>ever met that would <i>say </i>something like that.¡±


    <b><i>ra </i></b><b><i>let </i></b><b>out </b>a <b>low </b>chuckle<i>, </i><i>Gloria </i>may <i>have </i>a point.


    96


    9:41 Fri, Sep 5


    <i>¡°</i><i>Anyway</i><i>! </i><i>Where </i><i>are </i>you<i>?</i>¡±


    ***On my way to east wingb.¡°*


    ¡°That makes sense. Hey, I wanted to know if you wanted to drive me car home. Casey asked me out on a date for tonight.¡±


    <i>ra </i>smiled<i>, </i><i>she </i><i>knew </i><i>Casey </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>Gloria </i><i>out </i>to <i>this </i><i>new </i><i>Steakhouse </i><i>downtown</i>.


    ¡°Absolutely, I¡¯m going to text you my key code, can you put them in my locker?¡±


    <i>Gloria </i><i>beamed </i><i>with </i><i>joy</i>. <i>It </i><i>had </i><i>been </i><i>weeks </i><i>since </i><i>she </i><i>and </i><i>Casey </i><i>went </i><i>on </i><i>a </i><i>date</i>.


    ¡°I sure can! I love you ra!! I¡¯m going bring you back some cheesecake!¡±


    <i>ra </i><iughed </i><i>out </i><i>loud</i><i>, </i><i>Gloria </i><i>knew </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>her </i><i>favorite </i><i>dessert</i>.


    ¡°Thanksdy. Have fun on your date night, I¡¯ll text you once I¡¯m home.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Love you! See youter!¡±


    <i>After </i><i>ra </i><i>hung </i><i>up </i><i>with </i><i>Gloria</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>made </i><i>her </i><i>way </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>east </i><i>wing </i><ib</i><i>. </i>Per <i>her </i>school map, <i>this </i>was <i>the </i><irgest </i><i>and </i><i>most </i><i>advanced </i><id </i><i>in the </i><i>entire </i><i>school</i>. <i>Only </i><i>a </i><i>select </i><i>few </i>students studied <i>in </i><i>this </i><ib </i>as <i>the </i><i>tech </i><i>ware </i><i>was </i><i>so </i><i>advanced </i><i>due </i>to <i>the </i>advancements from <i>NovaTech</i><i>. </i><i>One </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>main purposes </i><i>of </i><i>this </i><ib </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>expansion </i>and growth of learning <i>nano </i><i>and </i><i>medicinal </i><i>technology</i><i>. </i>


    ra was <i>extremely </i><i>interested </i>in <i>this </i>new <i>form </i><i>of </i>medicine. <i>Her </i>goal was to figure out how to infuse <i>nano </i><i>technology </i><i>with </i><i>her </i>cancer treatments <i>to </i>help dissolve the dead and infected <i>cells</i><i>. </i>For <i>cancers </i>like leukemia <i>or </i>advance brain cancer, that <i>type </i>of medicinal treatment <i>would </i><i>work </i>wonders<i>. </i>


    As <i>she </i>made <i>her </i><i>way </i><i>to </i>entrance of <i>the </ib, <i>she </i>could hear what sounded like someone <i>mumbling </i>to <i>themselves</i>.


    ¡®Was someone in theb?<i>¡®</i>*


    Curiously, ra carefully opened the door so as not to make too much noise so that she


    <b>9:41 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    wouldn¡¯t disturb whoever was in theb. As she made her way further into the <bb</b><b>, </b><b>ra </b>was amazed. The east wingb was nothing short of miraculous. This <b>type </b><b>of </b>tech ware was light years ahead of LexU. The pristine white walls and silver machinery was <b>almost </b>blinding. As the shock wore off, ra could hear voices again. Scanning the <bb </b>to see where it wasing from, she made her way to one of the ss door study rooms. There, she saw a man writing equations on a white board. They were biochemical equations for medicinal practice.


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 Hunted 85

    <b><i>ra¡¯s POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    ra studied the man¡¯s movement as he continued to ramble and write. Every time he


    would write an equation; he would pause in frustration and erase it. It was <b>as </b>if he were trying to figure out the right bnce. As she grew closer to the board, ra realized she¡¯d recognized what type of medicinal equations these were.


    Cancer treatments.


    The man was trying to create the perfect equations for cancer treatments. Some of the patterns she actually recognized; it was the early stages of her mother¡¯s work. Suddenly, ra recognized who the frustrated man was at the board.


    Ethan Taylor.


    Without thinking, ra blurted out what was wrong with the equation.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Artasium</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Startled, Ethan swiftly spun his head around to see ra standing before him. His eyes darkened and his brows furrowed as he stared at her.


    <i>¡®</i><i>What </i>is she <i>doing </i><i>here</i><i>?</i><i>¡® </i>


    Before he could ask why she was there, Ethan realized she may have figured out what was wrong with his form.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>say?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra instantly blushed! She hadn¡¯t meant to interfere. Holding up her hands in defense, she began to exin.


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><b>so </b>sorry<i>! </i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>trying </i>to <i>be </i>rude or interfere-¡±


    Ethan immediately cut her off.


    9:41 Fri, Sep 5 <fn3aa5> Read full story at f?ndnovel</fn3aa5>


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>care </i><i>about </i><i>that</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>did </i>you <i>just </i>say?¡±


    Startled, ra walked up to the board standing directly next to Ethan.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>missing </i><i>in </i><i>your </i><i>form </i><i>and </i><i>why </i><i>it </i><i>seems </i>as <i>though </i><i>no </i><i>matter </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>need </i><i>radiation</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>artasium</i>. It¡¯s a <i>mineral </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>invented </i><ist </i><i>year </i><i>by </i><i>the </i>bio <ipany </i>


    <i>Min</i><i>¨C</i><i>Bright</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan was very familiar with Min¨CBright. It was an advanced mineral and herbal bio-pany. Thepany worked directly with the world¡¯s global space program collecting minerals and herbs from uninhabiteds and asteroids. Many medicinal


    breakthroughs happened due to their research and collections.


    Ethan looked at ra in slight shock. Clearing his throat, he began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>saying </i><i>this </i><i>artasium </i><i>mineral </i><i>is </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>added </i><i>for your </i><i>form </i><i>to </i><iplete </i><i>the </i><i>treatment</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Still staring at the board, ra didn¡¯t immediately answer. Her face scrunched up. The equation forms Ethan was using was some of her mother¡¯s early work. The forms were a little outdated, her mother had perfected many of these forms in herter


    years.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Where </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>get </i><i>these </i><i>equations </i><i>from</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Your </i><i>mother</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ra looked at Ethan with a puzzled expression. Letting out a light chuckle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>¡®</i><i>where</i>¡® <i>you </i><i>got </i><i>it </i><i>from</i><i>¡®</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>just</i>¡­these <i>are </i><i>pretty </i><i>old</i>. She perfected many of <i>these </i><i>equations </i><iter </i><i>on</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan looked at ra with a passive smile.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>why </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>create </i><i>a </i><i>cure</i>?¡±


    <b>9:41 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    ra¡¯s smile was that of someone proud.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yup</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>expand </i><i>and </i><i>advance </i><i>my </i><i>mother¡¯s </i><i>work</i><i>. </i><i>Filling </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>codes </i><i>where </i>she <i>either </i><i>left </i><i>off </i><i>or </i><i>left </i><i>open</i>. <i>Even in </i><i>death </i><i>I </i><i>still </i><i>have </i><i>her </i><i>with </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan looked at ra with apassionate look. He could see the love and sullen sadness in her eyes as she thought of her mother. Without realizing it, Ethan gently grabbed ra¡¯s hand. Startled, her eyes shot up at him.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sorry</i>! <i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>mean-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra blushed.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>okay</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i><i>my </i><i>face </i><i>gave </i><i>away </i><i>more </i><i>than </i><i>I </i><i>intended</i><i>. </i><i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan let out a light chuckle. Turning to ra, his face became serious. It was time he told her everything.


    <i>¡°ra</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>now </i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>time </i><i>I </i><i>exin </i><i>why </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>so </i><i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra gave Ethan an impassive expression. She¡¯d been wondering about this since the say she learned about the g and even before from her previous life. The question constantly burned.


    <i>¡®</i><i>What </i><i>exactly </i><i>did </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor </i><i>need </i>for <i>her</i><i>?</i><i>¡® </i>


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 Hunted 86

    <b>Chapter </b><b>86 </b>


    Ethan cleared one of the tables and pulled a chair out for ra. As she sat down, she noticed him pulling up a food delivery site.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i>hungry<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    His question broke her train of thought.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sorry</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Hungry</i><i>¡­</i><i>as </i><i>in </i><i>dinner</i>? <i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i>to <i>start </i><i>discussing </i><i>some </i><i>things </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>and </i>it¡¯s <i>already </i>


    <i>almost </i><i>five </i><i>o¡¯clock</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>. </i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>sure</i>. <i>Dinner </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>great</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ** <fnad97> Fresh chapters posted on f?ndnovel</fnad97>


    **


    <b>55 </b>


    <i>Ethan¡¯s </i><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    <i>Ethan </i><i>smiled </i><i>passively</i>. <i>Something </i><i>in </i><i>his </i><i>heart </i><i>stirred </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>thought </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>eating </i><i>dinner </i><i>with </i><i>him</i><i>. </i><i>Suddenly </i><i>he </i><i>felt nervous</i>. ¡®<i>Would </i><i>this </i><i>ssify </i><i>as </i><i>a </i><i>date</i><i>?</i>¡® <i>He </i><i>wondered as </i><i>he </i><i>began </i><i>looking </i><i>at </i><i>takeout </i><i>ces</i>. <i>Shaking his </i><i>head </i><i>as </i><i>if </i><i>to </i><i>clear </i><i>his thoughts</i>.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Get </i><i>yourself </i><i>together </i><i>Ethan</i><i>! </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>a </i><i>business </i><i>dinner </i><i>like </i><i>any </i><i>other </i>time<i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    <i>Ethan </i><i>pushed </i><i>back </i><i>his </i><i>intruding </i><i>thoughts </i><i>as </i><i>he </i>handed <i>ra </i><i>his </i><i>phone</i>. <i>By </i><i>now</i><i>, </i><i>ra </i><i>was </i><i>rolling </i>up <i>her </i><i>sleeve </i><i>and </i><i>putting </i><i>her </i><i>sses </i>on <i>as </i><i>she </i><i>pulled </i>out <i>a </i><i>stack </i>of journals. Taking <i>his </i><i>phone</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>looked </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>different </i>restaurants, <i>finally </i>settling on a diner that <i>specialized </i><i>in </i>burgers<i>. </i>


    ¡°How <i>about </i><i>here</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    <i>Ethan </i><i>took </i><i>his </i><i>phone </i><i>back</i><i>. </i>Puzzled, <i>his </i><i>eyebrow </i><i>arched</i>.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Burgers</i>? Of <i>all </i><i>the </i><i>ces</i><i>.</i>¡®


    <i>Ethan </i><i>lightly </i><i>chuckled </i><i>while </i><i>nodding </i><i>in </i><i>agreement</i>.


    <b>9:35 </b>Sat, Sep 6 B


    ¡°<i>Sure</i>, <i>though </i><i>I¡¯m </i>not <i>exactly </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>to </i><i>order</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>exactly </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>burger </i>and <i>fries </i><i>before</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>ra¡¯s </i><i>eyes </i><i>bulged</i>. <i>She </i><i>could </i><i>hardly </i><i>believe </i><i>it</i>.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Who </i><i>hasn¡¯t </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>burger </i><i>and </i><i>fries</i><i>? </i><i>Has </i><i>his </i><i>life </i><i>really </i><i>been </i><i>this </i><i>privileged</i><i>?</i><i>¡® </i>


    <i>Slightly </i><i>giggling</i>, <i>she </i><i>took </i><i>Ethan¡¯s </i><i>phone </i><i>back </i>and <i>began </i><i>to </i><i>ce </i>the <i>order</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>trust</i><i>, </i><i>how </i><i>about </i>I order for <i>the </i><i>both </i><i>of </i><i>us</i>.¡±


    <i>Ethan </i><i>smiled </i><i>and </i><i>nodded </i><i>his </i><i>head</i><i>. </i>While <i>ra </i><i>was </i><i>cing </i><i>their </i><i>food </i><i>order</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>began </i><i>pulling </i><i>out </i><i>more </i>of <i>his </i><i>research</i>.


    35


    <i>While </i><i>they </i><i>waited </i>for <i>their </i><i>food</i><i>, </i><i>ra </i>opened up her <i>research </i><i>journals </i><i>and </i><i>began </i><i>discussing </i><i>her </i><i>recent </i><i>medicinal </i><i>creations </i>with Ethan. <i>As </i><i>she </i>exined <i>the </i><iplex </i><i>way </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>create </i>a <i>possible </i><i>cure </i>for <i>the </imon <i>cold </i>which ultimately led <i>to </i><i>her </i><i>cure </i><i>for </i><i>cancer</i><i>, </i><i>Ethan </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>help </i><i>but </i><i>be </i><i>amazed </i>at <i>this </i>remarkable young woman.


    <i>For </i><i>the </i><i>past </i><i>few </i><i>years</i>, <i>many </i><i>people </i><i>praised </i>Ethan <i>Taylor </i>for <i>achieving </i><i>global </i>sess <i>with </i><i>his </i><i>biochemical </i><i>corporation </i>at <i>the </i>tender <i>age </i>of <i>23. </i><i>But </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i>was, <i>Ethan </i><i>never </i><i>felt </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>that </i>much <i>of </i><i>an </i><i>achievement</i>. <i>His </i><i>father </i><i>had </i><i>already </i><i>cornered </i><i>the </i><i>global </i><i>market </i><i>with </i><i>NovaTech</i>, <i>and </i><i>while </i><i>Ethan </i><i>never </i><i>abused </i><i>his </i><i>father¡¯s </i><i>business </i><i>connections</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>no </i><i>secret </i><i>who </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor </i><i>was</i>. <i>When </i><i>he </i><i>first </i><i>introduced </i><i>nano </i><i>technology </i><i>to </i><i>aid </i><i>and </i>assist <i>with </i><i>major </i><i>surgeries</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>only </i><i>a </i><i>matter </i><i>of </i><i>time </i><i>before </i><i>his </i><ipany </i><i>expanded </i><i>globally</i>.


    <i>This </i><i>young </i><i>woman </i><i>however</i>, <i>she </i><i>had </i><i>none </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>connections </i><i>he </i><i>had </i><i>as </i><i>her </i><i>father </i><i>was </i><i>to </i><i>stupid and </i><i>arrogant </i><i>to </i><i>allow </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>grow </i><i>under </i><i>his </i><i>wing</i>. Too <i>scared </i><i>she </i><i>would </i><i>outshine </i><i>him</i><i>. </i><i>All </i><i>she </i><i>had </i><i>was </i><i>sheer </i><i>determination </i><i>and </i><i>an </i><i>immense </i><i>amount </i>of <i>brilliance </i><i>which </i><i>led </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>possibly </i><i>being </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>most </i><i>influential </i><i>people </i><i>he </i><i>would </i><i>ever </i><i>know</i><i>. </i>


    <i>ra </i><i>looked </i><i>at </i><i>Ethan </i><i>with </i><i>a </i><i>puzzled </i><i>expression</i>. <i>His </i><i>face </i><i>looked </i><i>as </i><i>if </i><i>his </i><i>mind </i><i>was </i><i>somewhere </i><i>else</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i><i>? </i><i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i><i>what I </i><i>just </i><i>said</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>The </i>sound <i>of </i><i>ra¡¯s </i><i>question </i><i>brought </i><i>Ethan </i><i>back </i><i>to the </i><i>present</i>.


    9:35 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b>..


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was thinking about something. What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s okay. I was just saying the food is here.¡±


    <i>Ethan </i><i>turned </i><i>around </i>and <i>looked </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>door </i>and <i>then </i><i>his </i><i>phone</i><i>. </i><i>He¡¯d </i><i>just </i><i>received </i><i>notification </i><i>the </i><i>delivery </i><i>person </i>was at <i>the </i><i>door</i><i>. </i><i>ra </i><i>began </i><i>to </i><i>stand </i><i>about </i><i>to </i><i>leave </i><i>when </i><i>Ethan </i><i>gently </i><i>grabbed </i><i>her </i><i>wrist</i>.


    ¡°I got it. Please.¡±


    <i>Blushing</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll grab some tes and napkins.


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    55


    <b>9:35 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>6 </b>G¡­


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>

 Hunted 87

    <b></b><b>87 </b>


    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    :


    55


    Ethan returned back to the room with the food and drinks right as ra was cing the tes and napkins on the table. The smell of the burgers instantly perked her up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>swear </i><i>this </i><i>diner </i><i>has </i>some of <i>the </i><i>best </i><i>burgers </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>ever </i><i>tasted</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra let out a light giggle causing Ethan to blush slightly.


    ¡®<i>How </i><i>is </i><i>it </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>so </i><i>damn </i><i>adorable</i>. <i>I¡¯ll lose </i><i>my </i><i>concentration </i><ipletely </i><i>at </i><i>this </i><i>point</i><i>.</i>¡®


    Ethan grumbled to himself as he sat the food on the table. Still, even he had to admit the burgers smelled delicious.


    After making their tes, ra sat back in her seat and smiled at Ethan. <fnd47c> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n FindN0vel</fnd47c>


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>really </i><i>never </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>regr </i><i>burger </i><i>and </i><i>fries</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan let out <i>a </i>faint smile.


    ¡°Afraid <i>not</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Really</i><i>! </i><i>Not </i><i>even </i><i>on </i><i>a </i><i>Friday </i><i>night while </i><i>hanging </i><i>with your </i><i>friends</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Ethan thought impassively, in truth, he¡¯d been so immersed in work and research that he never actually had a ¡®Friday night hang out¡®. Owen was his only true friend apart from his siblings.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I <i>haven¡¯t </i>had too <i>many </i><i>¡®</i><i>Friday </i>hangout <i>nights</i>¡®<i>. </i>


    ra brows furrowed, for a moment she felt a ping of sadness. Hearing those words made her think about her previous life. How she hadn¡¯t had many friends and how her life had been filled with so much sadness. Back then, all she did was work, she seldom had time for hanging out as well. If it wasn¡¯t for Gloria and Casey, she¡¯s not sure what her life this second time around would have been like.


    <b>9:35 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>6 </b><b>B </b>


    ¡­


    :


    An empathic smile came across her lips as she reached her hands over and grabbed


    Ethan¡¯s.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>just </i><i>have </i>to <i>change </i><i>that</i>. <i>Life </i><i>is </i>too short<i>; </i>you <i>should </i><i>enjoy </i><i>it </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>hearts </i>


    <i>content</i><i>. </i>


    99


    55


    Hearing ¡®life is too short¡® instantly sadden Ethan. It made him think about Maria and how short her life would be if he couldn¡¯t find a cure. Wanting to change the subject,


    Ethan picked up his burger.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>see </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>fuss </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>about</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan took a big bit out of his burger. As he chewed, ra couldn¡¯t help butugh at his facial expression. Following suit, ra bit into her own burger, rolling her eyes she let


    out a satisfied moan as she chewed her food.


    After dinner, Ethan and ra both sat with satisfied looks on their faces. tes cleared;


    Ethan had truly enjoyed his first burger.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>believe </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>missing </i><i>out </i><i>on </i><i>this</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra let out a light giggle, it was interesting seeing the Chairman be so casual.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Stick </i><i>with </i><i>me </i><i>kid</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>eating </i><i>all </i><i>kinds </i><i>of </i><i>terrible </i><i>but </i><i>delicious </i>food<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra and Ethanughed in unison as they began to clean up their mess and get back to


    their research. Ethan studied ra¡¯s research journal on her cancer treatments once more before closing the book. A serious look on his face, Ethan decided now was the


    time to tell her the truth.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>now </i>is <i>the </i><i>time </i>for <i>me </i>to <i>tell </i><i>you everything </i>and <i>why </i><i>I </i>am so <i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>your </i><i>research</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra adjusted her sses as she sat in silence waiting for Ethan to continue. His expression had be rmingly serious. Gone was the casual tone he¡¯s just dawned.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>know </i>how <i>my </i><i>father </i><i>is </i><i>correct</i><i>¡± </i>


    9:35 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b>G


    ¡­


    <b>55 </b>


    ra nodded her head. In her previous and her current life, she knew who Joseph Taylor of NovaTech was.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>do</i><i>. </i><i>The </i>chairman of <i>NovaTech</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan nodded as to verify she was correct.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>correct</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>the </i><i>second </i><i>oldest </i>of <i>four </i><i>children</i>. <i>My </i><i>mother </i><i>and </i><i>father </i><i>had </i><i>two </i><i>sons </i>and <i>two </i><i>daughters</i><i>. </i><i>My </i><i>oldest </i><i>brother </i><i>Corey </i><i>is </i><i>currently </i><i>the </i><i>CEO </i>of <i>NovaTech</i><i>, </i><i>then </i><i>there¡¯s </i>


    me<i>, </i><i>my </i><i>younger </i><i>sister Elizabeth</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>my </i><i>youngest </i><i>sister </i><i>Maria</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra continued to listen, slightly confused. Why was he telling her his family tree?


    ¡°<i>We¡¯re </i><i>all </i><i>pretty </i><i>close</i><i>, </i><i>though </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>met </i><i>my </i><i>siblings </i><i>and </i><i>my </i><i>parents </i><i>you¡¯d </i><i>wonder </i><i>where </i><i>I </i><i>got </i><i>my </i><i>distant </i><i>persona </i><i>from</i>. <i>Growing </i><i>up</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>guess </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>say </i><i>we </i><i>had </i><i>everything </i><i>the universe </i><i>had to </i><i>offer</i>. <i>My </i><i>parents </i><i>made </i><i>sure </i><i>we never wanted </i><i>for </i><i>anything</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>long </i><i>time</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She wasn¡¯t sure, but it looked as if Ethan¡¯s eyes became slightly glossy.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>until </i><i>that </i><i>one </i><i>fateful </i><i>day, </i><i>that </i><i>one </i><i>day </i><i>that literally </i><i>changed </i><i>the </i><i>course </i><i>of </i><i>me </i><i>as </i><i>well </i>as <i>my </i><i>entire </i><i>family¡¯s </i><i>lives </i><i>that </i><i>I </i><i>began </i><i>to </i><i>desperately </i><i>crave </i><i>for </i><i>something </i><i>I </i><i>knew </i>I <i>may </i>


    never <i>get</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan paused after thatst sentence causing ra to question what the thing he


    wanted most was.


    ¡°<i>What </i>did you <i>desperately </i><i>crave</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    <i>¡°</i>A <i>cure</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>????? </i>


    Puzzled, ra stared at Ethan. Was he sick?


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>confused</i><i>. </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i>s-¡±


    <b>Sat</b><b>, </b>


    ¡°<i>My </i><i>baby </i><i>sister </i><i>has </i><i>leukemia</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    The words cut through ra like a sharp knife.


    Leukemia.


    <b>55 </b>


    So that was why in this life and the previous. This was why he desperately wanted to


    work with her. Thinking back to her previous life, ra felt a huge sting of guilt. Ethan


    Taylor met with her a few years after she started working at JGP. At the time, she was on


    her way to perfecting her current cancer treatment. When Ethan approached her, he practically begged her to work with him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Granger</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>duty </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><i>husband </i><i>but </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>begging </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><ie </i><i>to </i><i>Springsten </i><i>with </i><i>me</i>. <i>Together</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>save </i><i>lives</i><i>! </i><i>Change </i><i>the </i><i>world</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Out of loyalty to her father and Jason however, ra declined.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i>sorry <i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>leave </i><i>my </i><i>father¡¯s </i><ipany</i>. <i>My </i><i>entire </i><i>life </i><i>is </i><i>at </i><i>JGP</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>move </i><i>half </i><i>across </i><i>the </i><i>world</i>. <i>It </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>fair</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Slightly bitter by her response, Ethan fired back.


    ¡°<i>Tell </i><i>me </i><i>something </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>truly </i><i>happy </i><i>here</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>about </i><i>your </i><i>husband </i>and <i>father</i><i>¡­</i><i>all </i><i>they </i><i>care </i><i>about </i><i>is </i><i>money</i><i>! </i><i>They </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>care </i><i>about </i><i>your </i><i>work </i>and <i>all </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>do</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Ethan¡¯s words burned like mes. Deep down, she knew he was right, but what could she


    do?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry <i>Chairman-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°And what if a life was on <i>the </i><i>line</i><i>!! </i><i>Would </i><i>you </ie then?¡±


    ra never got a chance to answer his question, shortly after, Jason came and forced her into the car to go home. She never saw Chairman Taylor again, she would then die two yearster.


    Tears began to weld up in ra¡¯s eyes. That was the <i>life </i>Ethan was referring too. His baby sister Maria.


    9:35 Sat, Sep 6 <b>G </b>


    Ethan looked at ra with an empathetic re. It wasn¡¯t his intention to make her cry, though he wasn¡¯t surprised. ra was of pure heart. Handing her his handkerchief,


    Ethan continued on.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>see </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>, </i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>desperately </i><i>need </i><i>your </i><i>help</i><i>. </i><i>Please</i><i>, </i><i>help </i><i>me </i><i>save </i><i>my </i>


    <i>sister</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    55


    ra wiped her eyes and turned to Ethan; she could see the burning desire in his eyes as


    they pleaded with her. ra never truly understood why she had been reborn. At first,


    she took it as a fortune from God, finally showing her some grace for the crappy life


    she¡¯d lived. But now, now she was certain. She had been reborn to also save this girl¡¯s life. To correct a mistake, she wasn¡¯t even aware she¡¯d made.


    With determination in her eyes as her mind was made up. ra spoke with a stern tone.


    ¡°What do you need me to do.¡±


    Chapter Comments


    ͹2

 Hunted 88

    <b>r </b><b>88 </b>


    <b><i>ra¡¯s POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    ra sat in silence, herplete attention on Ethan as he began to exin his n. Resolute in her decision, ra silently vowed to save Maria no matter what the cost.


    <i>¡®</i><i>This </i><i>life </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>different </i><i>for </i><i>us </i><i>both</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    She thought as Ethan opened up hisptop.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>aware </i><i>by </i><i>now</i>, <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>following </i><i>your </i><i>academic </i><i>and </i><i>medicinal </i><i>achievements </i><i>these </i><i>past </i>two <i>years</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ra smiled faintly and nodded, returning the smile, Etan continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Based </i><i>on </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>showed </i><i>me </i><i>tonight</i><i>; </i><i>it </i><i>looks </i><i>as </i><i>though </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>more </i><i>than </i><i>likely </i><i>figured </i><i>out </i><i>how </i><i>to </i><i>not </i><i>only </i><i>destroy </i><i>cancer </i><i>cells </i><i>without </i><i>destroying </i><i>healthy </i><i>cells </i><i>but </i><i>also </i><i>secure </i><i>the </i><i>improbability </i><i>of </i><i>them </i><i>ever </i><i>growing </i><i>back</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ra gave a modest nod. She knew for a fact her cancer treatment would work. In her previous life, the test studies proved to be sessful. She¡¯d in fact created a cure for various types of cancer. In this life, it was simply a matter of technology and minerals catching up. Though she knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to tell Ethan this, she wanted to make sure he understood her certainty.


    ¡°<i>Chairman </i><i>Tay-</i>¡±


    Ethan held his hand up cutting ra off.


    ¡°Please<i>, </i><i>call </i><i>me </i><i>Ethan</i><i>. </i>I¡¯d <i>like </i><i>to </i><i>think </i>that <i>while </i><i>we¡¯re </i>on <i>this </i>journey together we¡¯ll form a <i>healthy </i>rtionship<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She wasn¡¯t sure why, but the word rtionship rang like music bells in her heart. ra quickly dismissed this emotion as merely being excited that she would finally get to put her research to the right use with the right person.


    Smiling she continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ethan</i><i>. </i>What <i>you </i>stated is correct. <i>Thanks </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>discovery </i><i>of </i><i>Artasium</i>, <i>I </i><i>was </i>able to create a <i>treatment </i>that <i>can </i>detect and <i>attack </i>dead <i>or </i><i>abnormal </i><i>cancer </i><i>and </i>blood <i>cells</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>also </i><i>able </i>to <i>create </i>a medication <i>that </i><i>bnces </i><i>red </i><i>and </i><i>white </i><i>blood </i><i>cells</i>, i.e.,¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Leukemia</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan finished ra¡¯s sentence in astonishment. ra knew the main concern would be


    how she was sure it would work without having tested it on a live person/s. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t be able to tell him she had in fact did trial runs in her previous life, but she


    hoped she would be able to convince him with the minor blood and test cells she¡¯d


    <i>¡°</i><i>Now </i>of <i>course</i>, <i>I </i><i>haven¡¯t </i>had the chance to test my treatments on <i>live </i><i>subjects </i><i>as </i><i>I </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i>do <i>that </i><i>until </i><i>I </i>receive my credentials, but the blood and <i>tissue </i><i>samples </i>I¡¯ve <i>tested </i><i>as </i><i>well </i><i>as </i>animals <i>have </i><i>all </i>proven sessful<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan¡¯s mind wondered. That of course was the biggest issue. ra still had three years


    before she would be a certified biochemist. Until then, she wouldn¡¯t be allowed to run


    any test trials on live humans. Even with a tenured professor, because she owned the


    research the trials would have to wait.


    ra could see Ethan¡¯s face expression change and be somber. He hadn¡¯t said it out


    loud, but she could just about guess what was troubling him. The uncertainty of Maria having three years to wait for a trial run, but ra wasn¡¯t concerned about that, in the short time it took Ethan to panic, she¡¯d already thought of a solution.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ethan</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>forgive </i>me for <i>my </i><i>bluntness</i>. <i>Even </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>in </i><i>fact </i><i>secured </i><i>a </i><i>cure </i><i>for </i><i>cancer</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>mean </i><i>anything </i><i>if </i><i>Maria </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><ist </i><i>three </i><i>additional </i><i>years</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>her </i><i>overall </i><i>prognosis </i><i>is</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>willing </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>that </i><i>gamble</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan looked at ra with panic in his eyes, it was true, he didn¡¯t want to take that gamble, but what other choice did he have. The Medical and Biochemical association would shut his entireb down if they found out he was allowing test trials to be ran on


    live humans with an uncertified chemist.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>think </i>we <i>have </i><i>a </i><i>cho-</i>¡±


    214


    ¡­ <fn5809> This text is hosted at fin?novel</fn5809>


    <b>9:35 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>6 </b>G..


    Before Ethan could finish, ra raised her hand.


    <i>¡°I </i><i>have </i><i>an </i><i>idea </i><i>Ethan</i>, <i>one </i><i>that </i><i>will </i><i>allow </i><i>the </i><i>trial </i><i>runs </i><i>and </i><i>avoid </i><i>any </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>disciplinary </i>


    <i>actions</i>.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s brows furrowed. What would possibly allow that?


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>about </i><i>I </i><i>let </i><i>you </i><i>borrow </i><i>my treatments</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ****


    <i>Ethan¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    ***


    55


    <i>¡®</i><i>Borrow </i><i>her </i><i>treatments</i><b>.</b><b>¡® </b>


    The phrase reyed over and over in my mind. What did she mean by this? I needed


    rification.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>afraid </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She smiled this angelic yet also sympathetic smile as if she¡¯d anticipated my confusion.


    began


    Releasing a slight breath of air, exin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>I </i><i>mean </i>is, <i>I¡¯m </i><i>willing </i><i>to </i><i>turn </i><i>my </i><i>research </i><i>over </i><i>to </i><i>you</i><i>¡­</i><i>temporarily</i>. <i>That </i><i>way</i><i>, </i>you¡¯ll <i>own </i><i>the </i><i>research </i><i>and </i><i>manufacturing </i><i>which </i><i>means </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>able </i>to <i>do </i><i>the </i>trial runs.¡±


    Ethan sat in silence for felt like an eternity. Did she hear herself? Better yet, did she understand what she was suggesting? Ethan cleared his throat, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed trying to grasp what ra was suggesting.


    In a low voice, Ethan began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>understand </i>what <i>you¡¯re </i><i>saying</i><i>? </i><i>You¡¯re </i>suggesting to give me <i>your </i><i>research</i>. Do <i>you </i><i>understand </i><i>that </i>means <i>¡®</i><i>I</i>¡® would <i>own </i><i>it</i><i>! </i>I could <i>steal </i><i>your </i><i>work</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>would </i><i>you-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra held her hand up cutting Ethan off once again.


    9:35 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b>G.


    ¡­


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>be </i><i>clear </i><i>Ethan</i>. <i>I didn¡¯t say </i><i>¡®</i><i>give</i><i>¡®, </i><i>I </i><i>said </i><i>borrow</i>. <i>You </i><i>would </i><i>only </i><i>own </i><i>it </i><i>until </i><i>I </i><i>graduated</i>. <i>Afterwards</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>retain </i><i>the </i><i>rights </i><i>back </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>research</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan looked at ra inplete amazement. Letting out a light chuckle, he had tough at her naiveness.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>makes </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>I </i><i>wouldn¡¯t just </i><i>steal </i><i>your </i><i>research </i><i>and </i><i>take </i><i>full </i><i>credit </i>for <i>it</i>? <i>You¡¯re </i><i>talking </i><i>about </i><i>handing </i><i>over </i><i>a </i><i>cure </i><i>for </i><i>cancer</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>55 </b>


    ra looked at Ethan with her piercing emerald¨Ccolored eyes. Ethan felt as though she could see straight into his soul with those eyes. ra smiled slightly revealing a light dimple in her right cheek, and then her face became serious.


    ¡°<i>Ethan</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>have hoped </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>of </i><i>all </i><i>people </i><i>would </i><i>know there¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>hand </i><i>my </i><i>research </i><i>over </i>to <i>anyone</i><i>, </i><i>not </i><i>even </i><i>my </i><i>father </i><i>without </i><i>an </i><i>irond </i><i>contract</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    A hint of guilt shed in Ethan¡¯s eyes. That was true, there was no way someone as mature and intelligent as ra would be silly enough to just hand her research over. He began to feel bad for doubting her and thinking she was naive.


    ra noticed the change in his expression and immediately soften her tone. Taking Ethan¡¯s hands into hers, ra scooted her chair closer so that she was closer to Ethan¡¯s face. In a soft tone, ra lowered her eyes and continued.


    ¡°That¡¯s <i>not </i><i>all</i><i>, </i><i>however</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>perhaps </i><i>I </i><i>am </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>na?ve </i>for <i>this </i><i>but</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>trust </i>you Ethan. I know <i>you </i><i>would </i><i>never </i><i>do </i><i>something </i><i>as </i><i>disgraceful </i>as <i>steal </i>and deceive me or <i>my </i>work.¡±


    Ethan could feel his chest tighten with that unfamiliar feeling again. Now smiling, ra looked Ethan directly in the eyes.


    ¡°So,


    <i>what </i>do you say? <i>Will </i>you <i>allow </i>me to <i>lend </i><i>you </i><i>my </i><i>life¡¯s </i><i>work</i>?¡±


    Chapter Comments


    2

 Hunted 89

    <b>Chapter </b><b>89 </b>


    <b><i>Ethan¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    Ethan was still reeling for what just transpired between him and ra. After agreeing with her n, ra smiled brightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Excellent</i>! I¡¯ll <i>have </i><i>a </i><iwyer </i><i>draw </i><i>up </i><i>a contract </i><i>for </i><i>us </i><i>both </i><i>and </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>get </i><i>to </i>work immediately<i>! </i><i>If </i><i>possible</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>Maria </i><i>this </i><i>weekend</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan lightly smiled; the excitement she disyed made him feel as though he was floating on feathers.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i>, <i>I </i><i>can </i><i>setup </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>as </i><i>well </i><i>as </i><i>the </i><i>rest </i>of <i>my </i><i>family </i><i>this </i><i>Saturday</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Excellent</i><i>! </i><i>Hand </i><i>me </i><i>your </i><i>phone</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn67be> ?????? ???? fin?novel</fn67be>


    Ethan handed ra his phone with a puzzled look. After unlocking the screen for her, ra began punching in numbers. Suddenly, a loud song started ying from her phone. Handing Ethan back his phone, she smiled brightly.


    ¡°<i>There</i><i>! </i><i>Now </i><i>we </i><i>have </i><i>each </i><i>other¡¯s </i><i>numbers</i>.¡®


    <b>?? </b>


    Ah.


    ¡°Perfect<i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>call </i><i>you </i><i>by </i><i>Wednesday </i><i>to </i><i>coordinate </i><i>a </i><i>good </i><i>time </i>for <i>Saturday</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ra smiled in agreement as they began cleaning up theb¡¯s lecture room. As ra ced the final books in her bag, she realized it was already almost 8:30pm.


    ¡®Jeez! When did it get so <ite</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    Ethan also noticed the time. ¡®<i>Shit</i><i>, </i><i>I </i>didn¡¯t mean <i>to </i>keep her sote.¡® Clearing his throat, Ethan handed ra herst bag.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>sorry </i>for <i>keeping </i><i>you </i>here this <i>long </i><i>ra</i>. Let me take <i>you </i>home.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i>worries! <i>I¡¯m </i><i>d </i><i>this </i><i>happened</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    9:36 <b>Sat</b>, Sep 6 <b>G </b>¡­


    ra¡¯s smile now showed both of her dimples; her face was like a radiant angel.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>no </i><i>need</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>my </i><i>big </i><i>sister Gloria¡¯s </i><i>car</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡®</i><i>She </i>must <i>be </i><i>referring </i><i>to </i><i>Gloria </i><i>Rhinehorne</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    <b>55 </b>


    Ethan thought as he watched her do one more look over to make sure she¡¯d had


    everything. Ethan learned of Gloria and Casey while ra was still at LexU. He actually


    knew Gloria¡¯s father Dr. Rhinehorne. He was d she¡¯d been able to meet people that


    cared about her.


    A ping of jealousy stung his heart as he thought about how close Gloria and Casey were with ra. He found himself hoping that she would one day see him as a person she could rely on. Ethan and ra stepped out of the lecture room and walked towards the door to leave. As ra was about to open the door, Ethan called out to her, halting her


    movements.


    Ethan began to blush as she stared at him with those piercing eyes.


    <i>¡°</i>ra<i>¡­</i><i>well</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>say</i><i>; </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>really </i><i>d </i><i>I </i><i>met </i><i>you</i>. <i>And </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>can </i>be <i>friends </i><i>one </i><i>day</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ra¡¯s cheeks began to turn red. Smiling brightly, she responded.


    ¡°I¡¯m really <i>d </i><i>we </i><i>met </i>as <i>well</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>no </i><i>worries </i><i>Ethan</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>like </i><i>you</i>; <i>so</i>, we¡¯re <i>already </i>friends.¡±


    With that, ra walked through the door almost bumping into Owen, who had been standing at the door the entire time watching their interaction with amazement.


    Startled, ra immediately started apologizing for bumping into him.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i><i>so </i>sorry! <i>I¡¯m </i>terrible at watching <i>where </i>I¡¯m going!¡±


    ra bowed her head quickly at Owen, who was now smiling passively.


    <i>¡°</i><i>There¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>need </i>for <i>an </i><i>apology</i><i>; </i><i>I </i><i>should </i><i>have </i><i>stepped </i><i>back</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>nice </i>to <i>meet you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    9:36 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b><b>B</b>¡­


    <b>55 </b>


    ra looked at Owen with a puzzled expression. How did he know her name? Before she could ask, Ethan walked over and introduced them properly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>my </i><i>VP </i><i>and </i><i>best </i><i>friend </i><i>Owen </i><i>Crawford</i>. <i>Owen</i>, <i>meet </i><i>ra </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Owen smiled at ra while lifting her left hand to kiss.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i>it¡¯s a <i>pleasure </i>to <i>finally </i><i>meet </i><i>you</i>. <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>heard </i><i>some </i><i>amazing </i><i>things </i><i>about </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>though </i><i>I </i>must <i>say</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>aware </i><i>of </i><i>how </i><i>beautiful </i><i>you </i><i>were</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra smiled shyly; her cheeks slightly reddening. Ethan, however, began to scowl. He wasn¡¯t sure why, but Owen being slightly flirtatious with ra was pissing him off. He cleared his throat while ring daggers at Owen.


    ¡°<i>Owen</i><i>, </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>mind </i><i>letting </i><i>ra¡¯s </i><i>hand </i><i>go</i>, <i>she </i><i>has </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>home</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan could feel the acid seeping through his words. Owen on the other found his friend¡¯s reaction hrious. Suppressing augh to make sure he didn¡¯t piss him off anymore, Owen released ra¡¯s hand and opened the door for her. She smiled at the two men once more while waving goodbye as she made her way to her locker.


    After watching her disappear from the hallway, Ethan turned and scowled once more at Owen. Ignoring his friend¡¯s death stare, Owen adjusted his sses.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>infamous ra </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan looked at his friend with annoyance.


    ¡°Yeah, <i>that¡¯s </i><i>her</i><i>. </i><i>Hey</i><i>¡­</i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i>was all of <i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Owen feigned innocence. Holding his hands up, a mock look of surprise mixed with


    humor now on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>All </i><i>of </i><i>what</i><i>? </i><i>What </i>exactly are <i>you </i>referring <i>too</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Ethan¡¯s brows furrowed, he knew his friends was teasing him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>what </i>I <i>mean Owen</i><i>! </i>¡®I wasn¡¯t <i>aware </i>of <i>how </i><i>beautiful </i><i>you </i><i>were</i><i>¡®.</i>¡±


    9:36 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b><b>G.. </b>


    <b>55 </b>


    Mocking Owen¡¯s voice, Ethan demanded his friend exin himself. Owen was nowughing loudly. Very seldom did he have the privilege of seeing his friend rattled. He was enjoying every moment of this. Holding his hands up, he began to defend himself.


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>is </i><i>beautiful</i>! <i>What </i>did <i>I </i><i>say </i><i>wrong</i><i>? </i><i>Wait</i><i>¡­</i><i>don¡¯t tell </i><i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>her </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan¡¯s eyes nearly bulged out the sockets. Slight panic in his voice, he began to protest.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the hell </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>talking </i><i>about! </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>like </i><i>that </i><i>at </i><i>all</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>saying</i><i>¡­</i>she deserves <i>more </i><i>respect </i><i>that </i><i>being </i><i>ogled </i><i>on</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Ethan could hear the betrayal in his own response. He wasn¡¯t sure he convinced himself


    much less Owen, who was now looking at him with full skepticism.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>buying </i><i>it</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>saw </i><i>how </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>looking </i><i>at </i><i>her </i><i>through </i><i>that </i><i>door</i>. <i>You </i><i>could </i><i>practically </i><i>smell </i><i>the </i><i>pheromones</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>Whatever</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan dismissed Owen¡¯sments with a half heart. The truth was for the past two years Ethan had admired ra from afar because of her brilliance. But now, after finally meeting her in person, he wasn¡¯t sure how he felt. The image of those eyes as she told him she trusted him, he couldn¡¯t get that look out of him mind.


    Wanting to change the subject, Ethan caught Owen up on what happened during his meeting with ra. Owen stood in shock as the men made their way to Ethan¡¯s car.


    ¡°That <i>girl </i>has <i>to </i><i>be </i><i>an </i><i>alien </i><i>from </i><i>another </i><i</i><i>! </i><i>No </i><i>way </i><i>she¡¯s </i>some regr human and she¡¯s THAT <i>amazing</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan had a somber expression on his face as he reyed the evening in his mind. Her being of another world would have certainly made so much sense, but that simply wasn¡¯t the case. She really was THAT amazing.


    As Ethan started the engine, he informed Owen ra would be meeting Maria this


    weekend.


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>should </i><i>be interesting</i>. <i>Are </i><i>you </i>going <i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>your </i><i>whole </i><i>family</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    9:36 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b>G¡­


    Ethan looked at Owen as he pulled out of the school parking lot.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>mean</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>too</i><i>. </i><i>No </i><i>way </i><i>my </i><i>parents </i><i>aren¡¯t </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>involved </i><i>in </i><i>her </i><i>treatments</i>. <i>I </i><i>already </i><i>told </i><i>them </i><i>over </i><i>the </i><i>summer </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>working with </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i>so <i>they </i><i>already </i><i>knew </i><i>this </i><i>day </i><i>was </i><iing</i>.¡±


    55


    Owen looked at his friend as he drove, he could tell something was gnawing at his brain, and he could just about guess. Smiling slightly Owen¡¯s thoughts became clear.


    <i>¡®</i><i>You </i><i>may </i><i>not </i><i>know </i><i>it </i><i>now </i><i>Ethan</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>definitely </i><i>in </i><i>love </i><i>with </i><i>that </i><i>girl</i><i>.</i>¡®


    Chapter Comments

 Hunted 90

    <b>Chapter </b><b>90 </b>


    ra¡¯s POV:


    Saturday had finally arrived; the day ra would meet Maria. As finished getting


    dressed, she did one more check in her bookbag to make sure she had everything she


    needed. A few minutester, Gloria appeared in her door.


    ¡°Hey <i>re</i><i>¨C</i><i>bear</i><i>, </i><i>ready </i><i>to </i><i>go</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra looked at her best friend with an anxious smile.


    <i>¡°</i>As <i>ready </i><i>as </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>ever </i><i>be</i>.¡±


    55


    She responded nervously, Gloria gave her a heartfelt smile. She knew her best friend was extremely nervous. That night after she got home from herb meeting with Ethan, Gloria and Casey had just arrived from their dinner date as well. ra filled them both <fn21bc> ?????? ???? Find?Novel</fn21bc>


    in her meeting.


    ¡°Oh<i>, </i><i>my </i>gosh. <i>That¡¯s </i><i>so heartbreaking</i>.¡±


    Gloria¡¯s eyes were welding up as ra told them about his sister Maria.


    ¡°No wonder <i>he¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>so </i><i>desperate </i>to <i>meet </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>really </i><i>think </i>you can save her?¡±


    Casey knew firsthand how brilliant ra was, still, it¡¯s always that possibility something won¡¯t work in the world of medicine. He was concerned that if ra failed, the Taylors would retaliate, but ra wasn¡¯t worried. With a gentle smile, she nodded and


    responded to Casey¡¯s concerns.


    ¡°I know <i>why </i>you¡¯re worried, but it¡¯ll be fine. Of course, there is no 100 percent guarantees in medicine, but I feel <i>beyond </i>conviction, I can save her.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i>such a freaking rockstar<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria hugged her friend tight! She was so moved by how much ra desired to save people. Casey gave a passionate smile; he was truly proud of his little sister. ying


    9:36 Sat, Sep 6 B..


    :


    <b>55 </b>


    every bit the ¡®big brother¡® role, however, Casey suggested both he and Gloria go with her


    Saturday.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m not saying <i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>trust </i><i>Taylor</i><i>, I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>saying </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>feel </i><i>better </i><i>knowing </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>by </i>yourself<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    That Wednesday, when Ethan called her with the details for Saturday, she¡¯d asked if it would be okay for them toe with under the guise they would also be helping them with the trials. Ethan eagerly agreed, he wanted as many hands on this as possible if it met saving Maria. He was aware of how brilliant both Gloria and Casey were, but he was


    also aware of how overly protective they had been with her. He knew the main reason for theming was to make sure she would be okay. He found himself feeling relieved that she had such good friends, but that slight feeling of jealousy crept back in.


    ¡°That¡¯s <i>not </i><i>a </i><i>problem </i><i>at </i><i>all</i><i>. </i><i>My </i><i>family </i><i>is </i><i>very </i><i>excited </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°I¡¯m d! <i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>wait </i><i>to </i><i>them </i><i>as </i><i>well</i>.¡±


    After grabbing her bag, ra made her way to the foyer, Ethan had just sent her a text


    that our ride was here.


    ¡°Gloria, Case, <i>our </i><i>ride </i><i>is </i><i>here</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra called out to her friends, both making their way to the front door, Gloria beamed


    with excitement. Jokingly, she grabbed ra¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Alright<i>! </i>Let¡¯s go <i>save </i><i>your </i>future <i>sister</i>¨Cin¨C<iw</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of her, Gloria¡¯s words hadpletely shocked her!


    <i>¡°</i>My what!!¡±


    Casey simply chuckled, he had been the first one to suspect Ethan may actually like ra on a personal level, but he chose not to say anything.


    Gloria looked at her friend with an innocent expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m just <i>saying </i><i>re</i>¨Cbear, I think he likes you<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    9:36 Sat, Sep 6 G


    ra blushed nervously as the made their way to the limo waiting for them. Before


    getting in the car, ra shot a death re at both Casey and Gloria..


    55


    ¡°<i>Okay </i><i>listen </i><i>you </i>two <i>cackling </i><i>hens</i><i>! </i>Do <i>not</i>, <i>I </i><i>repeat </i><i>DO NOT </i><i>say </i><i>anything like </i><i>that </i><i>once </i>we <i>arrive </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>Taylor </i><i>Estate</i><i>! </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>strictly </i><i>about </i><i>saving </i><i>a </i><i>cancer </i><i>patient</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Gloria and Caseyughed hysterically, although ra was mature and wise beyond


    her years of a typically 19¨Cyear¨Cold, there were some areas in life that she seemed a bit


    clueless in. Gloria gave her friend an empathic smile.


    ¡°<i>No </i><i>worries</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>say </i><i>anything </i><i>silly</i>.¡±


    Letting out a sigh of relief, the trio got into the car.


    The arrived at the Taylor Estate at 12:30pm. ra could feel her nerves pacing. Although


    she was confident in her medication, she still felt nervous knowing it she would finally


    be able to begin trial runs. Heart started pacing rapidly as she closed her eyes and took


    deep breaths. Gloria could notice the nervous expression on her friend¡¯s face. Slightly smiling, she took ra¡¯s hands into hers.


    Chapter Comments


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    9:36 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b><b>G</b>..


    Chapte

 Hunted 91

    r 91


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ethan</i>, <i>dear</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>could </i><i>we </i><i>possibly </i><i>do </i><i>to </i><i>embarrass </i><i>you</i><i>? </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>a </i><i>huge </i><i>deal</i>. <i>After </i><i>everything </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>learned </i><i>about </i><i>ra </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>just </i><i>excited </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My father chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>agree </i><i>with </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i><i>Ethan</i>. <i>We¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>treat </i><i>this </i><i>meeting </i><i>like </i><i>we </i><i>would </i><i>any </i><i>other </i><i>business </i><i>meeting</i>. <i>This </i><i>is </i><i>a </i><i>business </i><i>meeting</i>¡­<i>right</i><i>¡± </i>


    There was undertone of yfulness in my father¡¯s words that suddenly began to annoy me. This! This is what I was afraid of. Suddenly, my brother Corely chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>gotta </i><i>agree </i><i>with </i><i>our </i><i>parents </i><i>little </i><i>brother</i><i>, </i><i>how </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>world </i><i>would </i><i>we </i><i>embarrass </i><i>you </i><i>in </i><i>front </i>of <i>the </i><i>woman </i><i>may </i><i>possibly </i><i>save </i><i>our </i><i>little </i><i>sister</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Elizabeth instantly jumped in, a slight grin on her face.


    ¡°<i>Unless </i>of <i>course</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>more than </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Elizabeth¡¯s eyes darted over to Owen; it became painfully clear¡­he¡¯d told my family


    about my possibly being in love with ra. I slowly looked at Owen, my one and only best friend; the only judas in my life. Through gritted teeth, I began to speak.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>exactly </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>tell </i><i>my </i><i>family </i><i>Owen</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Feinging innocence, Owen¡¯s eyes shot up. He looked at me as if I had three heads, pretending to be shocked, he began to speak.


    <b>55 </b>


    ¡°<i>Ethan</i><i>, </i><i>brother</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>merely </i><i>gave </i>the <i>family </i><i>the </i><i>basics</i>. <i>I </i>promise, <i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>say </i><i>anything </i><i>that </i>wasn¡¯t <i>true</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I¡¯d known Owen long enough to know when he was lying by omission. Rolling my eyes, I knew this conversation would go nowhere, for the time being, my family chose to take Owen¡¯s words over mine. I would just have to prove on Saturday; this was merely a mutual admiration of a fellow colleague. Suddenly, Maria began tough.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know</i><i>, </i><i>curing </i><i>cancer </i><i>is </i><i>one </i><i>thing</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>she </i><i>really </i><i>has </i>captivated <i>my </i><i>brother¡¯s </i><i>heart</i>, <i>then </i><i>she </i><i>really </i><i>is </i><i>a </i><i>miracle </i><i>worker.</i><i>¡± </i>


    9:36 Sat, Sep 6 G


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>91


    55


    ¡°No worries <i>re</i>¨C<i>bear</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i>to <i>be </i><i>great</i><i>. </i><i>Plus</i>, <i>me </i><i>and </i><i>Casey </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>right </i><i>there </i><i>with </i>you, <i>I </i>promise, <i>nothing </i><i>is </i><i>going </i>to <i>go </i><i>wrong</i>.¡±


    ra¡¯s eyes slightly watered as she looked at her friend, squeezing her hand lightly, a


    wave of reassurance swept through her. As they approach the front door, they were


    greeted by what looked to be the estate¡¯s caretaker.


    ¡°<i>Wee </i>to <i>the </i><i>Taylor </i><i>Estate</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>name </i><i>is </i><i>Winslow</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>head </i><i>butler</i>. It¡¯s <i>a </i>pleasure <i>to </i><i>finally </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>all</i><i>, </i><i>please</i><i>, </i><i>allow </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>escort </i><i>you </i>to <i>the </i><i>grand </i><i>room</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>Taylor </i><i>family </i><i>is </i>


    <i>most </i><i>eager </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra smiled brightly, looking at both her friends as they beamed with pride, she


    confidently followed Winslow into the manner.


    <b><i>Ethan¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    Both Owen and I decided to stay at the Taylor estatest night. I wanted to make sure


    my family was on their best behavior, a feat often hard to pull off. That night, as we all


    ate dinner, I decided toy down the rules for Saturday.


    ¡°So, you <i>all </i><i>understand right</i><i>? </i><i>Please </i>don¡¯t <i>do </i><i>any </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>things </i>you normally do <i>that </i>would possibly embarrass <i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Owen sat in silence, a huge grin on his face. After that Monday, he kept dropping sullen hints that I was in love with ra. But that wasn¡¯t it, of course, I admired her, who wouldn¡¯t¡­but love. Every time I would protest, he would wave me off.


    ¡°You¡¯re just emotionally slow<i>, </i>you don¡¯t understand that feeling that¡¯s been gnawing <i>at </i>your pit<i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn2b01> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Find1Novel</fn2b01>


    Now as we sat at the dinner table, I realized I had five other Owens to worry about. My mother spoke first.


    9:36 Sat, Sep 6 <b>D</b>¡­


    The room suddenly fell inughter, shaking my head inplete disappointment¡­ <i>¡®</i><i>So</i>, <i>they </i><i>got </i><i>you </i><i>too </i><i>Maria</i><i>¡­</i><i>traitor</i><i>.</i>¡®


    Chapter Comments


    <b>55 </b>


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 Hunted 92

    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    <b>55 </b>


    The Taylor Estate was beautiful! As we made our way to the grand room, we were greeted cheerfully by many of the staff, the warm wees made me feel at ease. This was going to be great! The nerves that were originally haunting my thoughts had begun to disappear. We finally arrived at the grand room, as Winslow opened the door, I could


    see everyone stand up. Winslow smiled and announced our arrival.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Taylor </i><i>family</i><i>, </i><i>may </i><i>I </i><i>present </i><i>Ms. </i><i>ra </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>, </i><i>along </i><i>with </i><i>Gloria </i><i>Rhinehorne </i><i>and </i><i>Casey </i><i>Smithfield</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan¡¯s mother Mrs. A Taylor was the first to approach me. Her eyes beamed brightly; she was absolutely beautiful. Extending her arms as she drew nearer, she embraced me in a hug.


    <i>¡°</i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>so </i><i>d </i><i>to </i><i>finally </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>! </i><i>Ethan </i><i>has </i><i>told us </i><i>so </i><i>much </i><i>about </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could hear the slight beak in her voice; she was clearly holding back tears. My mind raced back to my previous life as I thought about the pain she must¡¯ve felt when her daughter passed. I wouldn¡¯t let that¡­not this time! Hugging her back, I thanked her for the wee.


    The entire family walked over after, everyone hugging and thanking me for everything I was doing to save Maria. The only person I hadn¡¯t noticed yet was Ethan. Before I could inquire his whereabouts, Maria finally walked over.


    Maria was absolutely beautiful, almost a spitting image of her mother, her face almost looked like a doll. I could tell she was thinner than she should be and there were darker circles under hers that a normal 16¨Cyear¨Cold would not have. Her body was frail, and she hugged me gently, not wanting to her, I made sure to embrace her lightly. Stepping back, I looked at the person whose life I was about to change. I could feel the tears start to build up as my previous life kept gnawing at me. Exhaling in order to push the tears back, I began to speak.


    ¡°It¡¯s such <i>a </i><i>pleasure </i>to <i>finally </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Maria</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:36 </b><b>Sat</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>6 </b>G.


    ¡­


    She smiled brightly at me, even with having Leukemia, her energy and smile was pure and all I wanted to preserve that smile.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>so </i><i>happy </i><i>to </i>meet <i>you </i>too <i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i>!¡±


    Her voice was angelic,


    ¡°<i>Please</i>, <i>everyone</i><i>, </i><i>call </i>me <i>ra</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>55 </b>


    After the greetings, we all made our way to the seating area, suddenly, Ethan and Owen


    appeared.


    <b>*** </b>


    <i>Ethan¡¯s </i><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    I stared from the foyer as the family greeted ra. I figured I¡¯d let them meet her first


    before I came into the room. She was smiling so brightly, her face looked like an angel.


    She was wearing this light blue sundress, her hair was braided straight down her back,


    she was wearing her sses again. How could someone be so beautiful in a pair of sses. As I looked on, I could feel Owen¡¯s eyes piercing me.


    ¡°<i>Got </i><i>something </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>say</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fnb6e0> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? f?ndnovel</fnb6e0>


    I spoke through gritted teeth, and I turned to look at him. A mischievous smile nted


    on his face.


    ¡°<i>I </i>have <i>no </i>idea <i>what </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>talking </i><i>Taylor</i><i>. </i><i>Shall </i><i>we </i>go <i>inside</i>?¡±


    I rolled my eyes but nodded in agreement. As we entered the room, my mother looked at me instantly, a huge smile on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ethan</i>! There <i>you </i><i>two </i>are<i>! </i>Well, <ie </i>and <i>have </i>a seat. We were all <i>just </i>getting to know <i>ra </i>and <i>her </i>friends more<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Casey Smithfield stood up first, ying the role of big brother, he sternly shook my


    hand.


    9:36 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b>B..


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>finally </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>Casey </i><i>Smithfield</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I knew of Casey¡¯s family, his father was a sessful real estate tycoon, I¡¯d actually purchased a few properties from him myself over the years.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>my </i><i>pleasure </i><i>as </i><i>well</i><i>, </i><i>please</i><i>, </i><i>call </i><i>me </i><i>Ethan</i><i>. </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>my </i><i>VP </i><i>and </i><i>best </i><i>friend </i><i>Owen </i>Crawford<i>¡± </i>


    55


    He smiled lightly and shock Owen¡¯s hand as Gloria made her way over. Smiling brightly,


    she leaned in to hug me.


    Chapter Comments


    61

 Hunted 93

    <b>Chapter </b><b>93 </b>


    ? (55)


    ¡°It¡¯s n so nice to finally meet you Ethan! I¡¯m Gloria! Can I just say, well, Casey and I¡­we want to say thank you for sticking up for our re¨Cbear that day.¡±


    <i>¡®</i><i>re</i><i>¨C</i><i>bear</i><i>¡®</i>. I¡¯m not sure why, but that nicknamed made me smile uncontrobly, it fit her. Everyone stared me in amazement, very seldom did I smile, much less brightly. My mother gave me apassionate look that I didn¡¯t quite understand. Turning back to Gloria, I nodded slightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>my </i><i>pleasure</i><i>, </i><i>though </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>speaking </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Gloria lightly smiled at me in a way I didn¡¯t understand, Owen slightly rolled his eyes. I would deal with himter. Suddenly, I could feel my heart pace. ra finally stood up and made her way over to me. She had this mild yet regal smile on her face, her cheeks were slightly red. ¡®Was she blushing?¡® I could feel my ears began to redden at the


    thought.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ethan</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>. </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><iing</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for having </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity, I could feel my lips betraying me once again as they curled up into a smile. Suddenly, my dad cleared his throat braking


    my trance.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>we </i><i>have </i><i>lunch </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>courtyard</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone stood to leave, ra gave me one more look, her face had an expression I couldn¡¯t understand, as I turned to follow everyone, my sibling along with Owen gathered around me. Elizabeth speaking first.


    ¡°So<i>, </i><i>help </i><i>me </i><i>God </i><i>Ethan </i>if you <i>don¡¯t </i>make that girl <i>my </i><i>sister</i>¨Cin¨C<iw </i>I¡¯ll <i>never </i><i>speak </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>again</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:37 </b><b>Sat</b>, Sep <b>6 </b>B


    ¡­


    :


    ::


    Owen and Corey began tough hysterically while Maria just smiled with glee.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>with </i><i>Liz </i>on <i>this </i><i>one </i><i>Ethan</i>. <i>I </i><i>think </i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>ra</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My eyes almost popped out of my eyes! Traitor! Over the years, Maria had always sided with me, I took pride knowing I was her favorite but today, today she betrayed me joining the n of heathens also known as my siblings and friend.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let¡¯s </i><i>go</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I barked as I walked past everyone stalking to the courtyard.


    <b>55 </b>


    As we all ate lunch, ra went over the entire n for saving Maria. My family listened on, never interrupting as they wanted the full details. I could see her friends beaming at her with pride, she truly was remarkable.


    ¡°So, <i>that¡¯s </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>like </i>for <i>Ethan </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>legal control </i><i>over </i><i>my </i><i>research</i>. <i>That </i><i>way </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>began </i><i>the </i><i>trials </i><i>ASAP </i><i>without </i><i>conflict</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My parents stared at ra; I could see my mother¡¯s eyes welding up. My dad also looked as if we wanted to cry. <fn7b77> Checktest chapters at find¡¤novel</fn7b77>


    ¡°ra, <i>we </i><i>honestly </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>to </i><i>say</i>. <i>The </i><i>fact </i><i>that </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>allowing </i><i>my </i><i>son </i><i>take </i><i>ownership </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>work </i><i>just </i><i>so </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>save </i><i>our </i><i>dau-</i>¡±


    My father¡¯s words choked in his throat like a lump. My mother ced her hand over his as the tears fell down her face. Maria and Liz also had tears in their eyes. Suddenly, my older brother Corey spoke.


    ¡°Ms. ra, <i>please </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>this </i>as <i>disrespect</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>I have to <i>ask</i>, can you really save Maria<i>? </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>brilliant</i>, <i>my </i><i>brother </i>has <i>shown </i>me so much <i>of </i><i>your </i>work, and I know of your <i>mother </i>as <i>well</i>. But <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>my </i>sister <i>or </i><i>family </i>to get <i>their </i>hopes up <i>if </i><i>this </i><i>is </i>all too good to <i>be </i><i>true</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could feel my ears heating up, dammit Corey! I was about to yell at my brother when I felt her hand gently touch mine. A smile ofpassion on her face, she looked directly at my brother.


    9:37 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b>B..


    <i>¡°</i><i>Corey</i><i>, there¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>apologize</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>every right </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>skepticism</i><i>. </i><i>This </i>is <i>your </i><i>baby </i><i>sister </i><i>after </i><i>all</i><i>. </i><i>But </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>believe </i><i>me </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>say</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>save </i><i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i><i>of </i><i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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    55


    <b>9:37 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>6 </b>G.


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±

 Hunted 94

    <b>Chapter </b>94


    <b><i>ra¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    Shortly after my meeting with the Taylors, Ethan and I met with ourwyers so that we could sign the contracts allowing him to take ownership of my research. I could still remember that day. Ethan stared at me nervously, slight guilt in his eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>sure </i><i>about </i><i>this </i><i>ra</i><i>? </i><i>Because </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>wait </i><i>until </i><i>you-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°No, <i>we </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>Ethan </i><i>and you </i><i>know </i><i>it</i><i>. </i><i>Maria </i><i>needs us </i><i>now</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    55


    He smiled at me softly,passion in his eyes as he nodded. He knew we couldn¡¯t afford to make her wait three years. This had to be done now.


    After the contracts, we immediately dove into setting up the trials. Ethan had a state¨Cof- the¨Cart medical center inside his corporation. An entire team of experts we on board to help along with Casey and Gloria. In addition to the contracts, Ethan had everyone sign


    an NDA.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>ANYONE </i><i>speaking </i><i>of </i><i>what </i><i>we </i><i>are </i><i>doing </i><i>until </i><i>the </i><i>time </i><i>is </i><i>right</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    His entire crew nodded in agreement.


    It took us about seven days to get everything prepared for Maria. My days were long. Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays consisted of sses andb, while my Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends consisted of cancer treatments with Ethan and Maria.


    Over time, Ethan and I grew close. We learned so much about each other. He¡¯d told me all about his family and his work, how he had been trying to save his sister for the past several years, I grew such an admiration for him; even more so than my previous life. In return, I told him about my upbringing. I could remember the heat of anger growing on his face as I told him about my family and Jason.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>going </i>to still <i>marry </i><i>that </i>prick <i>are </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My eyes widen as he barked those words, it was the first time I¡¯d ever seen him angry.


    I


    couldn¡¯t help butugh and slightly blush.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>not</i><i>! </i><i>They </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>pay </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>that </i><i>jerk</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan¡¯s face instantly brightened, the anger in his eyespletely gone.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Besides</i>, <i>I </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>spoken </i><i>to </i><i>any </i><i>of </i><i>them </i><i>since </i><i>I </i><i>left</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn23b7> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn23b7>


    ¡°<i>Good</i>. <i>They </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>deserve </i><i>you</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I stared at Ethan for a brief moment, I could feel my ears redden, nervously, I turned back to my notes. I could see him slightly chuckle.


    The day we began the trials, Maria along with her mom both admitted into Ethan¡¯s medical facility. She didn¡¯t want Maira to be there by herself, so she moved in with her. We concluded the vine would take 60 days to fully eradicate her cancer cells while bncing her white and red blood cells; and another two months of monitoring before we could send her home. Her face was bright and filled with optimism as I fluffed her pillows for her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i>, <i>I </i><i>just </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>even </i><i>if </i><i>this doesn¡¯t </i><i>work</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>appreciate </i><i>you </i><i>so </i><i>much</i><i>!</i>¡±


    I looked at Maria with a passionate smile, she was so amazingly pure. Smiling with


    confidence, I hugged her tightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>promise </i><i>Maria</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>fine</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>going </i>to <i>live </i>an amazing <i>life </i>and <i>have </i><i>a </i>lot of new <i>memories </i><i>to </i><i>make</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her eyes started to swell with tears, grabbing my hands, she spoke with conviction.


    ¡°<i>With </i><i>you </i>as <i>my </i><i>sister</i><i>¨C</i><i>in</i><i>¨C</iw <i>right</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My eyes shot wide, where did THATe from! Lost for words, I stared at Maria for a brief moment, just as I was about to answer, Ethan and his mom came in.


    ¡°<i>Ethan</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Maria smiled at me onest time as she greeted her brother and mom. Sensing


    9:37 Sat, Sep 6 G..


    something was different about me, Ethan asked if I was okay. I nodded nervously but kept my head slightly down. Puzzled, he decided not to pry.


    55


    Three months had almost passed since Maria¡¯s treatments began. Gradually, we could


    see significant improvements. Her skin color wasing back, her hair has began to


    grow and thicken. She was able to keep her food down and gain weight. She was starting to look like a healthy teenage girl. One night as she slept, I stopped by to check her vitals. Mrs. A was sitting in the recliner beside her watching TV. Her eyes immediately


    darted to me as I crept in.


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    9:37 <b>Sat</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>6 </b><b>G </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>95 </b>

 Hunted 95

    <b>Chapter </b><b>95 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    She whispered with excitement as I entered the room. I smiled brightly at her, whispering to make sure I didn¡¯t wake Maria.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m just checking <i>Maria¡¯s </i><i>vitals</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>quick</i>.¡±


    <b>(</b><b>( </b>


    <b>55 </b>


    After checking that everything was good, I felt my arm jerk as I began to leave. A was holding my hand tightly, tears forming in her eyes. Suddenly, she pulled me in for a hug.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i>,¡±


    She whispered.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>will </i><i>never </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>repay </i><i>this </i><i>debt </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>spend the </i><i>rest </i><i>of </i><i>my </i>life <i>trying</i>. <i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for giving </i><i>me </i><i>my </i><i>baby </i><i>back</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I hugged A back, the tears in my eyes now pouring. I wanted to reassure her.


    ¡°Mrs. <i>Taylor, </i><i>you don¡¯t </i><i>owe </i><i>me </i><i>a </i><i>thing</i><i>! </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>allowing </i>me the <i>chance </i>to fulfill my


    mother¡¯s <i>dream</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    We hugged in silence for a few more minutes, Ethan then walked into the room. Wiping our faces, we both smiled and nodded to each other. A let me go and I said good night to both her and Ethan. My emotions were running high; I had to head home.


    <i>Ethan¡¯s </i><i>POV</i>:


    I walked in just as <b>ra </b>and mom were hugging and crying. I wasn¡¯t sure what happened, but I¡¯m sure it was because of Maria getting better. Over the past three months, Maria¡¯s health skyrocketed. You could clearly see the significant improvement in her health. This <b>past </b>week, we were able to confirm; the cancer was officially gone. Maria¡¯s red and white blood cells had finally normalized, no traces of damaged cells.


    <b>9:37 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>6 </b>B


    :


    <b>ra </b>had done it! Her treatment was a sess! All that remained was an additional 30 <b>days </b>of monitoring before she could go home!


    <b>55 </b>


    My mother wiped her eyes as she made her way back to her chair. I walked over to sit in the chair next her. Silence filled the room as the TV¡¯s sound remained low so that Maria could sleep. My mother suddenly turned to face me, breaking her silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i>I <i>have </i>too, <i>I </i><i>tell </i><i>your </i><i>father </i><i>to </i><i>force </i><i>an </i><i>arranged </i><i>marriage</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    WHAT!!!! Where the hell did thate from!


    ¡°<i>Mom </i><i>what </i><i>are talking </i><i>about</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could feel my voice starting to rise. My mother went back to watching the TV, her voice above a whisper.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Keep </i><i>your </i><i>voice </i><i>down </i><i>honey</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>sister is </i><i>sleeping</i>.¡±


    What!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    ¡°<i>Mom</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>are </i><i>you-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>You¡¯re </i><i>in </i><i>love </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>honey</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>point </i><i>in denying </i><i>it</i><i>; </i><i>not </i><i>to </i><i>me</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>your </i><i>mother</i>, <i>I </i><i>can </i><i>see </i><i>the </i><i>way </i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>at </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mother turned to me, a slight andpassionate smile on her face.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s the <i>same </i><i>way </i><i>your </i><i>father looks </i><i>at me</i><i>. </i><i>So</i>, <i>I </i><i>can </i>recognize it.¡±


    Where was thising from! I was at a loss for words. ¡®Did I love her?¡® My mind couldn¡¯t wrap around the thought. I was true, I grew to care a great deal about ra, how could I not? We were together all the time, and she was amazing; but was it love? My mother continued to smile, turning her face back to the TV.


    ¡°Try not to <i>think </i>too <i>much </i><i>about </i><i>it</i>. <i>Take </i><i>your </i>time <i>to </i><i>process </i><i>your </i><i>feelings</i>, <i>you¡¯ll </i><i>know </i><b><i>when </i></b><i>the </i><i>time </i>is <i>right </i>to <i>confess</i>.¡±


    <b>Her </b>words were filled with love andpassion, and then, in an instant¡­her tone <fn9e97> Newest update provided by f?ndnovel</fn9e97>


    9:37 Sat, Sep <b>6 </b><b>G </b>


    became serious. Almost frightening.


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>But </i><i>know </i><i>this</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>eventually </i><i>ask </i><i>her</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>the </i><i>decision </i>for <i>you</i><i>! </i><i>No </i><i>way </i><i>I¡¯m </i>


    <i>letting </i><i>some </i><i>other </i><i>family take </i><i>her </i><i>away</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>In </i><i>the </i><i>23 </i><i>years </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>been </i><i>on </i><i>this </i><i</i><i>, </i><i>never </i><i>had </i><i>I </i><i>been afraid </i>of <i>my </i><i>mother</i><i>. </i><i>Tonight</i>, <i>a </i><i>slight </i><i>shiver </i><i>crept </i><i>down </i><i>my </i><i>spine</i>.


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 Hunted 96

    <b>Chapter 96 </b>


    ra¡¯s <i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    <b>55 </b>


    Maria still had a few more weeks left at the facility, her treatment an official sess. She¡¯d spent Thanksgiving in the facility, so the Taylors all celebrated their. This year, I went back to Glendale with Gloria and Casey as we spent Thanksgiving with his family. I even got to see my friends Christine and Terra. They updated on what was going on with


    the Grangers.


    ¡°Girl!! It¡¯s <i>been </i><i>total </i><i>chaos </i><i>at </i><i>your </i><i>father¡¯s </i><ipany </i><i>since </i><i>you </i><i>left</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Terra stated as she ate her pasta. Christine nodded her head in agreement. Christine¡¯s father was one of the professors at LexU. He¡¯d informed her of all the chaos Jameson caused at the school the day he tried to get ra removed.


    <i>¡°</i>Yeah it¡¯s <i>been </i><i>pretty </i><i>bad</i><i>. </i><i>Your </i><i>dad </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>aware </i><i>you </i><i>transferred </i><i>to </i><i>Osha</i><i>. </i><i>He </i><i>showed up </i><i>right </i>after <i>the </i><i>g </i><i>demanding </i><i>you </i><i>be </i><i>removed</i>. <i>It </i><i>was </i>a <i>mess</i><i>! </i><i>When </i><i>he </i><i>finally </i><i>learned </i><i>you </i>transferred, <i>he became </i><i>the </i><iughingstock</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Terra chimed back in.


    ¡°Buuut¡­. that <i>didn¡¯t </i><i>stop </i><i>him </i>from <i>using his </i>connections <i>to </i>get <i>his </i><i>hairbrained </i>daughter


    into LexU.¡±


    ra chuckled slightly; she wasn¡¯t the least bit surprised.


    ¡°Oh! And get this, <i>her </i><i>and </i><i>Jason </i><i>are </i>supposed <i>to </i><i>be </i>announcing <i>their </i>engagement at this


    year¡¯s Bio¨CSummit<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The annual Bio¨CSummit is an event where all the top biochemical and pharmaceuticalpanies gather for awards and to announce new medical breakthroughs. My mother won several awards at this event in the past. No one from JGP has won since. Ethan had actually won the <b>past </b>two years for his breakthrough with nano technology in medicine and surgery and Jason want¡¯s to use that as the time to propose¡­interesting. As if reading my mind, Terra responded.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Apparently </i><i>they¡¯ve </i>maid <i>some </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>medicinal </i><i>breakthrough </i>that¡¯s supposed <i>to </i><i>sure </i><i>win </i>of <i>this </i><i>year¡¯s </i><i>award</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Hmm.


    I pondered what it could be that they discovered or created that made them feel so confident. Oh well, it didn¡¯t matter, I was happy with what me and Ethan aplished even if the whole world wasn¡¯t aware. Changing the subject, Christine brought the topic


    back to me.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>, </i><i>how¡¯s </i><i>Springsten </i>and <i>Osha </i><i>been</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>see </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>close </i><i>with </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i><i>! </i><i>No </i><i>wonder </i><i>he </i><i>cursed </i><i>them </i><i>all </i><i>out </i><i>for you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Terra¡¯s eyes beamed at me as I blushed. Honestly, Ethan and I hadn¡¯t known each other the night of the g. Over the past few months however, a bunch of pics had been posted by Gloria, Casey, Owen, and Ethan¡¯s family. Many of them showing us all either working in theb, over each other¡¯s houses, or hanging out. Many people wouldment under the posts I was tagged in. <fnc67b> Content originallyes from find?novel</fnc67b>


    <b>[</b><b><i>OMG</i></b><b>! </b><b>Is </b><b><i>there </i></b>a <b><i>new </i></b><b><i>romance </i></b><b><i>brewing </i></b><b><i>between </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><i>Chairman </i>and <b><i>the </i></b><i>world¡¯s </i><b><i>youngest </i></b><b><i>bio </i></b><i>genius</i><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <i>[</i><i>Talk </i><i>about </i><i>a </i><b><i>possible </i></b><b><i>power </i></b><b><i>couple</i></b><b><i>!] </i></b>


    [<i>Wait</i><b>¡­</b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>thought </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><i>was </i><b><i>engaged </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>someone </i></b><i>named </i><b><i>Jason</i></b><b><i>???</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <i>[</i><i>Not </i><b><i>anymore</i></b><i>! </i><b>I </b><b><i>heard he¡¯s </i></b><i>with </i><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>sister</i></b><b><i>!] </i></b>


    [<i>What</i><b>! </b><i>Trifling</i><i>!</i><i>] </i>


    [<i>So</i><i>, </i>wait, <i>he </i>left <b><i>biochemical </i></b><b><i>genius </i></b><b>for </b>the <b><i>less </i></b><i>significant </i><i>sister</i>?]


    <b>[</b><b>RIGHT</b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    For the most, ra ignored many of thements on social media, none of that mattered to her. Still, it brought her joy knowing Sophie and Jason would be angry reading those type ofments. Smiling thoughtfully, ra answered Christine.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>actually </i><i>been </i>amazing<i>. </i>A <i>real </i><i>life </i><i>changer</i>. <i>Osha</i><i>, </i><i>that </i><i>school </i><i>is </i><i>truly </i>on <i>another </i><i>level</i><i>! </i><i>LexU </i><i>really </i><i>has </i>to step <i>their </i>game <i>up </i><i>if </i><i>they </i>want to <ipete</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Terra and Christine listened on with bright eyes. Osha being a high tech school for biochemistry and pharmaceuticals had always been a top subject so hearing that the rumors were true wasn¡¯t a surprise at all. Terra arched her eyebrow, a slight smirk on her


    face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i>? <i>Are </i><i>those </i><i>rumors </i><i>true</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 97

    <b>Chapter </b><b>97 </b>


    :


    ra smiled slightly, her head tilted down as she stared into her ss of lemonade.


    ¡°I¡¯m not <i>entirely </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>rumors </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>referring </i><i>too</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>it </i>is <i>true </i><i>that </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>friends</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Bothdies looked at ra with slight skepticism in their expressions.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>friends </i><i>huh</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christine said with a mischievous grin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yup</i>, <i>just </i><i>friends</i>.¡±


    ?


    <b>55 </b><fnb135> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find_Novel(.</fnb135>


    Deciding not to pry too much, Terra changed the subject. The rest of the lunch was filled withughter and updates about their lives. ra was d she had a chance to see them over Thanksgiving break.


    Now back in Springsten, Christmas break was approaching as midterms were right


    around the corner.


    Afterb, ra texted Gloria that she would be heading to ETP.


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>Cool </i></b><b><i>beans</i></b>! <b><i>Let </i></b><b><i>me </i></b><i>know </i><b><i>what </i></b><i>time </i>you¡¯ll <b>be </b><b><i>finished </i></b><b><i>so </i></b><b>I </b>can <b><i>pick </i></b>you <b><i>up</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    [<i>Sure </i><b><i>thing</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    ra hoped in a rideshare and made her way to ETP to check in on Maria. As she made her way to Maria¡¯s room<b>, </b>she could hear a bunch of voices going back and forth.


    ¡°I was just asking <i>Ethan</i><i>! </i><i>No </i>need to get bent out of <i>shape</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Elizabeth was fussing with Ethan about something. As ra walked into the room<b>, </b>she could see Ethan looking at his sister with irritation while Maria and A was trying to mediate the situation.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>all </i>I <i>said </i><i>was </i><i>that </i>wasn¡¯t <i>what </i><i>was </i>important<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    55


    15:16 Sun<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>7 </b>


    A tried to interject again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Children</i><i>! </i><i>Please </i><i>stop </i>fussing<i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>upsetting </i><i>Maria</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mom</i><i>! </i><i>He </i><i>started </i><i>it</i><i>!</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>!</i>¡±


    As usual, Corey and Owen just stood backughing. Ethan and Elizabeth were fraternal twins; Ethan being born five minutes before her. Everyone was ustomed to the two of them always butting heads. Just then, A realized ra was in the room. A look of embarrassment and irritation now on her face.


    ¡°<i>Will </i><i>you </i><i>two </i><i>stop </i><i>it</i><i>! </i><i>ra </i><i>is </i><i>here</i><i>! </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>embarrass </i><i>yourselves in </i><i>front </i><i>of </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Ethan and Elizabeth turned their heads in shock. Embarrassment fully on both of their faces. Corey, Owen, and Maria all burst outughing. ra couldn¡¯t help but also chuckle, it was always cute to her when she saw Ethan acting like a typical brother. Maria suddenly popped her head over so she could see ra.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>were </i><i>your </i><i>sses </i><i>today</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    ra sat her bookbag down and walked over to Maria smiling.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>lovely</i>. <i>Everyone¡¯s </i><i>getting </i><i>ready </i>for <i>midterms </i>so <i>the </i><i>usually panic</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Elizabeth walked over and hug ra slightly chuckling.


    ¡°ra, you <i>might </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>only </i><i>person </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>that </i><i>smiles and </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>panic </i><i>when </i><i>mentioning </i>midterms.¡±


    raughed out loud, it was true<b>, </b>she actually loved taking tests.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>because she¡¯s a genius of <i>course</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Corey chimed in. A suddenly walked up to ra with a soft yet stern expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>perhaps </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>rify </i><i>for </i>us. I¡¯m sure <i>you </i><i>heard </i>these two arguing.¡±


    <b>15:16 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>7 </b>


    She shot a look of irritation as Ethan and Liz.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Maria</i><i>, </i><i>will </i><i>she </i><i>be </i><i>able </i>toe home <i>for </i>Christmas<i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    55


    ra could see the gleam of hope in A¡¯s eyes. She knew how much it meant to have her daughter home for the holidays. With apassionate smile, ra turned to Maria.


    ¡°You¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>happy </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>Maria </i><i>is </i><i>officially </i><i>cancer </i><i>free </i><i>and </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>for </i><i>over </i><i>two </i><i>months </i>now<i>. </i><i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>can </i><i>go </i><i>home</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>rmend </i><i>within </i><i>the </i><i>next </i><i>two </i><i>days</i>.¡±


    Cheers, smiles, and tears erupted throughout the room. Maria had a look of shock on her face as she hugged her siblings, though she could tell over the past few months that her health improved significantly, hearing it out loud, that she was cancer free. The words of how she felt were caught in her throat. Finally, she was cancer free!


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 Hunted 98

    <b><i>Ethan¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    :


    ??


    55


    Two more days went by, and the time had finally arrived. We were taking Maria home, cancer free. All the research, all the tears, long nights, panicking, everything that led up to this very moment all felt insignificant. My baby sister was going to have a future, and I owed it all to this remarkable young woman. As my parents looked around the hospital room to make sure they had all of Maria¡¯s things, I could see my mom¡¯s eyes swell up. Walking over to her, I embraced into a hug, the tears now pouring out.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>did </i><i>it </i><i>son</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>kept </i><i>your </i><i>promise </i><i>to </i><i>me </i><i>from </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>were </i>15. <i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>thank </i><i>you</i><i>!!! </i><i>My </i><i>baby </i><i>is </i><i>healthy </i><i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I hugged my mom tightly as she sobbed into my shirt. My dad then walked over with my siblings as we embraced each other all crying. Maria was in another room with ra and two of my staff doctors checking her vitals onest time before she left. After what seemed like an eternity, we all released each other and began fixing ourselves up to make sure we looked presentable before Maria came back into the room.


    ¡°Son, <i>I want </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>proud </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>All </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>mother and </i><i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>have </i>asked for <i>better </i><i>children</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>make </i><i>us </i>so <i>proud </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>your </i><i>parents</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Elizabeth began wiping her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i>Dad! <i>Stop </i><i>it</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>supposed </i><i>to </i><i>be gathering </i><i>ourselves </i><i>before Maria </i><ies </i><i>back</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>going </i>


    to start <i>crying </i><i>again</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone in the room erupted inughter. Just then, Maria and ra both walked into the room. Her face shining bright, Maria looked at her family.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i>!! <i>What¡¯s </i>going <i>in </i><i>here</i><i>? </i><i>You </i><i>guys </i>aren¡¯t <i>crying </i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°No!<i>¡± </i>


    Answering too fast, Corey gave everyone away. Moreughter poured through as ra began to go over Maria¡¯s discharge.


    <b>15:16 </b>Sun<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>7 </b>


    :


    55


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>even </i>though <i>Maria </i><i>is </i><i>cancer </i><i>free </i>and <i>extremely </i><i>healthy</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>for </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>still </i><i>take </i><i>it </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>easy </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>rest </i>of <i>the </i><i>year</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>her </i><i>discharge </i><i>papers </i><i>here of </i><i>her </i><i>medicinal </i><i>regime </i><i>I </i>would <i>like </i><i>her </i>to <i>follow</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>have </i><i>her </i><i>take </i><i>her </i><i>medication </i><i>for </i>an <i>additional </i><i>90 </i><i>days</i>. <i>Afterwards </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>do </i>a <i>follow </i><i>up </i>to see <i>if </i><i>she </i><i>will </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>continue</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan looked at ra, eyes filled with admiration, but his heart was definitely filled with


    something else. Corey caught his little brother¡¯s expression and smiled quietly to


    himself.


    ¡®<i>My </i><i>little </i><i>brother¡¯s </i><i>really </i><i>in </i><i>love</i><i>. </i><i>Owen was </i><i>right</i>.¡®


    As everyone began to leave, Corey called out to ra.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>any </i><i>ns </i><i>for </i><i>Christmas</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    Everyone turned to face ra. A and Joseph moving to the front.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>dear</i><i>! </i><i>If </i><i>not</i>, <i>we¡¯d </i><i>all </i><i>love </i><i>it </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>spent </i><i>it </i><i>with </i>us!<i>¡± </i>


    ra smiled brightly, she¡¯d nned on spending Christmas with Gloria and Casey at


    Gloria¡¯s parents¡® house this year.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>actually </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>Gloria¡¯s </i><i>parents</i><i>¡® </i><i>this </i><i>year-</i>¡±


    A cut ra off before she could finish.


    ¡°Perfect! <i>Her </i><i>family¡¯s </i><i>estate </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>far </i><i>from </i><i>ours</i><i>! </i><i>Could </i><i>you </i><i>stop </i><i>by </i><i>Christmas </i><i>day</i>? I¡¯m <i>the </i><i>Rhinehorne¡¯s </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>mind</i><i>, </i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra looked at A¡¯s hopeful face<b>, </b>unable to refuse. She smiled and nodded in


    agreement.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure <i>they </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>mind </i>at <i>all</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Excellent<i>! </i><i>We¡¯ll </i>send a car <i>for </i><i>you </i>that <i>way </i>no one <i>will </i>have to worry about taking you <i>or </i>picking you up<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    A gleamed with joy as everyone made their way out of the room. As everyone headed


    <b>15:16 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b>Sep 7


    :


    outside, everyone hugged ra thanking her again for everything she had done. Suddenly, Corey spoke up again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Um</i>, Ethan. <i>Instead </i><i>of </i><i>her </i>doing <i>a </i><i>rideshare</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>take </i><i>ra </i><i>home</i><b><i>?</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    ??)


    Ethan¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, why was Corey making all of these suggestions? Elizabeth


    chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>agree</i><i>! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>let </i><i>her </i><i>waste </i><i>money </i><i>on </i><i>a </i><i>rideshare</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ra held her hands up in protest.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s not </i><i>necessary</i>! <i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you </i><i>guys </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>home </i><i>and </i><i>cele-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Joseph cut ra off.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Nonsense </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>all </i><i>still </i><i>be </i><i>celebrating </i><i>when </i><i>he </i><i>gets </i><i>back</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>55 </b>


    Ethan watched as his dad smiled brightly at ra. Nodding her head, ra turned to Ethan who was looking at his family with a puzzling expression. Finally, he looked down


    at ra. A smile on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>agree </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>family</i>. <i>Please</i><i>, </i><i>allow </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>you </i><i>home</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ra slightly blushed as she nodded in agreement. After the goodbyes, Ethan could have sworn he saw Maria wink at him while Corey and Liz gave him a thumbs up.


    ¡®<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    As Ethan and ra headed back to her condo, there was an electric tension in the air. Ethan looked nervously at ra wondering is she could also feel the tension. ra remained quiet, her face towards the window as she looked outside. Wanting to break the tension, Ethan turned the radio on.


    ¡°Do <i>you </i><i>have </i><i>any </i>favorite <i>type </i>of music?¡±


    The question caught ra off guard. Thinking for a moment, she finally answered. ¡°Neo- soul if that¡¯s okay?¡±


    15:16 <b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>7 </b>


    Ethan chuckled a little at her response.


    ¡°What¡¯s <i>so </i>funny<i>?</i>¡±


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>say </i><i>something </i><i>like </i><i>ssical </i><i>or </i><i>Jazz</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    raughed out loud.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>those </i><i>are </i><i>favorites </i>of <i>mine </i><i>as </i><i>well</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>there¡¯s </i><i>nothing </i><i>more </i><i>soothing </i><i>that </i><i>neo</i>¨C<i>soul</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan smiled at her response, it made him realize he wanted to know more personal things about ra.


    ¡°<i>Okay</i><i>, </i>so <i>that¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>favorite </i><i>music</i><i>. </i><i>What </i><i>about </i><i>movies</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra shot a look of surprise at Ethan, was he trying to get to personally know her?


    <i>Interesting</i>.


    ??


    Smiling, ra began to answer.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>thrillers </i><i>and </i><i>dramas</i><i>, </i><i>especially </i><i>ones </i><i>with </i><i>great </i><i>cinematic </i><i>dialogue</i>.<i>¡± </i><fn3d0d> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? f?ndnovel</fn3d0d>


    <b>55 </b>


    That actually didn¡¯t surprise Ethan, above everything else, ra was an intellectual. By the time they reached her condo, Ethan learned a great deal about ra. Her favorite


    foods, colors, books to read. Each answer was more fascinating than the next. There was always a poetic reason behind her choices. In return, she asked him about his favorites, learning his favorite type of music was ssical, favorite foods were different variations of steak. They had a lot inmon when it came to favorite reads and movies. The conversation was definitely eye opening, leaving Ethan with one final revtion.


    He was in love ra Rouleau.


    After arriving home, the family was all in the grand roomughing and watching TV. As Ethan made his way in, everyone¡¯s attention turned to him. Maria and Liz smiling brightly.


    ¡°ra make it home safe?¡±


    ¡­


    55


    Liz asked with glee in her voice. She could tell her brother was different. Finally, he realized what they all knew this whole time. Ethan nodded. Clearing his throat, he asked Liz and Corey if he could have a word with them.


    As the stepped out onto the terrace, Ethan turned to his siblings, both of them smiling mischievously.


    <i>¡°</i>I need <i>your </i><i>help</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>want </i>to <i>get </i><i>ra gift </i><i>for </i><i>Christmas</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>what </i><i>exactly </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>enough</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 99

    <b>Chapter </b>99


    <i>ra¡¯s </i><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    :


    ra had spent the early part of Christmas day at Gloria¡¯s parents¡® estate along with Casey. She informed them she would be going to the Taylorster that afternoon and


    then home.


    <i>¡°</i>You <i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>home</i><i>! </i><i>Just </i><ie </i><i>back </i><i>here</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria protested as she ate some of the chocte cake ra baked.


    55


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>how </i><ite </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be</i>, <i>this </i><i>was </i><i>I </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>worry </i><i>about </i><i>disturbing </i><i>anyone</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Oh, okay, I understand. If you change your mind though just call me! Otherwise, we¡¯ll be


    to pick you up tomorrow.


    ra smiled brightly at her friend. After Christmas gifts were exchanged, ra received a text from Ethan letting her know he was on the way to get her.


    <i>¡®I </i><i>thought they </i><i>were </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>send </i><i>a </i><i>rideshare</i>. Hmm.¡®


    ra assumed they didn¡¯t want to bother anyone one for the holidays. ra brought gifts for her best friends and extended family. In return they all also got gifts for her. She smiled brightly; the past few years Christmas has been amazing now that she was celebrating with them.


    She remembered all the years she¡¯d spent Christmas alone in her previous life, from the time her mom passed and after her marriage, it was always about Sophie. She would spend many of the holidays working in theb, not once did Jason or father even care to reach out. Now, her life was so much more different, it was overwhelming how happy she


    was.


    Ethan arrived at exactly 4:30pm. After introducing himself to Gloria¡¯s parents and family, he gifted them with a bottle of expensive wine and whiskey. After saying their goodbyes, ra followed him to his Maybach.


    ¡°So, <i>did </i>you <i>enjoy your </i>Christmas <i>day</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Ethan looked over at ra, she couldn¡¯t help but notice there was something different about him. Though she wasn¡¯t sure what it was, for some reason, it made her heart


    flutter.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i>lovely. <i>I </i><i>got </i><i>a </i>lot <i>of </i><i>gifts</i><i>.</i>¡±


    55


    ra chuckled as she thought about the twins arguing over who would give her their gift


    first. Ethan smiled at ra.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>good</i>. <i>You </i><i>deserve </i><i>it</i>.¡±


    ra blushed.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>about </i><i>you</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>amazing</i>, <i>maybe </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>overwhelming </i><i>too</i>. <i>Almost </i>my <i>entire </i><i>family </i><i>is </i><i>here </i><i>this </i><i>year</i>. <i>This </i>is <i>the </i><i>first </i><i>Christmas </i><i>Maria </i><i>has been </i><i>home </i><i>in </i><i>over three </i><i>years</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>usually </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>hospital </i><i>around </i><i>this </i><i>time</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ra smiled brightly. Hearing those words filled her heart with so much joy.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>d </i>to <i>hear </i><i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    As they pulled into the estate, Ethan parked the car and paused for a moment. As she


    was about to open the door, Ethan reached over to stop her.


    ¡°ra, <i>wait </i>a <i>moment</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra turned her head to see Ethan¡¯s face was right at hers. Her face instantly heated up. He was so close. She could smell his cologne on his neck, <fn81f3> Th?s chapter is updated by F¦ÉndNovel</fn81f3>


    Intoxicating.


    Ethan¡¯s ears began to redden, he hadn¡¯t meant to get that close to her. His Adam¡¯s apple


    bobbed as he swallowed.


    :


    <b>55 </b>


    ¡°<i>Um</i>, <i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>warn </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>Everyone</i><i>¡­</i><i>well</i>, <i>they </i><i>are </i><i>really </i><i>excited </i><i>to </i><i>meet you</i><i>. </i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>feel </i><i>yourself </i><i>getting </i><i>overwhelmed</i><i>, </i><i>send </i><i>me </i><i>quick </i><i>text </i><i>and </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>rescue </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    His breath was fresh like a cool winter breeze, ra could feel her thoughts heading in a dangerous direction, but she couldn¡¯t stop herself. Her face inching closer to his, the electricity in the car was dancing to their own private music.


    Suddenly, a loud tap on the window broke the moment. Irritated, Ethan rolled his


    window down to see who the asshole was that ruined his moment!


    His mother. <i>Crap</i>.


    ra nervously opened the car door jumping out, Ethan then opened his door. His mother, unaware of what happened, smiled brightly at ra.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ethan</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>took </i><i>you </i><i>so </i><i>long to </i><i>let </i><i>her </i><i>out</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan looked at his mother with slight irritation.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>prepare </i><i>her </i>for <i>the </i><i>hurricane </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>about </i>to <i>walk </i><i>into </i>too.¡±


    Aughed out loud, an apologetic look on her face as she hugged ra.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>wrong</i>. <i>The </i><i>entire </i><i>family </i><i>is </i><i>here</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>they can¡¯t </i><i>wait </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you</i>. <i>I </i><i>apologize </i><i>in </i><i>advance</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    An empathetic smiled appeared across ra¡¯s lips.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Not </i><i>to </i>worry Ms. <i>A</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>understand</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As the made their way into the mansion, A and Ethan weren¡¯t kidding.


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 Hunted 100

    <b>Chapter </b><b>100 </b>


    Instantly a barrage of people came towards ra, hugging her, thanking her, crying. Asking a million questions, telling her they knew her mother. It was extremely


    <b>55 </b>


    overwhelming! Still, ra smiled through it all. It was worth it seeing everyone so happy


    to have Maria back!


    The siblings along with Owen all handed ra Christmas gifts. In exchange, she handed them all gifts, one extremely special for Maria. During treatment, Maria told ra how she yed the flute before she got sick. As her cancer progressed, it became more difficult to y. She purchased a customized flute for her with her name on it.


    Maria began to cry. Hugging ra close, she thanked her over and over. The whole house was filled with love and tears. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor purchased a customized ne with the cancer free sign. The ne had a pink heart almost identical to the one her father had destroyed. She cried as they ced it around her neck. As the evening winded down, ra still had one more gift to give.


    Ethan¡¯s.


    As if reading her mind, Ethan sent her a text asking her toe outside to the courtyard. As she made her way to the bench he was sitting on, ra noticed how beautiful the fountain was lit up at night. Staring in amazement, she sat next to Ethan.


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i>is <i>beautiful</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She said in a low voice. Ethan looked over at the woman who changed his life. He couldn¡¯t help but feel like he¡¯s known her much longer than he had. He¡¯d fallen in love with everything about her, from how brilliant she was to howpensate. He¡¯d fallen for her smiles, her tears, her interests. He knew he wanted to spend his entire life with this amazing person. But would she feel the same?


    Ethan looked at ra. He had a long red velvet box in his hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Merry </i>Christmas <i>ra</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra looked over at Ethan, slight shock on her face. She took the box from Ethan and


    55


    opened it up. ra could hardly catch her breath as she stared at the gift. Ethan got her a customized tennis bracelet made. In the middle, there was heart shaped picture of her mother smiling. On each end of the heart was a rose, her mother¡¯s favorite flower.


    ¡°<i>Now </i><i>she </i><i>can </i><i>be </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>wherever </i><i>you </i><i>go</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan¡¯s word¡¯s filled ra with an emotion she now knew to be.


    <b>Love</b><b>. </b>


    There was no denying it. ra had fallen head over heels in love with Ethan Taylor. Maybe it was the day he asked for her help, maybe it was the day she¡¯d watched the video of him sticking up for her. ra wasn¡¯t sure, but she knew now what her heart had been saying all along.


    Closing the box, ra looked up at Ethan, there was fire in her soul that she¡¯d never felt before. Before she could stop herself, ra gently pulled Ethan¡¯s face to hers. Without hesitation, their lips touched for the first time.


    It was intoxicating. ra could take the slight hint of wine on his lips, and he could taste the sweet scent of strawberries on hers. They intertwined for what felt like an eternity. When they finally stopped, ra slowly pushed him away staring into his eyes. Ethan could see all the love and desire through her emerald, green eyes, like lightening piercing through his soul. Finally, after catching her breath, ra spoke.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>present </i>for <i>you</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Ethan smiled as he took her gift. When he opened it, he couldn¡¯t help but smile. ra got Ethan a custom made que highlighting everything he¡¯d aplished so far.


    Age <b>15. </b><i>Graduated </i><b><i>Osha </i></b>State <b><i>University</i></b>.


    Age <b>17. </b><b>Started </b>a bio¨C<b><i>chemical </i></b><b>& </b><b><i>pharmaceutical </i></b><bpany</b><b><i>. </i></b>


    Age <b>19. </b><b>Introduced </b>nano <b>technology </b>to medicinal and medical practices.


    <b>Each </b>aplishment highlighting all the extraordinary things Ethan had <i>done</i>, <i>but </i>it wasn¡¯t until the final achievement that his eyes swelled up.


    15:17 Sun, Sep <b>7 </b><fn6ece> Updates are released by find?novel</fn6ece>


    <b><i>Age </i></b><b><i>23. </i></b><b><i>Cured </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b>baby </b><b><i>sister </i></b><b>of </b><b><i>Leukemia</i></b>.


    Ethan stared at the que for a few moments, looking up at ra, she smiled


    passionately.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯re </i><i>a </i><i>remarkable </i>man <i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Hmm.


    Ethan looked at ra and smiled softly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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    55

 Hunted 101

    <b>Chapter </b><b>101 </b>


    <i>ra¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    It was now the end of the school year. Everything returned to it¡¯s natural pace after Christmas break. Gloria and Casey aced their finals, while ra not only aced hers, but she also won a prestigious award for a thesis paper she wrote about cancer cells and medical breakthroughs. She also finished her school year with the highest GPA. Now, everyone was preparing for the summer.


    Maria had been cancer free for several months now. She was finally able to return to school after Christmas break and resume the life of a happy 16 year old. ra would frequently visit and make sure she was still doing good. Her and Ethan were now in a full on rtionship. She could still remember the day they told everyone. Ethan decided to through a huge new years celebration at hotel banquet hall for family and close friends. After making a toast to celebrate Maria¡¯s health, he closed out the toast by announcing his love for ra and telling everyone they were now together. She would never forget the screams of YES that erupted from both his mom, siblings, and Gloria. Everything in this life was going great. As ra and Gloria were chilling in their living room, Ethan called.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i>!¡±


    A huge smiled dawned ra¡¯s face as she answered.


    ¡°Hey <i>yourself</i>. <i>You </i><i>busy</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Nope</i><i>, </i>just <i>watching </i><i>some </i>TV <i>with </i><i>Gloria</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>interrupt </i><i>girl time</i><i>, </i>so <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>quick</i>. <i>I want </i>you to go to the <i>Bio</i><i>¨C</i>Summit <i>with </i><i>me </i><i>this </i><i>year</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra sat all the way up now. She didn¡¯t know if Ethan was going to go to the summit this year. so, this caught her off guard.


    ¡°<i>Really</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    10:36 Mon<b>, </b>Sep 8


    <i>¡°</i><i>Really</i><i>, </i><i>really</i><i>.</i>¡±


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>didn¡¯t <i>think </i><i>you </i>were <i>going </i>to go <i>this </i><i>year</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>wasn¡¯t at <i>first</i>. But I <i>have </i><i>my </i>reasons. <i>So</i><i>, </i><i>will </i><i>you </i><i>apany </i><i>me</i>?¡±


    ¡°S<i>¨C</i>Sure.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>Perfect. I¡¯ll be to <i>pick </i><i>you </i><i>up </i><i>tomorrow </i><i>morning</i>.¡±


    After ra hung up with Ethan, she looked over at Gloria with a puzzled look.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i>something <i>wrong</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria asked with what seemed to be a hint joy in her voice.


    ¡°No, <i>I </i><i>guess </i><i>not</i><i>. </i><i>Ethan </i><i>wants </i><i>us </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>to the </i><i>Summit</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria smiled brightly as ra.


    ¡°<i>Well</i>, <i>that¡¯s </i>cool <i>right</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>think </i>it¡¯s <i>a </i><i>good </i><i>idea</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    85


    ra nodded in agreement, leaning back on the sofa and resumed watching her movie with Gloria. Gloria smiled inwardly, she¡¯d already known Ethan was going to the Summit, he¡¯d told her and Casey along with the reasons why. She couldn¡¯t wait to see the look on


    her little sister¡¯s face.


    The next morning, Ethan showed up at around 9am. After having breakfast with him, Gloria, and Casey, ra went into her room to finish packing.


    <b><i>Ethan¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    Chapter 101 <fn2c0e> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find~novel</fn2c0e>


    After ra went into the room, Ethan leaned forward to make sure she couldn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going <i>have </i><i>her </i><i>dress for </i><i>the </i>summit <i>delivered </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>house </i><i>Casey</i><i>. </i><i>Gloria</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>trusting </i>you with <i>this</i>.¡±


    Ethan handed Gloria a small emerald, green velvet box. Gloria beamed with joy! Whispering, she leaned forward.


    ¡°You can count <i>on </i><i>me </i><i>brother</i>¨C<i>in</i><i>¨C</i><iw</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Ethan smiled at Gloria and Casey; the summit was going to be where he bared it all. Including how treacherous the Jason and Grangers were.


    85


    When Ethan learned about the Grangers along with Jason going to summit, he was curious about what this ¡°big discovery breakthrough¡± was. After some digging, Owen was able to learn Jason stole one of ra¡¯s journals. The one where she had her calctions and equations formon cold cure. ra had always thought she¡¯d lost one of her journals through travel, luckily, she also kept her notes and research uploaded on herptop.


    ¡°That <i>fucking </i><i>scum </i><i>family</i><i>! </i><i>Jameson spent </i><i>years </i><i>stealing </i><i>and </i><i>riding </i>off <i>the </i><i>back </i><i>of </i><i>Caroline</i><i>, </i>now he <i>wants </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>the </i><i>same </i><i>with </i><i>ra</i><i>. </i><i>Over </i><i>my </i><i>dead </i><i>body</i><i>. </i><i>It </i><i>stops </i><i>now</i>.¡±


    As the arrived at the terminal for Ethan¡¯s private jet, a smiled curled up on ra¡¯s face.


    Puzzled, Ethan tilted his head.


    Chapter Comments


    ͹ 3

 Hunted 102

    <b>Chapter </b><b>102 </b>


    ¡°What <i>are </i>you smiling about?¡±


    He asked her in a yful tone.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i>thinking about the <i>first </i><i>I </i><i>flew </i><i>in </i><i>this</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡±


    :.


    <i>¡°</i>Emm hmm. <i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>someone </i><i>was </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>kidnap </i><i>me</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>Hahahahah</i>.


    Ethan let out a loudugh, he could just about imagine ra fighting back as the security team tried to lead her to the jet.


    ¡°Ms. Rouleau<i>, </i><i>fighting </i><i>airport </i><i>security </i><i>is </i><i>federal </i><i>offense</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    raughed.


    ¡°Well, maybe <i>if </i><i>somebody </i><i>hadn¡¯t </i><i>been </i><i>so </i><i>incognito</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>panicked</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan chuckled, thinking back to the first time he¡¯d heard her voice on the phone.


    ¡®Pretty sure <i>I </i>was in <i>love </i><i>then </i><i>too</i>.¡®


    85


    As they entered the ne, Ethan led ra to their seats. Sitting her on hisp, he gazed


    into her eyes.


    ¡°What a difference a year <i>makes</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Emm </i>hmm<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra leaned forward and kissed Ethan passionately.


    *****


    1/4 <fn13b9> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find(?)ovel</fn13b9>


    <i>Jameson¡¯s </i><i>POV</i>:


    The day of the Bio¨CSummit, every big name in the medical field was arriving at the Courte¡® Hotel. Jameson along with Anna, Sophie, and Jason had just arrived. It had been almost a year since that disastrous g. Jameson¡¯spany took a massive hit, as did his reputation. His VP Edward had quit, and ra ran off to Osha. He could still remember that day, learning she¡¯d left LexU.


    Jameson arrived at the school demanding to withdraw her. The receptionist was confused; ra had already left.


    ¡°<i>Mr. </i><i>Granger</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i>sorry <i>but </i>I <i>can¡¯t </i>withdraw ra <i>she-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>know </i>who I am!!! I¡¯m Jameson Granger!!! <i>LexU¡¯s </i>most famous Biochemist<i>! </i><i>I </i>said <i>withdraw </i><i>her </i><i>enrollment </i>now!<i>¡± </i>


    As Jameson yelled, the dean overheard themotion. Coming out of his office, Woodcrest walked directly over to Jameson demanding to know what this was all about.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>am <i>trying </i><i>to </i>cancel the enrollment of my daughter ra, and <i>this </i><i>fool </i>of <i>a </i><i>receptionist </i><i>is </i><i>denying </i><i>my </i><i>request</i>! <i>Does </i><i>she </i>not know who I am!<i>¡± </i>


    Woodcrest was confused, did Jameson not know his daughter was already gone, regardless, he wasn¡¯t about to let Jameson disrespect his employees.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jameson</i><i>, </i>you need <i>to </i><i>calm </i>down-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>will </i>not <i>calm </i><i>down</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>her </i><i>expelled </i><i>now</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>already </i><i>gone</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Woodcrest barked those words to Jameson who now stood in shock. Lowering his tone, he demanded an exnation.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>are </i>you <i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Woodcrest was now irritated.


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look </i><i>Jameson</i><i>, </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>what </i><i>the hell </i><i>is </i><i>going </i>on between <i>you </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>daughter</i><i>, </i><i>but ra </i><i>transferred </i>to <i>Osha </i>on a <i>three </i><i>year </i><i>program</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>here </i><i>anymore</i>. <i>And </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>pull </i>


    <i>there</i><i>. </i>Go <i>home</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Woodcrest walked away, leaving Jameson confused.


    Back home, he was fuming.


    ¡°What <i>do </i>you mean <i>she </i><i>left</i><i>? </i><i>Where </i><i>did </i><i>she </i><i>go</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Anna looked at Jameson inplete shock. Sophie and Jason were also confused.


    ¡°To <i>Osha</i><i>! </i><i>To </i><i>fucking </i><i>Osha </i><i>State </i><i>University</i><i>! </i><i>The </i><i>top </i><i>fucking </i><i>school </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>entire </i><i>world</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    85


    Sophie was livid, she felt like she was eating crushed ss. She¡¯d relished on the fact that her father was getting ra kicked out of school, and now, not only would that no longer happen, but once again, she was upstaging her in academics.


    The year went by in gloom, Jameson was losing funding left and right, after the g, everyone was afraid to cross Taylor. And then one day, Jason came to him with a huge smile holding a book in his hand.


    ra¡¯s <b>Journal</b>.


    What was in it was nothing short of amazing.


    ¡°That <i>little </i><i>bitch</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>really </i><i>created </i><i>a </i><i>cure </i>for <i>the </imon <i>cold </i>and didn¡¯t tell me!!!¡±


    Suddenly Edward¡¯s words began to haunt him. ¡®<i>You </i>still <i>don¡¯t </i>know <i>why </i><i>he¡¯s </i>interested in


    <i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    Jameson was furious until Jason came up with the idea of stealing it.


    ¡°No <i>one </i><i>knows </i><i>about </i>this <i>right </i><i>now </i>but <i>us</i><i>! </i><i>We </i>can <i>use </i><i>this </i><i>to </i>win <i>the </i>summit and get <i>the </i><i>funding </i><i>back</i><i>. </i><i>With </i><i>this</i>, <i>you </i>could surpass <i>Taylor</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    And thus, a n was formed, Jameson nned to present ra¡¯s equations at the summit tonight as his own.

 Hunted 103

    <b>Chapter </b><b>103 </b>


    <i>ra¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    We arrived at the summit at 5pm. All eyes were on us as we made our way to the tinum table. I could hear whispers among the guests.


    ¡°Oh my gosh<i>, </i>so <i>it¡¯s </i><i>true</i><i>! </i><i>ra </i><i>is </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>rtionship </i><i>with Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Well, <i>no </i><i>wonder </i><i>he </i><i>defended </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>fiercely</i><i>!</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>why </i><i>she </i><i>went </i>to <i>Osha</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Wait</i><i>, </i><i>were </i><i>they </i><i>together </i><i>then</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Questions and gossip circted through the ballroom, but Ethan and ra didn¡¯t care. ra¡¯s eyes widen, when she looked at the two tinum tables, she could see it was filled with his family along with Gloria, her parents and siblings, Casey, and his family.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>all </i>of <i>them </i><i>here</i><i>?</i>¡®


    <b>85 </b>


    ra was confused but reserved her questions forter. Earlier that day, Ethan was already acting weird. He¡¯d ordered her this special gown that Casey had to deliver for the summit, and he kept looking at her as if something was missing. She figured she¡¯d wait until after the g to grill him. As they made their way to the table, Gloria, along with


    his mom and sisters stood up.


    ¡°re¨Cbear! <i>O.M.G</i><i>! You </i><i>look </i><i>beautiful</i>!!! Good <i>taste </i><i>Ethan</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan blushed as he hugged Gloria. After everyone hugged and shared handshakes, the host of the summit took the stage.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>evening </idies and <i>gentlemen</i>, <i>I </i>want to <i>thank </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>for </iing to <i>this </i><i>year¡¯s </i>annual Bio<i>¨C</i><i>Summit </i><i>G</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m <i>your </i>host, <i>Lawrence </i><i>Mitchell</i>, and <i>I </i><i>just </i>want to say, <i>everyone </i><i>looks </i>so <i>beautiful </i><i>tonight</i><i>¡± </i>


    The crowd erupted in handps and cheers as the host took a bow,


    85


    <i>¡°</i><i>Alright</i><i>! </i>So, <i>we¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>get </i>started. <i>As </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>know</i><i>, </i><i>every </i><i>year</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>host </i><i>this </i><i>g </i><i>to </i><i>bring </i><i>honor </i><i>and </i><i>praise </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>medical </i><i>and </i><i>medicinal </i><i>pioneers </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>world</i><i>! </i><i>Without </i><i>all </i>of <i>their </i><i>hard </i><i>work </i><i>and </i><i>breakthroughs</i><i>, </i><i>who </i><i>knows </i><i>where </i><i>we </i><i>would be </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>world </i>of <i>medicine</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    As the night went on, various people won awards, Gloria¡¯s father won neurologist of the year for his hard work and training during his tenure at LexU. Terra¡¯s father won the neurosurgeon of the year award. He¡¯s recently performed a sessful tumor removal of a patients brain. The night was going one beautifully, but ra couldn¡¯t help but notice her biological family along with Jason staring daggers at her throughout the evening. Though not surprised it still made her feel uneased.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>believe </i><i>that </i><i>little bitch </i><i>showed </i><i>up</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson seethed as he watched ra smile and chat at the tinum table. He couldn¡¯t afford for her to ruin his ns by revealing the research was hers. Jason assured him it wouldn¡¯t matter, even if she did say the research was hers, they had the original journal and would just deny it.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And she¡¯s </i><i>sitting </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>tinum </i><i>table </i><i>with </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Fucking </i><i>Taylor</i><i>! </i><i>This </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><ist </i><i>night </i><i>she </i><i>ever </i><i>embarrasses </i><i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Ugh</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>gets </i><i>on </i><i>my </i><i>nerves</i>! <i>Daddy</i><i>, </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>ask </i><i>them </i>to <i>throw </i><i>her </i><i>out</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson looked at his daughter annoyed, what irritated him the most was the fact that his big moment would still be due to ra¡¯s hard work. Looking at Sophie, he realized she held no real value to him. He would still need her in order toplete the vine.


    Jason sat silently. He seethed inwardly as he watched the interaction between ra and


    Ethan.


    The smiles, the kisses on the cheek and forehead. The way she looked at him. She¡¯d never looked at him that way before.


    <i>¡®</i><i>How </i><i>could </i><i>she </i><i>fall </i><i>in </i><i>love </i><i>with </i><i>someone </i><i>she </i><i>barley </i><i>knew</i><i>! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>known </i><i>me </i><i>all </i><i>her </i><i>life </i>and <i>never </i>once looked <i>at </i><i>me </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    Soon, the big moment had arrived, the award for the Biochemist of the year. A week before the summit, biochemists from all over submitted their entries to possible win.


    <b>85 </b>


    Jameson submitted ra¡¯s form regarding themon cold cure, and Ethan submitted their cancer breakthrough. As the host took the stage, the room grew quiet. ra couldn¡¯t help but notice, the host seemed to nce over at Ethan before he began <fn02a0> For more chapters visit </fn02a0>


    to speak.


    <i>¡°</i>And finally<i>, </i>we have <i>our </i>final <i>award</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>most </i><i>prestigious </i><i>award </i>of <i>the </i><i>evening</i>. <i>Biochemist </i>of <i>the </i><i>year</i>.¡±


    ¡°This year, I¡¯m proud to say we had some amazing entries, and although we can only have one winner, the medical and medicinal world has been expanding beyond anything


    we could have ever imagined.¡±


    ¡°So, <i>without </i><i>further </i><i>ado</i><i>, </i><i>allow </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>announce </i><i>this </i><i>year¡¯s </i><i>winner</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡®</i>He did <i>it </i><i>again</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i><i>ra </i><i>noticed </i><i>the </i><i>host </i><i>look </i><i>over </i><i>at </i><i>Ethan</i>. <i>Something </i><i>was </i><i>going </i><i>on</i><i>. </i><i>ra </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>about </i><i>to </i>ask <i>Ethan </i><i>when </i><i>the </i><i>host </i><i>announced </i><i>the </i><i>winner</i><i>. </i>


    The crowd was shocked!


    <i>¡°</i>Did <i>he </i><i>just </i><i>say </i><i>Jameson </i><i>Granger</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jameson</i>, <i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell breakthrough </i><i>did </i><i>he </i><i>have</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Everybody <i>knows </i><i>Caroline </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>real </i><i>genius</i><i>! </i><i>JGP </i><i>hasn¡¯t </i><i>won </i><i>since </i><i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    As the crowd whispered on, Jameson sat smugly. Finally, the host announced what his medical breakthrough was, the cure for themon cold!


    The entire crowd grew silent. ra¡¯s eyes nearly bulged through her head,


    ¡®<i>What </i><i>did </i><i>he </i>just say<i>?</i>¡®


    The projection screen then showed the equations as well as the research. ra could hardly believe her eyes; it was her journal. She didn¡¯t lose it! Jameson stole it!! ra began to fume; she could feel the tears in her eyes welding up! How could her father do this to her! Without thinking, ra began to stand. Suddenly, Ethan grabbed her hand. She looked down at him, shock and pain in her eyes, he whispered for her to wait. Whispering he reassured her.


    :


    ¡°<i>Trust </i>me <i>ra</i>, <i>the </i>truth <i>will </i><i>be </i><i>revealed </i>soon.


    ra looked confused, however, there was something about the way he said that made


    her feel he¡¯d already had a n in motion. Following his lead, she sat down.


    Jameson, Anna, Sophie, and Jason all smiled smugly.


    <b>85 </b>


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>right </i><i>you </i><i>little </i><i>runt</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>can </i><i>scream </i><i>and </i><i>cry </i><i>all </i><i>you </i><i>want</i><i>! </i><i>No one </i><i>will </i><i>believe </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson thought to himself as he could see the hatred in ra¡¯s eyes.


    Sophie and Anna relished in the moment of ra¡¯s embarrassment.


    ¡°So <i>much </i><i>for </i><i>being </i><i>the </i><i>smartest</i><i>. </i><i>Let¡¯s </i><i>see </i><i>how </i><i>much </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor </i><i>wants you </i><i>now</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Sophie couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    Jason, however, all he could think about was how he¡¯d n to use this ammunition to get ra toe back to him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>your </i><i>precious </i><i>research</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>have </i>to <i>beg </i>for <i>it</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Suddenly, Ethan looked down at his phone, it was a message from Owen.


    <b>[</b>It¡¯s <i>time</i><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    A delish smiled went across Ethan¡¯s lips.


    As the crowd pped in confusion, Jameson made his way up to the stage to ept his award. Gradually, the ps and cheers grew louder. Sophie and Anna cheered loudly, congratting Jameson for his stolen work. As he stepped to the podium to give his speech<b>, </b>someone emerged from the crowd.


    ¡°<i>Over </i>20 <i>years </i><iter </i><i>and </i><i>you¡¯re </i>still stealing from the Rouleaus<i>. </i>Shame on <i>you </i>Granger<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 104

    <b>Chapter </b>104


    <i>Ethan¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    :


    (85<b>) </b>


    The crowd spun around to see who was speaking, there stood Edward Crawford, Jameson¡¯s former VP. Jameson could feel the color draining from his face, still trying to keep up the pretenses however, he began to yell at Edward.


    ¡°<i>Edward</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>is </i><i>the </i>meaning of <i>this</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you interrupt </i><i>my </i><i>speech</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson was practically foaming at the mouth. Jason began to panic inwardly. Suddenly, Sophie pulled his arm while whispering.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>on</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>is </i><i>Edward doing </i><i>here</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jason looked at Sophie with annoyance.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>should </i><i>I </i><i>know</i>! <i>He¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>father¡¯s </i><i>employee</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Eward walked closer to the podium.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>pointing </i><i>out </i><i>the </i><i>obvious</i>. I <i>mean </i><i>I </i><i>watched </i><i>you </i><i>lie </i><i>and </i><i>take </i><i>credit </i><i>for </i><i>a </i>lot of <i>Caroline¡¯s </i><i>work </i><i>after </i><i>she </i><i>died</i><i>, </i><i>now </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>stealing </i><i>from </i><i>her </i><i>daughter</i><i>, </i>YOUR <i>daughter</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gasps and gossip began to fill the hall; many were yelling how they knew something was wrong and how it was too good to be true.


    <i>¡°</i>Jameson<i>, </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>never </i><i>been </i><i>that </i><i>smart</i><i>! </i><i>Everyone </i><i>knows </i><i>who </i><i>the </i><i>real </i>talent <i>was</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson began to seethe; this wasn¡¯t how tonight was supposed to go!


    <i>¡°</i>Edward! <i>You </i><i>bastard</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i>stand <i>there </i>and <i>LIE</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>just </i>mad <i>I </i><i>fired </i>you!¡±


    Suddenly, the crowd began to question Edward¡¯s motives.


    ¡°Oh, <i>my </i><i>gosh</i><i>! </i>Is <i>that </i><i>what </i>this <i>is </i><i>about</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Scorned </i><i>employee </i><i>much</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson smiled smugly, but suddenly, Dean Woodcrest spoke up.


    ¡°<i>Edward </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>lying</i>.¡±


    The crowd suddenly turned into Woodcrest¡¯s direction.


    ¡°So, wait, Jameson did steal <i>the </i>form<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    A woman asked from the crowd. <fn0ad8> For more chapters visit F?nd-Novel</fn0ad8>


    ¡°He did. From <i>none </i><i>other </i><i>than </i><i>his </i><i>own </i><i>daughter</i><i>, </i><i>ra </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>GASPS</i>!


    <b>85 </b>


    The crowd stood in shock as Woodcrest stood beside Edward.


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>when </i><i>Jameson </i><i>stole </i><i>her </i><i>work</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>ra </i><i>Rouleau created </i><i>that </i><i>cure </i>for <i>the </i><imon </i><i>cold </i><i>during </i><i>her </i><i>first </i><i>year </i><i>at </i><i>LexU</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°That¡¯s <i>impossible</i><i>! </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>a 16 </i><i>year </i><i>old </i><i>kid </i><i>made </i><i>THAT </i><i>type </i>of <i>discovery</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Another person stood up and yelled. Jameson saw this as his chance.


    ¡°Woodcrest, <i>Edward</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>absurd</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>why </i><i>you </i><i>two </i><i>are </i>doing <i>this</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>there¡¯s </i>no way <i>my </i><i>daughter </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>created </i><i>something </i><i>this </i><i>sophisticated at </i><i>such </i><i>a </i>young age!¡±


    Jason stood in shock; he had no idea ra created that cure her first year. All that kept reying was that day she¡¯d left with her friends.


    ¡°Seven, that¡¯s <i>how </i><i>many </i><i>awards </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>received</i>.¡®


    Jason had no choice but to ept that he was nowhere near ra¡¯s level of intellect.


    That¡¯s when Ethan stood up.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>assure </i><i>you </i><i>all</i>, it¡¯s <i>very </i><i>true</i><i>. </i><i>ra </i>Rouleau created a cure <i>for </i>themon cold at 16<i>, </i><i>while </i><i>also </i><i>beginning </i><i>her </i>steps at creating a cure <i>for </i>cancer.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>GASPS</i><i>!!!!!!!!!! </i>


    ¡°<i>My </i>god<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    :


    Terra¡¯s father Alen spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i>you <i>truly </i><i>are </i><i>Caroline¡¯s </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    :)))


    Suddenly the crowd began to erupted with other academics speaking highly of thete Caroline Rouleau. Suddenly, another person, Gerald Patterson, a highly respected


    Pharmacist, stood up.


    ¡°<i>Wait </i>a <i>moment</i>, <i>Chairman </i><i>Taylor</i>, <i>did </i><i>we </i><i>all </i><i>just </i><i>hear </i><i>you </i><i>correctly</i><i>? </i><i>Di </i><i>you </i><i>say </i><i>ra </i><i>began </i><i>the </i><i>stages </i><i>of </i><i>creating </i>a <i>cure </i><i>for </i><i>cancer</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The crowd fell silent. This was the final part Ethan had been waiting for.


    Looking down at ra, Ethan extended his hand. With a huge smile, ra took Ethan¡¯s hand as her friends and adoptive families pped and cheered her own.


    <b>85 </b>


    Jameson began to panic; this wasn¡¯t supposed to happen! Jason assured him everything would be okay. As Ethan and ra made their way to the podium, Jameson began to yell.


    ¡°ra<i>! </i>I <i>should </i><i>have </i><i>known </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>do </i><i>something </i><i>this </i><i>treacherous</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>could </i><i>you</i><i>!? </i>


    ra began to fume; two lifetimes worth pain and abuse began to pour over her. She could no longer stand by quietly. Looking at her father withplete conviction, ra began to protest.


    ¡°How could I? <i>How </i><i>could </i><i>I</i><i>? </i><i>Father</i><i>¡­</i><i>how </i><i>could </i><i>you</i><i>? </i><i>How </i>could you steal all the work your <i>wife</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>did</i><i>? </i><i>How </i><i>could </i><i>you </i><i>move </i><i>your </i><i>mistress </i>and <i>bastard </i>child into our home literally <i>the </i><i>same </i><i>day </i><i>my </i><i>mother </i>died!<i>¡± </i>


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    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±

 Hunted 105

    Chapter <b>105 </b>


    :


    The crowd was in shock, many of them didn¡¯t know how abusive and horrible Jameson was as a father and husband.


    85


    <i>¡°</i>I mean, <i>it </i>was bad <i>enough </i>you cheated on <i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>the </i><i>ENTIRE </i><i>marriage </i><i>all </i>because you needed to feel like a man. <i>Having </i><i>a </i><i>wife </i><i>as </i><i>brilliant </i><i>as </i><i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>enough</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°How <i>could </i>you <i>force </i><i>your </i><i>daughter </i><i>to </i><i>live </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>basement </i><i>while </i><i>mentally</i><i>, </i><i>verbally</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>physically </i><i>abused </i><i>her</i><i>! </i>I <i>mean</i>¡­<i>you </i><i>were </i><i>all </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>left </i><i>after </i><i>mom </i><i>died</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>you </i><i>trampled </i><i>on </i><i>me </i>like <i>I </i><i>was </i><i>nothing</i>!¡±


    Tears began to fill ra¡¯s eyes, but she couldn¡¯t stop. She needed to say this. Turning to the crowd, she¡¯d confirmed the truth.


    ¡°Hello <i>everyone</i>, <i>my </i><i>name </i><i>is </i><i>ra </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>here </i><i>this </i><i>evening </i>to inform <i>you </i>all, <i>Dean </i><i>Woodcrest </i><i>and </i><i>Edward </i><i>Crawford </i><i>are </i><i>correct</i>. <i>I </i><i>did </i><i>in </i><i>fact </i><i>create </i><i>a </i><i>cure </i>for <i>the </i><imon </i><i>cold </i>during <i>my </i><i>first </i><i>year </i><i>at </i><i>LexU</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    The crowd, though shocked, sat in silence as ra continued.


    ¡°After <i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>died</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>made </i><i>it </i><i>my </i><i>mission </i>to continue <i>her </i><i>work</i>. <i>Before </i><i>her </i>passing, <i>she </i>had been working <i>on </i><i>some </i><i>possible </i><i>equations </i>and forms to <i>that </i>could help cure cancer. Of course, <i>she </i>passed <i>before </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>able </i>too<i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°As I¡¯m sure <i>many </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>know</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>beyond </i>difficult to decipher <i>her </i>work¡­but somehow, I managed to do <i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°When I <i>went </i>to <i>LexU</i>, I used <i>my </i><i>first </i><i>year </i>to breakthrough themon cold, I figured it would help me <i>expand </i><i>my </i>research, <i>I </i>was right. Soon after, <i>I </i>was able toplete to final findings and create a cure for cancer.<i>¡± </i>


    The crowd went wild!


    <i>¡°</i>I don¡¯t believe it!<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><i>word</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i>you <i>saying </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>cured </i>cancer<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Can </i>you <i>prove </i><i>it</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i><i>! </i>Prove it!<i>¡± </i>


    Ethan grabbed the mic.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i>you all could <i>please </i><i>settle </i>down. We can <i>prove </i><i>ra </i><i>is </i><i>telling </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Jameson and Jason interjected.


    ¡°You¡¯re <i>lying</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    85


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>Taylor</i><i>! </i><i>Stop </i><i>this</i><i>! </i><i>Just </i><i>because </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>screwing </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>mean </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>lie </i>for <i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The crowd gasped again.


    ¡°<i>Wait</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>engaged </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>other </i><i>daughter</i><i>? </i><i>Did </i><i>Ethan </i><i>steal </i><i>ra away </i><i>from </i>Jason<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan handed ra the mic and stepped off the stage. Fire in his eyes, he walked


    straight to Jason.


    <i>PUNCH</i><b>! </b>


    Ethan knocked Jason straight on his ass. Sophie suddenly screamed and ran over to him.


    ¡°Jason! Are you <i>alright</i><i>! </i><i>Ethan </i><i>Taylor</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i>wrong <i>with </i>you!!¡±


    Ethan scoffed.


    ¡°You people <i>are </i>despicable<i>. </i><i>Your </i>fianc¨¦? <i>That¡¯s </i>the second time you¡¯ve lied about that status<i>. </i>You¡¯ve been <i>screwing </i>her sister since <i>you </i><i>both </i>16. <i>She </i>wasn¡¯t your fianc¨¦ then.¡±


    The color started to drain from Sophie and Jason¡¯s faces. How did he know that! Suddenly, Anna stood up and began to protest.


    2/3 <fndb9f> The source of th?s content is Find?Novel</fndb9f>


    <b>10:37 </b>Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>8 </b>


    <i>¡°</i>Chairman <i>Taylor</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>won¡¯t <i>have </i><i>you </i><i>nder </i><i>my </i><i>daughter¡¯s </i>name<i>! </i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethanughed at Anna.


    ??))


    85


    <i>¡°Like </i><i>mother</i><i>, </i><i>like </i><i>daughter </i><i>eh</i><i>. </i><i>You had </i><i>no </i><i>problem </i><i>sleeping </i><i>with </i>a <i>married </i><i>man</i>, surly <i>your </i><i>daughter </i><i>had </i>no <i>regards </i><i>for </i><i>an </i><i>engaged </i><i>one</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The crowd all gasped and whispered.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>weird </i><i>he </i><i>moved </i><i>on </i>so <i>fast </i><i>after </i><i>Caroline </i><i>died</i><i>. </i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>cheating </i><i>the </i>


    <i>whole </i><i>time</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Disgusting</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>whole </i><i>family </i><i>is </i><i>trash</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°<i>ra </i><i>deserves </i>so <i>much </i><i>better</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The Grangers along with Jason all looked into the crowd with ashen expressions. This night had turned out to be worse than the G.


    ¡°<i>So</i>, <i>your </i><i>daughter </i><i>was </i><i>at </i><i>LexU </i><i>creating </i><i>groundbreaking </i><i>cures </i><i>and </i><i>you </i><i>decided </i><i>to </i><i>throw </i><i>a </i><i>g </i><i>just because </i><i>your mediocre </i><i>daughter </i><i>graduated</i><i>. </i><i>How </i><i>pathetic</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Terra stood in the middle of the floor. Suddenly the crowd began tough. Sophie could feel her skin setting on fire from rage!


    <i>¡®</i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>they </i><i>all </i><iugh </i><i>and </i><i>call </i><i>me </i><i>mediocre</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


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 Hunted 106

    <b>Chapter </b><b>106 </b>


    <i>ra¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    Sophie began to look around the room as everyoneughed at her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Taylor </i><i>was </i><i>right</i>, <i>she </i><i>is </i>mediocre<i>.</i>¡±


    Anna looked on in horror. Ethan turned to the crowd, bringing the attention back to


    ra.


    ¡°You <i>all </i><i>wanted </i>proof <i>that </i><i>ra </i><i>created </i><i>a </i><i>cure</i>. <i>Allow </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>introduce </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>to someone</i>.¡±


    Ethan Signaled for his sister Maria to take the stage. The crowd looked on in suspense. Who was this mystery girl and what did she have to do with the proof.


    Ethan made his way back to the stage.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Allow </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>introduce </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>baby </i><i>sister</i><i>, </i><i>Maria </i><i>Taylor</i><i>.¡± </i>


    Maria smiled brightly at her brother and ra. Bowing her head, she addressed the


    crowd.


    ¡°Hello <i>everyone</i>. As <i>my </i><i>brother </i><i>said</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>his </i><i>16 </i><i>year </i><i>old </i><i>little </i><i>sister </i><i>Maria</i><i>, </i>and up <i>until </i>November ofst <i>year</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>stage </i><i>four </i><i>Leukemia</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Maria turned to ra, tears in her eyes.


    <i>¡°I </i>was saved <i>by </i><i>this </i><i>angel</i><i>. </i><i>ra </i><i>Rouleau</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The crowd went wild, gasps and questions poured through. Many cheering her own and praising. Suddenly, Jameson stepped back towards the stage.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i>impossible<i>! </i>There¡¯s <i>no </i><i>way </i><i>ra </i>could <i>have </i>created a cure for cancer andpleted a <i>trial</i><i>! </i><i>She </i>doesn¡¯t <i>have </i><i>any </i>of <i>her </i>credentials, which means if she did, it was done illegally<i>! </i><i>I </i><i>demand </i><i>the </i>medical board immediately intervene and shut down <i>ETP</i><i>!! </i><i>They </i><i>are </i>allowing <i>illegal </i><i>testing</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡­


    85


    The crowd went silent, if what Jameson said was true, the medical board would have no choice. Ethan looked at ra with amusement, smiling back at the man she loved, ra gave an approved nod.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>can assure everyone; no <i>medical </i><iws </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>broken</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Bullshit! You just said my daughter created a cure and then used it on a person!¡±


    Ethan rolled his eyes and signaled for Owen. Walking towards the stage, Owen smiled


    brightly at ra and Ethan while handing him the paperwork from their contracts.


    ¡°<i>Last </i><i>year</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>came </i><i>to </i><i>ra </i>for <i>help</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>every </i><i>intention </i><i>on waiting </i>for <i>her </i><i>to </i><i>graduate </i><i>and </i><i>receive </i><i>her </i><i>credentials </i><i>as </i><i>I </i><i>knew </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>only </i><i>way </i><i>she </i><i>could </i><i>legally </i><iplete </i><i>the </i><i>trials</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan paused for a moment while looking at his little sister and then ra.


    ¡°But <i>ra </i><i>had a </i><i>fear</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>fear </i><i>that my little </i><i>sister </i><i>may </i><i>not </i><i>have </i><i>over </i><i>three years </i><i>to </i><i>wait</i>. <i>The </i><i>fear </i><i>that </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>hard </i><i>work </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>in </i><i>vain </i><i>if </i><i>she </i><i>couldn¡¯t</i><i>. </i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>did </i><i>something </i><i>that </i><i>no </i><i>one</i><i>, </i><i>not </i><i>even </i><i>me </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>ever expected</i>.<i>¡± </i><fn938b> Official source is f?ndnovel</fn938b>


    The crowd was so quiet you could hear a feather drop. Everyone waited to hear what


    ra did in order toplete the trials.


    ¡°Signed <i>her </i><i>research </i><i>over </i>to <i>me </i><i>in </i><i>order </i><i>to </i><iplete </i><i>the </i><i>trials</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    GASPS!!!!!!!


    Someone from the crowd stood up in disbelief.


    ¡°Wait!! <i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>she </i><i>allowed </i><i>you </i>to own <i>her </i><i>research </i><i>just </i>so she could save your


    sister!!!¡±


    Ethan smiled.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>is </i><i>exactly </i><i>what </i><i>I </i>am <i>saying</i>. <i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you </i>see, <i>she¡¯s </i><i>not </i>liar, <i>she¡¯s </i>not fraud<i>, </i><i>she¡¯s </i>not a <i>criminal</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i>a saint<i>. </i>Because <i>she </i><i>wanted </i>to help me so much, <i>she </i><i>risked </i><i>the </i><i>possibility </i><i>of </i><i>losing </i><i>her </i><i>own </i><i>research </i><i>just </i>so <i>she </i>could <i>save </i><i>Maria</i>. <i>She </i><i>trusted </i>me that much<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ??))


    85


    Light sobs began to pour through the crowd. Many couldn¡¯t believe it. ra Rouleau was a pure saint.


    <i>¡°</i><i>How </i><i>selfless</i>.¡±


    Someone said through sobs.


    <i>¡°</i><i>A </i>true hero, <i>Caroline </i>would <i>be </i>so <i>proud</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson and Jason stood in shock. Not only had ra created two cures, but she also signed one of them over to Ethan Taylor. Filled with rage, Jameson began to yell.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>!! </i><i>How </i><i>could </i><i>you </i><i>do </i><i>something </i><i>so </i><i>stupid! </i><i>You </i><i>signed </i><i>you </i><i>research </i><i>over </i>to <i>ETP</i><i>!!! </i>How <i>could </i><i>you</i><i>!! </i>I¡¯m <i>your </i><i>father</i><i>! </i><i>That </i><i>research </i><i>should </i><i>have </i><i>gone </i><i>to </i><i>JGP</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jameson was practically foaming at the mouse. Jason chimed in.


    ¡°<i>Honestly </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>how </i><i>treacherous </i><i>could </i><i>you </i><i>be</i>. <i>You </i><i>signed </i><i>your </i><i>research </i><i>over </i><i>to </i><i>someone </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>know </i><i>instead </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>father </i><i>or </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>! <i>He </i><i>know </i><i>has </i><i>the </i><i>right </i><i>to </i><i>steal-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Steal </i><i>what</i>? <i>My </i><i>research</i><i>? You </i><i>mean </i><i>like </i><i>stealing </i><i>my </i><i>journal </i><i>and </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>pass </i><i>my </i><i>research </i><i>and </i><i>data </i><i>off </i><i>as </i><i>your </i><i>own </i><i>so </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>collect </i><i>an </i><i>award </i><i>and </i><i>funding</i>?¡±


    ra stared directly at Jason. The nerve of him talking about trust.


    ¡°<i>Tell </i><i>me </i><i>something </i><i>Jason</i><i>, </i><i>which </i><i>one </i><i>of you </i><i>found </i><i>my </i><i>journal </i><i>first</i><i>? </i>You<i>? </i><i>My </i><i>father</i>? Sophie<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra looked over at Sophie, her face was now filled with shock,


    Bingo.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>who <i>was </i><i>right</i><i>? </i><i>You </i><i>Sophie</i><i>. </i><i>What </i>did <i>you </i>do, go <i>through </i>my things to <i>try </i>and find <i>something </i>to steal<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>bet </i>just <i>about </i>pissed <i>on </i><i>yourself </i><i>when </i>you <i>saw </i><i>my </i>journal. <i>You </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>taken </i>it <i>for </i><i>yourself </i>if <i>you </i>had been smart enough to <i>decipher </i><i>it</i>.¡±

 Hunted 107

    <b>Chapter </b><b>107 </b>


    Suddenly, Terra screamed from the crowd.


    ¡°Well<i>, </i>we know <i>she¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The crowd erupted inughter; Sophie began to panic.


    ¡°<i>Stop </i>it!! I didn¡¯t <i>steal </i><i>your </i><i>journal</i><i>! </i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>Jason</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sophie ran over to ra and grabbed her hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sister </i><i>I </i><i>swear</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>never </i><i>took </i><i>your </i><i>journal</i><i>! </i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>all </i><i>Jason</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>never </i><i>do </i><i>anything </i><i>like </i><i>that </i><i>to </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra looked at Sophie withplete disgust.


    985


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>mean </i><i>just </i><i>like </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>never </i><i>steal </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>? </i><i>Or </i><i>my </i><i>mother¡¯s </i><i>jewelry </i><i>and </i><i>mementos</i>. <i>You¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>stealing my </i><i>life </i><i>since </i><i>the </i><i>moment </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>born</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra yanked her hand out of Sophie¡¯s causing her to fall. Anna ran over to Sophie, her eyes piercing at ra.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>little </i><i>runt</i>! <i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>speak </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>daughter </i><i>like </i><i>that! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>just </i><i>upset </i><i>Jameson </i>loves <i>and </i><i>cares </i><i>about </i><i>us </i><i>more </i><i>than </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>wretched </i><i>mother</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    SLAP<b><i>! </i></b>


    ra pped Anna¡¯s face hard. As her cheek burned, ra walked over to Anna. In a


    menacing tone, she kneeled down to speak.


    ¡°Don¡¯t <i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>bring </i><i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>up </i>again. <i>And </i>for the record, the <i>only </i>reason my father ¡®loves<i>¡® </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>idiot </i><i>daughter </i>so much <i>is </i>because you¡¯re idiots.¡±


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>lie</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>No, <i>it </i><i>isn¡¯t</i><i>. </i><i>My </i><i>father </i>was inferior <i>to my </i><i>mother</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>was </i>brilliant and <i>well </i><i>loved</i>. So, <i>he </i><i>picked </i><i>someone </i><i>he </i><i>knew </i>had no academic value all so <i>he </i>could <i>feel superior</i>. And then <i>when </i>


    :


    <i>he </i><i>learned </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>just as </i><i>brilliant </i>as <i>my </i><i>mother</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>relished </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>fact that </i><i>your </i><i>daughter </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>like </i><i>you</i>¡­mediocre<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tears began to swell in Anna¡¯s eyes as she looked over at Jameson. Running over to Jameson, she grabbed his hand.


    <i>¡°</i>You have <i>to </i>tell<i>! </i><i>Tell </i><i>her </i><i>it¡¯s </i>not <i>true</i><i>!!! </i><i>Jameson</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>SHUT UP!!!<i>¡± </i>


    Anna looked back in horror as Jameson yelled and pushed her away. As she fell to the floor, he ran over to ra and grabbed her hands.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i>! <i>Honey</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>always </i><i>loved </i><i>your </i><i>mother</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>my </i><i>daughter</i><i>! </i><i>Get </i><i>your </i><i>research </i><i>back </i><i>from </i><i>Taylor </i><i>and </i><ie </i><i>home</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>promise</i><i>, </i><i>Anna </i><i>and Sophie </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>do </i><i>anything </i><i>else </i><i>to </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>JGP </i><i>is </i><i>your </i><i>legacy</i><i>, </i><i>think </i>of <i>your </i><i>mother and </i><i>that-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b><i>SLAP</i></b><b>! </b>


    85 <fne072> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find?novel</fne072>


    ra pped Jameson.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>the </i><i>right </i>to <i>mention </i><i>her either</i><i>! I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>your </i><i>daughter</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>see </i><i>them</i><i>! </i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>my </i><i>family </i><i>over </i><i>there</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra pointed to the tables filled with Rhinehornes, Smithfields, and Taylors.


    ¡°So<i>, </i><i>you </i><i>see</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>now </i><i>have </i><i>more </i><i>than </i><i>enough </i><i>love</i><i>, </i><i>more </i>than <i>enough </i><i>friends</i>, more than enough <i>FAMILY</i><i>! </i><i>From </i><i>this </i><i>day </i><i>on</i>, I¡¯m <i>no </i><i>longer </i><i>your </i><i>daughter</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Finally, ra got to say all things she wanted to say to Jameson in her former life.


    Ethan signaled for security.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Remove </i>this <i>trash </i><i>from </i>the summit. <i>The </i>don¡¯t deserve to <i>be </i><i>here</i>.¡±


    The crowd cheered on as the Grangers along with Jason was being escorted from the ballroom. Suddenly the crowd began to cheer for ra,


    10:37 Mon, Sep <b>8 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>deserves </i><i>the </i><i>award</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i><ul><li><b></b><b>?</b><b>)</b><b>) </b></li></ul>


    <b>85 </b>


    Many began to yell from the crowd. ra looked up at Ethan, first time in two lifetimes, ra feltpletely free. Hugging Ethan, they walked back over to the podium.


    Lawrence handed ra the award.


    <i>¡°</i>I believe <i>this </i><i>belongs </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ra stared at the award with a puzzled expression. Her name was actually on que.


    Confused, she looked at Ethan.


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand</i><i>¡­</i><i>how-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>submitted </i><i>your </i><i>research </i><i>to </i><i>the </i>summit <i>two </i><i>weeks ago </i><i>to </i><i>put </i><i>you </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>running</i>. <i>Even </i><i>if </i><i>Jameson </i><i>had </i><i>created </i><i>a </i><i>cure </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><imon </i><i>cold</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>have always </i><i>won</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ra¡¯s eyes welded up, tears overflowing. Just as she was about to sit back down, Ethan grabbed her hand.


    ¡°<i>Before </i><i>you </i><i>take </i><i>your </i><i>seat </i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>one </i><i>more </i><i>thing </i><i>to </i><i>give </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan began to kneel; the crowd began to cheer! Gloria yelled out in excitement for her best friend and little sister! ra could feel her eyes watering.


    ¡°<i>Ethan</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She whispered as he pulled the small box out that Gloria had been holding for him.


    <i>¡°</i>ra, first <i>let </i><i>me </i>say <i>I¡¯m </i><i>sorry</i><i>. </i><i>Sorry </i><i>that </i>it took me so long to find you, sorry <i>that </i>you <i>had </i>to endure so <i>many </i><i>years </i>of <i>pain</i>, <i>sorry </i>that it took <i>so </i>long <i>for </i>me to finally say <i>I </i>love <i>you</i>. But <i>I </i>promise, if <i>you </i><i>let </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>you </i><i>never </i><i>feel </i>alone again. I¡¯ll make <i>sure </i><i>your </i><i>days </i><i>are </i><i>filled </i><i>with </i><i>nothing </i><i>but </i><i>love </i>and happiness.¡±


    The crowd was also crying as Ethan continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>ra</i><i>, </i><i>will </i><i>you </i><i>do </i><i>me </i><i>the </i><i>honor </i>of <i>bing </i><i>my </i><i>wife</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡­


    <b>85 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>YES</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ethan immediately stood up and hugged ra! Spinning her around and around kissing


    her all over her face.


    The crowd went wild with congrattions!


    Chapter Comments


    3

 Hunted 108

    <b>Chapter </b><b>108 </b>


    <i>ra¡¯s </i>POV<b>: </b>


    85


    ra stared at herself in the mirror doing one more look over at her wedding gown. She


    wanted to make sure everything was perfect. Suddenly, her brides maids Liz and Maria,


    along with her matron of honor Gloria, came into the bridal room.


    <i>¡°Oh</i>, <i>re</i><i>¨C</i><i>bear</i><i>, </i><i>look </i><i>at </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gloria began to cry. Lizughed as she walked over to ra.


    ¡°Glo<i>, </i><i>those </i><i>pregnancy </i><i>emotions </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>all </i><i>over </i><i>the </i><i>ce</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thedies allughed as they remembered Gloria going off on the bridal salesperson the other day.


    Two years had passed since that crazy summit. Casey, Gloria, and ra were now official


    biochemists working for ETP.


    Gloria and Casey got married the year prior, now they were expecting their first baby.


    Maria, who was now 18, had just enrolled into South Bay University. She nned on studying biochemistry so that she could alsoplete her grads degree at Osha.


    Corey had just been promoted to CEO of NovaTech, and Liz was the new President. Both


    were in serious rtionships with talks of marriage.


    Suddenly, both A and Whitney came into the room. Whitney immediately started


    crying.


    ¡°Look at <i>my </i><i>baby</i><i>! </i><i>Oh ra</i><i>!! </i><i>You </i><i>look </i><i>beautiful</i><i>!</i>¡±


    After the summit, The Rhinehorne¡¯s officially adopted ra.


    ¡°Oh, <i>sweetie</i><i>, </i>from <i>the </i><i>moment </i><i>we </i>first met <i>you</i><i>, </i>you¡¯ve <i>always </i>been a daughter <i>to </i><i>us</i>.


    ¡±


    That evening, ra went to her mother¡¯s grave.


    1/4 <fn3196> Latest content published on F¦ÉndNovel</fn3196>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hey </i>mom, I know it¡¯s been <i>awhile</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>live </i><i>in </i>Springsten <i>now </i><i>so </i>I¡¯m sorry<i>. </i>I <i>wanted </i><i>to </i>catch you up on my new <i>life</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <b>85 </b>


    ra sat at her mother¡¯s grave telling her about her whole new life since being reborn. Suddenly, Ethan walked up and ced his Jacket over her shoulders. Squatting down, he


    smiled at Caroline¡¯s picture.


    ¡°<i>Pleasure </i>to meet you <i>Ms. </i><i>Rouleau</i>, <i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>how </i><i>much </i>of <i>a </i><i>fan </i><i>I </i><i>am </i><i>of </i><i>all </i><i>your </i>work. <i>Especially </i><i>her</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Ethan smiled at ra.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>know</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>promise </i>to <i>protect </i><i>from </i><i>this </i><i>day </i><i>forth</i>, <i>so </i><i>please</i><i>, </i><i>rest </i><i>well</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    That night, ra could have sworn she saw a shooting star.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you </i><i>too </i><i>mom</i>.¡®


    99


    The wedding coordinator came into the room.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>time </i>to <i>begin</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ra took a deep breath, she smiled at her two new mothers and three sisters, so much love was in this room. Nodding her head she spoke.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i>ready<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ***


    **


    <i>Ethan¡¯s </i>POV:


    After the summit, me and ra decided to wait until she graduated to wed. I wasn¡¯t exactly in love with the idea, but whatever she wanted I oblige. I was just happy she¡¯d said yes.


    After the summit, JGP crumbled, the little bit of investors Jameson had all jumped shipped, as did other scientists and biochemists. No one wanted to work for a fraud. His former VP, Edward Crawford ended up starting a small biochemicalb. It¡¯s been


    progressing nicely over the past few years. I made sure ETP invested.


    Life went back to our regr routines of work for me and school for her. I ended up spending more time at her and Gloria¡¯s condo that my own house. Casey ended up bing one of my closest friends.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Finally</i><i>! </i><i>Someone </i>to <i>take </i><i>some </i>of <i>this </i><i>load </i>off me<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Owen threw his hands in the air one night when we were all having <i>guys</i>¡® night after I


    told Casey I considered him a best friend.


    We¡¯d heard from other sources that Jameson and Jason both left Anna and Sophie. It was


    scary how much the two of them were alike.


    Both tried to sniff around begging ra to forgive them. I was d she told them where


    the door was, though I did hire extra security just to be safe. Finally, it was the big day.


    I stood at the alter waiting for the ceremony to begin. Owen and Casey were my groomsmen while my dad was my best man. As the wedding coordinator went to get ra, Casey and Owen walked up to me.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>ready</i><i>??</i>¡±


    Owen looked at me with his usual mischievous grin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ready </i><i>as </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>ever </i><i>be</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Owen looked at me as if he were remembering something.


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh </i><i>nothing</i>, <i>just </i><i>remembering </i><i>that </i>time <i>I </i><i>TOLD </i><i>you</i>, <i>you </i><i>were </i><i>in </i><i>love with </i><i>ra</i>, <i>and </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>in </i><i>denial</i><i>. </i><i>Good </i><i>times</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 109

    I punched Owen lightly in shoulder whileughing. Casey walked overughing at us


    both.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i>, <i>how </i><i>long </i><i>you </i><i>take </i><i>to </i><i>put </i><i>a </i><i>bun </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>over</i><i>?</i>¡±


    I could feel all the color draining from my face! A baby! Casey and Owen busted out


    Find the newest release on findnovel</fnabe0>


    ¡°<i>Dude</i>! <i>You </i><i>should </i><i>see </i><i>your </i><i>face </i><i>right </i><i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I made a mental note to pay them both backter.


    Finally, it was time for the ceremony to begin. As the music started ying, the bridal party made their way down the aisle. Finally, the coordinator instructed everyone to rise as the bride was now entering.


    And there she was. As the beautiful music yed, I could feel all the emotions of the past three years rushing inside of me. From the moment I¡¯d first seen her picture, to the


    moment I first heard her voice, to the moment I first bumped into her. I was in love with


    ra Rouleau. It was as if fate was always leading me to this moment.


    As she finally made her way to me, her father, Charles, shook my hand while asking me to please take care of his daughter. I smiled brightly the moment I lifted that veil; I


    knew my future with her would be filled with nothing but happiness.


    <i>ra¡¯s </i>POV:


    Ethan and I were exhausted after the wedding! We couldn¡¯t wait to get to our hotel suite. Our Flight was set to leave tomorrow afternoon so we could sleep in. After showering, I waited for my husband eagerly. Ethan had been every bit of the perfect gentleman these past three years; it was time repaid the favor.


    As he walked over to the bed, I could feel my nerves skyrocket. The anticipation was building over. Ethan looked at me, a tender loving smile on his face, he gently lifted up my chin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>ready </i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Taylor</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Smiling<i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i>.¡±


    :


    ??))


    And then it happened, all the love I had been filling in my soul over the span of two lifetimes, I knew now it was preparing me for this moment. Ethan was like a gentle beast; he explored every part of my body making me fill all of the love he¡¯d wanted to give. Afterwards, we drifted into a blissful slumber. My life entering it¡¯s true form.


    **


    85


    <i>Ethan¡¯s </i><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    That night as ra slept in my arms, I had a dream.


    I dreamt that I knew ra in another life, only she wasn¡¯t my wife. In fact, we weren¡¯t even close, or so I thought. In my dream, ra died. I could myself crying and in pain as I mourned her. Then, one day a letter came.


    ¡°<i>Dear </i><i>Ethan</i><i>, </i>


    <b><i>If </i></b><i>you¡¯re </i><b><i>reading </i></b><b><i>this</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>then </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>means something has happened </i></b><i>to </i>me <i>at </i><b><i>the </i></b><i>hands </i><b>of </b><i>my </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><b><i>Husband</i></b>. <b><i>First</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b>I </b><i>want </i><b>to </b><b>say </b>I¡¯m <b><i>sorry</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><i>That </i><i>night</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>never </i>got a <i>chance </i>to <i>answer </i><b><i>your </i></b><b><i>question </i></b><b><i>when </i></b><b>you </b><b><i>asked </i></b><b><i>me </i></b><b><i>if </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>would </i></b><b><i>change </i></b>my mind if it meant saving <i>a </i><i>life</i>. I <b><i>want </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b>to </b><i>know </i><b>my </b><b><i>answer </i></b>was <b><i>yes</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Yes </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>have </i></b>changed <i>my </i><i>mind</i>. As I <i>write </i><b><i>this </i></b><b><i>letter </i></b><b>I </b><i>find </i><b><i>myself wondering </i></b><b><i>why I </i></b><b><i>didn¡¯t </i></b>have the courage to just <i>yell </i><b><i>that </i></b><i>out </i><b>to </b><b>you </b>so <i>that </i><b>you </b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>save </i></b>me<b><i>, </i></b><b>I¡¯m </b><b>so </b><b><i>sorry</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>My </i></b><i>father </i>and <i>husband </i><i>want </i>to <i>use </i><b>my </b><b><i>research </i></b>to <b>get </b><b><i>rich</i></b><b>, </b><b><i>I </i></b>can¡¯t allow that. Enclosed <i>is </i>a <i>USB </i><i>with </i><i>all </i>of my <b><i>research</i></b>. I <b><i>hope</i></b><b>¡­</b>no I <i>KNOW</i><b><i>, </i></b>you¡¯ll do the <i>right </i>thing <i>by </i><i>it</i>. In a way, <b><i>this </i></b><i>will be </i><i>your </i><b>way </b>of saving <b>me</b><b>, </b>and should <i>we </i>meet again, <i>I </i>pray that time I get it <i>right</i><i>. </i>


    <b><i>Sincerely</i></b><b><i>, </i></b>


    <b><i>ra </i></b><b><i>Rouleau</i></b><b>. </b>


    <b>85 </b>


    After reading that letter, in my dream, I could feel myself praying that ra be given another chance at life so that I could finally save her. And then an angel came to me and told me my wish would be mymand, only I didn¡¯t have to do it alone. I would have help; I could see the faces of every person the loved ra.


    Finally, she would get the happily ever after she deserved.


    THE END.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>110 </b>


    85


    <i>I </i><i>reunited </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>birth </i><i>family </i><i>after </i><i>I </i><i>turned </i><i>12. </i><i>I </i><i>did </i><i>everything </i><i>I </i><i>could </i>to <i>make </i><i>them </i><i>love </i>me <i>as </i>much <i>as </i><i>they </i><i>loved </i><i>my </i><i>adoptive </i><i>sister </i><i>Olivia</i><i>. </i><i>I excelled </i><i>in </i><i>academics </i><i>in </i><i>hopes </i><i>that </i><i>my </i><i>father </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>proud </i>of <i>me</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>learned </i><i>how </i><i>to </i><i>sew</i><i>, </i><i>do </i><i>embroidery</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>cook </i><i>in </i><i>hopes </i><i>that </i><i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>could </i><i>rte </i><i>to </i><i>me </i><i>better</i>. <i>I </i><i>learned </i><i>multiple </i><inguages</i>, <i>studied </i><i>business </i><i>ethics</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>new </i><i>forms </i>of <i>medicinal </i><i>treatments </i><i>and </i><i>herbs </i><i>in </i><i>hopes </i><i>that </i><i>my </i><i>three </i><i>brothers </i><i>would </i><i>appreciate </i><i>me</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>studied </i><i>international business</i><i>, </i><i>literature</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>arts </i>so <i>that </i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>help </i><i>my </i><i>then </i><i>husband </i><i>finally </i><i>love </i><i>me</i>. <i>And </i><i>when </i><i>it </i><i>came </i>to <i>my </i><i>adoptive </i><i>sister </i><i>Olivia</i>, <i>I </i><i>tried </i><i>to </i><i>always </i><i>understand </i><i>her</i>, <i>protect </i><i>her</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>appreciate </i><i>her</i><i>¡­</i><i>after all</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>her </i><i>fault </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>stolen </i><i>as </i><i>a </i><i>baby</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>adopted </i><i>in </i><i>my </i><i>stead</i><i>. </i><i>But </i><i>it </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>enough</i><i>. </i><i>In </i><i>the </i><i>end</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>died </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>house </i><i>fire </i><i>while </i><i>everyone </i><i>only </i><i>cared </i><i>about saving </i><i>Olivia</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>only </i><i>ones </i><i>that </i><i>mourned </i><i>my </i><i>death </i><i>were </i><i>the </i><i>Christiansens</i>.


    So, <i>this </i><i>time</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>choosing </i><i>the </i><iatose </i><i>husband </i><i>and </i><i>getting </i><i>my </i><i>revenge </i>on all of <i>those </i><i>who </i><i>betrayed </i><i>me</i><i>! </i><i>One </i><i>by </i><i>one</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>they all </i><i>pay</i><i>! </i><fnd6ca> Find the newest release on findnovel</fnd6ca>


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    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


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    I stared at myself for over ten minutes. Pinching myself, pping myself, I even pulled my hair. I was brought back, back to the moment that changed my already crap life to an even crappier life. I had just turned 20 and my father was about to announce it was time for my sister Olivia and I to pick a suiter.


    In my past life, I¡¯d chosen Jonathan Brooks. The Rochester family and Brooks family were long time friends and business partners. Isaac Brooks, the patriarch of the family, insisted I marry Jonathan because I was the Rochester¡¯s ¡°biological¡± daughter. He liked Olivia, but he preferred for the Brooks to maintain a clean bloodline. To please my father, I epted this request even though prior, I had been approach by the Christiansen family with a marital proposal.


    I spent five years in a loveless marriage that ultimately led to my death. I could still smell the mes that burned my body. That morning, my husband came storming into our vi angry about yet another episode of ¡°what did you do to my precious Olivia!¡± I was in the kitchen cooking when he stormed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>Just </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>were </i><i>you </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>do</i>! Kill <i>Olivia</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at my husband confused, how had I tried to kill Olivia? All I did was brought her some chicken soup, at her request and his force. Puzzled, I asked my husband what he<fnc38c> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find?novel</fnc38c>


    meant.


    ¡°<i>Don¡¯t </i><i>y </i><i>stupid</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>Livie </i>is <i>allergic </i><i>to </i><itro</i><i>, </i><i>yet </i><i>you </i><i>chose </i>to <i>douse </i><i>it </i><i>in </i><i>her </i>


    <i>soup</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    What??????


    I¡¯d known for years of the many ¡°allergies¡± Olivia imed to have. I¡¯d been punished enough throughout my adolescence for it to be burned into my brain. No way would I have puttro in her soup. I stared at my husband confused but also tried to defend myself.


    ¡°<i>Jonathan</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>swear</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>put-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b><i>SLAP</i></b><b><i>! </i></b>


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    Jonathan pped me hard across the cheek. As tears welded into my eyes, I could feel my face burning. Suddenly, Olivia ran into the kitchen.


    <i>¡°</i>Jonnie<i>! </i><i>Please</i><i>! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>hurt </i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>Maybe </i><i>it </i><i>was </i>an <i>ident</i>! <i>It¡¯s </i><i>my </i><i>fault </i><i>anyway</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>shouldn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>kept </i><i>you </i><i>with </i><i>me </i><ist </i><i>night </i><i>just </i><i>because </i><i>my </i><i>stomach </i><i>hurt</i>. <i>It </i>was <i>your wedding </i><i>anniversary </i><i>after </i>all.¡±


    As if on cue, the infamous Olivia tears began to pour. I could see Jonathan¡¯s face twist into a heartfelt expression<b>. </b>Hugging Olivia, he began tofort her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i><i>Livie</i>! It¡¯s <i>not </i><i>your </i><i>fault</i>! <i>You </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>feel </i><i>well</i><i>, </i><i>besides </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>another </i><i>stupid </i><i>day</i>! <i>Your </i><i>health </i><i>was </i><i>more </i><i>important</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡®</i><i>Just </i><i>another </i><i>stupid day</i><i>?</i>¡® <i>It </i><i>was </i><i>only </i><i>our </i><i>fifth </i><i>wedding </i><i>anniversary</i><i>, </i><i>why would </i><i>THAT </i><i>be </i><i>important</i>. <i>But </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>used </i><i>to </i><i>this</i>. <i>Anniversaries</i>, <i>birthdays</i><i>, </i><i>holidays</i><i>, </i><i>etc.</i>, <i>something </i><i>would </i><i>always </i><i>happen </i>to <i>Olivia </i><i>that </i><i>draw </i><i>any </i><i>attention </i>off <i>me </i><i>and </i><i>on </i><i>to </i><i>her</i>. <i>I </i><i>was </i><i>used </i>to <i>it </i><i>by </i><i>now</i><i>. </i><i>Olivia </i><i>was </i><i>their </i><i>golden </i><i>child</i><i>. </i>


    The day I was born, I had been kidnapped by a woman that had just loss her child and was told she would never have anymore. To help my biological mother cope with her grief, she and my biological father immediately adopted another girl. Olivia.


    Life with my adoptive mother was peaceful. We lived in a small vige near South Bay called Willington. My adoptive mother was warm, loving, and supported everything I wanted to do including ying the violin. I had everything I needed in order to have a well¨Crounded happy childhood; and then one day¡­it all came to an end.


    My mother and I were on our way home from grocery shopping when a drunk driver ran into our car, killing my mother instantly as she tried to shield me. Iid in the hospital for over three weeks healing; it was the second time I¡¯d ever been in the hospital as long. One day whileying in my hospital room, the doctors and a social worker came in with huge smiles on their faces.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>We </i><i>have </i><i>fantastic </i><i>news</i>! <i>Your </i><i>real </i><i>family </i>has <i>been </i><i>found</i><i>!</i>¡®


    Real family?


    What did that mean? I sat in my bed shocked as the social worker exined everything to<ol><li>me. That my mother was not my real mother but in fact a woman that stole me from the hospital and then fled to Willington. The truth only came out because my DNA was in the</li></ol>


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    system from when I was kidnapped, hoping to find some rtives, they ended up finding my biological family.


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    The Rochesters were an elite family of North Bay. From investment bankers to real estate, they even owned a hospital. The Rochesters where the elite of the elite and I had just learned THIS was my biological family. Once I was discharged from the hospital, the Rochesters sent someone to pick me up.


    I know what you¡¯re thinking, red g number 1! What type of family doesn¡¯te personally to pick up their long lost child. Try to understand though, I was only 12 years<fneeb2> Discover more novels at fin?novel</fneeb2>


    old, I had just loss the only mother I¡¯d ever known and had no one. I was desperate for a


    family.


    The drive was long, when I arrived at the Rochester Estate, everyone was there. My biological mother Sharon Rochester was beautiful. She had olive colored skin, with long wavy hair, and hazel colored eyes. Surprisingly, I looked just like her. My father, Calvin Rochester, looked every bit the powerful and prominent. Showing little affection to the daughter he¡¯d thought was lost, he merely gave a ¡°wee home.¡± Then came my three brothers, Noah, who was the eldest and most stoic; no doubt trying to be like his father. Cole the second eldest, who seemed to have the most energy, and Brian, the youngest brother. Of the three, he seemed to hold the most contempt towards me as he and Olivia


    were the closet.


    Finally, I met Olivia. My mother exined that she was so sad about losing me, she adopted Olivia in my stead. At the time, I understood her, I told myself that was her way of dealing with the grief<b>. </b>Looking back, I now realize I was simply receable.


    Olivia looked every bit the sweet and angelic daughter and sister. When I first met her, she ran up and hugged me tightly telling me was so happy to finally have a sister!


    ¡°Oh, <i>Grd </i>it¡¯s <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>perfect</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>share </i><i>everything</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    I smiled lightly, although I was overwhelmed, I was happy to have a nice and inviting new sister. As we made our way to the grand room, Olivia noticed my bracelet<b>. </b>It was a birthday gift from my adoptive mother and thest thing she¡¯d ever brought me. With a mischievous smile, Olivia tried to snatch the bracelet off my wrist. Startled, I instantly backed up and snatched my hand from hers. Suddenly, Olivia dramatically fell back falling


    onto the ground a letting out a loud scream.


    Suddenly the family all stopped and turned towards us. In an instant, Olivia began


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    pleading and apologizing.


    ÁÖ 31%ºÐ


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m so <i>sorry </i><i>sister</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i>promise <i>not </i>to touch <i>any </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>things </i><i>again</i><i>! </i>Please don¡¯t <i>hurt </i><i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I was shocked! I had no idea what Olivia was referring to, in all honesty, if she had simply asked, I would have let her borrow the bracelet. Confused, I began to kneel down and help her up, suddenly, I jerker back by my mother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>wrong </i><i>with </i><i>you</i>!! <i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>hurt </i><i>my </i><i>daughter over </i><i>some </i>


    <i>bracelet</i><i>!</i>¡±


    <b><i>SLAP</i></b><b><i>! </i></b>


    Sharon pped me hard across the face. As I fell, my bracelet fell off my wrist. Suddenly, the youngest brother Brian picked it up.


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>cheap </i><i>thing </i><i>is </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>made </i><i>a </i><i>fuss </i><i>about </i><i>and </i><i>hurt </i><i>my </i><i>baby </i><i>sister </i><i>over</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked in fear as he held the bracelet up as if to break it. In a panic I stood up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i><i>please</i><i>! </i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>the </i><ist </i><i>thing </i><i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>ever </i><i>brought </i><i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sharon gave a me a look of disgust.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mother</i><i>! </i><i>That </i><i>woman </i><i>was </i>a <i>thief</i>! <i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>speak </i>of <i>her </i><i>in </i><i>this </i><i>house</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>must </i><i>have </i><i>done </i><i>a </i><i>disgraceful </i><i>job </i><i>raising </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tears began to weld up in my eyes, and then¡­POP!!


    Brian snapped my bracelet into little pieces. As I watched it shatter on the ground, I realized then, that my life of being loved and peaceful wasing to an end. Over the years, it became a daily trend. Olivia would use me of something and in an instant,


    side. everyone would believe her. Never once hearing me out or taking my


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    Over the years, I had been subjected to all types of mental, verbal, and physical abuse all at he hands of my so called real family. As punishment for the bracelet, my mother forced me to sleep in a small storage closet for a room. Still, through it all, I held on to hope


    that one day my family would finally love me. I remained quiet and humble, never wavering or arguing. I learned defending myself in this family meant nothing. Neither did elerating, in school, although an outcast, I received immacte grades. Something like


    that would normally be celebrated, but in the Rochester household, I was used of


    trying to overshadow my sister.


    Still, that didn¡¯t stop them from using my showoff skills whenever it suited them. From


    When I was five, I fell in love with the instrument so my adoptive mother brought me one and paid for me to get lessons. Over the years, my skills had be immacte, my tutor was convinced I was some prodigy. Although they refused to pay for my lessons, I


    still managed to practice on my own.


    The year I turned 16, Rochesters and Brooks agreed their son Jonathan would marry one of the Rochester girls. Naturally, I thought it would be Olivia as everyone knew how much Jonathan loved her. His grandfather, however, preferred for it to be me. Something about ¡°keeping the bloodlines pure.¡± Because no matter how they all loved her, the reality was, Olivia was not their biological child.


    I¡¯ll never forget the day I overheard Jonathan ranting about having to marry me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>fair</i>!!! <i>I </i><i>hate </i><i>her</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>do </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>that </i><i>stupid </i><i>outsider </i><i>just </i><i>because </i><i>my </i><i>grandfather </i><i>says </i>so<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I held my head against the wall, constantly being med for something out of my control, that had be second nature for them. I could hear my brothers agreeing with him.


    ¡°<i>Yeah</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>fair</i><i>! </i><i>Everyone </i><i>knows </i><i>how </i><i>much </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>Livie </i><i>love </i><i>each </i><i>other</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>grandfather </i><i>is </i><i>wrong</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Noah said in ager as he mmed his hand on the table.


    <b>6 </b>


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>it¡¯s </i>not <i>right</i><i>! </i>We don¡¯t <i>even </i><i>know </i><i>her </i>and <i>all </i><i>of </i><i>sudden </i><i>she </i><i>gets </i>to <i>move </i><i>into </i><i>a </i><i>life </i>of <i>luxury </i><i>and </i><i>steal </i><i>Livie¡¯s </i><i>life</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Hearing Cole say those words felt like acid to my ears. ¡®Life of luxury¡®, where? Surly they didn¡¯t consider sleeping in a cold storage room wearing hand me down clothes while constantly being abused was some type of luxury living. If they did, I¡¯d most certainly


    trade my life with them in an instant! The servants lived better than me!


    Suddenly, Olivia chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>okay </i><i>everyone</i><i>, </i><i>for </i><i>the family</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>what¡¯s </i><i>required</i><i>. </i><i>Even </i><i>if </i><i>it </i><i>means </i><i>watching </i><i>the </i>


    <i>man </i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>marry </i><i>someone </i><i>else</i>.¡±


    97


    Like magic, the waterworks immediately came running down her face. Like the three stooges plus one, my brothers and Jonathan all ran over tofort Olivia.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i>cry <i>Livie</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>hate to </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>cry</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian pleaded.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>okay </i><i>Livie</i><i>! </i><i>Even </i><i>if </i><i>my </i><i>grandfather </i><i>does </i><i>force </i><i>me </i>to <i>marry </i><i>her</i>, <i>I </i><i>promise</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>only </i><i>love </i>


    <i>you</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Done hearing the world¡¯s crappiest home videos, I decided to make my way to my room. As I passed them all, I could feel my brothers and Jonathan burning holes in my back. Suddenly, Jonathan stood up, fury in his eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>care </i><i>what </i><i>my </i><i>grandfather </i><i>says</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>only </i><i>ever </i><i>love </i><i>Olivia</i><i>! </i><i>Even </i><i>if </i><i>we </i><i>do </i><i>marry</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>never </i><i>love </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    He spat his words at me as if I¡¯d asked. As I turned to leave, Olivia spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jonnie</i>, <i>calm </i><i>down</i><i>. </i>It¡¯s <i>not </i><i>Grd¡¯s </i><i>fault</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    In an instant, all the rage that was in Jonathan¡¯s eyes disappeared. Rubbing Olivia¡¯s head, he hugged and kissed her. As I turned to look at them, I could see the slight smug smile on her face. Without saying a word, I headed towards my room, that¡¯s when I heard Brian


    say,


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>is her </i><i>faut</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>should </i><i>have </i><i>never </i><i>been </i><i>found</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <


    Hmm.


    ? ? 31%2


    After we married, Jonathan stayed true to his word. He never showed me an ounce of love, not even on my wedding day. That day, we signed the documents and then he left to spend the day with Olivia.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Olivia </i><i>is </i>sad <i>about </i><i>this</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>how </i>much <i>she </i><i>means </i><i>to </i><i>me</i>. <i>I </i><i>have </i>to <i>go </i><ifort </i><i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I tried to protest, but all that did was made him furious.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Stop </i><i>being </i><i>so </i><i>fucking </i><i>selfish</i><i>!! </i><i>You </i><i>won </i><i>alright</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Brooks</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    mming the door shut as he left, I stood in confusion. ¡®Won¡®, he considered this


    winning. From that point on, any time it was something that had to do with me, Olivia would miraculously get sick, or hurt, or anxious and each time, my ¡®husband¡® woulde


    running. Still, I held on to hope that if I continued to be a good wife, he finally at least


    respect me.


    That day never came, instead, all that happened was I got burned alive while my so called husband and family did nothing.


    The day of the fire, after Olivia ran into the kitchen, she asked Jonathan if she could have a moment with her sister. Not wanting to tell her no, Jonathan left to go speak with my


    brothers. As soon as the door closed, Olivia¡¯s mask fell off.


    Sigh.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>sister</i>, <i>when </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>learn</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>matter </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>share </i><i>their </i><i>blood</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>Rochesters</i><i>, </i><i>Jonathan</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>only </i><i>care </i><i>about </i><i>me</i>.


    ??


    I stared in silence as she walked near the stove, tears falling down my face. But I knew


    what she said was true.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>quite </i><i>annoying </i><i>you </i><i>know</i>. <i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>by </i><i>now </i><i>you </i><i>have </i>ran <i>away</i><i>, </i><i>or </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>very </i><i>least </i><i>died</i><i>¡­ </i><i>but </i><i>here </i><i>you </i><i>are</i>.¡®


    Olivia¡¯s voice became eerily low; she had this sardonic smile on her face sending a wave of fear down my spine.


    ¡°<i>Look</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>given </i><i>you </i><i>long </i><i>enough </i><i>to </i><i>handle </i><i>this </i><i>on </i><i>your </i><i>own</i>. <i>Unfortunately</i><i>, </i><i>your </i>time <i>is </i><i>up</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>


    <b>6 </b>


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    <


    can¡¯t <i>have </i><i>my </i><i>baby </i><i>growing up </i><i>without </i><i>his </i><i>daddy </i><i>home</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    31%<fnf24b> Get full chapters from find(?)ovel</fnf24b>


    My eyes instantly widen in shock. Was she implying Jonathan was her unborn child¡¯s father? And what did she mean my time was up? Before I could react, Olivia pulled out a small container, throwing it into the fire on the stove. Suddenly, the mes erupted. As I tried to run away, Olivia grabbed my arm and threw me towards the stove. The pot fell onto my legs burning me instantly. Olivia then let out a loud scream to mask mine. Just then, the kitchen door flew open causing the mes to re. Olivia screamed again asking Jonathan to save her. Without hesitation, he scooped her up into his arms. My brothers then ran towards the kitchen asking what happened. I could hear Jonathan yelling to call 911 for the fire. As Olivia coughed they immediately ran her out of the house. As smoke began to burn my lungs, I cursed the Rochesters and Jonathan. I swore that if given a second chance, I make sure I lived a good life while destroying theirs.


    It wasn¡¯t until the fire department cleared out the fire that anyone even remembered I was still in the house. As the fire Marshall walked over to the ambnce where my sister was breathing from an oxygen mask, the Marshall whispered something in my husband¡¯s ear causing his face to pale. My brothers demanded to know what the Marshall said. With his facepletely ashen, Jonathan informed them I¡¯d been burned alive.


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 Hunted 114

    <b>Chapter </b>114


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    ÁÖ¼Ò 31%ÈÕ


    After Jonathan informed the rest of the family about my death, my brothers went silent. For the first time in all the years I had been with that family, I¡¯m pretty sure I saw guilt on their faces. Cole even looked like he was about to cry. Brian was the first to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jonathan</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i>pull <i>her </i>out <i>the </i><i>kitchen</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jonathan looked up at Brian, facedpletely drained of color.


    ¡°I¡­<i>I </i><i>honestly </i><i>forgot </i><i>she </i><i>was </i>in <i>there</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>hear </i><i>her </i><i>call </i><i>for </i><i>help</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The brothers all sat in silence, and suddenly, Cole looked at Olivia. Whispering, he began


    to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Livie</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>tell </i><i>us </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>still </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>kitchen</i>.


    Olivia¡¯s face instantly paled, she hadn¡¯t expected him to ask her that. Trying to scramble for an answer, Jonathan soon jumped in for her defense.


    ¡°It¡¯s <i>not </i><i>her </i><i>fault </i><i>Cole</i><i>. </i>It¡¯s <i>mine</i><i>! </i>I <i>should </i><i>have </i><i>remembered </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>in </i><i>there</i><i>, </i><i>Livie could </i><i>barely </i><i>breath</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Cole shot Jonathan a troubled look but then quickly went back into the normal routine of pampering Olivia.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sorry </i><i>Livie</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole whispered still looking at the house. I¡¯ll always wonder what he truly wanted to say.


    Noah spoke next, his words hitting my spirit like a train.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>her </i><i>fault</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>should </i><i>have </i><i>spoken </i><i>up</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone looked at Noah as if he had three heads, but no one dared to correct him. After Olivia was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, the family all discussed what happened. For a brief moment, Sharon looked sad, but her face instantly went back to its stoic expression. Callously, she spoke.


    TE


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    <b>6 </b>


    111


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>never </i><i>truly </i><i>fit </i>in <i>this </i><i>family</i><i>; </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>she </i><i>has </i>a <i>proper memorial</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Looking at Jonathan, she continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jonathan</i>, <i>Olivia </i><i>is </i><i>pregnant</i>. <i>Marry </i>my <i>daughter </i><i>before </i><i>the </i><i>child </i>is born.¡±


    A


    Without saying anything further, she got up and left. My father said nothing, he just looked at everyone and followed behind my mother.


    31%


    So, they all knew Jonathan was having an affair with Olivia, yet all those years used me of being petty and paranoid. I could feel my spirit slowly starting to fade, perhaps these final blows were thest thing I needed in order to move on. The next thing I remembered was my funeral. Even at my memorial, all people could do was talk about how ¡°brave¡± Olivia was. Some even suggested I started the fire myself. The entire time


    however, no one spoke up for me. My brothers just stared at my picture while my mother


    looked as if she had better things to do. And Jonathan, he just spent the entire time


    consoling Olivia, who¡¯d made sure to put on a superb act of the grieving sister. Too bad her little fan club didn¡¯t know she was carrying her sister¡¯s husband¡¯s baby.


    Through the entire thing, there was only two people that mourned me, Mr. and Mrs.


    Christiansen of South Bay.


    When they arrived at my memorial, I remember my family looking shocked. My father asked how they knew me, Mrs. Christiansen simply responded.


    <i>¡°</i>She <i>saved </i><i>my </i><i>life</i>.¡±


    And walked away. You have to understand, if the Rochesters were considered elite, the Christiansens were basically imperial. Responsible for almost 40 percent of the world¡¯s currency and trade, the Christiansens were the richest family in the world. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll exin how I know themter!<fnd274> Original content can be found at Find_Novel(.</fnd274>


    After my memorial, I found myself waking up in my bed. I remembered leaping up in total disbelief! How could this have happened? Was I truly reborn! I climbed out my bed and went straight to the mirror. Which brings us to the current present. I wasn¡¯t sure how I came back, but I was most certainly d I did. I picked up my phone, the date was June 23rd, 2020. Two weeks before my 20th birthday and two months before my disastrous wedding.


    O

 Hunted 115

    <b>Chapter </b>115


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    I won¡¯t allow it! I didn¡¯t know who or what brought me back to this world, but I would no longer live this miserable life. I would do things differently and live the life I deserved, but I also make those who ruined me suffer. That much, I was certain of.


    After showering, I went into the kitchen, and if memory served me correctly, Olivia and my brothers were already having breakfast. In my previous life, my brothers became instantly annoyed once I sat down to eat and Olivia used it as an opportunity to not only have me make her some homemade cream of wheat, but also identally spilled it causing it to burn my hand and wrist.


    As soon as I walked into the kitchen, just like the past, they all watched me. Each of my brothers scoffing while Olivia made sure she disyed the sweetest smile. In her sugary voice, she spoke first.


    ¡°<i>Good morning </i><i>little </i><i>sister</i><i>! </i><i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>sleep well</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Every morning, she would ask me that knowing my room was a mere storage closet with a small bed. Regardless, I would always smile and tell her I slept well. Not this time.


    I looked at my fake adoptive sister with my most innocent smile.


    <i>¡°Actually</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Olivia¡¯s smile dropped and my brothers all lifted their heads. I continued.


    ¡°<i>Then </i><i>again</i>, <i>that¡¯s </i><i>understandable</i><i>. </i><i>My </i><i>room </i><i>is </i><i>literally </i><i>a </i><i>closet</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>sleep </i><i>on </i>a <i>daybed </i><i>with </i>


    a <i>thin </i><i>mattress</i><b>.</b>¡±


    Olivia¡¯s eyes bulged. She hadn¡¯t expected me to answer like that. Brian as usual was the


    first toment.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>actually </i><iining</i>? <i>There </i><i>are </i><i>people </i><i>in </i><i>this </i><i>world </i><i>who </i><i>have </i><i>nothing </i><i>to </i><i>sleep </i><i>on</i><i>. </i><i>Ungrateful</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I smiled brightly at my pathetic brother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Who¡¯s </i><iining</i>? I¡¯m <i>merely </i><i>pointing </i>out <i>that </i><i>the </i><i>maids </i><i>have </i><i>better </i><i>sleeping </i><i>conditions </i><i>than </i><i>I </i><i>do</i>. <i>Regardless </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>fact </i><i>that </i><i>I </i><i>now </i>do <i>more </i><i>work </i><i>that </i><i>servants</i>. <i>But </i><i>again</i>, <i>who¡¯s </i>


    C


    O<fn0241> Discover more novels at find¡¤novel</fn0241>


    <b>6 </b>


    |||


    <


    <iining</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    31%


    My voice dropped in a menacing tone, causing Brian¡¯s brows to furrow. Noah then chimed<ol><li>in.</li></ol>


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>is </i><i>it </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>Grd</i>. <i>A </i><i>better </i><i>room</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I turned my head and smiled at my poor excuse of an elder brother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>would </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>that</i><i>? </i><i>The </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>give </i><i>based </i><i>on </i><i>what </i><i>they </i><i>feel </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>worth </i><i>to </i><i>them</i>.


    <i>Did </i>


    <i>you </i>all <i>know </i><i>because </i><i>that </i><i>room </i>is <i>located </i><i>towards </i><i>the </i><i>back </i><i>I </i><i>get </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>cold </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>winter </i>


    <i>and </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>heat </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>summer</i>. <i>And </i>of <i>course</i><i>, </i><i>because </i>


    It¡¯s an extra storage closet there are no vents. So, I would surmise, I¡¯m not even worth more than the designer clothes you all wear. I¡¯ve done yourundry, I¡¯m aware of the


    vents.¡±


    My brothers all sat with shocked expressions on their faces. I couldn¡¯t tell if it was because of me having the audacity to say what I said, or if it was because they truly


    weren¡¯t aware.


    Leaving no room for a rebuttal, I finished my orange juice and began to leave. Suddenly,


    Olivia called out.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wait</i><i>! </i><i>Grace</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>eat </i><i>breakfast</i>. <i>You </i><i>always </i><i>cook </i><i>cream of </i><i>wheat </i><i>on </i><i>Wednesdays</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Nope</i><i>, </i><i>not </i><i>today</i><i>.</i>¡±


    As I turned to leave she called out again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>But </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>hoping</i><i>¡­</i>it¡¯s <i>just</i>, <i>I </i><i>love </i><i>your </i><i>cream </i><i>of </i><i>wheat </i><i>so </i><i>much</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>hoping </i><i>to </i><i>share </i><i>some </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I turned around slowly and looked at my sister¡¯s/te, she¡¯d already had pancakes, eggs, and sausage. Now she wanted cream of wheat. I looked at my sister and smirked.


    ¡°<i>Livie</i><i>, </i><i>such </i><i>a big </i><i>appetite</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>pregnant </i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia¡¯s face turnedpletely ashen; her mask slipping for a moment as the anger shot through. Before she could say anything, in my best angelic voice, I quickly added.


    <b>6 </b>


    B


    §à


    10:25 Sat, Sep 6 <b>RWD </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>kidding</i><i>.</i>¡±


    31%


    I quickly left the kitchen leaving them no time to say anything. I didn¡¯t have time for the three stooges and their star puppet. I had a date with my destiny.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>Comments </b>


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 Hunted 116

    <b>Chapter </b><b>116 </b><fnbf9e> Readplete version only at Find[F]ovel</fnbf9e>


    <b><i>Noah¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    After Grd left, Brian began to protest.


    ÁÖÃü 31%


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>see</i><i>! </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>what </i><i>I </i>am <i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>! </i><i>Who </i><i>the fuck </i><i>does </i><i>she </i><i>think </i><i>she </i><i>is</i>! <i>Talking </i><i>to </i><i>us </i>like <i>that</i><i>! </i><i>Ungrateful</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole say in silence for a moment before speaking.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>said </i><i>true</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Before I could respond, Brian answered.


    ¡°<i>Who </i><i>cares</i>! <i>That </i><i>gives </i><i>her </i><i>no </i><i>right </i><i>to </i><i>speak </i><i>to </i><i>us </i><i>like that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could tell Cole was getting irritated with Brian, in all honesty so was I. He was always


    such a hot head especially when it came to Grd.


    Sighing, I finally responded.


    ¡°<i>Brian</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>does </i><i>matter </i><i>if </i><i>her </i><i>sleeping </i><i>conditions </i><i>are </i><i>lower </i><i>than </i><i>a </i><i>servant</i>. <i>Whether </i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>it </i>or not, <i>she </i>is <i>a </i><i>Rochester</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>it </i><i>got </i><i>out </i><i>we </i><i>subjected </i><i>our </i><i>sister </i><i>to </i><i>that </i><i>type </i><i>of living</i><i>, </i><i>imagine </i>


    <i>what </i><i>others </i><i>would </i><i>think</i><i>. </i>


    99


    Livie began to rub Brian¡¯s back in an attempt to calm him down.


    ¡°Bri, <i>Noah </i>is <i>right</i><i>. </i><i>Besides</i>, <i>Grace </i>is <i>our </i><i>sister</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>should </i><i>love </i><i>her </i><i>as </i><i>well</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Brian scoffed, from the moment Grd came back home he¡¯d sworn he would never love any sister but Olivia. I didn¡¯t care much for Grd either, but I was curious about


    her living conditions. Standing up, I made my way towards her room.


    The closer I got to her room, the darker the hallway became. Finally, I arrived. Instantly, you could tell this room was designed to be a storage closet, so why had our parents given it to her as a room? I hesitated as I opened the door, I wasn¡¯t sure I wanted to see the


    truth. Opening the door, I stood in shock.


    The room was slightly humid, the result of no vents and a small window. All she had was


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    <b>6 </b>


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    a small fan.


    ¡®<i>This </i>couldn¡¯t <i>be </i><ifortable </i><i>in </i><i>the </i>summer<i>.</i>¡®


    *


    31%


    Suddenly, there was a tap on my shoulder causing me to jump. Quickly spinning around, I saw my two brothers standing in silence as they observed Grd¡¯s room. Brian


    mumbled as if speaking to himself.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>this </i><i>really where </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>sleeping </i><i>all </i><i>these </i><i>years</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    Cole walked forward, his mouth slightly opened and his eyes disying shock.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>living </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>hot </i><i>closet </i><i>the </i><i>past </i><i>seven </i><i>years</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Brian suddenly scoffed.


    <i>¡°Does </i><i>she </i><i>want </i><i>us to </i><i>all </i><i>of sudden </i><i>feel </i><i>guilty</i><i>! </i><i>All </i><i>she </i><i>had </i>to <i>do </i><i>was </i><i>say </i><i>something</i><i>. </i><i>No </i><i>one </i><i>forced </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>live </i><i>like </i><i>this</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>in </i><i>Grace¡¯s </i><i>room</i><i>?¡± </i>


    We all turned around to see Livie standing with mom. Mom¡¯s face was scrunched with annoyance, looking directly at me, she began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Noah</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>what¡¯s </i><i>going </i><i>on</i><i>? </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>girl¡¯s </i><i>room</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    My eyebrows instantly furrowed. Did mom know this was Grd¡¯s room?


    ¡°<i>I</i><i>¡­</i><i>we </i><i>were </i><i>just </i><i>curious </i><i>about </i><i>where Grd¡¯s </i><i>room </i><i>was</i>. <i>Mom</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>is </i><i>she </i><i>sleeping </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>closet</i>? <i>We </i><i>have other </i><i>rooms</i>.¡±


    My mother¡¯s eyes bulged slightly, soon, her face turned angry.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>exactly </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>implying </i><i>Noah</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>implying </i><i>anything</i>. <i>I was </i><i>just </i><i>ask-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>girl </i><i>brings absolutely </i><i>no </i><i>value </i><i>to </i><i>this </i><i>family</i><i>! </i><i>So</i>, <i>she¡¯ll </i><i>get </i><i>a </i><i>better </i><i>room </i><i>when </i><i>she </i><i>bes </i>a <i>better </i><i>daughter</i><i>!.</i>¡±


    I was actually shocked. I didn¡¯t expect mother to respond like that. Brian slightly scoffed,


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    a smug look that read, ¡®told you<b>.</b>¡® But it honestly didn¡¯t make any sense. Trying to appear more reasonable, I spoke calmly but with more assertion.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mom</i>, <i>shouldn¡¯t </i>we <i>be </i><i>concerned </i><i>about </i><i>someone </i><i>finding </i><i>this </i><i>out</i><i>? </i><i>If </i><i>word </i><i>got </i><i>out </i><i>we </i><i>were </i><i>treating </i><i>a </i>family <i>member </i><i>like </i><i>this</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>could </i><i>plummet </i><i>how </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>seen </i><i>in </i><i>high </i><i>society</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mother¡¯s eyes widen. She hadn¡¯t considered that possibility. I knew if she didn¡¯t care about anything else, she cared about how she was perceived in society.


    Rolling her eyes in exasperation, my mother agreed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Fine</i><i>! </i><i>Have </i><i>her </i><i>moved </i><i>to </i><i>another </i>room.¡®


    Cole¡¯s face brightened up while Brian scoffed and stormed off. Olivia gleefully pped her hands.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>so </i><i>happy </i><i>sister </i><i>is </i><i>getting </i><i>a </i><i>better </i><i>room</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her voice was angelic, and her smile was bright, but for some reason, it didn¡¯t reach her


    eyes<b>. </b>


    Whatever.


    I did my part; I got her a better room. After I ordered the maids to move Grd to one of the guess rooms<b>, </b>I got dressed and headed to work.


    <b><i>Olivia¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    <i>¡®</i><i>That </i><i>little </i><i>bitch</i><i>! </i><i>Trying </i><i>to </i><i>show </i><i>me </i><i>up </i><i>at </i><i>breakfast </i><i>and </i><i>now </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>being </i><i>rewarded </i><i>with </i><i>a </i><i>better </i><i>room</i><i>! </i><i>Uggghhhh</i><i>!!</i>¡®


    <i>¡®</i><i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>was </i><i>Noah </i><i>thinking</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>mom</i>, <i>ugh</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>brought her </i><i>down </i><i>there </i><i>so </i><i>she </i><i>could </i><i>stop </i><i>it </i><i>only </i><i>to </i><i>listen </i><i>to </i><i>Noah</i>!!!!¡®


    Olivia stared at her reflection, a twisted and sardonic smile on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>get </i><i>too </i><ifortable </i><i>Grd</i>. <i>I </i><i>was </i><i>before </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>here </i><i>after </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>MY </i><i>family</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    10:25 Sat, Sep 6 RO<b>. </b>


    ÁÖ 31%


    The time was now 3pm. After a five hour long trip, I¡¯d finally reached my destination.


    Phoenix, South Bay.


    Before arriving, I¡¯d made a phone call Ma Christiansen, the matriarch of South Bay and Kai Christiansen¡¯s mother. Excited, I had finally decided to call, she agreed to meet with


    me this afternoon. She sent a car for me immediately as the trip was over five hours. Now, as I stood in front of the Christiansen Estate, I could my nerves heightening. I hadn¡¯t done this in my previous life, so I wasn¡¯t sure of what would happened next. What I did


    know was that a week before June 23rd, and incident happened that ended with me saving the life of Ma Christiansen. Afterwards, as payment, she offered heratose son¡¯s hand in marriage.


    Huge deal right! Welp, before you all get excited, I actually turned it down. Not because


    he wasatose, but because I was still holding on to the hope that my pathetic excuse


    of a family would finally ept me. Stupid right. One the ride to the estate, she actually


    called me, she wanted to have a discussion before my arrival.


    <i>¡°</i>Ms. <i>Teagues</i>, <i>I </i><i>can¡¯t express </i><i>how </i><i>d </i><i>I </i><i>am </i><i>to </i><i>hear </i><i>from </i><i>you</i>.


    Her voice was smooth and regal, you could tell she was royalty.


    Smiling.


    J ?


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>good </i><i>to </i><i>here </i><i>from </i><i>you </i><i>as </i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>. </i>How <i>are </i><i>you </i><i>feeling</i>, <i>better </i><i>I </i><i>hope</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Much better</i><i>, </i><i>thank you </i>so <i>much </i><i>for </i><i>asking</i>. <i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>it </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>wise </i><i>if </i><i>we </i><i>spoke </i><i>while </i><i>on </i><i>your </i><i>way</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>your </i>trip <i>isn¡¯t </i><i>wasted</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Chapter <b>Comments </b>

 Hunted 117

    <b>Chapter </b><b>117 </b>


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    ÁÖ¼Ò 31%¹«


    A week before the 23rd, I went back home to Willington to visit my mother¡¯s grave. I didn¡¯t care that she stole me, the 12 years I was with Diana Teague, she loved me unconditionally. My life was filled with love and happiness, far more than my so called biological family could offer. It was hard for me to visit her because Willington was so far away, but I made sure I always went at least twice a year. At the end of Spring and the end


    of summer.


    After visiting my mother¡¯s grave, I decided to visit the beach we used to go too. There I


    sat and yed my violin. As I was ying, I could see what looked to be a woman walking towards the ocean. The sun was beginning to set so the waves were getting heavier, not usually the best time to go walking towards the ocean by yourself. Still, I decided it was


    none of my business and continued to y.


    As I yed, my eyes kept darting over to thatdy. Why was she walking so close to the damn ocean?! And then, as if an epiphany suddenly popped into my mind, I realized why.


    I realized it, because I¡¯d had those same thoughts before. She was going to drawn herself


    into the ocean.


    In a panic, I began to run towards the woman screaming stop. As I ran, I looked around,


    ¡®Shit! Nobody was out there except us!¡®


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma¡¯am</i><i>!!! </i><i>Wait </i><i>please </i><i>don¡¯t</i>!!!¡±


    I ran into the water, violin still in hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma¡¯am</i>!! <i>Please</i>!!!<i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, the woman turned towards me. Her eyes were bloodshot red from crying. She had this apologetic yet defiant look on her face. I couldn¡¯t give up,


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma¡¯am</i><i>! </i><i>Please</i><i>!! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>leave </i><i>me</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ll</i><i>¡­</i>I¡¯ll¡­. ¡®<i>Shit </i><i>Gracie </i><i>think</i>!!!¡® <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>y </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The woman turned back around to face me. A now intrigued look on her face.


    <i>¡®</i>Now¡¯s <i>my </i><i>chance</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


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    <b>I </b>lifted my violin and began to n. The music was peaceful, serene. I was a piece I


    wouldn¡¯t die.


    Finally, the woman decided to speak.


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>waves </i><i>are </i>going <i>to </i><i>knock </i><i>you </i><i>down </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>get </i><i>out </i>of <i>this </i><i>water</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her voice was regal and calm<b>. </b>Her tone was authoritative, I kept ying.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>, </i><i>girl</i>. <i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i>me<i>?</i>¡±


    I looked up at the woman and smiled. But I kept ying. Finally, she understood, I wasn¡¯t getting out of that water until got out. After a slight scoff, she chuckled lightly and began


    to walk back towards the sand.


    I smiled brightly as I began to follow, still maintaining my song. Once we were fully out of the ocean, I stopped ying. We stood in dead silence for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, she spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>song</i><i>, </i><i>is </i><i>it </i><i>yours</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hmm</i>. It¡¯s <i>beautiful</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Smiling.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The woman looked at me directly for a moment. Smiling, she continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>brave </i><i>violinist</i><i>. </i><i>What¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>name</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    The 1


    ¡°<i>Grd </i><i>Te</i><i>¨C</i><i>Rochester</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The woman¡¯s eye¡¯s widen, she¡¯d clearly heard of the Rochesters..


    ¡°<i>Rochester</i>, <i>huh</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>aware </i><i>they </i><i>had </i><i>another </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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    Most people weren¡¯t. The Rochesters seldom allowed me to attend any events, Sharon used the excuse of me not having proper training. The truth, she just didn¡¯t want mepeting with Olivia.


    The woman smiled empathetically as if she understood my silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>see</i>. <i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>I </i><i>treat </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>dinner</i>.¡±


    My eyes widen at her invitation, I didn¡¯t expect that, still, I was concerned of what she


    may do if I said no, plus I was a little hungry, so I nodded in agreement.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>ma¡¯am</i>.¡±


    I followed the regal woman to entrance of the beach; the sun had justpletely settled. Finally, a limo pulled up. My eyes widen once more. Definitely didn¡¯t expect a limo, who


    is thisdy?


    As soon as the limo stopped, a woman leaped out the car in a panic.


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><idy</i><i>!! </i><i>Where </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>go</i><i>! </i><i>Lewis </i><i>said </i><i>you </i><i>slipped </i><i>out </i><i>after </i><i>visiting </i><i>the </i><i>hospital</i><i>!! </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>your </i><i>clothes </i><i>wet</i><i>!! </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Chris-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Cora</i><i>, </i><i>please </i><i>control </i><i>yourself</i><i>. </i><i>As </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>see</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>fine</i>. <i>I </i><i>just </i><i>needed </i><i>a </i><i>moment </i><i>to </i><i>myself</i><i>, </i><i>also</i><i>, </i>


    <i>we </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>guest</i><i>.</i>¡±


    The woman looked nervously over thedy¡¯s shoulder. Adjusting her sses, she looked


    back at the woman.


    ¡°<i>Um</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><idy</i><i>¡­</i><i>who¡¯s </i><i>this</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>is </i><i>my </i><i>new </i><i>friend</i><i>, </i><i>Grd </i>Te¡­¡±


    Smile.


    ¡°<i>Teagues</i><i>. </i><i>Grd </i><i>Teagues</i>.¡±


    97


    The regal woman smiled softly, that was nice thing she just did.


    ¡°Ms. <i>Teagues </i><i>was nice </i><i>enough </i><i>to </i><i>y </i><i>the </i><i>most </i><i>beautiful </i><i>musical piece </i><i>on </i><i>her </i><i>violin</i>. <i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i>


    <i>to </i><i>treat </i><i>her </i>to <i>dinner </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>estate </i><i>as </i><i>payment</i><i>.</i>¡±


    10:38 Sat, Sep 6 <b>R </b>


    131%


    Cora smiled nervously, she wasn¡¯t exactly sure what was going on, but she followed thedy¡¯s orders.


    ¡°O¨COf course. <i>Right </i><i>this </i><i>way </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Teagues</i>.¡±


    As we entered the limo, Cora moved to the front seat. The limo was nice! Whoever thisdy was, she was clearly loaded. I found myself wondering what had made her so sad.


    We sat in silence during the car ride, finally, we arrived at her estate. Now, I thought I had seen it all when I first moved in with the Rochesters, but man!!! Their estate was a matchboxpared to this!! As we stepped out of the car, my eyes widened even more, the regaldy couldn¡¯t help butugh. Walking beside me, she softly said.


    ¡°<i>Wee </i>to <i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i>.


    WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!


    House Christiansen!!! As in THEE House Christiansen!! As in the world¡¯s richest family!!


    What the hell!!!


    I could feel my mouth hanging opened uncontrobly. How in the world did I end up at the manor of the world¡¯s most prominent family! As her security team arrived, thedy nodded to them, signaling that I was with her. As we made our way to the entrance, a group of servants appeared.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Madam </i><i>Chris</i>, <i>wee </i><i>home</i><i>. </i><i>Lord </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>very </i><i>worried</i><i>. </i>


    ??


    A look of guilt shot across her face, before she could say anything a man ran to the foyer.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma</i><i>!!! </i><i>Ma</i><i>!!! </i><i>Where </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>been</i>! <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>looking </i><i>everywhere </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    The man gripped her up in a tight and passionate h¨²g. Tears rolling down his face. I¡¯d concluded he must be her husband. After what seemed like a long embrace, Ma pushed


    the man back slightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>so </i><i>sorry </i><i>my </i>love. <i>I</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>needed </i><i>a </i><i>moment </i><i>from </i>it all<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>bear </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>our </i><i>son </i><i>like </i>


    <i>that</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Ah.


    W!


    Finally, it all clicked, thedy Cora mentioned something about a hospital. Her son must


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    be sick, and it¡¯s been painful to see him that way. I found myself feeling sad for her, I know what it¡¯s like to lose someone you cherish.


    31%


    The man was about to answer her when suddenly, he realized I had been standing there the whole time. A nervously, he smiled.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>hello</i>. I¡¯m <i>so </i><i>sorry</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>hadn¡¯t </i><i>noticed </i><i>we </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>guest</i>.¡®


    Cheerfully, Ma grabbed my hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Theo</i>, <i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>you </i>to <i>meet </i><i>Grd</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>my </i><i>new </i><i>friend</i>.<i>¡± </i><fn10a8> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on findnovel</fn10a8>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>Comments </b>

 Hunted 118

    <b>Chapter </b><b>118 </b>


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    31%


    Mr. Christiansen gave his wife a puzzling look before smiling. Turning to me, he bowed


    slightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>it¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>Theodore </i><i>Christiansen</i>. <i>Most </i><i>people </i><i>address </i><i>me </i><i>as </i><i>Lord </i><i>Christiansen</i>, <i>BUT</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>a </i><i>friend </i>of <i>my </i><i>love¡¯s </i><i>please</i><i>¡­</i><i>call </i><i>me </i><i>Theo</i>.¡±


    Theo looked at Ma with the most loving eyes. I found myself feeling slightly embarrassed for witnessing such an intimate moment. Finally, Ma turned back to me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>please </i><i>call </i><i>me </i><i>Gracie</i><i>. </i>


    Ma smiled brightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>believe </i><i>your </i><i>clothing </i><i>also </i><i>got </i><i>wet</i><i>, </i><i>please</i><i>, </i><i>allow </i><i>us </i><i>to </i><i>provide </i><i>you </i><i>with </i><i>some </i><i>clean </i><i>clothes</i>. <i>Afterwards</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>dining </i><i>hall</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I nodded inpliance, as I made my way to the guest room, I was inplete


    amazement of how beautiful their home was. Two maids escorted me to what was


    supposed to be a walk in closet. I¡¯ve seen boutiques smaller than this closet. After I settled in, the maids informed me they would return in 30 minutes. I pulled out me phone


    to check the time.


    ¡®<i>Shit</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>already </i><i>after </i><i>8.</i>¡®


    The Rochesters didn¡¯t care a great deal about me, but I knew if I strode in well after midnight there would be a barrage of questions and usations. I decided to call my best friend Joellie. Whenever I visit my mother¡¯s grave, if it got tote, I would have her cover for me by saying I stayed with her. She was one of the few people that knew the truth about my family.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>, </i><i>hey </i><idy</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>busy</i>?¡±


    <b>O </b>


    O


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Nope</i><i>, </i><i>just </i>got <i>back </i><i>from </i><i>dinner </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>family</i>. <i>What¡¯s </i><i>up</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Can </i><i>you </i><i>cover </i><i>for </i>me<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Went <i>to </i><i>see </i><i>your </i><i>mom</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yup</i>.¡±


    31%


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sure </i>thing<i>! </i>I¡¯ll <i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>family </i><i>too </i><i>so </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>all </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>same page</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>time </i><i>will </i><i>you </i><i>be </i><i>home </i>


    <i>tomorrow</i>?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Um</i>, <i>about </i>1pm, <i>no </i><iter </i><i>than </i><i>2pm</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Cool</i><i>! </i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>good </i><i>too </i><i>because </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>at </i><i>our </i><i>vacation </i><i>house</i><i>, </i><i>so </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>just </i><i>say </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>stayed </i><i>the </i><i>night </i><i>with </i><i>me </i><i>there</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Oh!! That was even better! The Martin¡¯s vacation home was about an hour outside of


    Kingston, so it would make perfect sense if I stayed the night.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>Joe</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Love </i><i>you </i><i>too</i>! <i>Tell </i><i>your </i><i>mom </i><i>hello </i>for <i>me </i><i>and </i>kiss <i>her </i><i>picture</i><i>! </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>will</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled brightly as I hung up with Joe. She was the best friend anyone could ask for. I met her when I first moved to Kingston. She was one of the few people NOTpletely


    snowed by Olivia. We¡¯ve been best friends ever since.


    As I finished getting dressed, I settled on this pretty but simple violet sundress. After


    looking once more in the mirror, I decided I looked good enough. As I walked out of the


    mini shopping store, Ma was sitting on a chair, startled, I stepped backwards almost


    falling. Suddenly, a gentleman caught my fall. After helping me back to my feet, Ma


    stood up with an apologetic look on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sorry </i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>mean </i><i>to </i><i>startle </i><i>you</i>. <i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>alright</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>no </i><i>worries</i>! <i>I¡¯m </i><i>fine! </i><i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>worry </i><i>about </i><i>me</i><i>; </i><i>I </i><i>got </i><i>the </i><i>feeling </i><i>her </i><i>day </i><i>had </i><i>already </i><i>been </i><i>rough</i>. <i>Smiling</i>, <i>she </i><i>asked </i><i>her </i><i>bodyguard </i><i>to </i><i>leave </i><i>the room </i><i>for </i>a <i>moment</i><i>. </i>


    O


    <b>6 </b>


    O


    <


    After closing the door, Ma asked for me to sit on the couch with her.<fnb0b1> Official source is </fnb0b1>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>speak </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>before </i><i>dinner</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>okay</i><i>.</i>¡±


    For some reason, she looked at me as if she knew me. There was a softness in her eyes that almost looked relieved.


    Weird.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Your </i><i>mother</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>Diana </i><i>Teagues</i>?<b>¡± </b>


    31%


    My eyes widen. Shit!! Why did I say my real name! After I reunited with my biological family, Sharon ordered me never to tell anyone my adoptive name or about my adoptive mother. She was too embarrassed that her child had been taken.


    Ma caught the panic in my eyes and held her hands up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Rx </i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>here </i><i>to </i><i>judge</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>why </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i><i>did </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>did</i><i>, </i><i>but it </i><i>seems </i><i>she </i><i>loved </i><i>you </i><i>very </i><i>much</i><i>.</i><b>¡± </b>


    I smiled slightly. I was d she didn¡¯t speak ill of my mother.


    <i>¡°</i>Also, <i>my </i><i>condolences</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded my head, it was nice to hear someone else acknowledge my mom.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>now </i><i>that </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>got </i><i>the </i><i>formalities </i><i>out </i><i>the </i><i>way</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>are </i><i>aware </i><i>of </i><i>who </i><i>I </i><i>am</i><i>, </i><i>correct</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded my head. Everyone knew who the Christiansen Family was, even a country bumpkin like me. Ma smiled.


    ¡°<i>Then </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>about </i><i>my </i><i>son</i><i>, </i><i>Kai </i><i>He¡¯s </i><i>in </i>a <ia</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    That much I didn¡¯t know.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m sorry </i><i>ma¡¯am</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>knew </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>husband </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>son </i>and <i>daughter</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>not </i><i>the </i><i>basics </i><i>and </i><i>certainly </i><i>not </i><i>that </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><iatose</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>sorry </i><i>to </i><i>hear </i><i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>6 </b>


    |||


    O


    ÁÖ¼Ò 31%


    Ma¡¯s brows furrowed. For her, that was interesting. Most families, especially families of high society, made sure their children learned everything possible about the


    Christiansens. If you had daughter it was so you could marry the son and if you has sons it was so you could be his best friend or marry his sister. The Rochesters weren¡¯t exempt


    from that, I was.


    ¡°Hmm. <i>I </i><i>see</i>. <i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>son </i><i>was </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>bad </i><i>car </i><i>ident </i><i>several </i><i>months </i>ago<i>, </i>it¡¯s <i>rendered </i><i>him </i><iatose</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>doctors </i><i>can¡¯t say </i><i>for </i><i>sure </i><i>when </i><i>or </i><i>even </i><i>if </i><i>he¡¯ll </i><i>ever </i><i>wake </i><i>up</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I could see her eyes began to swell as they fill with tears. Without thinking, I gently


    grabbed her hand. I just wanted to give her somefort. As she looked up at me, tears


    fell down her face as she smiled.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>my </i><i>dear</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>sorry</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>no </i><i>please </i><i>don¡¯t-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>When </i><i>you </i><i>saw </i><i>me </i><i>earlier</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>contemted </i><i>just </i><i>going </i><i>into </i><i>the </i><i>ocean</i>. <i>But </i><i>then</i>, <i>you </i><i>started </i><i>ying </i><i>your </i><i>violin </i><i>and </i><i>it </i><i>made </i><i>me </i><i>think </i><i>of </i><i>my son</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>about </i><i>how </i><i>sad </i><i>he </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>if </i><i>he </i><i>woke </i><i>up </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>was no </i><i>longer </i><i>here </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>too </i><i>weak </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>strong </i><i>for </i><i>him</i><i>. </i>


    ??


    I could feel my eyes starting to water, I could rte to this so well. The feeling of not wanting to go on because the most important person in your life is now gone.


    ¡°So, <i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>thank </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><iing </i><i>to </i><i>rescue </i><i>me </i><i>by </i><i>reminding </i><i>me </i>of <i>my </i><i>son</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    She said thosest words with such resolve. Although I was confused, I epted her thanks. As long as it saved her I didn¡¯t care about the optics.


    ¡°<i>So</i>, <i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>repay </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Confused.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Um</i><i>, </i><i>Ma</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>dinner-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>no</i>. <i>The </i><i>dinner </i><i>was </i><i>for </i><i>that </i><i>lovely </i><i>piece </i><i>you </i><i>yed</i>. <i>No</i>, <i>the </i><i>gift </i><i>I </i><i>would </i>like <i>to </i><i>provide </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>saving </i><i>my </i><i>life</i><i>¡­</i><i>is </i><i>my </i><i>son¡¯s </i><i>hand </i><i>in </i><i>marriage</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    !!!!!!!!!!!


    6


    §à


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±

 Hunted 119

    <b>Chapter </b><b>119 </b>


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    I sat inplete shock. Marriage!! She wanted me to marry her son!! WHAT!!!


    Ma could see the panic in my eyes. She began to exin.


    1%


    ¡°<i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>want </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>think </i><i>my </i><i>husband </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>are </i><i>some </i><i>crazy </i><i>people</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>holding </i><i>on </i><i>to </i><i>hope </i><i>that </i><i>our </i><i>son </i><i>will wake </i><i>up </i><i>soon</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>when </i><i>he </i><i>does</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>that </i><i>he </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>with </i><i>someone </i><i>that </i><i>love him </i><i>and take </i><i>care </i><i>him</i>. <i>Build </i><i>a </i><i>life </i><i>a </i><i>with</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I listened to Ma with sincerity, I believed her, it¡¯s just¡­


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>sorry but</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>me</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma gave me a passionate but sorrowful look as if it was something she wanted to tell


    me but couldn¡¯t.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i>¡­<i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>all </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>say </i><i>is</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>the </i><i>time </i>is <i>right</i><i>, </i><i>that </i><i>question </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>answered</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    So, there WAS a reason? This is gettingplicated.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma </i><i>I-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>One </i><i>week</i>!¡±<fn485e> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find(?)ovel</fn485e>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Huh</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Give </i><i>me </i><i>your </i><i>answer </i><i>in </i><i>one </i><i>week</i>. <i>If </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>please </i><i>think </i><i>it </i><i>over</i><i>, </i><i>really </i><i>think </i><i>it </i><i>over</i>¡­<i>in </i><i>seven </i><i>days</i>, <i>we¡¯ll </i><i>meet </i><i>again</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>give </i><i>both </i><i>my </i><i>husband </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>your </i><i>answer</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded in agreement. I would wait one week before providing my answer. After dinner, Ma and Theo asked for me to stay the night since it was sote. The next morning, Ma had a chauffeur take me home. I got home around 1pm. That was also the day my father informed me that the Brooks patriarch was really pushing for me and Jonathan to wed.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>the </i><i>least </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>do </i>for <i>this </i><i>family</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I remember him saying as he saw hints of hesitation on my face. The truth was, I was


    5


    <b>6 </b>


    <b>B </b>


    |||


    O


    <


    10:38 Sat, Sep 6 <b>R </b>


    ÁÖ 31%ÈÕ


    pondering whether I should ept Ma¡¯s offer. In my previous life, the answer was obviously no. But in this life, I was on my way back to House Christiansen to deliver my


    yes.


    So, now that we¡¯re all caught up, back to my phone call with Ma.


    <i>¡°</i>Ms. <i>Teagues</i>, <i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>express </i><i>how </i><i>d </i><i>I </i><i>am </i><i>to </i><i>hear </i><i>from </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her voice was smooth and regal, you could tell she was royalty.


    Smiling.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>good </i><i>to hear </i><i>from you </i><i>as </i><i>well </i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>. </i><i>How </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>feeling</i><i>, </i><i>better </i><i>I </i><i>hope</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Much </i><i>better</i><i>, </i><i>thank </i><i>you </i>so <i>much </i><i>for </i><i>asking</i>. <i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>it </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>wise </i><i>if </i><i>we </i><i>spoke </i><i>while </i><i>on </i><i>your </i><i>way</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>your </i><i>trip </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>wasted</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>understand</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    There was a slight pause.


    <i>¡°I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>know</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>please</i><i>, </i><i>let </i><i>me </i><i>know </i><i>if </i><i>this </i><i>may </i><i>be </i><i>too </i><i>much </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>know </i>


    <i>if </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>meet </i><i>us </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>hospital</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>for </i><i>you </i>to <i>meet </i><i>my </i><i>son</i>.¡±<ol start="2"><li>2.</li></ol>


    ¡±


    *


    I see. That¡¯s what she met by wasting a trip. She would like to see if I handle seeing him


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>a </i><i>problem </i><i>at </i><i>all </i><i>Ma</i><i>! </i><i>Should </i><i>I </i><i>inform </i><i>the </i><i>driver</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    n


    I could feel her smile, even through the phone.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>necessary</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>never </i><i>wrong</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>already </i><i>informed </i><i>your </i><i>driver </i><i>of </i><i>your </i>


    <i>destination</i><i>. </i>


    I wonder what she meant by that. Hmm. Not putting too much thought into it. I smiled and responded.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Very </i><i>good</i>! <i>Then </i>I¡¯ll <i>see </i><i>you </i><i>soon</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I arrived at the hospital around 2pm. As I entered the lobby, I was greeted by a younger gentleman.


    ¤¤


    O


    66


    O


    10:38 Sat, Sep 6 <b>RLD </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. Teagues</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ²Ø¼Ò 31%Äú


    ¡°<i>Excellent</i>. I¡¯m <i>Cameron </i><i>Lewis</i>, <i>The </i><i>young </i><i>master¡¯s </i><i>assistant</i>. It¡¯s <i>a </i><i>pleasure </i><i>to meet </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Young master, so formal. It was almost like I was living in a novel. I smiled brightly as I shook Cameron¡¯s hand. He had a slight look of hesitation in his eyes. As we walked to


    elevator, I decided to address it now. Better to get any misunderstandings out the way


    BEFORE the I do¡¯s.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Cameron</i>, <i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i>to <i>know</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>be </i><i>open </i><i>and </i><i>honest </i><i>with </i><i>me</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>something </i><i>to </i><i>say</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>rather </i><i>you </i><i>said </i><i>it </i><i>now </i><i>than </i><iter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    He looked at me with a stern look, closing his eyes and exhaling, he began to speak.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>Comments </b>


    ?

 Hunted 120

    ÁÖ¼Ò 31%ëb


    <i>¡°</i>Ms. <i>Teague</i><i>, </i><i>please </i>don¡¯t <i>take </i><i>this </i><i>the </i><i>wrong </i><i>way</i>, <i>but </i><i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>willing </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>my </i><i>young </i>


    <i>master</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>think </i><i>your </i><i>skepticism </i><i>is </i><i>wrong</i>. <i>I </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>wondered </i><i>the </i><i>same </i><i>thing</i>. <i>The </i><i>truth </i><i>is</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>doing </i><i>this </i><i>for </i><i>Ma</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m not <i>sure </i><i>why</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>she truly </i><i>feels </i><i>I </i><i>am </i><i>the </i><i>best </i><i>person </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>Kai</i>, <i>I </i><i>want </i>to do <i>everything </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>to </i><i>prove </i><i>her </i><i>right</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled thinking about her words from this morning.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Besides</i>. <i>I </i><i>have </i><i>the </i><i>feeling she </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>being </i><i>wrong </i><i>so </i><i>well</i>. <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i>to <i>be </i><i>first </i><i>time </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>ever </i><i>happened</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Cameron let out a loudugh, it was true, Ma Christiansen was not a fan of being wrong. He concluded that if this girl was smart enough to know that, at least she wouldn¡¯t do anything to hurt Kai.


    As the arrived on the VIP floor, Cameron escorted her to the young master¡¯s suite. As they got closer, Gracie could hear what seemed like arguing.


    <i>¡°</i>Mom, <i>I </i><i>just </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>think </i><i>this </i><i>is a </i><i>good </i><i>idea</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>mean </i><i>what </i><i>do </i><i>we </i><i>know </i><i>about </i><i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ka</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>told </i><i>you </i><i>everything</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>What</i>, <i>that </i>she¡¯s <i>a </i><i>Rochester</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>really </i><i>know </i><i>them</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Then there was the sound a male voice, possibly Theo.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ka</i><i>, </i><i>sweetheart</i>, <i>we </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>do </i><i>anything </i><i>that </i><i>would </i><i>jeopardize </i><i>the </i><i>safety </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>brother</i><i>. </i><i>Now </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>asking </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>please</i><i>, </i><i>trust </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i><i>and </i><i>I.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As we entered the room, I could see a beautiful younger woman staring Ma and Theo in the eyes. This must be their daughter. I¡¯d done a little research on my way to the hospital.


    The Christiansens had two children, <b>22 </b>year old Kai and 18 year old Ka.


    Suddenly, the three of them turned and looked at me and Cameron as we walked into the


    suite. Ma was the first to speak. Walking to me with a bright smile, she held her arms


    out to embrace me in a hug.


    <b>6 </b>


    |||


    O


    10:38 Sat, Sep 6 <b>R </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>! </i>It¡¯s so nice to see you <i>again</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>too </i><i>Ma</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma</i>. <i>Aren¡¯t </i><i>you </i><ifortable</i>.¡±


    31%


    Ka scoffed as she stared daggers at me. Tough little sister, I¡¯m not worried¡­I didn¡¯t die ande back to be defeated by a little sister. We¡¯ll be friends in no time! Next, Theo walked over and gave me a light hug.


    ¡°<i>Gracie</i>. <i>We </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>thank </i><i>you </i><i>enough </i><i>for </i><i>this</i>. <i>Allow </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>also </i><i>introduce </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>daughter</i><b><i>. </i></b><i>This </i>is <i>Kai¡¯s </i><i>little </i><i>sister </i><i>Ka</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    I smiled brightly at Ka. She looked at me with doubt in her eyes but deiced not to push her parents. Looking away, she held her hand out as if to shake mine. Aht. Aht. I pulled Ka into my arms embracing her into a hug. Caught of guard, she didn¡¯t get a chance to


    resist.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What are </i><i>you </i><i>doing</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    She yelled as she tried to squirm her way out of my embrace, but I wasn¡¯t letting up. I hugged gently but firmly so that she couldn¡¯t break my grip.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s so <i>nice </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Ka</i>. <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>always </i><i>wanted </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>sibling</i>, so <i>thank </i><i>you</i><i>. </i>


    ??


    Ka finally stopped squirming and allowed me to embrace her. After pulling back, I smiled at my new sister who was now pouting but didn¡¯t argue.


    Good. First part over.


    I then turned my attention to my husband to be, Ma then walked over to his bedside


    and held out her hand. I gently grabbed her hand and walked over to his bedside. With<fn6fae> This text is hosted at Find¡ïNovel</fn6fae>


    light tears in her eyes Ma introduced us.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>our </i><i>son</i>. <i>Kai</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I wasn¡¯t sure why, but I felt like I¡¯d met him before, that¡¯s not possible though. Ha.


    Smiling, I kneeled down so that I was at his bed level.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Nice </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Kai</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>Grd</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 121

    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    1%


    After meeting my fianc¨¦, an older gentleman walked into the room. If I had to guess<b>, </b>this was Teddy, Theo¡¯s father and Kai¡¯s grandfather. Theo immediately walked over.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dad</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>just </i><i>in </i><i>time</i>. <i>This </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>Kai¡¯s </i><i>new </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I walked over to Teddy and bowed.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s a <i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Lord Christiansen</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    When I raised my head, he had a serious look on his face. Suddenly, he held his arms out.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>with </i><i>this </i><i>formal </i><i>crap</i><i>! </i><i>Call </i><i>me </i><i>grandpa</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled brightly as I hugged Teddy. This family was amazing.


    After the formalities, we all sat in Kai¡¯s suite getting to know each other. While I appreciated Ma and Theo for protecting the truth surrounding my upbringings, I didn¡¯t want to hold anymore secrets than I had too. Eventually, my identity coulde out, I would rather my new family knew the full truth than find out the wrong way.


    ¡°<i>So</i>, <i>you </i><i>see</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>exactly </i><ie </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>savoriest </i><i>background</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>appreciate </i><i>Ma </i><i>and </i><i>Theo </i><i>for </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>protect </i><i>my </i><i>full </i><i>truth</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>something </i><i>like this </i><i>to </i><ie </i><i>out </i><iter </i><i>and </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>be </i><i>blindsided</i>. <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>also </i><i>understand </i><i>if </i><i>this </i><i>may </i><i>be </i><i>too </i><i>much </i><i>and </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>rescind </i><i>the </i><i>proposal</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone sat in silence for a moment. Theo was the first one to speak.


    ¡°<i>Your </i><i>adoptive </i><i>mother</i>, <i>she </i><i>never </i><i>told </i><i>you </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i>sir<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>learn </i><i>my </i><i>identity </i><i>until </i><i>the </i><i>ident</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>see</i>. <i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>why </i><i>she </i><i>did </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>did</i>, <i>though </i><i>I </i><i>certainly </i><i>sympathize </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>losing </i><i>a </i><i>child</i><i>. </i><i>Still</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>find </i><i>most </i><i>disturbing </i><i>is </i><i>your </i><i>actual </i><i>biological </i><i>family</i>. <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>like </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>one </i><i>bit </i>for <i>how </i><i>they¡¯ve </i><i>treated </i><i>you</i>.<b><i>¡± </i></b>


    I looked up in shock as the people around me showed concerned and even anger at what


    <b>6 </b>


    O


    10:39 Sat, Sep 6 <b>R </b>


    ?


    ÁÖ 31%áu


    my real family did over the past several years. Ka, who now had tears in her eyes hugged me tightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>sorry </i><i>for </i><i>giving </i><i>you </i><i>a </i><i>hard </i><i>time</i><i>. </i><i>Kai</i>¡­<i>he¡¯s </i><i>my </i><i>big </i><i>brother </i><i>and </i><i>my </i><i>best </i><i>friend</i><i>¡­</i><i>and </i>I-¡±


    I hugged Ka again stopping her mid¨Csentence. She didn¡¯t have to exin. I know what


    it¡¯s like to want to protect someone you love and cherish.


    Theo was the next to speak.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>staying </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>house </i><i>any </i><i>longer</i><i>. </i><i>We </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>prolong </i><i>the </i><i>engagement </i><i>announcement </i><i>between </i><i>the </i><i>two families</i><i>. </i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>is </i><i>your </i><i>20th </i><i>birthday</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>July </i><i>7th</i>, <i>my </i><i>father </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>speaking </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>sister </i><i>and </i>I <i>soon </i><i>about </i><i>choosing </i><i>a </i><i>suitor</i>. <i>If </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>okay </i><i>with </i><i>it</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>them </i><i>this </i><i>weekend</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The Christiansens all looked at me with concern. I knew what they were worried about,


    whether I would be abused in any type of way before making it to their estate.<fnfca2> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel</fnfca2>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>sure </i><i>you </i><i>wanna </i><i>wait </i><i>until </i><i>then</i><i>? </i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>they¡¯ll </i><i>at </i><i>least </i><i>pretend </i><i>to </i><i>love </i><i>you </i><i>once </i><i>they </i><i>find </i><i>out </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>marrying </i><i>into-</i>¡±


    I held up my hand to cut my new father inw off. That was precisely why I DIDN¡¯T want


    to tell them.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dad</i><i>, </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>exactly </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>wait</i>. <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>anymore </i><i>fake </i><i>love </i><i>from </i><i>those </i><i>people</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>also </i><i>don¡¯t want </i><i>them </i><i>benefitting </i><i>from </i><i>this family</i><i>, </i><i>though </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t see </i><i>a </i><i>way </i><i>around </i><i>it</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Theo and Teddy both looked at each other, having studiedw and handled thousands of contracts over the years, they knew a thing or two about brokering deals.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>fond </i>of <i>that </i><i>idea </i><i>either</i>. <i>I </i><i>may </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>way </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>around </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Teddy looked at me with a mischievous grin. I think I¡¯m gonna like my new grandfather


    very much!


    The time was now 5pm, I had been with my new family for over three hours, and the truth was, I didn¡¯t want it to end. I had already informed my mother I would be hanging with Joe until about 9pm so she wasn¡¯t expecting me home until about 10pm. As I stood up to leave, everyone came and hugged me tight.


    O


    <b>6 </b>


    |||


    O


    <


    Ma was thest. Before letting me go, she whispered something in my ear.


    31%


    <i>¡°</i><i>One </i><i>day</i>, my <i>son </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>wake </i>up and <i>we¡¯ll </i><i>share </i>a <i>little </i><i>story </i><i>with </i><i>you</i>. <i>One </i><i>that </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>forgotten</i>.¡±


    ???????


    I looked at her with puzzled look, Ma smiled at me and asked that I notify her when I got home.


    I arrived at home around 10:15pm. After saying goodnight to my driver, I sent Ma a goodnight text letting her know I made it home safe.


    <i>[</i><i>Not </i><i>home</i>. <i>Get </i><i>into </i><i>the </i><i>habit </i><i>of calling </i><i>that </i><i>ce </i><i>the </i><i>Rochester </i><i>Estate</i>. <i>Home </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>where </i><i>your </i><i>heart </i><i>is </i><i>1 </i>


    [<i>yes </i><i>ma¡¯am</i><i>! </i><i>Good </i><i>night</i><i>!</i><i>] </i>


    I smiled brightly as I made my way to the front door. Are the foyer lights still on? Weird.


    As soon as I opened the door, I felt a huge sting to my face.


    <b><i>SLAP</i></b><b><i>! </i></b>


    I went flying into the wall. My face felt like it was on fire. As I tried to regain my eyesight,


    I looked up in confusion. Who had hit me and why? Suddenly, I could see Sharon staring


    at me with fire in her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Exin </i><i>this</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    What? I looked at my biological mother confused. Was that a ne in her hand?


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i>¨C<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand</i>. <i>What </i><i>did </i><i>I </i><i>do</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>ying </i><i>innocent</i><i>!! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>think </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>fool </i><i>me</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>found </i><i>this </i><i>in </i><i>your </i>room!<i>¡± </i>


    WHAT????????


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>enough </i><i>you </i><i>hold </i><i>no </i><i>value </i>to <i>this </i><i>family</i><i>! </i><i>But </i><i>to </i><i>also </i>be a <i>thief</i><i>! </i>To <i>bite </i><i>the hands </i><i>that </i><i>feed </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>6 </b>


    |||


    O


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>have </i>no <i>idea </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>stole </i>my <i>ne </i><i>that </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>giving </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>sister from </i><i>my </i><i>room</i><i>!</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>What-</i>¡±


    ÁÖ¼Ò 31%ÈÕ


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>try </i><i>to </i><i>deny </i><i>it</i><i>! </i><i>We </i><i>found </i><i>it </i><i>in </i><i>your </i><i>room </i>as <i>the </i><i>maids </i><i>were </i><i>switching </i><i>them </i><i>out</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I had no clue what they were referring too. But after my vision fully came back, I realized what ne she was speaking about. It was a ne given to my mother by her


    mother and she nned on giving it to Olivia for her 20th birthday.


    Regaining my bnce, I stood up slowly as everyone watched me with disgust in their


    eyes. What did she mean by switching them out? Was she moving my room? Why? First things first.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mother</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>on </i><i>as </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>got </i><i>home</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>there is </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>I </i><i>took </i><i>that </i>


    <i>ne</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sharon red at me,plete contempt in her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>calling </i><i>me </i><i>a </i><i>liar</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>not</i>. <i>I </i><i>am</i><i>, </i><i>however</i>, <i>calling </i><i>you </i><i>mistaken</i>. <i>There </i><i>is </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>taken </i><i>that </i>


    ne<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Brian chimed in.


    <i>¡°Ugh</i>!! <i>You¡¯re </i><i>such </i><i>a </i><i>damn liar</i><i>!! </i><i>Even </i><i>when </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>caught </i><i>red </i><i>handed</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Noah then spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Honestly </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>and </i>to <i>think </i>I <i>vouched </i><i>for </i><i>you getting </i><i>a </i><i>better </i>room <i>only </i><i>to </i><i>find </i><i>out </i><i>you¡¯re a </i><i>thief</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ah. So that¡¯s what this is about. Olivia must¡¯ve ced that ne in my room when she


    found out they were moving me to better bedroom.


    <i>¡°</i>As <i>I </i><i>said</i><i>. </i><i>There </i>is <i>no way </i><i>I </i><i>could have </i><i>taken </i><i>this </i><i>ne</i><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>

 Hunted 122

    <b>Chapter </b><b>122 </b>


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    The Rochesters all looked at me, pure hatred in their eyes, suddenly, Olivia spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grace</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>borrow </i><i>the </i><i>ne </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>fine</i><i>. </i><i>Just </i><i>please</i><i>, </i><i>say </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>sorry</i>. <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>in </i><i>trouble</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    31%


    Right on cue, her tears began to fall. Also on cue, everyoneforting poor Olivia. What


    a shit show.


    My father, Calvin Rochester, now spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>this </i><i>the </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>behavior </i><i>you </i><i>learned </i><i>under </i><i>that </i><i>woman</i><i>? </i>I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>surprised</i><i>; </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>thief </i><i>as </i><i>well</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>only </i><i>natural </i><i>she </i><i>taught </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at my father with death in my eyes. He would pay for that statementter on.


    <i>¡°</i><i>As </i><i>I </i><i>said</i><i>, </i><i>there </i><i>is </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>taken </i><i>that </i><i>ne</i>.¡±


    Cole now chimed in trying to sound neutral. Coward.


    ¡°<i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>keep </i><i>saying </i><i>that</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>the </i><i>evidence </i><i>is </i><i>clear</i>. <i>You¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>caught </i><i>red </i><i>handed</i>.


    I sneered at my fool of a brother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i>¡­is <i>that </i><i>right</i><i>? </i><i>Because </i><i>right </i><i>now </i><i>all </i>I <i>see </i><i>is </i><i>mother </i><i>holding </i><i>the </i><i>ne </i><i>iming </i><i>I </i><i>stole </i><i>it</i>. <i>Where </i>is <i>the </i><i>actual </i><i>proof </i><i>I </i><i>took </i><i>it</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Sharon practically foamed at the mouth. The nerve that I would actually use her of lying!


    <i>¡°</i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you</i><i>!! </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>saying </i><i>I </i><i>am </i><i>lying</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>never </i><i>said </i><i>that</i><i>. </i>I <i>merely </i><i>pointed </i><i>out </i><i>your </i><ick </i><i>of </i><i>evidence</i>. <i>As </i>I <i>said</i><i>, </i>I <i>could </i><i>not </i><i>have stolen </i>


    <i>that ne</i><b><i>.</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Fine </i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>Exin </i><i>why </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>impossible</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Noah looked at mepletely exasperated. Annoyed that I kept repeating the same thing.


    OO


    <b>6 </b>


    |||


    O


    <


    ÁÖ 31%ÈÕ


    <i>¡°</i><i>Simple</i><i>, </ist <i>night</i><i>, </i><i>you</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>father</i><i>, </i><i>Cole</i><i>, </i><i>Brian</i><b>, </b>and of course¡­<i>mother</i>. All gushed in the <i>grand </i>room <i>over </i><i>the </i><i>marvelous </i><i>cleaning </i><i>job </i><i>your </i><i>jeweler </i>did. <i>¡®</i><i>Like </i><i>brand </i><i>new</i>¡® I <i>believe </i><i>was </i>the term <i>that </i><i>was </i><i>used</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Everyone looked around as if remembering that conversation.


    Brian then jumped in.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i>your <i>point</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Idiot.


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><i>point </i><i>is</i><i>, </i><i>Mother </i><i>took </i><i>that </i><i>ne </i><i>with </i><i>her </i>to <i>bed </i><ist </i><i>night </i><i>and </i><i>never </i><i>left </i><i>her </i><i>room</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>


    <i>think </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>safe </i><i>to </i><i>say </i><i>she </i><i>would </i><i>noticed </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>went </i><i>into </i><i>her </i><i>roomst </i><i>night</i>. <i>Which </i><i>means</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>had </i>to <i>have </i><i>taken </i><i>it </i><i>this </i><i>morning</i>.¡±


    Noah¡¯s eyes widen while Cole began to look guilty. At least they weren¡¯t stupid long term,


    unlike Brian¡¯s dumbass.


    ¡°So, <i>then </i><i>you </i><i>took </i><i>it </i><i>this </i><i>morning</i>! <i>Admi- </i>


    ?


    <i>¡°</i><i>Then </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>seen me</i><i>. </i><i>Seeing </i><i>as to </i><i>how you </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>pass </i><i>the </i><i>breakfast </i>room <i>in </i><i>order </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>to </i><i>our </i><i>parents </i><i>room</i>. <i>Not </i><i>to </i><i>mention</i>, <i>mother </i><i>was </i><i>still </i><i>in </i><i>her </i><i>room </i><i>this </i><i>morning</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>left </i><i>at </i><i>8am</i>. <i>So</i><i>, </i><i>unless </i>I <i>have </i><i>some </i><i>secret </i><i>invisible </i><i>serum</i>, <i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>the </i><i>ne</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Funny. All that yelling just a few minutes ago. Guilt began to seep into the faces of Cole, Noah, and Calvin. Brian and Sharon were still being stubborn, while Olivia¡¯s face was unreadable.


    Finally, she turned that sugary mask back on.


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>is </i><i>wonderful</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>knew </i><i>Grace </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>done </i><i>this</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia went to grab my hand, but I immediately jerked it back. Tears began to weld up, what else was new. Brian finally spoke again.


    ¡°<i>Olivia </i><i>was </i><i>trying </i>to <i>stick </i><i>up </i>for <i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>acting </i><i>like </i><i>this</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Then Noah.


    ¡°<i>Honestly </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>so </i><i>a </i><i>mistake </i>was <i>made</i><i>, </i><i>no </i><i>reason </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>petty</i><i>.</i>¡±


    !<fn506c> Chapters first released on ?ovelFind</fn506c>


    6


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    <


    Then Cole.


    ÁÖ¼Ò 31%ÈÕ


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>Grace</i><i>, </i><i>clearly </i><i>this </i>was a <i>misunderstanding</i>. <i>Olivia </i>doesn¡¯t deserve to <i>be </i><i>punished</i><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Clowns, fucking clowns.


    I red at the six people standing before me. Five more days. That¡¯s all I needed. <b>As </b>I turned to leave, Noah called out.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Your </i>room, <i>it¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>moved </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>guest </i><i>room </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>we-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>No </i><i>thank </i><i>you</i><b>.</b><b>¡® </b>


    39


    Who the hell gave them permission to move my room. What, was Noah trying to alleviate his guilt knowing I was sleeping in a closet.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i>, <i>stop </i><i>being </i><i>difficult</i><i>. </i><i>There¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>need </i><i>for </i><i>all </i>of <i>this</i>. <i>Go </i><i>ahead </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>new </i><i>room</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I kept walking.


    Finally, Calvin spoke.


    ¡°<i>This</i>! <i>This </i><i>is </i><i>why </i><i>no </i><i>one wants </i><i>to </i><i>deal </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>being </i><i>so </i><i>difficult</i><i>! </i><i>Clearly-</i>¡±


    That was it. I¡¯d had it with this bullshit.


    <i>¡°</i><i>When</i><i>. </i><i>Tell </i><i>me </i><i>when </i>I <i>have </i><i>ever </i><i>been </i><i>difficult</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I turned myself about face so I could look directly at all of these treacherous snakes.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯ve </i><i>now </i><i>used </i><i>that </i><i>word </i><i>over </i><i>dozen </i><i>times</i>. <i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>ever </i><i>been </i><i>difficult</i>. <i>Was </i><i>I </i><i>difficult </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>forced </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>live </i><i>in </i>a <i>closet </i><i>because </i><i>Olivia </i><i>needed </i><i>time </i><i>to </i><i>adjust</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Was </i><i>I </i><i>difficult </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>had </i><i>me </i><i>doing </i><i>maid¡¯s </i><i>work </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>needed </i>to <i>EARN </i><i>moving </i><i>back </i><i>into </i><i>my </i><i>natural </i><i>family¡¯s </i><i>home</i>, <i>that </i><i>through </i><i>no </i><i>faults </i><i>of </i><i>my </i><i>own </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>removed </i><i>from</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°<i>Was </i><i>I </i><i>being </i><i>too </i><i>difficult </i><i>when </i><i>you </i>forced <i>me </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>Brian </i>and <i>Olivia¡¯s </i><i>homework </i><i>and </i><i>tests </i><i>because </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>MY </i><i>fault </i>for <i>being </i>TOO <i>smart</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Was </i><i>I </i><i>being </i><i>too </i><i>difficult </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>force </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>dress </i>as a <i>maid </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>parties </i><i>because </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>Olivia </i><i>to </i><i>feel </i><i>spited </i><i>now </i><i>that </i><i>your </i><i>¡®</i><i>real</i><i>¡® </i><i>daughter </i><i>had </i><i>returned</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>6 </b>


    <b>B </b>


    |||


    O


    10:39 Sat, Sep 6 RD<b>. </b>


    ÁÖ 31%ÈÕ


    ¡°<i>Or </i><i>what </i>about <i>when </i><i>I </i><i>had </i>to stay <i>up </i>for almost <i>10 </i><i>hours </ipleting a business <i>proposal </i><i>for </i>Noah because <i>he </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>have </i>ice cream <i>with </i><i>the </i><i>¡®</i><i>family</i>¡®, <i>tell </i>me, <i>was </i><i>I </i><i>too </i><i>difficult</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The room fell silent, traces of guilt spread across their faces, finally Noah spoke up.


    ¡°<i>Okay </i><i>Grd</i>, <i>we </i><i>get </i>your point-¡±


    I cut him off. I didn¡¯t want to hear it.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Do </i><i>you</i><i>? </i>You <i>get </i><i>it</i>. <i>Tonight</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>came </i><i>home </i><i>to </i><i>being </i><i>physically </i><i>followed </i><i>by verbally </i><i>assaulted </i><i>because </i><i>instead </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>TALKING </i><i>to </i>me<i>, </i><i>you </i><i>ASSUMED</i><i>. </i><i>When </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i><i>was </i><i>clear </i><i>as </i><i>day </i>and could <i>have </i><i>been </i><i>resolved</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>found </i><i>out </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>that </i><i>stupid </i><i>ne </i><i>and </i><i>not </i><i>ONCE </i>


    <i>did </i><i>any </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>apologize</i>.¡°.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Instead</i><i>, </i>it¡¯s <i>somehow </i><i>still </i><i>my </i><i>fault</i>. <i>Not </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sorry </i><i>for </i><i>assaulting </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>or </i><i>sorry </i><i>for </i><i>not </i><i>believing </i><i>you </i><i>or </i><i>even</i><i>¡­</i><i>well </i>WHO <i>DID </i><i>take </i><i>the </i><i>damn </i><i>ne</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I stared directly at Olivia for this next part.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Because </i><i>obviously </i><i>someone </i><i>tried </i><i>to </i><i>frame </i><i>me</i><i>. </i><i>But </i><i>why </i><i>should </i><i>I </i><i>expect </i><i>any </i><i>different</i><i>? </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>doing </i><i>since </i><i>I </i><i>came </i><i>here</i>. <i>So</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>think </i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i>jump <i>through </i><i>hoops </i><i>because </i><i>you </i><i>moved </i><i>my </i><i>room </i><i>WITHOUT </i><i>my </i><i>permission</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>rather </i><i>take </i><i>the </i><i>closet </i>


    <i>instead</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I turned around to leave but quickly remembered something.


    ¡°Oh, <i>and </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Calvin </i><i>Rochester</i>. <i>My </i><i>MOTHER</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>taught </i><i>me </i><i>about </i><i>love</i><i>, </i><i>grace</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>honesty</i>. <i>None </i><i>of </i><i>which </i><i>involves </i><i>being </i><i>a thief</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>how </i><i>I </i><i>ended </i><i>up </i><i>in </i><i>her </i><i>care</i><i>, </i><i>but </i>I <i>have a </i><i>funny </i><i>feeling</i><i>, </i>it¡¯s <i>not </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>told. </i><i>After </i><i>all</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>truly </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>find </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>could </i>


    <i>have</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I walked away leaving them all in shock. Enough of the bullshit, I¡¯ming for everybody¡¯s necks!


    <b>Chapter </b><b>Comments </b>


    S

 Hunted 123

    <b>Chapter </b><b>123 </b>


    <b><i>Noah¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    P:


    <b>81 </b>


    We all watched as Grd made her way downstairs back to the storage closet. I couldn¡¯t believe it; she really didn¡¯t want the room. Over the past several years, Grd had been humble, docile, sometimes a t out doormat all out of desperation


    for us to love her. But tonight, tonight I saw something in her eyes that I had never seen before. Pure disgust. I felt like a storm wasing and there was no way we could stop <ol><li>it. </li></ol>


    As the shock wore down, Cole spoke first.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Maybe </i><i>we </i><i>should </i>go <i>down </i><i>there </i>and <i>apologize</i>, <i>maybe </i><i>it¡¯ll </i><i>convince </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>the </i><i>room</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Mother scoffed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let </i><i>her </i><i>sleep </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>closet </i><i>if </i><i>she </i><i>wants </i><i>too</i><i>! </i><i>Now </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>supposed </i>to <i>beg-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>was </i><i>she </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>storage </i><i>closet </i><i>to </i><i>begin </i><i>with </i><i>Sharon?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Dad was now looking at mom with an unreadable expression. I could tell thatst


    remark Grd said got to him.


    <i>¡®</i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>truly </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>find </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>have</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    She was right. I remember the night Grd went missing; mother seemed detached. They searched for about three days before mother wanted to give up. She imed it was too painful to deal with if she couldn¡¯t find her. A few dayster, Olivia came home.


    Mom looked at dad with shock in her eyes. Her face had gone ashen,


    ¡°I only <i>told </i><i>her </i><i>she </i>had to <i>stay </i><i>there </i>for a <i>little </i><i>while</i><i>; </i>it¡¯s not my fault <i>she </i>never <i>left</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Dad called Zelma our head maid into the foyer.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>Sir</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>11:57 </b>Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>8 </b>


    Still looking at mom, dad barked his orders.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Someone </i><i>tried </i>to frame <i>my </i><i>daughter </i><i>by </i><i>taking </i>a <i>ne </i>from <i>our </i><i>bedroom</i>, <i>check </i><i>the </i><i>security </i><i>cameras </i>and <i>tell </i>me <i>everyone </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>in </i><i>there</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    81


    Zelma looked at my father with slightly shocked and puzzled expression. For a moment, I could have swore she nced at Olivia.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Did </i>you <i>not </i><i>understand </i><i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°O¨C<i>Oh </i><i>yes </i><i>sir</i><i>! I¡¯ll </i><i>have </i><i>the </i><i>report </i><i>first </i><i>thing </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>morning</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Mom spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Calvin</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>doing </i><i>this </i>for<i>? </i><i>Why </i><i>does </i><i>it </i><i>matter </i><i>now</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Dad turned and looked at mom, something was definitely bothering him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>When </i><i>you </i><i>thought </i><i>Grd </i><i>stole </i><i>the </i><i>ne </i><i>it </i><i>was </i>WW3. <i>Now </i><i>you¡¯re asking </i><i>me </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>who </i><i>not </i><i>only </i><i>stole </i><i>something </i><i>from </i><i>our </i><i>bedroom</i>, <i>but </i><i>tried </i><i>to </i><i>frame </i><i>our </i><i>daughter</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Mom looked around the room with a nervous expression, her question really was


    ridiculous.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>saying</i><i>, </i>it¡¯s <i>over </i><i>now</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>the </i><i>ne</i>. <i>So</i>, <i>what¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>big </i>deal.¡±


    Dad sneered.


    ¡°<i>Maybe </i><i>because </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>first </i>time since <i>she¡¯s </ie <i>back </i>home, <i>she </i>called <i>Mr. </i>Rochester, instead of <i>dad</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Dad didn¡¯t say another word, leaving mom speechless as he went to their bedroom. Suddenly, Brian spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd </i>is getting out of control<i>! </i><i>I </i><i>admit</i>, <i>we </i><i>were </i>wrong about the ne, but <i>for </i>her to <i>say </i><i>all </i>of <i>that </i>stuff!¡±


    11:57 Mon, Sep 8 <b>¡­ </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i>mean <i>like </i><i>the </i><i>fact </i><i>that </i><i>she </i><i>had </i>to <i>do </i><i>your </i><i>schoolwork </i><i>because </i><i>you </i><i>kept </i><i>screwing </i><i>up</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole was now looking at Brian with irritation in his eyes. The family was starting to fall


    apart. In an attempt to calm everyone down, I stepped in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look </i><i>everyone</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><ite</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>a </i><i>long </i><i>night </i><i>okay</i>. <i>Let¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>all </i><i>go </i>to <i>bed, </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>deal </i><i>with </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>this </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>morning</i>. <i>Mom</i>, <i>you </i><i>did </i><i>hit </i><i>her</i><i>¡­</i>it <i>might </i><i>not </i><i>be </i><i>so </i><i>wrong </i><i>to </i><i>at </i><i>least </i><i>say </i>


    <i>sorry</i>.¡± <fn53ad> ?????? ???? F¦Énd£Îovel</fn53ad>


    Mom looked at me with anger and irritation, but she didn¡¯t object. She stormed to her room for the night. Suddenly, Brian started up again.


    ¡°<i>Hey </i><i>Noah</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>exactly </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>be </i><i>team </i><i>Grd</i><i>? </i><i>Trying </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>up </i>for <i>the </i><i>fact </i><i>that </i><i>SHE </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>reason </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>that </i><i>contract</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I turned to look at my idiot little brother.


    81


    Chapter Comments

 Hunted 124

    <b>Chapter </b><b>124 </b>


    30% 4


    <i>¡°</i><i>Perhaps </i>Brian. <i>I </i><i>suggest </i><i>you </i><i>start </i><i>trying </i>to <i>make </i><i>up </i>for <i>the </i><i>fact </i><i>that </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>reason </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>be </i>graduating <i>college</i>.¡±


    I decided to go to bed, she wasn¡¯t going toe out of that closet tonight. By tomorrow, she should be cooled off.


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>Pov</i></b><b>: </b>


    I woke the next morning feeling surprisingly light despite that crappy bed. Maybe it was because I was able tosh out after all these years! And even though I was pretty sure it would change absolutely nothing, it felt good to finally get it out. After I finished showering, I received a text from my mother¨Cinw.


    [Good <i>morning</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>I </i><b><i>hope </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><i>were </i><b><i>able </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>sleep </i></b><b><i>well</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Call </i></b><i>me </i><i>as </i><b>soon </b><b><i>as </i></b><b>you </b>get <b><i>the </i></b><b><i>chance</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Grandpa </i></b><b><i>Teddy </i></b><i>thinks </i><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>may have </i></b><b><i>found </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>solution </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>your </i></b><b><i>concern</i></b><i>.</i>]


    Hmm. If he¡¯s referring to my not wanting the Rochesters to benefit off the Christiansens¡­ I knew me and my new grandfather would be good friends.


    As I made my way to the kitchen, I could hear what sounded like an argumenting


    from the breakfast room.


    ???


    ¡°All <i>I¡¯m </i>saying <i>is </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>hit </i><i>her </i><i>mom</i><i>. </i><i>We </i><i>really </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>any </i><i>proof</i>. <i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>being </i><i>so </i><ibative </i><i>about </i><i>this</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Silence. Sigh. Sharon¡¯s voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Because </i><i>the </i><i>maids </i><i>weren¡¯t </i><i>the </i><i>ones </i><i>who </i><i>found </i><i>the </i><i>ne </i><i>Noah</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    ¡°<i>Then </i><i>who </i><i>did </i><i>mom</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Livie</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silence. Sigh.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>telling </i>me <i>is </i><i>that </i><i>Livie </i><i>tried </i><i>to </i><i>set </i><i>Grd </i><i>up </i>for <i>theft</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i><i>!!! </i>I¡¯m <i>just </i><i>saying </i><i>she </i>found <i>the-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>impossible </i>mom<i>! </i><i>There¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>she </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>found </i><i>that </i><i>ne in </i><i>Grd¡¯s </i>


    <i>room</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Maybe </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>maid¡¯s-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mom </i><i>stop</i><i>. </i><i>Livie </i><i>never </i><i>went </i><i>back </i><i>into </i><i>Grd¡¯s </i><i>room </i><i>after </i><i>yesterday </i><i>morning</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Noah</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>my </i><i>daughter</i><i>¡­</i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>sister</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>in </i><i>trouble </i>for <i>this</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>father </i>is <i>already </i><i>on </i><i>edge </i><i>after </i><i>what happened </i><ist </i><i>night</i><i>!</i><i>¡°</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>about </i><i>Grd </i><i>m-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>about </i><i>her</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>I </i><i>mean </i><i>is</i><i>, </i><i>now </i><i>that </i><i>we </i><i>know </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>point </i><i>in </i><i>harping </i><i>on </i><i>this</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>asking </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>protect </i><i>Livie</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Silence. Sigh.


    ¡°<i>Fine </i><i>mother</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>tell </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>rx</i><i>, </i><i>that </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>necessary</i>.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>will</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>knows</i>! <i>She </i><i>feels </i><i>really </i><i>bad</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>said </i><i>Grd </i><i>was </i><i>mean </i>to <i>her </i><i>that </i><i>morning</i><i>, </i><i>so </i><i>she </i><i>reacted </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>frustration</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>get </i><i>it</i>. <i>But </i><i>next </i><i>time</i>¡­<i>tell </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><ie </i>to me<i>. </i>I¡¯ll <i>handle </i><i>dad</i>. <i>Mom</i><i>, </i><i>apologize</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Silence. Exasperation.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Fine</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh hysterically to myself. WOW!! All that crap Noah tried to pullst night acting all concerned, only for him to cover for <i>Livie</i>. I knew it was too good to be true. I walked to kitchen to grab me some orange juice before leaving. As I closed the


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    refrigerator, Sharon was standing near the counter.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i>. <i>I </i><i>trust </i><i>you </i><i>sleep well</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I said nothing. She continued.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>apologize </i><i>for </i><ist night</i>. <i>Even </i><i>though </i><i>the </i><i>evidence </i><i>suggested </i><i>otherwise</i>, <i>I </i><i>now </i><i>know </i><i>you </i><i>weren¡¯t </i><i>the </i><i>one </i><i>who </i><i>took </i><i>the </i><i>ne</i>. <i>We think </i><i>one </i>of <i>the </i><i>maid¡¯s-</i>¡±


    <i>Hahahahahaha</i>.


    I began tough hysterically. Who the hell was she trying to fool!! After wiping the tears from my eyes, I grabbed my orange juice and left leaving her just staring in shock.


    As I made my way to the foyer, I was stopped by Noah.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i>. <i>A </i><i>word</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I slowly turned around, irritation on my face. Noah looked at me with slight guilt as he


    cleared his throat.


    ¡°Um, <i>I </i><i>trust </i><i>you </i><i>spoke </i><i>with </i><i>mother</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I stared at him nonchntly. He continued nervously.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Did </i>she <i>apologize</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>did</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>good</i><i>. </i><i>Well </i><i>then </i><i>you-</i>¡±


    I beganughing causing him to pause and stare at me confused.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Did </i>I <i>say </i><i>something </i><i>funny?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>As </i><i>a </i><i>matter </i><i>of </i><i>fact</i>, <i>you </i><i>did</i>. <i>I </i><i>never </i><i>said </i>I <i></i><fnfacb> Updates are released by F¦ÉndNovel</fnfacb>

 Hunted 125

    <b>Chapter </b><b>125 </b>


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    Noah¡¯s eyes shot wide opened as I continued tough. Who the hell did these people think they were! Even if I hadn¡¯t heard that despicable conversation, to think a mere


    forced apology was enough¡­ridiculous.


    ¡°<i>Grd</i>, <i>why </i>won¡¯t you <i>ept </i>mom¡¯s <i>apology</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>would </i><i>I</i>? <i>or </i><i>better </i><i>yet</i><i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>SHOULD </i><i>I</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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    Before Noah could answer, both Cole and Brian walked into the foyer along with Olivia. My eyes cut over to her causing her to stare nervously at the floor.


    Noah then scoffed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>pushing </i><i>it </i><i>Grd</i><i>. </i>You <i>had </i><i>your </i><i>little </i><i>tantrum </i><ist </i><i>night</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>time </i><i>to </i><i>put </i><i>this </i><i>whole </i><i>thing </i><i>behind us </i><i>and </i><i>move </i><i>on</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I scoffed as Iughed even louder.


    ¡°Why <i>should </i><i>I </i><i>move </i><i>on </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>know </i><i>who </i><i>set </i><i>me </i><i>up</i>.¡±


    Noah¡¯s face paled. The others may not have known, he most certainly knew the culprit


    was Olivia.


    ¡°<i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>what¡¯s </i><i>important-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>not</i>. <i>So</i>, <i>you¡¯re </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>someone </i><i>that </i><i>stole </i><i>from </i><i>our </i><i>parents </i><i>and also </i><i>tried </i><i>to </i><i>set </i><i>me </i><i>up</i><i>, </i>it¡¯s <i>not </i><i>important </i><i>that </i><i>we </i><i>find </i><i>out </i><i>who </i><i>that </i>is?¡±


    The color in Noah¡¯s face began to drain. He knew there was no logical exnation behind his response. Suddenly, Olivia walked forward, the usual tears in her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sister</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>feel </i><i>like </i><i>this </i>is <i>all </i><i>my </i><i>fault</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at this poor performance. Scoffing, I responded.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>is </i><i>your </i><i>fault</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>¡°</b><b>6</b><b>¡± </b>


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    Olivia¡¯s eyes widen<b>; </b>she wasn¡¯t aware I knew she was the one setting me up. Both she and Noah¡¯s face began to pale, wondering where I was going with myment. Before she could respond, Brian immediately intervened.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i>! <i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>me </i><i>Olivia</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jackass.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i>? <i>Then </i>it <i>was </i><i>you </i><i>that </i><i>set </i><i>me </i><i>up</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian¡¯s eyes widen with fury, it was bad enough I med his precious Livie, but now I was ming him.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>fuck </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>say</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>heard </i>me. <i>Since </i><i>you¡¯re </i>so <i>convinced </i><i>it </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>her</i>, <i>perhaps </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian was about to charge at me when Noah blocked him.


    ¡°<i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>Stop </i><i>this </i><i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Cole spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>still </i><i>upset </i><i>about </i><ist </i><i>night </i><i>but </i>to <i>think </i><i>that </i><i>any </i><i>of </i><i>us </i><i>is </i>a <i>thief </i><i>is </i><i>not </i><i>only </i><i>absurd</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>cruel and </i><i>unfair</i>. <i>Especially </i><i>Livie</i>.¡±


    Ha! The nerve of this gang of jackasses! The irony almost turned this into aedy show.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>cruel </i><i>when </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>used </i><i>but </i><i>normal </i><i>when </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>me</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Cole¡¯s eyes flickered as guilt began to seep through. This family was so far gone, I wasn¡¯t even sure if they fully understood anymore how screwed up they were.


    Brian pushed Noah¡¯s hands away, as he began to sneer.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Livie </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>raised </i><i>by </i><i>a </i><i>criminal</i><i>! </i><i>Can </i><i>you </i><i>say </i><i>the </i><i>same thing</i><i>!</i>¡±


    I could feel my heart tighten up as he ndered my mother¡¯s name. Before I could. respond, Noah yelled.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>enough </i><i>Brian</i><i>!</i>¡±


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    Brian nced at Noah with irritation, but he chose not to challenge him. Instead, he looked as me with a smug smile thinking he¡¯d had me.


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    ¡°I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>if </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>raised </i><i>by </i><i>a </i><i>thief</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>liars </i><i>are </i><i>definitely </i><i>in </i><i>full </i><i>bloom </i><i>here</i>. <i>So</i>, <i>by </i><i>all </i>means, <i>celebrate </i>your <i>academic </i>sess<b>, </b><i>your </i><i>business </i>sess, <i>your </i><i>musical </i><i>and </i><i>art creations </i><i>as </i><i>everyone </i><i>praises </i><i>how </i><i>magnificent </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>are</i>.¡±


    With that, I turned to leave. I was through with these circus clowns.


    <b><i>Noah¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    I turned to re at Brian. As usual, he¡¯d gone too far.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>exactly </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>do</i><i>!</i>¡±


    He walked over to me, fury in his eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>ming </i>me for <i>this! </i><i>She </i><i>used </i><i>Livie </i><i>of-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Livie </i>DID <i>do </i><i>it</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The words came flying out of my mouth before I had a chance to stop them. Originally, I had no intention of telling my brothers, I was merely going to speak with Livie personally. Livie walked over to me, tears in her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Noah</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>say </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could never stand to see Livie cry, all I wanted to do was hug her and apologize, but I


    needed to be stern so that she wouldn¡¯t make any more mistakes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Livie</i><i>, </i><i>Mom </i><i>already </i><i>told </i><i>me </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>the </i><i>one </i><i>that gave </i><i>her </i><i>the </i><i>ne</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Brian instantly jumped in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>what</i>! <i>Obviously </i><i>one </i>of <i>the </i><i>maids-</i>¡±


    I held my hand up interrupting Brian¡¯s protest.


    ¡°<i>There¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>a </i><i>maid </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>give </i><i>Livie </i><i>the </i><i>ne </i><i>before </i><i>or </i><i>after the </i>


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    move.<i>¡± </i>


    I looked at my sister, her eyes flooding with tears, she held her head down.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <b>so </b>sorry.<b>¡± </b>


    Sobbing loudly, she wrapped her arms around me tightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Please </i><i>Noah</i><i>! </i><i>Forgive </i>me<i>! </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>mean </i>for <i>it </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>that </i><i>far</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>so </i><i>mad </i><i>at </i><i>her </i><i>for </i><i>using </i>me <i>of </i><i>being pregnant</i><i>! My </i><i>virtue </i><i>means </i><i>everything </i><i>to </i><i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


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    Loud sobs began to choke Livie as she cry harder. Brian and Cole came rushing over, we all hugged and supported our Livie.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Livie</i>, <i>it¡¯s </i><i>okay</i><i>! </i><i>What¡¯s </i><i>done </i><i>is </i><i>done</i>. <i>Grd </i><i>will </i><i>just </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>over </i><i>it</i>.


    <i>¡°But </i><i>what </i><i>if </i><i>she </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>Brian</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>i</i><i>¨C</i><i>if</i><i>¡­</i><i>if</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>will </i><i>Livie</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>she </i><i>does</i>!<i>¡± </i>


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    Cole tried his best to reassure her. We all hated seeing our sister in distress, I would have


    to find a way to make sure Grd forgave her.


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    I arrived at the coffee shop about 9:30am. The events from that morning still had me agitated. I needed to calm myself down. I ordered myself an iced carameltte and waited for the attorney my new Grandad appointed me.


    After I left the estate, Teddy called me back letting me know what his n was.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Granddaughter</i><i>! </i><i>Were </i><i>you </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>my </i><i>message</i>.¡®


    A bright smile formed on my lips as I waited for my rideshare.


    <i>¡°I </i><i>did</i><i>! </i><i>Though </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>little confused</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could hear Teddyughing slightly.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i>, I <i>most </i><i>certainly </i>assume so<i>, </i><i>but </i>I assure you¡­<i>it¡¯s </i><i>full </i>proof as <i>long </i>as you <i>do </i><i>exactly </i><i>as </i>


    <i>I </i><i>say</i><i>!</i>¡±


    I listened to Teddy as heid out the n for me, he was right¡­it was good!


    Now, I sat waiting for the attorney to arrive. My father¨Cinw hired someone directly


    from his firm.


    Thirty minutester, a tall older woman with blonde hair walked into the caf¨¦. She had


    the kind of face that was beautiful but stern. You could tell she was no nonsense. She


    removed her sses, her short blonde hair ruffled as she slid them to her head. She


    looked around the caf¨¦ until she spotted me. I¡¯d told Teddy to let her know I would be wearing an olive green dress with thin straps. As soon as she spotted me, she smiled. As


    she walked over, I immediately stood up. Reaching out her hand, she introduced herself.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd </i><i>Rochester</i>?¡±<fnae50> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find[f]ovel</fnae50>


    I smiled and nodded.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Please </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>Erin </i><i>Mascow</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>new </i><i>legal </i><i>counsel</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 126

    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    29%<fn196e> Readplete version only at findnovel</fn196e>


    After my meeting with Erin, I was excited! For the first time in two lifespans, I had something to look forward to! After the meeting, Teddy and Ma called to check on me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>Erin</i><i>? </i><i>How¡¯d </i>you <i>like </i><i>her</i><i>?</i>¡±


    The excitement in Teddy¡¯s voice made meugh. I could tell he was enjoying this. Ma grabbed the phone shortly after.


    ¡°<i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>we </i><i>agreed </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>weekend</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>feel </i><i>secure </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>staying </i><i>there</i>. <i>How </i><i>about </i><i>you </i><ie </i><i>tomorrow </i><i>instead</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I pondered what my mother¨Cinw said withst night¡¯s events reying in my mind.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sure</i>! <i>Let¡¯s </i><i>do </i><i>tomorrow</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could hear both Ma and Ka both squeal. It warmed my heart knowing I could bring


    them some type of happiness, I knew they were sad about Kai.


    I decided to treat myself to a nice lunch. In my previous life, after my mom died, I was never treated to nice dinners. Not by my family or my so called husband. I¡¯d stay back watching the Rochesters all go out and celebrate; parties, dinners, gs. All while exining to me why I had to say.


    Jonathan, he would think of a million reasons to take Olivia out and just as many not to take me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>Olivia¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>feeling </i><i>unwell</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>taking </i><i>her </i><i>dinner </i><i>because </i><i>her </i><i>stomach </i><i>has </i><i>been hurting</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>Look</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>over </i><i>this</i><i>, </i><i>Olivia </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>talk </i><i>to </i><i>someone </i><i>she </i><i>trusts</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>dinner</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>being </i>so <i>damn </i><i>petty</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    All those broken promises and feelings of emptiness would soon being to an end! From now on, I was going to live my life and be happy with my new family! I was also going to figure out how to wake my husband up.


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    I decided to eat at a restaurant called The Palto. Over the years, I¡¯d heard a lot of good things about the ce from the Rochesters. I would hear theming home some nights bragging about how great the food was.


    ¡°<i>OMG</i><i>! </i><i>That </i><i>food </i><i>was </i>so <i>delicious</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia would often make sure she highlighted the evening for me.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>wish </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>there</i><i>! </i><i>We </i><i>had </i><i>the </i><i>most </i><i>delicious </i><i>dessert</i><i>! </i><i>Chocte </i><i>cake </i><i>with </i><i>chocte </i><i>mousse</i><i>, </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>favorite </i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia knew what many of my favorite foods and desserts were so to antagonize me, she


    would order them just so she could brag about how good it was.


    Eventually, I stopped eating my favorite sweets and meals altogether. Today, however, I


    think I¡¯ll enjoy it once again. After being seated by the hostess, I looked over my menu.


    The Rochesters weren¡¯t aware, but my mother left me a small inheritance of thirty-


    thousand dors. The day after her funeral, an attorney visited me in the hospital exining all the details.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>sorry </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>loss </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Grd</i><i>. </i><i>Diana </i><i>was </i><i>an </i><i>amazing </i><i>woman</i>.


    ??


    At the time, I was still in shock about her death. I hadn¡¯t said much of anything during my stay at the hospital or even at her funeral. I smiled lightly at the attorney nodding my head in ce of speaking.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>still </i><i>in </i><i>recovery</i>, so I¡¯ll <i>make </i><i>this </i><i>quick</i>. <i>Your </i><i>mother </i><i>took </i><i>out </i><i>a </i><i>life </i><i>insurance </i><i>policy </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>a </i><i>few </i><i>weeks </i><i>after </i><i>moving </i><i>to </i><i>Willington</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>wanted </i>to <i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>if </i><i>anything </i><i>ever </i><i>happened </i><i>to her </i><i>she </i><i>could </i><i>leave </i><i>you </i><i>with </i><i>something</i>.


    The attorney handed me a blue debit card. On it was a bnce of 30k. Knowing it was thest thing my mother would ever give me, I could never bring myself to spend even a


    dor. Today, I would use my mother¡¯s card and order her favorite dish and my favorite


    dessert. I had a new life ahead of me and I wanted to celebrate with her!


    The Rochesters were right about one thing, The Palto¡¯s food was absolutely amazing!


    After lunch, I headed to the mall. I decided to buy me a few new dresses and a gift for my new inws; I wanted to look my best or at the very least the best I could afford when I


    went with the Christiansens tomorrow. This family had already given me so much, I wanted to show my appreciation.


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    I settled on this beautiful crystal whale as a gift for the Christiansens. Seeing as to how I met Ma in the ocean, I felt it was fitting. For me, the ocean didn¡¯t represent a day she wanted to end her life, it represented the day we both cleansed away our sorrows. In my previous life, I¡¯d missed that message¡­never again! I decided I would give them the gift after Kai, and I officially became engaged.


    After leaving the Crystal Hour Boutique, I headed to a popr dress store in the mall. While looking at different dresses, I spotted this beautiful pink sundress. The flowers on it reminded me of the flowerbed my mother and I nted in the backyard of our cottage. As I was walking towards the register, I heard someone call me name. Turning around, I could see Olivia¡¯s friend Tiffany Means walking towards me.


    In my previous life, Tiffany was one of the people that would also often torture me for the sake of Olivia. She knew Olivia hated me and took pleasure in making my life a living hell, especially when we were in high school. As the memories started to flood my thoughts, I could feel my eyes darkening as she grew closer.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>that </i><i>was you</i><i>! Hi </i><i>Grd</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    *


    She spoke in this sweet and sugary voice disying a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. Equally as stoic, I smiled back.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>good </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>Tiffany</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>all </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>well</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tiffany smirked; she¡¯d been standing with two other girls I had never seen before. As I turned to leave, she pulled my arm.


    ¡°Oh<i>, </i><i>how </i><i>cute</i>! <i>Did </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>finally </i><i>give </i><i>you </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>money</i><i>, </i><i>so </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>stop </i><i>wearing </i><i>Livie¡¯s hand </i><i>me </i><i>downs</i>? <i>That¡¯s </i>so <i>nice </i>of <i>them</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The two girls began tough. I simply smiled and calmly replied.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually </i><i>Tiffany</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>earned </i><i>this </i><i>money </i><i>through </i><i>tutoring </i><i>others</i>.¡±


    I decided to go with that lie in case the Rochesters wondered where i money from and used me of stealing again.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>remember </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you</i><i>? </i><i>How my </i><i>grades </i><i>were </i><i>10 </i><i>times </i><i>better </i><i>than </i><i>yours </i><i>and </i><i>Olivia¡¯s</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>shame </i><i>you </i><i>never </i><i>let </i><i>me </i><i>tutor </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>might </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>able </i>to <i>graduate </i><i>higher </i><i>than </i><i>number </i>


    <i>381.</i>¡±


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    Tiffany¡¯s face instantly turned red as her two friends stood in shock. Guess they didn¡¯t know their ringleader was a ring idiot. Fume began to steam out her mouth as she began to yell.


    ¡°<i>Whatever </i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>Ha</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>guess </i><i>you </i><i>had </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>good </i><i>at something</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>literally </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters</i>¡® <i>maid</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>shame </i><i>you </i><i>weren¡¯t </i><i>stolen </i><i>by </i><i>someone </i><i>of </i><i>higher-</i><b>¡± </b>


    I walked directly to Tiffany¡¯s face to make sure no one but she could hear my next set of


    words; causing her to stop mid¨Csentence as she stared at me startled. As she backed away slowly, slight fear in her eyes as she could tell my expression had grown dangerous, she


    nervously spoke.


    ¡°W¨C<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>are </i><i>you-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>Do <i>me </i><i>a </i><i>favor </i><i>Tiffany</i><i>. </i><i>Please </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>ever </i><i>speak </i><i>of </i><i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>again </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>won¡¯t hesitate </i><i>to </i><i>dly </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>prison if </i><i>it </i><i>means </i><i>removing </i><i>your </i><i>tongue </i><i>from </i><i>your </i><i>mouth</i><b><i>.</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    I smiled and eerily cheerful smile as the words poured threw like acid. Tiffany¡¯s eyes widen, slight fear on her face. Regaining herposure, she scoffed.


    ¡°<i>Whatever </i><i>Grd</i><i>. </i><i>Freak</i><i>. </i><i>Come </i><i>on </i><i>girls</i><i>, </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>go</i>.


    Watching her and her two goofy goffers leave the store; I smiled in triumph. I then walked over to the register, paid for my dress, and then made my way back to the


    Rochester estate.


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    I arrived back home around 2pm. After confirming my pickup time for tomorrow morning with Ma, I felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from my heart. I walked into the Rochester estate with caution, after all,st time I came home I was assaulted for something I didn¡¯t do.


    As I made my way to my room, I could hear my biological mother call my name harshly.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Jesus</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>now</i><i>.</i>¡®


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>Get </i><i>in </i><i>here </i><i>immediately</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I walked into the grand room to see Sharon, Brian, Cole, and of course Olivia all staring at me. Just as Sharon was about to say something, her eyes darted to the bags in my hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>went </i><i>shopping</i>!?¡±


    She said it in an usatory tone suggesting I had the audacity. Smiling politely, I nodded my head.


    ¡°<i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>decided </i><i>to </i><i>buy </i><i>me </i><i>a </i><i>new </i><i>dress</i>. <i>Is </i><i>there </i><i>something </i><i>wrong </i><i>with </i><i>that</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sharon¡¯s eyes widen, anger seeping through.


    ¡°How <i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>talk </i><i>me </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>your </i><i>mother</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mother? I nearlyughed out loud at the hypocrisy. When was thisdy ever a mother


    to me? Suddenly, Brian spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>know</i><i>, </i><i>is </i><i>where </i><i>she </i><i>got </i><i>the </i><i>money </i><i>to </i><i>buy </i><i>anything</i><i>! </i><i>Have </i><i>you </i><i>been </i><i>stealing </i><i>again</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian barked at me with hatred in his tone, awe, he must still be pissed from this morning. Howughable. I rolled my eyes over to Brian, a mischievous grin on my face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Again</i><i>? </i><i>Brian</i><i>, </i><i>please </i><i>correct </i><i>me </i><i>if </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>wrong </i><i>but </i><i>to </i><i>steal </i><i>AGAIN </i><i>would </i><i>imply </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>stolen </i><i>before</i><i>. </i><i>When </i><i>would </i><i>that </i><i>have </i><i>been</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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    Brian¡¯s eyes widen, he¡¯d realized he was still implying I stole that ugly ne. Before he could respond, I continued.


    <i>¡°</i>As I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>you </i>of all <i>people </i><i>are aware, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>very </i><i>proficient </i><i>in </i>academics<i>. </i>I¡¯ve been <i>tutoring </i><i>to </i><i>help </i><i>others </i><i>pass </i><i>their </i><i>exams</i>. <i>Not </i><i>everyone </i>feels <i>my </i><i>services </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>free</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    To that statement, all four of their eyes widen. They most certainly were not used to me defending myself this boldly, however, what really pissed them off was the fact that they


    could not refute my statement.


    Sharon began to speak, her voice slightly trembling.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i><i>¨C</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>is </i><i>wrong </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>why </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>be </i><i>so </i><i>ungrateful</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    As tears started to fall down her cheeks, the three fools ran over to console her. At least


    Olivia had it honestly. Suddenly, Cole looked at me, panic in his eyes.


    ¡°<i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>behaving </i><i>this </i><i>way</i>.


    I looked at the weakest of my three brothers, Cole. In my previous life, Cole may have irritated me the most. He would always want to appear to be on my side, to understand me, but it was clear, he would always choose Olivia, he would always choose the Rochesters. Feeling myself get angry as I thought of my past, Ished out.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>exactly </i><i>did </i><i>I </i><i>do Cole</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    He stared at me with a shocked expression, in the past, whenever he pull that little stunt I


    would simply apologize to maintain peace.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>do </i>you-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>did</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i>using <i>me </i><i>of </i><i>acting </i><i>some </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>way</i>. <i>So</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>did </i><i>I </i><i>do</i><i>? </i><i>From </i><i>the </i><i>moment </i><i>I </i><i>walked </i><i>into </i><i>this </i><i>house </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>greeted </i><i>with </i><i>hostility </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>went </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>store</i>. Is <i>THAT </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>did </i><i>wrong?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole looked around nervously, he didn¡¯t have a response. Stuttering, he tried his best to


    defend himself.


    ¡°<i>I</i>¨C<i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>implying </i><i>you </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>store </i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>meant</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>being </i>so


    <i>mean</i><i>.</i>¡±


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    <i>¡°</i><i>When </i><i>was </i>I <i>mean</i>? <i>Your </i><i>mother </i><i>called </i><i>me </i><i>into </i><i>this </i><i>room </i><i>with </i><i>hostility</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>brother </i><i>just </i><i>called </i><i>me </i><i>a </i><i>thief</i><i>¡­again</i><i>. </i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>am </i><i>I </i><i>not </i><i>allowed </i><i>to </i><i>defend </i><i>myself</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole looked at me with a puzzled expression as I emphasized ¡®<i>his </i><i>mother </i><i>and </i><i>brother</i>¡®.


    Just as Cole was about to answer, Noah walked into the room causing everyone to turn around.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>on </i><i>now</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    On cue, both Olivia and Sharon ran over to Noah, tears filled in their eyes. Sharon spoke first.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh </i><i>Noah</i>, <i>I </i>think <i>Grd </i><i>is </i>still <i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>punish </i>me for <ist </i><i>night</i>. <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand </i><i>why </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>being </i>so <i>hostile</i>.¡±


    Foolish.


    Noah¡¯s eyes darted over to me. His face began to redden with irritation.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>just </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>doing</i>! <i>Look</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>ne </i><i>thing </i><i>is </i><i>over</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>long </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>keep </i><i>this </i><i>attitude</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled sardonically at Noah causing his eyes to widen.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>done </i><i>nothing </i><i>wrong</i>. <i>Please </i><i>ask </i><i>your </i><i>family</i>¡® <i>why </i><i>they </i><i>are </i><i>yet </i><i>again </i><i>using </i><i>me </i><i>stealing </i><i>simply </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>went </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>store</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Noah looked at his brothers.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>true</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian immediately objected.


    of


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>what </i><i>happened</i><i>! </i><i>We </i><i>asked </i><i>her </i><i>where </i><i>she </i><i>got </i><i>the </i><i>money </i><i>from </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>shopping</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Noah¡¯s brows furrowed. It must¡¯ve dawned on him that the Rochesters never once gave me spending money. Turning back to me, he looked as if he were demanding an exnation. Rolling my eyes, I began to answer.


    ¡°As I <i>exined </i><i>to your </i><i>brothers</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>getting </i><i>paid </i><i>to </i><i>tutor</i>. Not <i>everyone </i><i>wants </i><i>me </i><i>taking </i><i>their </i><i>tests</i><i>, </i><i>doing </i><i>their </i><i>homework</i><i>, </i><i>or </i><i>working </i><i>on </i><i>proposals </i><i>without </i><i>so </i><i>much </i><i>as </i>a <i>thank </i>


    <i>you</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Noah¡¯s eyes widen in shock, he knew exactly what I was referring too. Suddenly, Sharon spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>see </i><i>Noah</i><i>! </i><i>Such </i><i>venom</i>!!<i>¡± </i>


    Noah looked at his mother with an annoyed expression. He¡¯d already spoke with her this morning and here we were again. Suddenly, Olivia spoke up, slight tears still in her voice.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Grace</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>were </i><i>all </i><i>just </i><i>worried </i><i>about </i><i>you</i>. <i>We </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>you </i><i>had </i><i>money </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>shopping</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I looked at Olivie, a smile across my lips that didn¡¯t reach my eyes.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>curious </i><i>Olivia</i>. <i>Exactly </i><i>how </i>DID <i>you </i><i>find </i><i>out </i><i>I </i><i>went </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>mall</i><i>? </i>Did <i>Tiffany </i><i>tell </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia¡¯s face instantly paled, in an attempt to feign concern, she¡¯d given herself away.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Y</i>¨C<i>Yes</i>, <i>Tiff </i><i>said </i><i>she </i><i>saw </i><i>you </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>sto-</i>¡±


    I lifted my hand cutting Olivia off, this might be a moment for a little fun. I began to


    muster up some tears.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wow</i><i>. </i><i>So</i>, <i>Tiffany </i><i>called </i><i>you </i><i>about </i><i>me </i><i>buying </i><i>a </i><i>dress</i>? <i>Huh</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>know</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>only </i><i>decided </i><i>to </i><i>buy </i><i>this </i><i>dress </i><i>because </i><i>she </i><i>used </i><i>our </i><i>family </i>of <i>being </i><i>broke</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia¡¯s face turned to anger.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>a </i>lie<i>!!</i>¡±


    I looked at Olivia, tears nowing down.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i><i>¡­</i><i>it </i><i>isn¡¯t</i>. <i>She </i><i>said </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>must </i><i>be </i><i>going </i><i>broke seeing </i><i>as </i><i>to </i><i>how </i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>only </i><i>wear </i><i>hand</i>¨C<i>me</i><i>¨C</i><i>downs</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Noah¡¯s face began to redden, speaking ill of me was one thing, but speaking ill of the Rochesters, THAT is wear he drew the line.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>true</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Before I could answer, Olivia interjected.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Noah </i><i>that </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>true</i><i>! </i><i>Tiffany </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>say </i><i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Wiping the tears from my eyes, I looked at Olivia.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Olivia</i><i>, </i><i>how </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>know</i>? <i>You </i><i>weren¡¯t </i><i>there</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    For a brief moment, her mask almost slipped. Immediately fixing her face. She went back


    into her usual victim role.


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    <i>¡°</i>Grace, I¡¯m not <i>saying you¡¯re </i><i>lying</i>, it¡¯s <i>just</i><i>¡­</i><i>Tiffany </i><i>is </i><i>my </i><i>best </i><i>friend</i>. <i>She </i><i>would </i><i>never </i><i>say </i><i>something </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>. </i><i>Maybe </i>you <i>misunderstood </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    1 smiled lightly at Olivia.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Maybe</i>.¡±


    Olivia smiled smugly, thinking she¡¯d won that round. Cole interjected happily.


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>d </i><i>that¡¯s </i>all <i>cleared </i><i>up</i><i>! </i><i>Let¡¯s </i>go to <i>the </i><i>theater </i>room<i>! </i><i>Noah</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>got </i><i>home </i><i>just </i><i>in </i><i>time</i><i>, </i>


    <i>we </i><i>were </i><i>about </i><i>to </i><i>watch </i><i>a </i><i>movie </i><i>with </i><i>Livie</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Before Noah could answer, Brian began to bark at me.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>look</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled somberly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Nothing</i>. <i>I </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>wondering </i><i>how </i><i>Tiffany </i><i>would </i><i>know </i><i>I </i><i>wore </i><i>hand</i><i>¨C</i><i>me</i><i>¨C</i><i>downs </i>to <i>begin </i><i>with</i>. <i>Lucky </i><i>guess </i>I <i>suppose</i>.¡±


    With that, I turned and headed to my room, leaving them all in silence. After I left the


    room, I could hear Noah bark at Olivia.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>hanging </i><i>with </i><i>that </i><i>girl </i><i>anymore</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Noah</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>No <i>buts</i><i>! </i><i>Anyone </i><i>that </i><i>speaks </i><i>down </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>given </i><i>no </i><i>mercy</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smirked as I walked to my room. <i>¡®</i><i>So </i><i>fake </i><i>crying </i><i>does </i><i>have </i><i>its </i><i>advantages</i>.¡®


    <b>Chapter </b><b>Comments </b>


    31<fn5716> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n F¦ÉndNovel</fn5716>

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>129 </b>


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


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    After I went to my room I suddenly felt exhausted. It wasn¡¯t even 5 o¡¯clock and I¡¯d already


    felt like I had full day. After gettingfortable, I heard a knock on my door.


    <i>¡®</i><i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>do </i><i>they </i><i>want </i><i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    I opened the door to find Noah standing there looking at me impassively. Taking a deep


    sigh, I spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>there </i><i>something </i><i>else </i><i>wrong </i><i>Noah</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Noah¡¯s face twitched up. His expression looked almost surprised. Quickly fixing hisposure, he exined his reason for being at my door.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>nothing </i><i>wrong </i><i>Grd</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>act </i><i>like </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>only </i><i>reason </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><ie </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>door</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Scoff!


    This asshole! It IS the only reason! In the seven plus years I lived in this crap house never once did he or anyone elsee visit. Not wanting to start another back and forth, I remained silent, he continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Father </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>home </i><i>by </i><i>6pm</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>having </i><i>a </i><i>family </i><i>dinner </i><i>with </i><i>Jonathan</i><i>. Your </i><i>birthday </i><i>is </i><iing </i><i>up</i><i>, </i><i>both </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>Livie </i><i>will </i><i>be </i>20. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>time </i><i>to </i><i>choose </i>a <i>suitor </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>both</i><i>. </i><i>Father </i><i>will </i>


    <i>expect </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><b>¡± </b>


    What??? Had something change? In my previous life the infamous suitors dinner didn¡¯t happen until June 28th. That was why I originally intended to stay here until then. Why


    did the day change? I looked at. Noah nervously wondering what else might change. It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t expect change, hell, I weed it. But there were some things I expected


    to remain the same. Guess the butterfly effect is real.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>up </i><i>at </i><i>6pm</i>.


    Noah nodded and walked away, I quickly shut my door to update my inws.


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    11:44 Sat, Sep 6 <b>M </b>


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    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>Hey </i></b><i>future </i><b><i>mother</i></b>¨Cinw<i>! </i><b><i>I </i></b><i>wanted </i>to <i>update </i>you about <i>tonight</i><i>; </i>I¡¯ll be <i>informing me </i><i>family </i><b>of </b><b><i>my </i></b><i>engagement </i><i>tonight</i>. <b><i>Is </i></b><i>that </i><b><i>okay</i></b><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>[</b><b>Of </b><b><i>course</i></b><b><i>! </i></b><i>This </i><i>is </i><b><i>perfect</i></b><i>! </i><b>Theo </b>and <i>I </i><i>will </i>head <b><i>to </i></b><i>Kingston </i><i>tonight</i><i>. </i><b><i>That </i></b><b>way </b><b><i>we </i></b><i>can </i><i>get </i>you <i>first </i><i>thing </i><i>in </i><b><i>the </i></b>morning!¡±


    <i>[</i><b><i>Excellent</i></b>! I¡¯ll <b><i>see </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b>soon</b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    I was ted! My nightmare in this hellish house was finallying to an end. I quickly grabbed my old suitcase and began packing my things. I nned on leaving every piece of hand me down clothing the Rochesters had ever given me. No way was I bringing that dark energy into my new life. Not having much, I was able to finish my packing quickly. Afterwards, I decided to take a nap, setting my rm for 6pm, I closed my eyes finally allowing my body to rest.


    My rm went off at exactly 6pm causing me to jolt out of my sleep. I could feel my heart pounding as the sweat dripped from my forehead. I was still having nightmares about that fire. After calming myself, I quickly went to the bathroom to freshen myself up. Not wanting to do too much, I decided to put my hair into a ponytail and wore a pair of jeans


    and a graphic T¨Cshirt.


    As I made my way towards the dining room, I could hear loud voices andughter.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jonathan</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>must </i><i>tell </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i><i>to </i><i>share </i><i>her </i><i>famous </i><i>secret </i><i>recipe </i><i>for </i><i>her </i><i>peach </i><i>cream </i>pies! <i>Livie </i>has <i>been </i><i>dying </i><i>to </i><i>learn </i><i>how </i>to <i>make </i><i>one </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tuh! Olivia cooking, that¡¯s augh. In my previous life they wouldn¡¯t even let her boil


    water.


    As soon as I walked into the dining room all theughter stopped. Everyone¡¯s faces instantly tighten as I made my way to a seat. Suddenly, my mother spoke with disdain in


    her throat.


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>decided </i><i>to </i><i>wear </i><i>to </i><i>dinner</i><i>! </i><i>We </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>guest</i><i>! </i><i>Where¡¯s </i><i>that </i><i>dress </i><i>you </i><i>im </i><i>you </i><i>purchased</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>C </b>


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    11:44 Sat, Sep 6 <b>M </b>


    I was wearing a pair old sweatpants and a T¨Cshirt.


    I looked at Sharon, and then at Jonathan, speaking nonchntly, I responded.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>saving </i><i>that </i><i>for </i><i>someone </i><i>special</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The room fell deathly quiet. All eyes now on me. Jonathan¡¯s eyes widen. I¡¯m sure he expected me to choose him tonight as my fianc¨¦. Suddenly, my father spoke.


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    ¡°<i>Who </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>more </i><i>special </i><i>than </i><i>Jonathan </i><i>Brooks</i><i>! </i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>have </i>a <i>new </i><i>dress </i><i>go </i><i>change </i><i>now</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Before I could respond, Olivia jumped up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dad</i><i>, </i><i>maybe </i><i>we </i><i>shouldn¡¯t </i><i>make </i><i>Grace </i><i>ufortable</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>she </i><i>looks </i><i>fine</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    I scoffed inwardly. Who was she trying to fool, she just didn¡¯t want me to upstage her in front of her beloved Jonathan. It¡¯s not that Olivia was unattractive, quite the opposite in


    fact, however, in terms of natural beauty I had her beat, and if I actually went out my way to dress up, she couldn¡¯tpare. Tonight, she¡¯d put on her Sunday¡¯s best in order to impress Jonathan.


    My father looked at me once more annoyed but caved for Olivia.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Fine</i><i>, </i><i>take </i><i>your </i><i>seat</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    He barked at me with pure annoyance in his eyes. As I say down, my three brothers all stared at me with the same look of annoyance while my mother and Olivia continued to


    talk with Jonathan.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i>! <i>Has </i><i>your </i><i>manners </i><i>ran </i><i>away </i><i>from </i><i>you </i><i>today</i><i>?!</i>¡°.


    Confused, I looked at my father¡­what now? Before I could respond, he continued.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>said </i><i>hello </i>to <i>our </i><i>guest </i><i>yet</i><i>! </i><i>Stand </i><i>up </i><i>and </i><i>greet </i><i>Jonathan</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Why</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>speak </i><i>to </i><i>me </i><i>either</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The words flew out faster than I intended like a natural reflex.


    Although my tone was low, it was stern. When I looked up at my father, I could see his face reddening from pure anger.


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    ¡°<i>What </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>say</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><i>truth</i>. <i>I </i><i>said </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i>.¡±


    My father was about to explode when Noah jumped in.


    ¡°Grd! <i>Stop </i><i>this </i>at <i>once</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>embarrass </i>us <i>in </i><i>front </i><i>of </i><i>Jonathan</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I didn¡¯t say a word; instead, I continued to eat my sd.


    Jonathan scoffed.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>okay </i><i>Noah</i><i>, </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>expect </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>as </i><i>graceful </i><i>as </i><i>Livie</i><i>. </i><i>Why </i><i>my </i><i>grandfather </i><i>cares </i><i>so </i>much <i>about </i><i>bloodlines </i><i>is </i><i>beyond </i>me<i>.</i>¡±


    I continued to eat. Unable to bare it, Calvin mmed his hand onto the table.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i>! <i>I </i><i>am </i><i>your </i><i>father</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>will </i><i>NOT </i><i>disrespect </i><i>me </i><i>in </i><i>my </i><i>house</i><i>! </i><i>Enough </i><i>is </i><i>enough</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>think </i><i>just </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>sympathized </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><ist </i><i>night </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>act </i><i>like </i><i>this</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sharon soon chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>see </i><i>Calvin</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>mean</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>is </i><ipletely </i><i>ungrateful</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>cannot </i><i>believe </i><i>she </i>is <i>my </i><i>daughter</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Brian saw that as his opportunity to jump in.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>because <i>she¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>mom</i><i>! </i><i>The </i><i>only </i><i>daughter </i><i>you </i><i>have</i>, <i>the </i><i>only </i><i>sister </i><i>we </i><i>have</i><i>¡­</i><i>is </i><i>Livie</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    He sneered the words with a smug tone expecting me to react. In my previous life, something like this would have brought me to tears. I continued to eat.


    Noah scoffed,


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>do </i><i>well </i><i>to </i><i>show </i><i>Jonathan </i><i>some respect</i><i>. </i><i>He¡¯s </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be your </i><i>husband </i><i>soon</i>. <i>We </i><i>will </i><i>not </i><i>tolerate </i><i>embarrassment</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Putting my fork down, I stared at Noah with a nk expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Who </i><i>said </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>my </i>


    <i>husband</i>.¡±


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    The entire room fell silent. Even the maids stopped in their tracks for a brief moment.


    My father, Noah, and Jonathan all stared at me like I had three heads. In a menacing tone, Calvin spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>say</i><i>?</i>¡±


    I repeated myself.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Who </i><i>said </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>Jonathan</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>Comments </b><fn0293> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? FindN()vel</fn0293>


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>130 </b>


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


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    Calvin stared at me with pure hatred in his eyes, never would he have imagined me<fndaf2> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n </fndaf2>


    disobeying him. Sharon soon stood up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Calvin</i><i>, </i><i>honey</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>she </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>want </i>to <i>marry </i><i>Jonathan </i><i>why </i><i>force </i><i>her</i>? <i>Everyone </i><i>knows </i><i>Jonathan </i><i>loves </i><i>Livie</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Jonathan soon chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mom </i><i>is </i><i>right </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Rochester</i>, <i>I </i><i>love </i><i>Livie</i>! <i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>her</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>speak </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>grandfather</i>, <i>please</i><i>, </i><i>let </i>me <i>marry </i><i>Livie</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Brian chimed in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dad</i><i>, </i><i>Livie </i><i>deserves </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>happy</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>should </i><i>Grd </i><i>get </i><i>everything</i><i>! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>ungrateful </i><i>and </i>


    <i>useless</i>!¡±


    Useless, thising from the guy that can¡¯t take his own tests. Still, I didn¡¯t care, I


    continued to eat. Finally, Noah spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>kind </i><i>of </i><i>game </i><i>you¡¯re ying-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>because </i><i>there </i><i>is </i><i>no </i><i>game</i>. <i>I </i><i>do </i><i>not </i><i>wish </i>to <i>marry </i><i>Jonathan</i><i>. </i><i>His grandfather </i><i>loves </i><i>Livie</i><i>; </i><i>he¡¯ll </i><i>get </i><i>over </i><i>the </i><i>whole </i><i>pure </i><i>blood </i><i>thing</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Jonathan began to yell.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>dare </i><i>mention </i><i>my </i><i>grandfather</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>right! </i><i>He </i><i>does </i><i>love </i><i>Livie</i><i>! </i><i>He </i><i>actually </i><i>cannot </i><i>stand </i><i>you</i><i>! The </i><i>only </i><i>reason </i><i>he </i><i>wanted </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>you </i><i>is </i><i>because </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>biologically </i><i>a </i><i>Rochester</i>! <i>If </i><i>you-</i>¡®


    <i>¡°</i><i>Then </i><i>there </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>no </i><i>problems</i>.¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s eyes widen. Never had I spoked this brazen to him. In the past, because I knew the families wanted us to marry, I tried my best to be as nice andpliant as possible in hopes that he would at least like and appreciate me.


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    Calvin began again.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯re </i><i>useless</i>!! <i>Completely </i><i>useless</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>hold </i><i>no </i><i>value </i>to <i>this </i><i>family</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>couldn¡¯t even </i><i>honor </i><i>this </i>family <i>by </i><i>marrying </i><i>Jonathan</i>! Don¡¯t <i>expect </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>care </i><i>about </i><i>who </i><i>your </i><i>next </i><i>betr-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>need </i><i>your </i><i>help </i>finding <i>a </i><i>husband </i><i>father</i>. <i>I¡¯ve already </i><i>found </i><i>my </i><i>own</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, the room fell quiet again. None of them expected me to say that.


    Brian was the first to speak.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>are </i>you <i>lying </i><i>for</i><i>? </i><i>As </i><i>if </i><i>someone </i><i>would </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>No </i><i>one </i><i>even </i><i>knows </i><i>you </i>


    <i>exist</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Noah chimed in.


    ¡°<i>Honestly </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>now </i><i>is </i><i>not </i><i>the </i><i>time </i><i>for </i><i>jokes</i>. <i>You </i><i>should </i><i>have </i><i>just </i><i>married </i><i>Jonathan</i>.


    <i>It¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>like </i><i>you </i><i>would have </i><i>been </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>find </i><i>anyone </i><i>better</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I looked at Noah with a sardonic smile.


    Bet <i>lies </i><i>within </i><i>marrying </i><i>someone </i><i>in </i><i>love </i><i>with </i><i>another </i><i>woman</i><i>? </i>


    ¡°So, <i>you </i><i>think </i><i>as </i><i>good </i><i>as </i><i>I </i><i>can </i>


    <i>Damn</i>.¡±


    Noah¡¯s eyes widen. Even he had to admit that sound absurd.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>beats </i><i>the alternative</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole said in <i>a </i>low voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>what </i><i>alternative </i><i>would </i><i>that </i><i>be </i><i>Cole</i>?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Come </i><i>on </i><i>Grd</i><i>. </i><i>Enough</i>. <i>You¡¯re </i><i>never </i><i>going </i><i>find </i><i>someone </i><i>as </i><i>high </i>a <i>status </i><i>as </i><i>Jonathan</i>. <i>At </i><i>best </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>end </i><i>up </i><i>marrying some </i><i>old </i><i>man </i><i>or </i><i>bing </i>a <i>mistress </i><i>to </i><i>another </i><i>prominent </i><i>figure</i><i>. </i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>really </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>want</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Hearing him say those words aloud. I knew the Rochesters thought low of me, still, it cut


    me deep hearing it like this. Was that really all I was worth to them.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Who </i>I <i>marry </i><i>is </i><i>none </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>concern </i><i>Cole</i>.<i>¡± </i>


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>look</i>¡­now <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>tried </i><i>to </i><i>be </i>on your <i>side-</i>¡±


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    <i>¡°</i><i>When</i><i>! </i><i>When </i><i>have </i><i>you </i>EVER <i>been </i>on <i>my </i><i>side</i><i>? </i><i>When </i><i>has </i><i>ANY </i>of <i>you </i><i>been </i><i>on </i><i>my </i><i>side</i>? <i>You all </i><i>just </i>use me <i>as </i><i>your </i><i>emotional </i><i>punching </i><i>bag </i>to make yourselves <i>feel </i><i>good</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole¡¯s eyes widen before a look of guilt shined on his face. Perhaps that pea sized brain was trying to think of a time and he couldn¡¯t.


    Suddenly, Olivia chimed in with her tears guest starring.


    ¡°<i>Grace</i>. <i>Please</i><i>. </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>do </i><i>this</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>true</i><i>, </i><i>Jonathan </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>each </i><i>other</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>known </i><i>each </i><i>other </i><i>our </i><i>whole </i><i>lives</i>. Still, <i>if </i>it <i>means </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>be </i><i>happy</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>much </i><i>rather </i><i>you </i><i>marry </i><i>him</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I stared at Olivia with not a hint of emotion. The rest of the family, however, flocked.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Livie </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>do </i>this<i>! </i><i>She </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>deserve </i><i>it</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian yelled as he red at me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Livie</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>too </i><i>good </i><i>a </i><i>person</i>. <i>Grd </i><i>is </i><i>ungrateful</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Chapter <b>Comments </b>

 Hunted 13`1

    <b>Chapter </b><b>131 </b>


    Noah walked over to her, his words basically telling me he regretted ever possibly choosing my side over hers.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>won¡¯t do it <i>Livie</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i><i>love </i>you!!<i>¡± </i>


    Jonathan cried out while hugging her tight.


    Suddenly, Sharon made her way over to me as I stood to leave.


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    Sharon hit my face hard, my cheek felt like it was on fire.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>disrespect </i><i>this </i><i>family </i><i>like </i><i>this</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>should </i><i>never </i><i>have </i><i>brought </i><i>you </i><i>back </i><i>here</i><i>! </i>


    <i>You¡¯re </i><i>nothing </i><i>but </i><i>a </i><i>gue</i><i>! </i><i>If </i><i>only </i><i>that </i><i>fool-</i>¡±<fne2f2> This text is hosted at find{n}ovel</fne2f2>


    Sharon stopped mid¨Csentence as if she were about to say too much. Composing herself,


    she walked back over to Olivia. What the hell was that about? ring back at Sharon, <b>I </b>


    spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let </i><i>that </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><ist </i><i>time </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>put </i><i>your </i><i>hands </i><i>on </i><i>me </i><i>again</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sharon¡¯s eyes widen as she backed away. The eeriness of my tone and my eyes made her


    nervous.


    I looked around at the freakshow also know as my family. She was right one thing; I


    didn¡¯t belong here. I decided now was the time to tell them.


    ¡°<i>Father</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>leaving </i><i>tomorrow </i><i>morning</i>.¡±


    Silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>going </i><i>where</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>time </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>drama-</i>¡±


    ¡°To <i>South </i><i>Bay</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i>offered a <i>marriage </i><i>proposal </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>Christiansens</i>.¡±


    The room fell quiet for a moment beforeughter erupted.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hahahah</i>!! <i>I </i><i>must </i><i>say </i><i>Grd</i><i>; </i><i>you </i><i>definitely have </i><i>a </i><i>future </i><i>in </i><iedy</i>. <i>What </i><i>type </i>of <i>fools </i>


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    <i>do </i><i>you </i><i>take </i><i>us </i><i>for</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jonathan continued tough.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>enough </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>lies</i><i>. </i><i>Why would </i><i>a </i><i>family </i>as <i>prominent </i>as <i>the </i><i>Christiansens </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>to </i>marry <i>their </i>son<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Noah looked at me with pure disgust.


    Shrugging my shoulders, face nonchnt.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ask </i><i>them </i><i>yourself </i><i>tomorrow</i><i>. </i><i>They¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>here in </i><i>the </i><i>morning</i>.¡±


    Silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>game </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>ying </i><i>at</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked Calvin dead in the eyes and walked away. Five minutester, I returned with an


    envelope in my hand and tossed it on the table. Calvin looked at me with a puzzled


    expression.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>this</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>marital </i><i>contract </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>Christiansens</i>. <i>Ready </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>sign</i>.¡±


    Noah walked over near Calvin, snatching the envelop off the table he ripped it open. After


    reading over the first page, his face began to pale. At the very top was the official House


    Christiansen seal. Scanning the contents he looked over at my father.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dad</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>true</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <b><i>GASPS</i></b><i>!!! </i>


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>! </i><i>Let </i><i>me </i>see<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin scanned over the first page, his eyes beaming with joy, it was true, his daughter


    was marrying into House Christiansen. Suddenly, Calvin squealed with joy.


    ¡°<i>Grd</i><i>!!! </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>wonderful </i><i>news</i>!!! <i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>this </i><i>sooner</i>!!!¡±


    Sharon¡¯s eyes widen along with Olivia and Jonathan.


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    ¡°<i>What</i><i>! </i><i>Are </i>you <i>telling </i>me it¡¯s <i>true</i><i>! </i><i>SHE </i><i>is </i><i>marrying </i><i>into </i><i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>! </i>How!!<i>¡± </i>


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    Calvin looked at Sharon with irritation. He didn¡¯t care about the how¡¯s or whys, all he


    knew was he would now have the protection, benefits, and connections of House


    Christiansen.


    ¡°Who <i>cares </i><i>how</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Calvin beamed as he made his way over to me with a huge smile on his face.


    Disgusting.


    ¡°<i>Finally</i><i>, </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>finally </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>showing </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>worthy </i><i>of </i><i>being </i><i>a </i><i>Rochester</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    This fucking prick. So I guess years of being a maid and step stool wasn¡¯t showing my


    worth.


    He moved in to hug me, but I stepped back. For a brief moment, I could see an expression of anguish, masking it with a smile, he continued.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>time </i><i>will </i><i>they </i><i>be </i><i>here </i><i>tomorrow</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>9am</i><i>. </i>So, <i>I </i><i>need </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>sign </i><i>those </i><i>documents as </i><i>soon </i><i>as </i><i>possible</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <b>I </b>spoke in a disassociated tone causing Noah to get agitated.


    ¡°Is <i>THIS </i><i>why </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>behaving </i><i>this way</i><i>? </i><i>You </i><i>think </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>special </i><i>because </i><i>you¡¯re </i>


    <i>marrying </i><i>into </i><i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin red at me.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>most </i><i>certainly </i><i>hope </i><i>not</i><i>! </i><i>Never </i><i>forget </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>a </i><i>Rochester </i><i>first</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled inwardly, not ording to my contract.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>Comments </b>


    LIKE

 Hunted 132

    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


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    I stared at Calvin with slight amusement in my eyes. The nerve of him iming I¡¯m a Rochester. Please! Majority of North Bay didn¡¯t even know I existed. Majority of Kingston thought I was merely a servant to the Rochesters.


    With a mischievous smile I responded.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, <i>don¡¯t </i><i>worry </i><i>father</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>forget</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Calvin slightly shuddered, with a nervous expression he turned and walked back the table.


    Olivia, who had been eerily quiet the whole time, slowly walked over to me. With a smile that never reached her eyes she gently grabbed my hands.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sister</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>so </i><i>happy </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>but</i><i>¡­</i><i>well</i><i>¡­</i><i>how </i><i>is </i><i>this </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>exactly</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole looked at Olivia with a puzzled expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Livie</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>mean</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia turned back to me.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>correct </i><i>me </i><i>if </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>wrong </i><i>but</i><i>, </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>their </i><i>son </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><ia</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>GASPS</i><i>!!! </i>


    Noah responded next.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>right</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>almost </i><i>forgotten </i><i>about </i><i>that</i>. <i>Kai </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>was </i><i>in </i><i>an </i><i>ident </i><i>that </i>


    <i>rendered </i><i>him </i><iatose</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Brian began tough hysterically.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Now </i><i>it </i><i>all </i><i>makes </i><i>sense</i><i>!! </i><i>They </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>that </i><i>vegetable </i>of a <i>son </i><i>off </i><i>to </i><i>someone </i><i>so </i><i>they </i><i>can </i><i>y </i><i>nurse </i><i>and </i><i>maid</i><i>!! </i><i>And </i><i>they </i><i>chose you</i><i>!! </i><i>Hahahaha</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    My eyes shot over to Brian, I think I¡¯m going to enjoy making his gravel the most. Sharon smiled smugly.


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    ¡°<i>Well </i>of <i>course </i><i>they </i><i>did</i><i>. </i><i>Even </i>an <i>elite </i><i>family </i><i>like </i><i>that </i><i>knows </i><i>that </i><i>girl </i><i>is </i>useless. <i>If </i><i>they </i><i>truly </i><i>wanted </i>a <i>Rochester</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>would </i><i>have </i>chosen my <i>Livie</i>. <i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>at </i><i>least </i><i>now </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>be </i>of <i>some </i>


    <i>benefit</i>.¡±


    And just like that, Olivia turned the tide of the shock intoughter. But I didn¡¯t care, I knew their days of joy was numbered.


    Calvin immediately signed the contract without thoroughly reading it, just as Teddy predicted. Handing me the documents, no longer was the beam of joy from earlier, but now a look of disdain.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Listen </i><i>girl</i><i>! </i><i>Whatever </i><i>the </i><i>Christiansens </i><i>ask </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>must </i><i>do</i>! <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>care </i><i>what </i><i>it </i><i>is</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>will </i><i>not </i><i>embarrass </i><i>this </i><i>family</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    I stared at my father with a nk expression; I couldn¡¯t afford for him to know how much I hated him¡­not now anyway.


    Olivia looked at me with feigned concern though there was smugness in her eyes.


    ¡°Oh, <i>sister</i>, <i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>sorry</i>.¡±


    Suddenly, Jonathan walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>sorry </i>for <i>babe</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>only </i><i>getting </i><i>what </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>worth</i><i>. </i><i>As </i><i>if </i><i>a </i><i>family </i><i>like </i><i>that </i>


    <i>would </i><i>have </i><i>ever </i><i>wanted </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>their </i><i>son </i><i>had </i><i>he </i><i>been </i><i>woke</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Smiling smugly, Jonathan continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>to </i><i>think </i><i>you </i><i>had </i><i>the </i><i>nerve </i><i>to </i><i>pretend </i><i>as </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>better </i><i>option</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled at Jonathan.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>really </i><i>something </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>it</i><i>? </i><i>That </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>rather </i><i>marry </i><i>someone </i><i>in </i><i>a </ia <i>than </i><i>have </i>to <i>deal </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jonathan¡¯s face turned fire red. Olivia quickly ced her hands on his chest.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jonathan </i><i>stop </i><i>it</i><i>. </i><i>Let¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>be </i><i>happy </i><i>for </i><i>Grace</i>.¡±


    ¡°Oh<i>, </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>worry</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>am </i><i>happy</i><i>! </i><i>Happy </i><i>to </i><i>know </i>you¡¯ll be <i>cleaning </i><i>up </i><i>after </i><i>some </i><i>brain </i><i>dead </i><i>sap</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


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    <<fn6ecb> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel</fn6ecb>


    11:44 Sat, Sep 6 <b>M </b>


    <b><i>SLAP</i></b><b><i>! </i></b>


    I pped Jonathan hard. Everyone was shocked, it took a minute topute what had just happened.


    Jonathan¡¯s eyes were bloodshot red! His right cheek burned brightly, stained from my left hand. My eyes were widen ferociously. My father suddenly ran over along with my mother and brothers. Instantly holding Jonathan back as his fury began to erupt.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>bitch</i>!!! <i>You </i><i>dare </i>hit <i>me</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Calm </i><i>down </i><i>Jon</i>!!!¡±


    Noah yelled as he gripped his arms.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>just </i><i>happened</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Calvin screamed!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>do </i><i>that </i><i>Grd</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Cole screamed as he tried to help Noah.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>told </i><i>you </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>getting </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>hand</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian screamed as he hugged Olivia who was now crying.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>her </i><i>fault</i><i>!! </i><i>Jonnie </i><i>why </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>say </i><i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°I </i><i>only </i><i>said </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>enough</i>!!!¡±


    Sharon yelled causing everyone to halt their actions.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Disgraceful</i><i>! </i><i>Acting </i><i>like </i><i>this</i><i>! </i><i>Jonathan</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>my </i><i>daughter you </i><i>had </i><i>better </i><i>act </i><i>like </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>some </i><i>ss </i><i>and </i><i>grace</i>! <i>You </i><i>represent </i><i>the </i>Brooks <i>and now </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Then she turned to me. Disgust burned through her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>you</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>disrespect </i><i>someone </i><i>in </i><i>my </i><i>house </i><i>like </i><i>that </i><i>again</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>will </i><i>surely </i><i>make </i><i>you </i>


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    <i>pay</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i>a <i>damn </i><i>who </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>marrying</i>.¡±


    I know she expected me to cower, in my previous life that death re was good for making me cower into submission. I stared at Sharon with equal disgust. My tone matching hers.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i><i>anyone </i><i>ever </i><i>disrespects </i><i>my </i><i>husband </i><i>like </i><i>that </i><i>again</i>¡­<i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>them </i>pay¡­and <i>I </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>care </i><i>who they </i><i>are</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Sharon¡¯s eyes widen and for a brief moment, I think <b>I </b>saw fear in her eyes. Before she could respond, Calvin walked over cing his hand on her shoulder.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>go </i><i>and </i><i>pack</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>the </i><i>Christiansens </i><i>truly </i><i>are </i><iing </i><i>tomorrow </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>best </i><i>you </i><i>get </i><i>ready </i><i>now</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    His voice was calm but strained as he attempted to defuse the situation. Without saying a word, I red at him and then turned to leave. The room remained quiet until I was out


    of earshot.


    *******


    **


    <b><i>Noah¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    We all stood in shock as Grd went to her room. Never had we seen her like this. Had marrying into House Christiansen given her that much heart? Brian was the first to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>just </i><i>let </i><i>her </i><i>get </i><i>away </i><i>with </i><i>this</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>was </i><ipletely </i><i>insane </i><i>just </i>


    <i>now</i><i>!</i>¡±


    I looked at Brian with annoyance. If we were being honest, Grd wasn¡¯t the one who


    started this.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jonathan </i><i>shouldn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>said </i><i>that </i><i>about </i><i>Kai </i><i>Christiansen</i>.¡±


    Oliva and Jonathan¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you¡¯re </i>not <i>making </i><i>this </i><i>MY </i><i>fault</i><i>! </i>I <i>only </i><i>stated </i><i>the </i><i>ob-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>you </i><i>said </i><i>was </i><i>reckless</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Olivia began to cry.


    <b>6 </b>


    11:45 Sat, Sep 6 <b>M </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Noah</i>, <i>please </i>calm down. Don¡¯t <i>be </i><i>upset </i><i>with </i>Jonnie. <i>Grd </i><i>had </i>no <i>right </i><i>to </i><i>hit </i>him. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>angry </i><i>that </i>Jonathan <i>loves </i>me. <i>This </i><i>is </i><i>all </i><i>my </i><i>fa-</i>¡±


    ¡°No <i>Livic</i>¡­ <i>It¡¯s </i>your fianc¨¦¡¯s <i>fault</i>. <i>Tell </i>me <i>something </i><i>Jonathan</i><i>, </i><i>did </i><i>it </i><i>ur </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>what </i><i>might </i><i>happen </i><i>if </i><i>she </i>went <i>back </i>and <i>told </i><i>House Christiansen </i><i>how </i><i>you </i><i>MOCKED </i><i>their </iatose <i>son</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone¡¯s eyes widen. Finally, it was sinking in. Dad chimed in.


    ¡°<i>Noah </i><i>is </i><i>right</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>have </i>no <i>doubt </i><i>they </i><i>only </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>that </i>useless <i>girl </i><i>to </i><i>be </i>a <i>caregiver </i><i>for </i><i>their </i><i>son</i>. <i>That </i><i>being </i><i>said</i><i>, </i><i>disrespecting House </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>will </i><i>NOT </i><i>be </i><i>tolerated</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brain began to protest.


    ¡°So, <i>we¡¯re </i><i>supposed </i><i>to </i><i>what</i><i>! Kiss </i><i>Grd¡¯s </i>ass! <i>Over </i><i>my </i><i>dead </i><i>body</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dead </i><i>is </i><i>exactly </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>if </i><i>she </i><i>tells </i><i>them </i><i>what </i><i>happened </i><i>tonight</i><i>! </i><i>House </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>most </i><i>powerful </i><i>family </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>world</i><i>! </i><i>They¡¯ll </i><i>destroy </i><i>us</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian began to calm down. Exasperated, I continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look</i><i>, </i><i>no </i><i>one </i><i>is </i><i>asking </i><i>you </i><i>to </i>kiss <i>Grd¡¯s </i><i>ass</i>. <i>By </i><i>tomorrow </i><i>afternoon </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>rid </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>anyway </i><i>and </i><i>then </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>finally </i><i>go </i><i>back </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>way </i><i>things </i><i>were </i><i>before </i><i>she </i><i>entered </i><i>our </i><i>lives</i>. <i>We </i><i>just </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>through </i><i>tonight</i>. <i>We </i><i>all </i><i>know </i><i>her </i><i>life </i><i>is </i><i>about </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>a </i><i>living </i><i>hell</i><i>¡­</i><i>she¡¯ll get </i>


    <i>what </i><i>she </i><i>deserves</i>.¡±


    Everyone nodded in agreement. After dinner, we all dispersed to own rooms and devices. Hopefully this crisis was averted.

 Hunted 133

    <b>Chapter </b><b>133 </b>


    <b><i>Ma¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    After I hung up with Grd, I ran to tell everyone the great news.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </iing <i>here </i><i>tomorrow</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


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    I looked into the bright faces of my husband, father inw, and daughter. The night she left after meeting the family and Kai, I filled everyone in on who Grd was and why Theo and I were so adamant about her marrying him.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>wow</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>remember </i><i>him </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>about </i><i>her </i><i>when </i><i>we </i><i>were </i><i>younger</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>used </i><i>to </i><i>think </i><i>she </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>real</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka had tears in her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>knew </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>something </i><i>about </i><i>her </i><i>I </i><i>liked</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Teddy beamed as he looked at Kai lying in the bed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>hear </i><i>that </i><i>boy</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>mother </i><i>found </i><i>her</i><i>!! </i><i>Wake </i><i>your </i>ass <i>up </i>so <i>you </i><i>can </i><i>see </i><i>her </i><i>beautiful </i><i>face </i><i>again</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The tears started to stream down his face. Theo walked over to console Teddy. We¡¯d finally found her, the angel with the violin.


    After I informed Theo that we would be leaving that night so that we could get her as early as possible, I decided to visit Kai and tell him the good news.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>afternoon </i><i>Madam </i><i>Chris</i>. <i>How </i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled brightly at the nurse; she was checking Kai¡¯s vitals.


    ¡°How is <i>he </i><i>this </i><i>afternoon </i><i>?</i>¡±


    The nurse smiled brightly.


    ¡°He¡¯s <i>actually </i><i>doing </i><i>great</i><i>! </i><i>We </i><i>noticed </i><i>a </i><i>lot </i>of <i>brain </i><i>activity </i><i>this </i><i>morning</i>! <i>More </i><i>than </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>seen </i><i>the </i><i>past </i>six <i>months</i><i>.</i>¡±


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    I could feel my heart pumping fast! He must¡¯ve heard his grandfather! Heard herugh! He¡¯s trying to wake up!! I immediately sat next to him, tears welding in my eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kai</i><i>. </i>It¡¯s <i>mommy</i>. You <i>heard </i><i>her</i><i>¡­</i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you</i>! <i>You </i><i>heard </i><i>your </i><i>angel</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    When Kai was 12 years old, his best friend Sammy passed away from kidney failure. It broke his heartpletely. Until Sammy, it had been hard for him to make friends. Everyone was either scared of him or envied him for being heir Christiansen. Sammy was the only one at the time not afraid to make friends with him.


    After his death, Kai would often spend time at South Clearwater Beach. It was his and Sammy¡¯s favorite ce to go. One day, while on the beach, he was sitting near the ocean just crying. Theo and I tried our best to console him, but nothing worked. I was just about to get him when this little girl about 10 years old holding a violin walked up to him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>wanna </i><i>hold </i><i>my </i><i>sea </i><i>stones</i><i>?</i><i>¡°</i>.


    Her voice was so adorable and angelic. At first, Kai tried to ignore her, but she kept


    persisting.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i><i>? </i><i>Okay</i>. <i>What </i><i>about </i><i>my </i><i>seashells</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>got </i><i>a </i><i>bunch </i><i>of </i><i>them</i><i>! </i><i>My </i>mom <i>always </i><i>says </i><i>I </i><i>take </i><i>too </i><i>many </i><i>but </i>I-¡±


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>bothering </i><i>me</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I was just about to intervene, I thought for sure the girl was about to cry. But instead, she just smiled.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Because </i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>like </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>crying</i>.¡±


    Before Kai could respond, the girl instantly perked up.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>know</i>! <i>Why </i><i>don¡¯t </i>I <i>y </i><i>something </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>?</i>¡±<fn9442> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find?novel</fn9442>


    <i>¡°My </i><i>violin</i><i>! </i>This <i>always </i><i>makes </i><i>my </i><i>mommy </i><i>smile</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before Kai could protest, the girl started ying. Even I had to admit, for a child, that young she was amazing. Perfect posture, her fingers almost moved as free as the ocean. It took me several minutes to realize Kai waspletely captivated. His mouth was slightly


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    11:45 Sat, Sep 6 <b>M </b>


    opened as he stared at her while she continued ying eyes closed, a piece I¡¯d never heard before.


    When she was finished, Kai instantly frowned.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why¡¯d </i><i>you </i><i>stop</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    His tone was rude as he yelled, I was sure the girl would leave then, but her face was


    defiant.


    ¡°<i>The </i>song¡¯s <i>over </i>dummy.¡±


    29%


    HA! She¡¯d called my son a dummy! No one would have dared to speak to him like that. I thought for sure he was going to blow a gasket, instead, he lowered his head, voice


    humble.


    ¡°C¨C<i>Can </i><i>you </i><i>y </i><i>some </i><i>more </i><i>please</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I waspletely shocked. The little girl smiled brightly; she began to y some more. Each song was more fascinating than thest. After two hours of ying, the little girl¡¯s mother called out to her. It was time to go home. I watched as Kai¡¯s face instantly fell. Suddenly, the girl touched his cheek, leaning closer to his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>sad</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>see </i><i>each </i><i>other </i><i>again</i><i>. </i><i>Besides</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>a </i><i>l¨®t </i><i>cuter </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>smile</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Kai¡¯s face instantly redden. As the girl smiled and turned to leave, Kai stood up and called


    out to her.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>! </i><i>Girl</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    She turned to face him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>sure </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>see </i><i>each </i><i>other </i><i>again</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The girl smiled brightly.


    ¡°Of <i>course</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>friends </i><i>aren¡¯t </i><i>we</i><i>!</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>But </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>your </i><i>name</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I¡¯ll never forget the sound of that giggle and the way her face lit up. I instantly pulled my


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    phone out so that I could catch that shot.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>Gracie</i><i>!! </i><i>My </i><i>name </i><i>is </i><i>Gracie</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    29%


    Before Kai could tell her his name, she ran to her mother. After that day, we had to move to Conrad for two years while Theo finished a huge resort project. He never saw the little angel again. But meeting her made him feel alive again with hope that he could make more friends. After that day, he began to opened up more, met new people, gain new


    friends.


    She¡¯d saved him with her violin. Just like she saved me.


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 Hunted 134

    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    29%


    I woke up at 5am. I could hardly sleepst night. It wasn¡¯t the fact that they ganged up on me again, that I used too. But hearing Jonathan refer to Kai as a ¡®brain dead sap¡®. For a moment, I¡¯d actually thought about killing him. I had to calm down before Ma and


    Theo got here. I didn¡¯t want them to know just how despicable these people truly were. Not because I wanted to protect the Rochesters or Jonathan, but because I couldn¡¯t dare<fn7c35> For original chapters go to Find~Novel</fn7c35>


    to see the looks on their faces knowing that some asshole said such awful words about


    their son.


    Restless, I decided to y my violin. Whenever I was sad or felt overwhelmed, my violin


    would always bring me back to my inner peace. After my mom died and I moved in with


    the Rochesters, I ended upposing over 250 pieces. One might say that was impressive, but the truth was actually more depressing, as it showed just how sad and depressed I was living in this house.


    When I picked up my violin, the first thing that popped into my head was the beach. It was early evening, the sun hadn¡¯t set yet, the waves of the ocean were like dancing clouds, and the first face that popped into my mind was Kai. But he wasn¡¯t asleep, instead, he was smiling at me. It felt so familiar. As I yed, my notes got brighter and brighter, I imagined what a piano would sound like with this piece. My mind just kept thinking of his face and what his smile would look like. By the time I was finished I could feel the tears on my face. I didn¡¯t care how long it took, I was going to wake Kai up and I


    would use my music to help me do it.


    It was now 7am, two more hours until Ma and Theo got here. I decided to grab me a bagel and orange juice. As I walked into the kitchen, I noticed Calvin sitting at the breakfast nook. He was drinking a coffee and reading something on his tablet when he looked up at me. We stared at each other for a brief moment before he spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>take </i><i>it </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>all </i><i>packed</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yup</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silent.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>need </i><i>help </i><i>bringing </i><i>your </i><i>bags </i><i>and </i><i>boxes-</i>¡±


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    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>only </i><i>have </i><i>one </i><i>suitcase</i>. <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>fine</i>.¡°\


    Calvin looked at me with a confused expression.


    ÁÖÄî 29%


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>make </i><i>any </i><i>sense</i>. <i>You¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>here </i><i>for </i><i>over </i><i>seven </i><i>years </i><i>how </i><i>could </i><i>you </i><i>only </i><i>have </i><i>one </i><i>suitcase</i><i>? </i><i>What </i><i>about </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>clothes we¡¯ve </i><i>brought </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at Calvin with a nk expression, it was the only way I could stop myself from looking at him with pure disgust. He truly had no idea what was going on with me. He didn¡¯t care one way or another.


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>referring </i><i>too</i>. <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>never </i><i>had </i><i>anything </i><i>purchased </i><i>for </i><i>me </i><i>in </i><i>this </i><i>house</i>. <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>only </i><i>ever </i><i>had </i><i>Olivia¡¯s </i><i>hand</i>¨C<i>me</i><i>¨C</i><i>downs</i><i>; </i><i>surly </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>expect </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>those </i><i>items</i>.¡±


    Calvin¡¯s eyes widen; he truly had no idea¡­how pathetic. Scrambling in his pocket as if he were looking for something, he finally stood up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>get </i><i>my </i><i>ck </i><i>card</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯ll </i>go to <i>the </i><i>mall </i><i>now </i>to <i>buy </i><i>some </i><i>new </i><i>clothes</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I held my hand up to stop him, I didn¡¯t want anything else from these people.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>necessary </i><i>father</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin stared at me as if I¡¯d grown a tail.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>mean </i><i>not </i><i>necessary</i><i>! </i><i>There¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>I¡¯m allowing </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>embarrass </i><i>me </i><i>in </i><i>front </i>of <i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i>. <i>Even </i><i>if </i><i>it </i><i>is </i><i>just </i><i>an </i><i>employee </i><i>picking </i><i>you </i><i>up</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>represent </i><i>Rochester</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Employee?? He thought the Christiansen¡¯s were sending an employee to pick me up, well¡­this is going to be interesting.


    I smiled politely at my fool of a father.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>already </i><i>purchased </i><i>me </i><i>a </i><i>dress</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>assure </i><i>you</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>intentions </i>of <i>embarrassing </i><i>my </i><i>family</i>.¡±


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 Hunted 135

    <b>Chapter </b><b>135 </b>


    Calvin¡¯s expression eased up, after a brief pause, he responded.


    ÁÖ 29%


    ¡°Well, <i>that¡¯s </i>good to <i>hear</i><i>. </i>Still, <i>leaving </i><i>here </i><i>with </i><i>only one </i><i>suitcase</i><i>, </i>it <i>sends </i>a message <i>that </i>we never <i>purchased </i><i>anything </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>which </i><i>isn¡¯t-</i>¡±


    ¡°You <i>haven¡¯t </i><i>purchased </i><i>anything </i><i>for </i><i>me</i>.¡±


    Calvin began to look exasperated.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>being </i><i>difficult</i><i>! </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>give </i><i>the </i><i>impression </i><i>that </i><i>your </i><i>parents </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>care </i><i>of </i><i>you</i>!!¡±


    I almostughed aloud. My days of lying about how loving you all are, was over.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>TRYING </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>anything </i><i>father</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>feel </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>every </i><i>bit </i><i>the </i><i>adequate </i><i>and </i><i>loving </i><i>parent</i><i>, </i><i>then </i><i>by </i><i>all means</i><i>, </i><i>show </i><i>the </i><i>Christiansens</i>. <i>Show </i><i>them </i><i>the room </i><i>you </i><i>set </i><i>up </i>for <i>the </i><i>daughter </i><i>you </i><i>love </i>so <i>much</i><i>, </i><i>show </i><i>them </i><i>the </i><i>various </i><i>clothing </i><i>and </i><i>presents </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>purchased </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>daughter </i><i>you </i><i>love </i><i>so </i><i>much</i>. <i>Tell </i><i>them </i><i>her </i><i>favorite </i><i>foods</i>, <i>movies</i>, <i>and </i>colors. <i>Tell </i><i>them </i><i>how </i><i>your </i><i>favorite </i><i>daughter </i><i>likes </i><i>to </i><i>celebrate </i><i>her </i><i>birthday </i><i>and </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>loves </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>during </i><i>St. </i><i>Merry¡¯s </i><i>day</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Calvin¡¯s eyes widen, he¡¯d realized he never did any of these things for me. He knew


    absolutely nothing about his biological daughter. I smiled bitterly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>remember </i>to <i>switch </i><i>the </i><i>name </i><i>from </i><i>Olivia </i><i>to </i><i>Grd </i><i>and </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>just </i><i>fine</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I turned to leave; I no longer had an appetite. Calvin stalked out of the kitchen shortly


    after.


    The time was now 8:15am, I had just finished getting dressed and doing my hair. I didn¡¯t have a lot of care products; I was d I purchased the few items I got yesterday. I didn¡¯t know a lot about makeup, so I settled on a light pink blush and lip gloss. For my hair, I settled on a fishtail braid with a few strands of curly hair. Thankfully I had thick and long hair that didn¡¯t require too much. The sundress fit me perfectly, I purchased a pair of light pink wedged heel shoes to with a deep pink flower at the toe opening.


    I gave myself one more look in the mirror, hoping this would be good enough for my inws and fianc¨¦.


    <b>C </b>


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    <b>6 </b><fn8b6e> Find the newest release on find?novel</fn8b6e>


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    11:45 Sat, Sep 6 M <b>M. </b>


    At 8:35am Ma texted me to let me know they were 25 minutes away. I decided to make my way upstairs. As I pulled my old suitcase I could hear voices andughtering from the grand room. Everyone was woke. Looks like Jonathan stayed the night as well. As I made my way to the foyer, Sharon called out to me.


    I stopped and turned slowly looking directly at her. Sharon¡¯s eyes widen as she took a


    closer look at me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i>?¡±


    Before she could finish her sentence, everyone began to walk into the hallway. My three brothers instantly stared in shock, they¡¯d never seen me dressed nicely or in anything that wasn¡¯t a hand¨Cme¨Cdown. Cole was the first to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wow </i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>clean </i><i>up </i><i>nice</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian scoffed.


    ¡°So, <i>she¡¯s </i><i>wearing </i><i>a </i><i>dress</i><i>, </i><i>what¡¯s the </i><i>big </i><i>deal</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole rolled his eyes choosing not toment back at Brian. Noah was the next to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>look </i><i>decent</i>. <i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>not </i><i>embarrassing </i><i>us</i>.¡±


    Dickhead.


    Jonathan stared at me with furrowed brows but said nothing. Suddenly, Olivia walked


    towards me with a fake smile on her face.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>Grace</i>! <i>You </i><i>look </i>so <i>pretty</i>! <i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>used </i><i>to </i><i>seeing </i><i>you </i><i>in </i><i>my </i><i>hand</i><i>¨C</i><i>me</i><i>¨C</i><i>downs</i>, <i>it¡¯s </i><i>nice </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>in </i><i>something </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>yours</i>.¡±


    This fuckin bitch! Any chance to throw a jab.


    Suddenly, Brian and Jonathan began tough.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>good </i><i>point </i><i>Livie</i><i>; </i><i>she </i>is <i>always </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>like </i><i>you</i>. <i>Wearing </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>old and </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>seasoned </i><i>clothes</i><i>.</i>¡±


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    Brian continued tough until Noah shot him a re. But I just simply smiled.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Hmm</i><i>. </i><i>Perhaps </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>why </i><i>some </i><i>people </i><i>thought </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>were </i><i>poor</i>. <i>It </i><i>appears </i><i>clothing </i><i>could </i><i>only </i><i>be </i><i>purchased </i><i>one </i><i>daughter </i><i>at </i><i>a </i><i>time</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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    Olivia¡¯s eyes nearly bulged out of her sockets at thatment.


    Noah then walked towards us, fury in his eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>enough</i><i>! </i><i>No </i><i>one </i><i>thinks </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>are </i><i>poor</i><i>! </i><i>As </i>for <i>purchasing </i><i>clothes</i>, <i>you </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>asked </i><i>Grd</i>, <i>you </i><i>chose </i>to-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>done </i><i>to </i><i>earn </i><i>new </i><i>clothes</i><i>? </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>saying </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>too </i><i>good </i><i>to </i><i>wear </i><i>Livie¡¯s </i><i>hand</i>¨C<i>me</i><i>¨C</i><i>downs</i><i>? </i><i>Olivia </i><i>is </i><i>still </i><i>adjusting </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>being </i><i>here</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>feel </i><i>we </i><i>love </i><i>you </i><i>more </i><i>than </i><i>her</i>?¡±


    Noah¡¯s eyes widen at my response. Those were just SOME of the responses I received the few times I asked for new clothing. After a while, I got the picture and stopped asking altogether.


    Calvin walked into the foyer just as Noah was about to answer. When he saw me,


    widen. Much different than this morning huh.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>nice</i>. <i>I </i><i>trust </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>everything</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>do.<i>¡± </i>


    his eyes


    He didn¡¯t say anything else. Sharon shot him a re, confused that he didn¡¯t say much


    else. Guess he didn¡¯t tell her about our little chat. Just then, Zelma walked into the foyer,


    her eyes wide open.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sir</i><i>, </i><i>Ma¡¯am</i>. <i>The </i><i>Christiansens </i><i>are </i><i>here</i>.¡±


    My face instantly lit up. Calvin and Sharon looked at each other and began to walk


    towards the vestibule.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Their </i><i>representatives </i><i>are </i><i>here</i>, <i>please </i>escort <i>th-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°No <i>sir</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>actual </i><i>Christiansens</i>. <i>Lord </i><i>and </i><i>Lady </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>themselves</i><i>.</i>¡±


    A small smirk came across my lips as I watched everyone¡¯s faces begin to ashen. Sharon


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    suddenly spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>telling </i>me <i>Theodore </i>and <i>Ma </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>are </i><i>HERE</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>ma¡¯am</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Calvin barked at Zelma.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well </i><i>let them </i>in! <i>Come</i><i>, </i><i>everyone </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>grand </i><i>room</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone turned slowly and in confusion as they made their way to the grand room. As I followed, I could hear Sharon whispering to Calvin.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>would </i><i>they </i><ie </i><i>here </i><i>personally</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>How </i><i>would </i><i>I </i><i>know</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Squirming are we? The whole scene was absolutely hrious.


    A few momentster, Zelma announced the arrival of Lord and Lady Christiansen along with their bodyguards. I had to give it to my inws; they certainly knew how to make an


    entrance.


    As Ma and Theo walked in, their faces began scanning the room¡­looking for me. As Calvin and Sharon walked up to them disying their fakest smiles, Ma finallyid her eyes on me. Her face softened as we finally connected.


    <i>¡°</i>L¨C<i>Lord </i><i>Christiansen</i>, <i>Lady </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>a </i><i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>Wee </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>Rochester </i><i>estate</i>. <i>Please</i><i>, </i><i>allow </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>introduce </i><i>you </i><i>both </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>family</i>.¡±


    Like foot soldiers, my three brothers, Olivia, and Jonathan all made their way to Ma


    and Theo.


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>is </i><i>my </i><i>wife</i><i>, </i><i>Sharon </i><i>Rochester</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Sharon bowed slightly, a huge smile on her face.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>a </i><i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>both</i><i>, </i><i>thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><iing </i><i>to </i><i>our </i><i>home</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Next</i><i>, </i><i>these </i><i>are </i><i>our </i><i>lovely </i><i>children</i>. <i>My </i><i>sons </i><i>Noah</i><i>, </i><i>Cole</i>, and <i>Brian</i>.¡±


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    All three bowed and extended greetings. The Christiansens said nothing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>our </i>beautiful <i>daughter </i><i>Olivia </i>and <i>her </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>Jonathan </i><i>Brooks</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Olivia smiled brightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i>a <i>pleasure </i>to <i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>both</i>.¡±


    Followed by Jonathan.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>such </i>an <i>honor </i>to <i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>both</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma and Theo continued to stand in silence, clearly making Calvin and Sharon nervous.


    ¡°U¨C<i>Ugh</i><i>, </i><i>please</i><i>. </i><i>Have </i>a <i>seat </i><i>while </i><i>we </i><i>prepare </i><i>some </i><i>tea</i><i>. </i><i>Zelma</i><i>! </i><i>Prep-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Theo held his hand up stopping Calvin mis¨Csentence.


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>necessary </i><i>Rochester</i>. <i>We </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>n </i><i>on </i><i>staying </i><i>here </i><i>for </i><i>very </i><i>long</i>.¡±


    His voice came out like a general¡¯s voice,manding and powerful. Finally, Ma spoke.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯ll </i><i>forgive </i><i>us </i>for <i>our </i><i>confusion </i><i>but </i><i>if </i><i>this </i><i>daughter </i><i>is </i><i>marrying </i><i>the </i><i>Brooks </i><i>boy</i>, <i>when </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>n </i><i>on </i><i>introducing </i><i>us </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>one </i><i>marrying our </i><i>son</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma¡¯s voice was like silky ice. Calvin and Sharon¡¯s eyes widen nervously as they looked around the room for me. It was sad really, even when it was supposed to be all about me they made it about their other children. Forgetting me was second nature for them.


    As everyone¡¯s eyes turned to me, Sharon¡¯s expression grew annoyed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>just </i><i>stand </i><i>there</i>! <i>Come </i><i>and </i><i>meet </i><i>your </i><i>new </i><i>mother </i><i>and </i><i>father </i><i>in</i><i>¨C</i><iw</i><i>!¡± </i>


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    She barked at me like I was one of the servants instead of her daughter. Even in front of royalty she couldn¡¯t hide her disdain. Ma shot her a re, luckily for Sharon she missed it, Calvin however did not. He immediately became nervous, smiling a little too brightly.


    As I walked towards Ma and Theo, Sharon began to speak her voice t. A far cry from the enthusiasm they had introducing their other children.


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>is </i>our <i>daughter </i><i>Grd</i>. <i>We </i><i>hope </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>show </i><i>patience </i><i>with </i><i>her</i><i>. </i><i>We </i><i>only </i><i>got </i><i>her </i><i>back </i><i>seven years </i><i>ago</i>, <i>so </i><i>she </i><i>hasn¡¯t </i><i>had </i><i>the </i><i>adequate </i><i>amount </i><i>of </i><i>training </i>as <i>our </i><i>other </i><i>children </i><i>have </i><i>had</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Ma looked at Sharon with a look of disgust causing her to shudder slightly. Calvin then


    spoke up.


    ¡°<i>Uh</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>my </i><i>wife </i><i>means </i><i>is </i><i>Grd may </i><i>not </i><i>be </i><i>as </i><i>poised </i><i>and </i><i>graceful </i><i>as </i><i>our </i><i>Livie</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>she </i><i>will </i><i>most </i><i>certainly </i><i>serve </i><i>well </i><i>as </i><i>servant </i><i>and </i><i>caretaker</i><i>. </i>


    <i>?? </i>


    Theo and Ma shot death res at Calvin. In all honesty, they were doing an immacte job at ruining themselves all on their own.


    Ma spoke first.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Such prideful </i><i>introductions </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>sons </i><i>and </i><i>other </i><i>daughter</i><i>. </i><i>Yet </i><i>this </i><i>is how </i><i>you </i><i>introduce </i><i>the </i><i>daughter </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>allowing </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i>my <i>son</i><i>?</i>¡±


    The color began to drain from Calvin¡¯s face. Sharon began to exin,


    <i>¡°</i><i>T</i>¨C<i>That¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>it</i><i>! </i><i>Madam</i>, <i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>aware</i><i>, </i><i>but Grd </i><i>was </i><i>taken </i><i>from </i><i>us </i>


    <i>when she </i><i>was </i>a-¡±


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>are </i><i>aware</i><i>. </i><i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>we </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>investigate </i><i>the </i><i>family </i>of <i>the </i><i>woman </i><i>we </i><i>chose </i><i>to </i>


    <i>marry </i><i>our </i><i>son</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°O¨COf <i>course</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Theo spoke next.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Did </i><i>the </i><i>two </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>truly </i><i>think </i><i>we </i><i>requested </i><i>your </i><i>daughter¡¯s </i><i>hand </i><i>for </i>our <i>son </i><i>just </i><i>to </i><i>make </i>


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    Calvin and Sharon¡¯s eyes shot up in fear, this hadn¡¯t gone the way they thought it would.


    Noah then tried to intervene.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Lord </i><i>and </i><i>Lady </i><i>Christiansen</i>, <i>please </i><i>forgive </i><i>my </i><i>parents </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>felt </i><i>they </i><i>misspoke</i>. <i>What </i><i>they </i>


    <i>meant </i><i>to </i>say-¡±


    ¡°<i>You¡¯re </i><i>the </i><i>brother </i><i>correct</i>? <i>Not </i><i>the </i><i>father </i>or <i>head </i><i>of </i><i>household</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Theo red at Noah causing him to back away while everyone else stood in silence. Finally, Ma smiled brightly at me, walking past Sharon and Calvin with her arms extended she embraced me tightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hello </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i>¡±


    As I embraced her back, I caught a nce of Sharon, her face was ashen, and her eyes were red with fury!


    Speaking loud enough for only me to hear, Ma smiled.


    ¡°<i>We¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>here </i><i>soon</i><i>; </i><i>we </i><i>just </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>verify </i><i>something </i><i>first</i>.¡±


    I squinted my eyes slightly as I was a little confused, but I nodded in agreement. I didn¡¯t know what their overall n was, but I trusted thempletely. Ma walked back over


    to Theo.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i>we¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>leaving </i><i>soon</i><i>, </i><i>so</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>show </i><i>us </i><i>where </i><i>you </i><i>had </i><i>¡®</i><i>our </i><i>daughter</i>¡® <i>sleeping</i>. <i>We¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>a </i><i>general </i><i>idea </i><i>of </i><i>what </i><i>her </i><i>tastes </i><i>are</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    It was something about the way Ma said, ¡®our daughter¡®. I found my eyes betraying me as they began to water. Calvin and Sharon eyes widen as the final drops of color that remained in their faces began to disappear.


    Calvin scrambled to figure out how to answer. Ma then spoke,


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>her </i><i>living </i><i>in </i>a <i>closet </i><i>did </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ïà


    Everyone¡¯s face began to fall. Suddenly, Ma began tough hysterically, an eeriness to herughter making it that much more frightening.


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    ¡°<i>We¡¯re </i><i>only </i><i>kidding</i><i>. </i><i>Surly </i><i>a family </i><i>as </i><i>prominent </i><i>as </i><i>yours </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>treated </i><i>your </i><i>own </i><i>daughter </i><i>in </i><i>such </i>a manner<i>.</i>¡±


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    Guild began to spread across Calvin and Noah¡¯s face while Sharon¡¯s expression was nk.


    Ma then looked at her watch.


    <i>¡°</i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>taking </i><i>our leave </i><i>now</i>. <i>We¡¯ll </i><i>inform </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>when </i><i>the </i><i>wedding </i><i>takes </i><i>ce</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Turning to face me, Ma extended her hand to me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Come </i><i>daughter</i><i>, </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>go </i><i>home</i>.¡±


    I smiled passionately as I grabbed her hand. Theo then ordered the guards to grab my violin and suitcase. We didn¡¯t even say goodbye as we existed the estate.<fna671> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? f¦É¦Ídn¦Ïvel</fna671>


    Thus came an end to my life in that hellish house.


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    As we left the Rochester estate, I could feel my chest loosening up as if the air was being put back into me. Finally, I¡¯d altered the course of my previous life! For the first time, I looked forward to what my future would bring.


    After getting into the limo, I took onest look at the Rochester estate. I was there for over thirteen years in my previous life, and it left me nothing but pain and death. I said a final farewell to myself, allowing my heart to finally release the hurt. Now, all that was left was fury. As soon as my husband regained his consciousness, I would destroy the


    Rochester and Brooks.


    We arrived at the estate a little after 2:30PM. I informed Ma and Theo that I would like


    to visit Kai. For some reason, my heart was aching to see him. By now, my stomach was roaring from hunger. Ma immediately grabbed my hand; what do you say we all have some lunch before you visit Kai. Her eyes were bright and filled with joy. I nodded in


    agreement.


    As soon as we entered the foyer, I could hear Ka¡¯s squeal of excitement.


    ¡°<i>Sister</i>¨C<i>in</i><i>¨C</i><iw</i><i>!!! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>here</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh as she ran towards me. We hugged each other tightly as Grandpa Teddy entered the foyer. I couldn¡¯t help but feel there was a difference in their energy towards me. It was as if their love for me grew overnight.


    ¡°<i>There </i><i>she </i>is! <i>What </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>say </i><i>you </i><i>go </i><i>and </i><i>wake </i><i>my </i><i>knucklehead </i><i>grandson </i><i>up </i>so <i>this </i><i>family </i><i>can </i><i>be </i><iplete</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Even though he chuckled, I could hear the faint sadness in his words. Everyone was coasting; praying Kai would finally wake up. I wanted to help in any way I could, I owed the Christiansens everything! I wouldn¡¯t let them down!


    I smiled at Grandpa Teddy.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>n</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After lunch I felt energized! The Christiansens went all out! I couldn¡¯t remember thest


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    time I¡¯d ate that good. After getting settled in, I headed to the hospital to see Kai. Ma had given me a key for the VIP floor.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Now </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>already </i><i>updated </i><i>the </i><i>hospital </i><i>staff</i><i>, </i>so <i>you </i><i>have </i><i>full </i><i>clearance</i><i>. </i><i>Cameron </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>there </i><i>to </i><i>greet </i>you <i>since </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>your first </i><i>time </i><i>by </i><i>yourself</i>. <i>This </i><i>is </i><i>your </i><i>own </i><i>personal </i><i>key </i><i>to </i><i>enter </i><i>the </i><i>VIP </i><i>floor</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>not </i><iing </i><i>with </i>me<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma smiled gently.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>Kai </i><i>would </i><i>appreciate </i><i>some </i><i>alone </i><i>time </i><i>with </i><i>his </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I blushed at the thought of being alone with Kai. Why did I feel so shy all of a sudden? Brushing those thoughts away, I headed to the hospital.


    Upon arriving, I was immediately greeted by Cameron. With a warm smile he shook my


    hand.


    <i>¡°</i>Ms. <i>Teagues</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>again</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled inwardly, Ma must¡¯ve asked him to refer to me as Teagues instead of


    Rochester.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>as </i><i>well </i><i>Cameron</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>trust </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>well</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>have</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    He introduced me to all of the staff and informed them by word of House Christiansen I would be privileged to any medical updates regarding Kai. As we got closer to the room, Cameron paused.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>taking </i><i>my </i><i>leave </i><i>now </i><i>madam</i>. <i>I </i><i>only </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>your </i><i>first </i><i>visit </i><i>went </i><i>smoothly</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded and thanked him for all of his help. My heart started to pump rapidly as I entered Kai¡¯s room. The nurse had just finished checking his vitals. Slightly startled as I entered, she quickly greeted me with a smile.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You must </i><i>be </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Teagues</i>, <i>the </i><i>young </i><i>master¡¯s </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i>a <i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i>you.¡±


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    I smiled brightly as I introduced myself properly.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>happy </i>to <i>know </i><i>Master </i><i>Christiansen¡¯s </i><i>health </i><i>has </i><i>improved </i><i>significantly</i>. <i>We¡¯re </i><i>noticing </i><i>a </i><i>high </i><i>increase </i>in <i>his </i>brain <i>activity </i><i>that </i><i>we </i><i>haven¡¯t </i>seen since <i>his </i><i>arrival</i>.¡±


    I beamed with joy! Kai was trying to wake up! I just had to figure out what the right button would be. On the car ride back to South Bay, I¡¯d decided to order some medical books on neurology and brain development. I was hoping I could find some assistance in those books to point me in the right direction.


    I pulled the recliner chair close to Kai¡¯s bed and sat down. It was amazing, everything about him was perfect. His beautiful cream colored skin with the slight natural blush. His almond shaped eyes, his dark hair with hints of brown. He was so handsome. My heart started to speed, and I began to feel guilty.


    Here Kai was lying in aa, and my mind was wondering to unsavory thoughts!!! My ears began to redden from embarrassment. In an attempt to get my mind out of the gutter, I began to speak to Kai. I read in one of the books I ordered online thata patients can often retain brain activity if they have constantmunication.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i>not <i>sure </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>remember me</i>, <i>but </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>Grd </i><i>Teagues</i>. <i>Your </i><i>new </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>. <i>Please </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>angry </i><i>at </i><i>your </i><i>parents </i><i>for </i><i>setting </i><i>this </i><i>up </i><i>without </i><i>your consent</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>promise</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>do </i><i>everything </i><i>in </i><i>my power </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>a </i><i>wife </i><i>worthy </i><i>of </i><i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled brightly at my soon to be husband as I told him about myself.


    ¡°So, <i>I </i><i>know </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>introducing </i><i>myself </i><i>as </i><i>Grd </i><i>Teagues</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>my </i><i>birth </i><i>name </i><i>is </i><i>actually </i><i>Rochester</i>. <i>There¡¯s </i>a <i>reason </i><i>I </i><i>go </i><i>by </i><i>Teagues</i>¡­<i>that </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>save </i><i>for </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>wake </i><i>up</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>stories </i><i>I </i><i>tell </i><i>today </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>filled </i><i>with </i><i>nothing </i><i>but </i><i>love</i>.¡®


    29


    I spent the next few hours telling Kai all about my life growing up with my mother Diana.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>yed </i><i>my </i><i>first </i><i>sonata</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>should </i><i>have </i><i>seen </i><i>her </i><i>face</i>. <i>The </i><i>tears </i><i>instantly </i><i>swelled </i><i>up </i><i>her </i><i>eyes</i>. <i>My </i><i>mom </i><i>was </i><i>so </i><i>dramatic</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled lightly thinking about my mother. She loved and supported everything I did.


    It was about 7:40pm when I received notification that my car had arrived. I decided to go home a little early today, spending all of this time with Kai inspired me topose. I leaned over and kissed my fianc¨¦ lightly on the cheek. For a brief moment, I could have


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    sworn I saw his eyes and mouth twitch.


    Wishful thinking?


    ? ??28%


    I stood up and stared at him for a few more moments before leaving. Smiling brightly, I bid him a good night.


    ¡°I¡¯ll <i>see </i><i>you </i><i>tomorrow</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>time </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>violin</i>.


    ??


    When I arrived home, the family was all in the grand room. Ma instantly popped up. A smile brightly on her face.


    ¡°<i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>enjoy </i><i>yourself </i><i>my </i><i>dear</i>?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but disy a huge smile, I actually did enjoy myself. I haven¡¯t had a talk<fn67f4> The rightful source is find?novel</fn67f4>


    like that in a long time.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>did</i><i>. </i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>very </i><i>peaceful</i>. <i>Also</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>nurses </i><i>stated </i>he¡¯s <i>been </i><i>showing </i><i>some </i><i>remarkable </i><i>brain </i><i>activity</i>. <i>If </i>it¡¯s <i>okay </i><i>with </i><i>everyone</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i>to <i>try </i><i>something</i>.¡±


    Everyone grew quiet as they waited to hear my idea.


    Theo spoke softly.


    ¡°<i>Whatever </i>idea <i>you </i><i>have </i><i>my </i><i>dear</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯ll have </i><i>our </i><i>full </i><i>support</i>.


    I smiled brightly at my new father¨Cinw.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>In </i><i>that </i><i>case</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>need </i><i>a </i><i>piano</i>. <i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i>to <ipose </i><i>a </i>

 Hunted 139

    <b>Chapter </b><b>139 </b>


    <b>Grd¡¯s </b>POV<i>: </i>


    Everyone stared at me for a moment, Theo speaking first.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i><i>! </i>We <i>actually </i><i>have </i>a music room <i>with </i><i>a </i><i>piano</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>also </i><i>soundproof </i><i>so </i><i>feel </i><i>free </i><i>to </i>be as <i>loud </i><i>as </i><i>you </i>need <i>to be</i>.¡±


    I smiled brightly at my new father¨Cinw, the excitement in his eyes made me feel this was the right thing to do. Ma walked over to me dawning a beautiful smile, her eyes looked as if they had slight tears in them.


    Hugging me tightly, she whispered.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kai </i><i>has </i><i>waited </i><i>a </i><i>long </i><i>time </i><i>to </i><i>hear </i><i>your </i><i>music</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Huh? What did she mean by that? I looked at my mother¨Cinw with a puzzled


    expression, but the way her eyes beamed, I couldn¡¯t help but smile back.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Would </i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><ifortable </i><i>before </i><i>you </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>music </i><i>room</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    I looked down my dress, that would definitely be a good idea. Suddenly, I began to panic.


    In my haste and defiance to make sure I brought nothing of Olivia¡¯s with me; I¡¯d forgotten to bring night clothing.


    Ma noticed the worry on my face.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>wrong </i><i>my </i><i>dear</i><i>?</i>¡±


    I looked at her with embarrassment on my face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have any </i><i>night </i><i>clothes</i>.<i>¡± </i><fn3559> Content originallyes from f?ndnovel</fn3559>


    Ma¡¯s eyes widen, sympathy on her face that turned to slight rage.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>curse </i><i>that </i><i>family </i><i>for </i><i>treating </i><i>you </i><i>this </i><i>way</i><i>!</i>¡±


    I smiled; it felt good to have someone be angry over me.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>okay</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>finally </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>that </i><i>house </i><i>thanks </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>all</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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    Ma smiled passively.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i><i>worries </i><i>about </i><i>clothing</i>, <i>remember </i><i>the </i><i>guest </i><i>bedroom </i>from <i>the </i><i>first </i><i>time you </i><i>were </i><i>here</i><i>? </i>We <i>keep </i><i>clothing </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>closet </i><i>for </i>guests <i>just </i>in <i>case </i><i>they </i><i>stay </i><i>overnight </i><i>unexpectedly</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ahh. So that was why that mini boutique had so many clothes in there. Ma directed a maid to take me to the guest room for a change of clothing.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i>and don¡¯t <i>forget </i><i>to </i><i>take my </i><i>daughter</i>¨Cin¨C<iw¡¯s </i><i>measurements</i>, <i>tomorrow </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>her </i><i>closet </i><i>filled </i><i>with </i><i>new </i><i>clothing</i>.¡±


    The maid nodded in agreement as my eyes shot wide open. I didn¡¯t want her to go through that trouble! As soon as I began to protest, Ka walked by interjecting with a


    sly smile.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>think </i><i>about </i><i>objecting </i><i>big </i><i>sister</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh aloud. Nodding inpliance, I made my way to the guest


    room<b>. </b>


    After picking out some night clothes, I took a nice hot shower and made my way to the music room. As the maid opened the door, I waspletely amazed. The music room was beautiful! The walls were filled with artwork of music notes, instruments, and dancers. The pastel colors made the room feel warm. There was an entire drum set in the far right corner and a mini stage to the left. In the center, there was a white grand piano.


    Beautiful.


    I smiled brightly as I made my way to the piano. Pulling out my music journal, I scanned over the piece I had began working on this morning. I ced a speaker on top of the piano and pressed the record button on my phone so that I could record the music. Adding in some more piano notes, I decided it was time to hear what it would sound like.


    As I began to y, my mind instantly went to Kai. I imagined his eyes opening, the smile on his face as he saw his family. The tears of joy they would cry seeing him finally awake after so long. I also thought about how he would react the first time he saw me.


    My fingers danced across the piano keys as I allowed myself to feel free and joyful. This song would be my letter of love to the man I¡¯ve never known but always prayed for. As I finished the final part, my heart felt as if a weight had been lifted. I hit the stop button


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    on my phone and sat in silence for a moment.


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 Hunted 140

    <b>Chapter </b><b>140 </b>


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>was </i>beautiful<i>.</i>¡±


    A 28%


    Ma¡¯s words pulled me out of my thoughts causing me to jerk from being startled. As


    she walked towards me she had this beautiful smile on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s the </i><i>second </i><i>time </i><i>I </i><i>nearly </i><i>scared </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>death</i>. <i>I¡¯m sorry</i>.<fn2534> Discover more novels at f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn2534>


    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i><i>worries</i><i>. </i><i>My </i><i>mind </i><i>was </i><i>in another </i><i>ce</i><i>, </i><i>totally </i><i>not </i><i>your </i><i>fault</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She smiled as she sat beside me.


    <i>¡°</i>So<i>, </i><i>the </i><i>brave </i><i>violinist </i><i>is </i><i>also </i><i>a </i><i>pianist </i><i>I </i><i>see</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I chuckled at her choice of words remembering the first day we met.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Emm </i>hmm. <i>I </i><i>y </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>drums </i><i>too</i>. <i>Though </i><i>not </i><i>as </i><i>thorough </i><i>as </i><i>the </i><i>violin </i><i>or </i><i>piano</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Very </i><i>impressive</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She looked around the room for a brief moment before speaking again.


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>room</i>, <i>it </i><i>was </i><i>created </i>for <i>Kai</i>. <i>One </i><i>day</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>younger</i>, <i>a </i><i>very </i><i>special </i><i>event </i><i>happened </i><i>to </i><i>him </i><i>causing </i><i>him </i><i>to </i><i>fall </i><i>in </i><i>love </i><i>with </i><i>music</i><i>. </i><i>He¡¯d </i><i>decided </i><i>to </i><i>learn </i><i>the </i><i>piano </i><i>and </i><i>when </i><i>we </i><i>returned </i><i>from </i><i>Conrad</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>had </i><i>this </i><i>room </i><i>built</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled lightly, we had something inmon! How wonderful would it be if he and I could y something together. Suddenly, a dreadful thought came to mind causing all the


    happiness I¡¯d just felt to drain. Sensing the change in my mood, Ma¡¯s eyes widen in


    panic.


    I looked at my mother¨Cinw and smiled warily.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>grateful </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>All </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>My </i><i>greatest </i><i>hope </i><i>is </i><i>that </i>I¡¯ll <i>live </i><i>up </i><i>to </i><i>being </i><i>a </i><i>daughter </i><i>and </i><i>wife </i><i>House Christiansen </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>proud </i><i>of</i><b>.</b><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Oh, <i>sweetie </i>of <i>course-</i>¡±


    I gently ced my hand on hers; stopping her mid¨Csentence.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>only </i><i>have one </i><i>request</i><i>.</i>¡±


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    I thought about Jonathan in my previous life. Most of his hatred towards me was because his family all but forced him to marry a woman he wasn¡¯t in love with instead of allowing


    I him to be with the woman he did love. And whereas that was no excuse to abuse me, was empathetic to that plight. I didn¡¯t Kai to resent me the same way.


    ¡°<i>When </i><i>Kai </i><i>wakes </i>up, <i>should </i><i>he </i>not <i>feel </i><i>the </i><i>same </i><i>way </i><i>about </i><i>me</i><i>, </i><i>please</i>¡­<i>don¡¯t </i><i>force </i><i>him </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i>me. <i>I </i><i>promise </i>I¡¯ll <i>spend </i><i>my </i><i>entire </i><i>life </i><i>repaying </i><i>the </i><i>debt </i><i>of </i><i>freedom </i><i>this </i><i>family </i><i>has </i><i>given </i>me<i>. </i><i>But </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want Kai </i><i>to </i><i>feel </i><i>responsible</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma stared at me for a brief moment before speaking a light smile on her face.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, <i>my </i><i>darling</i>. <i>You </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>idea</i>. <i>However</i>, <i>you </i><i>have </i><i>my </i><i>word</i>. <i>Should </i><i>Kai </i><i>choose </i><i>not to </i><i>marry </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>force </i><i>him </i><i>otherwise</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I stared at Ma for a moment with a puzzled expression. What did I have no idea of? Deciding not to pry any further, I smiled brightly. The most important thing was that she would honor my request.


    After I finished up in the music room, I made my way to my suite for bed. The time was now 11:18pm and I wanted to get a good night¡¯s rest for tomorrow.


    That night, I dreamt of my mother. I could see her standing in a field of pink roses as she smiled at me brightly. There were wordsing out of her mouth, but I couldn¡¯t make out what she was saying. As she continued to smile, I could see her releasing someone¡¯s hand. If I didn¡¯t know any better, I would have said it was Kai¡¯s.


    I woke up in a jolt. It was the first time since my rebirth that I hadn¡¯t had a nightmare about the fire. After my breathing paced, I looked at my phone to check the time.


    7:52am. Perfect.


    I got up quickly to shower and get dressed, I would grab something quick to eat and head to the hospital.


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 Hunted 141

    <b>Chapter </b><b>141 </b>


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


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    When I walked into the breakfast room, Ma and Theo were already up having coffee.


    Both greeted me cheerfully as I walked into the room, a far cry difference from the


    Rochesters.


    ¡°<i>Good </i>morning <i>my </i><i>dear</i>. <i>I </i><i>trust </i><i>your </i><i>first </i><i>night </i><i>here </i><i>was </i><i>peaceful</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>certainly </i><i>was</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>think </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>slept </i><i>that </i><i>peacefully </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>long </i><i>time</i><i>. </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>both </i><i>so </i>


    <i>much</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma gently grabbed my hand smiling.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>our </i><i>pleasure</i>. <i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>how </i><i>much </i><i>you </i><i>mean </i><i>to </i><i>this </i><i>family </i><i>and </i><i>how </i><i>happy </i><i>we </i><i>are </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>here</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could feel my eyes betraying me as the tears slid down my cheek. Ma handed me a napkin to wipe my eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Have </i><i>some </i><i>breakfast</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She walked me over to the breakfast bar. My original n was to just have an orange juice and bagel, but the food looked so delicious, my stomach grumbled in disagreement with my choice. I sat back at the table had breakfast with my inws. As we were chatting,


    Ka came into the room.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>morning </i><i>everyone</i><i>.</i>¡±


    She yawned as she made her way to the breakfast bar. After making her te, she sat beside me and leaned her head on my shoulder. I smiled joyfully, I¡¯d never had any real siblings, it felt good having such an adorable little sister.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>n </i><i>on </i><i>doing </i><i>today </i><i>Gracie</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled slightly at Ma for a moment before turning to Ka,


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>actually </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>head </i>to <i>the </i><i>hospital </i><i>today</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>special </i><i>story </i><i>to </i><i>share </i><i>with </i><i>Kai</i><i>.</i>¡®


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    Ka nced me with a puzzled expression while Ma smiled warmly.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i>my <i>son </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>love </i><i>whatever </i><i>that </i><i>story </i><i>is</i><i>.</i>¡®


    28%2


    Theo spoke with a warmth in voice, I concluded Ma must¡¯ve told him about the song. I smiled at my new family, eager to see if I could bring them some true joy.


    I decided to wear an ocean blue summer dress today, letting my hair out of the fish braid from yesterday, my thick hair was now wavy. I decided to let it stay out wearing a headband to make sure my face stayed clear.


    I arrived at the hospital at 10:37am with my violin and speaker. Today I would y my love letter for Kai. Ma informed me they would all be arriving soon as well. I pulled a stool up next to his bed, he looked so peaceful, I almost felt guilty about the possibility of


    waking him. Shaking those thoughts immediately out of my mind, I¡¯d concluded my husband¨Cto¨Cbe had slept long enough.


    ¡°<i>Good </i><i>morning </i><i>Kai</i>. <i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>that </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>rested </i><i>well </i><i>and </i><i>that </i><i>your </i><i>dreams </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>beautiful</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>y </i><i>something </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>today</i><i>. </i><i>And </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>it</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>wake </i><i>up </i><i>and </i><i>tell </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>I </b>smiled lightly as I opened my violin case. I checked my strings to make sure they were tightened and rosined my bow. I then pressed y on the speaker I brought with me, as the piano music began, I waited for my cue to begin ying. On cue, my hands began to glide across the violin strings as the music blended beautifully together.


    <i>¡®</i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>this </i><i>will </i><i>work</i><i>. </i><i>Kai</i><i>, </i><i>please </i><i>wake </i>for <i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    **


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    <b><i>Ma¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    Me, Theo, Teddy, and Ka arrived at the hospital about 20 minutes after Gracie. My heart was pounding fast as we made our way to Kai¡¯s suite. Last night, I¡¯d told Theo about the piano piece sheposed.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>think </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>use </i><i>her </i><i>music </i><i>to </i><i>help </i><i>Kai </i><i>wake </i><i>up</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i><fne6d0> This text is hosted at fin?novel</fne6d0>


    I smiled brightly at Theo, true hope in my eyes for the first time.


    Theo smiled lightly though it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. I knew he was skeptical about whether


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    it would work.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Do </i>you <i>really </i><i>think </i><i>it </i><i>will </i><i>work</i><i>? </i>I mean<i>, </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>tried </i>music <i>therapy </i><i>before </i><i>and </i>it¡­¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i>HER <i>music</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I cut Theo off before he could finish. It was true, we¡¯d tried music therapy in the past with no results. But something in my heart told me this time would be different. Theo didn¡¯t understand, he¡¯d never heard her y before. He just needed to hear Gracie y and he would have faith as well.


    We arrived at his suite right as Gracie was about to begin ying. I held my hand out to stop them all from walking into the room. I quietly pulled the door open, I didn¡¯t want to disturb her, suddenly, like an ocean breeze, Gracie began to y her violin alongside the piano piece sheposedst night. Our hearts nearly stopped as we listened, the music was so beautiful. Kai would surlily wake up, he¡¯s been longing to hear his angel for so


    many years.


    ***


    **


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    As I continued to sleep, I could feel my dreams changing at rapid speed. I wasn¡¯t sure how long I¡¯d been asleep, but it felt as if I hadn¡¯t seen my family in years. When I turned around, I realized I was in a field of roses. In the middle stood an older woman, she smiled at me lovingly as she walked towards me. I knew I had seen this woman before, though I couldn¡¯t remember from where or when.


    Finally reaching me, she gently took my hand into hers.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>see </i><i>why </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>enamored </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>Please </i><i>treat </i><i>my </i><i>daughter well</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>waited </i><i>a </i><i>long </i><i>time </i><i>for </i><i>you</i>.


    What????


    I was totally confused. As she let go of my hand, she began to disappear. Panicking, I began to call out.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wait</i><i>!! </i><i>Who </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i>?! <i>Please </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>go</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


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    <i>¡°</i>Follow <i>the </i>music.¡±


    The music?? What Mus-


    At that moment, I could hear the most beautiful music ying. My heart began to race, why did that music feel so familiar? I began to walk in its direction, as the music became louder, my heart fluttered more. I know this music but why! Suddenly, I could feel butterflies in my stomach.


    It couldn¡¯t be!!! Wait!!!! Is it her!!!! She¡¯s here!!!


    I could feel my feet begin to run as the music grew louder.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <iing </i><i>Gracie</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I finally called out her name as my heart pounded against my chest, suddenly, there was bright light!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kai</i><i>¡­.</i><i>Kai </i><i>can </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i><i>me</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could hear muffled sounds as my eyes struggled to adjust to the bright lights. As the sound became clearer, I could hear a bunch of people talking around me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kai</i><i>! </i><i>Honey</i>! It¡¯s <i>mommy</i><i>! </i><i>Can </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i><i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Mom?


    <i>¡°</i><i>Somebody </i><i>get </i><i>the </i><i>doctors </i><i>in </i><i>here </i><i>now</i><i>!!! </i><i>My </i><i>son </i><i>has </i><i>awakened</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Dad?


    No, wait, where did she go??? Gracie!!! I struggled to move, my body betraying me as I tried to sit up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t <i>move </i><i>son</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could hear my dad panicking. Where is she??? I know I heard her voice!!!


    Finally, as my eyes adjusted, I scanned the room quickly and then¡­.there she was. Though I hadn¡¯t seen her since we were children, I recognized that smile instantly as the


    tears streamed down her face.


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    Gracie. I finally found you, my violin angel.


    Chapter Comments


    <b>? </b>

 Hunted 142

    <b>Chapter </b>142


    <b><i>Noah¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


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    It¡¯s been almost three months since Grd left with the Christiansens. I can still


    remember that day as it lingered in my brain like the smell of rotten fruit. Grd left with those people without a single word. Fury burned through my parents as the doors


    closed behind her and the Christiansens.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>little </i><i>bitch</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>she </i><i>embarrass </i>us like <i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mother scream as she threw a ss against the wall causing everyone to jump back.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Calm </i><i>down </i><i>Sharon</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Calm </i><i>down</i><i>! Calm </i><i>down</i><i>! </i><i>We </i><i>just </i><i>got </i><i>made </i><i>a </i><i>fool </i><i>of </i><i>in </i><i>front </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>world¡¯s </i><i>most </i><i>powerful </i><i>family</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>can </i><i>I </i><i>calm </i><i>down</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could tell my father was reaching his breaking point. In all honesty, I was irritated with


    them both. Theirplete disregard in front of the very family Grd was marrying into was nothing short of pathetic. What¡¯s worse, I no longer felt the Christiansens shared the same sentiments about Grd that we all did. The way they looked at her, it was


    as if the sun shined out of her. When Lady Christiansen referred to Grd as ¡®our daughter¡®, I could hear the deliberate tone in her words. It was as if they were iming


    Grd.


    Brian decided to speak up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i>a <i>shit </i><i>how </i><i>powerful </i><i>they </i><i>are</i>. <i>What </i><i>right </i><i>did </i><i>they have </i><i>to </i><i>treat </i>us <i>as </i><i>if </i><i>WE </i><i>were </i><i>the </i><i>ones </i>less <i>than </i><i>Grd </i><i>of </i><i>all </i><i>people</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    For once my fool of a brother was right. You could clearly tell the Christiansens held a low regard for us while they beamed with joy over Grd. It didn¡¯t make sense.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Am </i><i>I </i><i>the </i><i>only </i><i>one </i><i>that </i><i>felt </i><i>like </i><i>they </i><i>may </i><i>have </i><i>already </i><i>known </i><i>Grd</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>mean</i>, <i>she </i><i>never </i><i>exactly </i><i>told </i><i>us </i>HOW <i>she </i><i>received </i><i>that </i><i>proposal</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole looked over at me and dad, suddenly, dad saying it didn¡¯t matter how she received that proposal became the biggest form of irony.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i>doesn¡¯t matter anymore. <i>She¡¯s </i>gone. <i>Let¡¯s </i><i>all </i><i>move </i>on. <i>When </i><i>they </i><i>send </i><i>the </i><i>wedding </i>invitation, <i>just </i><i>pretend </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>apart </i><i>of </i>our <i>family </i><i>that </i><i>day</i><i>. </i><i>We </i>don¡¯t want to piss <i>the </i><i>Christiansens </i><i>off </i>anymore than <i>we </i><i>already </i><i>have</i>.¡±


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    With that, father left the room. Mother looked over at me, her eyes filled with anger and traces of sadness. What could she be sad about?


    <i>¡°</i><i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i><i>the </i><i>way </i><i>that </i><i>woman </i><i>called </i><i>her </i><i>daughter</i><i>! </i><i>That </i><i>little</i><i>¡­</i><i>first </i><i>the </i><i>woman </i><i>that </i><i>stole </i>


    <i>her </i><i>and </i><i>now</i>¡­¡±


    Her words trailed off as she stormed out of the room. Could she be upset about Grd being close to another woman? The thought of that seemed unlikely, but if that wasn¡¯t


    the case¡­


    Suddenly, Olivia spoke. Throughout the entire situation, she remained the quietest. Her


    face had an unusual expression; I wasn¡¯t quite sure what to make of it. She smiled warily.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>the </i><i>Christiansens </i>do <i>care </i><i>about </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>hope she </i><i>has </i><i>a </i><i>happy </i><i>life</i><i>, </i><i>even </i><i>if </i><i>her </i><i>husband </i>is <i>a </i><i>vegetable</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    For some reason, her words didn¡¯t match her expression. She motioned for Jonathan to


    follow her as she left the room.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>they </i><i>care </i><i>about </i><i>her</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian asked me with a worried look on his face. I knew why he was worried; it finally began to dawn on him that Grd could tell the Christiansens everything. A thought that had been haunting me from the moment they arrived.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i>see how <i>they </i><i>could</i><i>. </i><i>There¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>she </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>met </i><i>them </i>prior, I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>how </i><i>or why </i><i>they </i><i>chose </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>her </i>to <i>their </i><i>son</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i>to <i>do </i><i>some </i><i>digging </i><i>to </i><i>find </i><i>out</i><i>. </i><i>In </i><i>the </i><i>meantime</i><i>, </i><i>not </i><i>a </i><i>word </i><i>of </i><i>her </i>or <i>this </i><i>to </i><i>ANYBODY</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Cole and Brian nodded in agreement. Until we got more information<b>, </b>we needed to hold off on bragging about Grd bing a Christiansen.


    ¡°<i>Still</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>pretty </i><i>rude </i>of <i>her </i>to <i>leave </i><i>without </i><i>even </i>so <i>much </i>as a <i>goodbye</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>look </i><i>in </i><i>our </i><i>direction</i>. <i>We </i><i>are </i><i>her </i><i>family </i><i>after </i><i>all</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole¡¯s words gave me mixed feelings. Were we her family? In the seven years Grd


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    had been here, I couldn¡¯t remember one family act we had with her. Perhaps her anger was warranted, though that didn¡¯t give her the right to disrespect us.


    Whatever.<fn1212> For more chapters visit fin?novel</fn1212>


    She¡¯s gone now. Time move forward.


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    Now, it¡¯s been three months since her departure, and the realization has been hitting hard. The school year had just started at the University for both Brian and Livie and they


    were already on the verge of academic probation.

 Hunted 143

    <b>Chapter </b>143


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i><i>Rochester</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>afraid </i><i>it¡¯s </i>not <i>that </i><i>simple</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ÁÖ¼Ò 28%ÈÕ


    As I sat across from the Dean at Bayview University, I could feel my irritation growing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand </i><i>why </i>it¡¯s not. <i>Have </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>not </i><i>donated </i><i>an </i><i>obscene </i><i>amount </i>of <i>money </i><i>over </i><i>the </i><i>years </i><i>to </i><i>this </i><i>University</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>yes </i><i>sir </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>but-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>if </i>I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>mistaken</i><i>, </i><i>without </i><i>that </i><i>funding</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>school </i><i>would not </i><i>have </i><i>the </i><ibs </i><i>and </i><i>resources </i><i>that </i><i>they </i><i>have </i><i>today </i><i>correct</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°W¨C<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>yes-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Then </i><i>exin </i><i>to </i><i>me </i><i>why </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>fix </i><i>my </i><i>siblings </i><i>grades </i>so <i>that </i><i>they </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>end </i><i>up on </i><i>academic </i><i>probation</i><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Dean Launberg looked at me with exasperation in his eyes. Since Grd left, both


    Brian and Olivia were forced to do their own work leaving them severely behind. I was


    pissed! I knew she¡¯d done some of their work, but I wasn¡¯t aware it was to this magnitude.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i><i>Rochester</i>, <i>the </i><i>problem </i>is<i>, </i><i>even </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>curve </i><i>their </i><i>grades</i><i>, </i><i>at </i><i>this </i><i>rate </i><i>they </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i>pass <i>midterms </i>or <i>finals</i>. <i>Also</i>, <i>some </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>instructors </i><i>are </i><i>wondering </i><i>if </i><i>they </i><i>were </i><i>cheating </i><ist </i><i>year</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>drop </i><i>in </i><i>their </i><i>grades </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>significant</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>dare </i><i>use </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i>of <i>cheating</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    I had no choice but to use fear for persuasion at this point.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i><i>! </i><i>No</i>! Of <i>course </i><i>not</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>expressing </i><i>concerns</i><i>! </i><i>The </i><i>main </i><i>concern </i><i>right </i><i>now </i><i>is </i><i>their </i><i>ability </i><i>to </i><i>pass </i><i>their </i><i>midterms </i><i>and </i><i>finals-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>let </i><i>me </i><i>worry </i><i>about </i><i>that</i><i>! </i><i>Curve </i><i>their </i><i>grades </i>so <i>that </i><i>they </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>end </i><i>up </i><i>on </i><i>probation</i>. <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>they </i><i>pass</i>.¡±


    The dean was about to say something and then decided against. He knew that if he<fn9c2e> Latest content published on find{n}ovel</fn9c2e>


    pushed too much it would put the school¡¯s funding at risk.


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    I stormed out of the school pissed. What the hell had Livie and Brian been doing these past two years! I got back to the house in record time. Both Livie and Brian were in the grand roomughing with Jonathan, it irked me to see them not studying. As soon as Livie saw me, she perked up.


    ¡°<i>Noah</i><i>! </i>What <i>are </i><i>you </i><i>doing </i><i>home </i>so <i>early</i>?¡±


    I looked at Livie annoyed causing her to shudder. Brian then spoke up.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>up </i><i>your </i><i>ass</i>? <i>Why </i><i>aren¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>say-</i>¡®


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    <i>¡°</i><i>I just </i><i>got </i><i>back </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>university </i><i>after </i><i>having </i>a <i>meeting </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>dean </i><i>regarding </i><i>you </i><i>two</i>.¡±


    The words sneered out of my mouth like acid. Both Livie and Brian¡¯s faces instantly turned ashen. They knew I¡¯d learn about their grades.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look </i><i>Noah</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>exin</i>¡­<i>we-</i>¡±


    I waved my hand cutting Brian off.


    <i>¡°</i><i>How </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>can </i><i>you </i><i>exin</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>both </i><i>in </i><i>danger </i><i>of </i><i>probation</i><i>! </i>Do <i>you </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>kind </i>of


    <i>embarrassment </i><i>that </i><i>is</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>rx </i><i>Noah</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>remember </i><i>asking </i><i>you </i>for <i>your </i><i>thoughts </i><i>on </i><i>this </i><i>Jonathan</i>. <i>If </i><i>anything</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>help </i><i>my </i><i>sister</i><i>, </i>YOUR <i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>not </i><i>flunk</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>highly </i><i>doubt </i><i>your </i><i>grandfather </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>thrilled </i><i>about</i>.


    <i>that</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s eyes darkened, he knew what I said was true. If Isaac found out about this; he would surlily call off the engagement. He was already irritated when he learned Grd was marrying someone else.


    I¡¯m going to have tutors here starting tomorrow. Until your grades are up don¡¯t even think about doing anything but studying!


    I barked my orders and left the room feeling exhausted. Their grades weren¡¯t the only issues. The business proposal Grd set up for me regarding a property investment now had to be extended. I had no idea what all the proposal entailed, and I hadn¡¯t been able to get in contact with Grd. Her original phone number was no longer in use.


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    No one had been able to get a hold of her since the day she left.


    That evening, as we all ate dinner, my father began to fume.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>can¡¯t <i>believe </i><i>that </i><i>little </i><i>bitch </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>gone </i><i>three </i><i>months </i><i>without </i>so <i>much </i>as a <i>word</i><i>! </i>We haven¡¯t <i>heard </i><i>anything </i><i>from </i><i>her </i>OR <i>the </i><i>Christiansens</i>! <i>No </i><i>dowry</i><i>, </i><i>no </i><i>partnership</i><i>, </i><i>nothing</i><i>!</i>¡±


    I was about toment when Zelma walked into the dining room holding an envelope.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sir</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>just </i><i>arrived </i><i>by </i><i>way </i><i>of </i><i>carrier</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hand </i><i>it </i><i>here</i>.¡±


    Zelma handed father the envelop. My mother looked over.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>is </i><i>it</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Suddenly, my father¡¯s eyes beamed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Finally</i><i>!! </i>It¡¯s <i>an </i><i>invitation </i><i>from the </i><i>Christiansens</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>are </i><i>inviting </i>us <i>to </i><i>they </i><i>home </i>for <i>birthday </i><i>celebration</i>!¡±


    What???? Three months of nothing and now all of sudden a party? I wasn¡¯t sure why, but I had a bad feeling about this.


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 Hunted 144

    <b>Chapter </b>144


    <i>Grd¡¯s </i><i>POV</i><i>: </i>


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    After I finished my piece, I turned around to ce my violin on the table when suddenly, I heard what sound like a mumble. Startled, I immediately turned back around. My eyes shot wide opened, I couldn¡¯t believe what I¡¯d just saw¡­Kai¡¯s eyes were opening!!


    My heart instantly pounded! It worked!! It really worked!! I began to call Kai¡¯s name; I needed to make sure I was right.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kai</i><i>¡­</i><i>Kai </i><i>can </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i><i>me</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b><i>SPLASH</i></b><i>! </i>


    The sound of the water pitcher falling startled me causing me to turn around. Ma and Theo looked as if they¡¯d seen a ghost. In a low and shaky voice, Ma spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>say </i><i>Gracie</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before I could answer, Kai began to cough faintly. Ma and Theo immediately ran over to


    his bedside.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kai</i><i>! </i><i>Honey</i><i>! </i>It¡¯s <i>mommy</i><i>! </i><i>Can </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i><i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma was now crying. Just then, Ka and Grandpa Teddy walked into the room with a bag of snacks, each looking shocked.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Somebody </i><i>get </i><i>the </i>doctors <i>in </i><i>here </i><i>now</i><i>!!! </i><i>My </i><i>son </i><i>has </i><i>awakened</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could see Ka¡¯s eyes begin to water.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dad</i><i>¡­</i><i>what </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>say</i><i>???</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could feel my eyes watering as well; Kai was finally waking up after six months in aa. As I turned back to face him, his eyes finally met mine. I thought he would look at me with confusion, after all, he had no clue who I was. Instead, he looked at me with what seemed to be a longing. Like he¡¯d been waiting all his life to see me.


    Weird.


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    I wiped the tears out of my eyes. Before I could say anything, the doctor and nurses made their way into the room.


    ¡°<i>Please </i>excuse me <i>Lord </i>and <i>Lady </i><i>Christiansen</i>.¡±


    We all stood back while the doctor began to exam Kai.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sir </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>, </i><i>can </i><i>you </i><i>hear </i>me? I¡¯m <i>doctor </i>Connors.¡±


    99


    Dr. Connors began to sh a light into Kai¡¯s eyes; suddenly, Kai spoke in a low and groggy


    voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>hear </i><i>you </i>Dr. <i>Connors</i><i>, </i><i>can </i><i>you </i><i>please </i><i>move </i><i>that </i><i>light</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Absolutely</i><i>! </i><i>Do </i>you <i>think </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>sit </i><i>up</i><i>? </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>check </i><i>your </i><i>vitals </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>everything </i><i>is </i><i>stable</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Kai began to move his body, we all watched in silence as he began to sit up. I could hear Ma gasp as Ka sobbed loudly. Theo and Teddy just watched on in amazement.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Your </i><i>doing </i><i>great </i><i>Kai</i><i>! </i><i>Nurse </i><i>Lauder</i><i>, </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>get </i><i>a </i><i>reading </i><i>on </i><i>his </i><i>bp </i><i>and </i><i>heart </i><i>rate</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn24a5> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? fin?novel</fn24a5>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Right </i><i>away </i><i>doctor</i>!¡±


    Nurse Lauder beamed as she pulled the small table over with the vital machine. After


    checking his vitals, they determined everything looked good.


    ¡°<i>He </i><i>looks </i><i>great </i><i>Lord </i><i>and </i><i>Lady </i><i>Chris</i>, of course <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>an </i><i>ekg </i><i>and cat </i><i>scan </i><i>done </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>his </i><i>heart </i><i>and </i><i>brain </i><i>are </i><i>fine</i><i>. </i><i>But </i>so <i>far</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>appears </i><i>healthy</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>take </i><i>it </i><i>easy </i><i>as </i><i>he </i><i>just </i><i>woke </i><i>up</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Theo and Ma nodded in agreement, tearsing down their faces as they made their


    way back over to Kai who was now being hugged by Ka.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>scare </i><i>me </i><i>like </i><i>that </i><i>again </i><i>you </i><i>jerk</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sorry</i><i>! </i><i>Can </i><i>you </i>ease <i>up </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>hug </i><i>though</i>.¡±


    I smiled brightly at the brother and sister reunion, suddenly, something hit me.


    ¡°<i>Um</i><i>, </i><i>Dr. </i><i>Connors</i><i>¡­</i><i>what </i><i>about </i><i>his </i><i>diet</i><i>? </i><i>Will </i><i>he </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>eat</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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    I asked the doctor before he could leave. He smiled brightly at me.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>a great <i>question </i><i>Mrs. </i>Christiansen. <i>I </i><i>would </i><i>say </i>let¡¯s <i>start </i>out <i>with </i><i>liquids </i>such as <i>broths </i><i>for </i><i>the </i>next <i>two </i><i>days </i>and <i>then </i><i>we¡¯ll </i>move to <i>solids</i>. <i>Mainly </i><i>soups </i><i>if </i>possible<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded in agreement.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Thank </i>you<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>very </i><i>wee</i>. <i>Take </i><i>good </i><i>care </i>of him.<i>¡± </i>


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    I beamed as I turned around to make my way back to Kai. As I got closer, the talking and crying suddenly stopped as we locked eyes on each other.


    I suddenly felt shy; I could feel my cheeks begin to redden. Why was he staring at me so intensively. Was it because he didn¡¯t know who I was? Was he angry his parents set up an engagement with aplete stranger? I began to feel nervous. I decided it was best for me to at least introduce myself. Smiling brightly, I spoke.


    ¡°<i>Hello </i><i>Kai</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>Gra-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b><i>WHAT</i></b><i>!!!! </i>


    How the hell did he know my name??? Had Ma or Theo told him? I looked at him


    nervously as everyone else beamed. Finally, Theo spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Everyone</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>we </i><i>give </i><i>them </i><i>a </i><i>moment</i>.


    <i>¡± </i>


    Ka began to protest.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What</i><i>!! </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>part </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>waiting </i><i>for</i>!¡±


    Ma tapped Ka¡¯s shoulder.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Your </i><i>father¡¯s </i><i>right </i><i>Ka</i><i>. </i><i>Let¡¯s </i><i>give </i><i>them </i>a <i>moment</i>.¡®


    22


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>we </i>go <i>grab </i><i>lunch</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i><i>everyone </i><i>is </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>hungry</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Grandpa Teddy suggested.


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    In all honesty, I wasn¡¯t hungry, I was too nervous. Kai and I continued to stared at each other as everyone began to leave, suddenly, remembering what the doctor said, I called out to Teddy.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grandpa </i><i>Teddy</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>dear</i>?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kai </i><i>can </i><i>only </i><i>eat </i><i>broths </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>next </i>two <i>days</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma smiled warmly at me. Suddenly, she walked over to me and hugged me tightly. <b>I </b>could feel my cheek getting wet as her tears fell down.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Take </i><i>care </i><i>of </i><i>my </i><i>baby</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I nodded in agreement. Once everyone left, the room grew ufortably quiet. I turned


    to look at Kai who hadn¡¯t said a word. Was he mad?


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    I couldn¡¯t believe I was looking her directly in the eyes. Those same light brown beautiful


    eyes that had haunted me since I was twelve. I¡¯d spent years trying to find her with no


    luck. After we retuned to Phoenix, I must¡¯ve went to that beach a million times hoping to


    see her again. And now, here she was standing before me. My brain was screaming,


    <i>¡®</i><i>Kai</i><i>! </i><i>Stop </i><i>being </i><i>weird</i><i>! </i><i>Say </i><i>something</i>!!!¡®


    But I couldn¡¯t help but stare. She was so beautiful. My heart felt like it was falling out my


    chest. She still had that same beautiful thick reddish brown hair; her skin was still that


    same caramelplexion. Her eyes were still big and beautiful. She was breathtaking. She looked nervous. Probably because I kept staring at her. I was just about to say something


    when she spoke first.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i>sorry.¡±


    Huh? My brows instantly furrowed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>For </i><i>what</i><i>?</i>¡±


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    She pulled the stool up to my bedside and sat down. She was so close to me. My heart started to race. Gently grabbing my hand, she continued.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>know you¡¯re <i>probably </i><i>angry </i><i>your </i><i>parents </i><i>set </i><i>this </i><i>engagement </i><i>up </i><i>without </i><i>your </i><i>permission</i>, <i>but </i><i>please</i>¡­ don¡¯t <i>be </i>angry <i>with </i><i>them</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Engagement??? Wait!!! We¡¯re engaged!!! Really???


    I was so busy talking in my head that I almost missed what she said after that.


    ¡°<i>Your </i><i>mom </i><i>has </i><i>already </i><i>agreed </i><i>to </i><i>it</i><i>. </i><i>So</i>, <i>I </i><i>can </i><i>let </i><i>her </i><i>know</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>sorry</i><i>, </i><i>let </i><i>my </i><i>mom know </i><i>what</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    She lifted her head up, there was a sadness in her eyes. No!! Why????


    ¡°<i>I¡¯ll </i><i>let </i>her <i>know </i><i>the </i><i>engagement </i><i>is </i><i>off</i><i>.</i>¡±


    WHAT!!!!! I began to panic!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wait</i><i>!!! </i><i>Why </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>that</i><i>???</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her eyes widen as she looked at me with a confused expression.


    ¡°<i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>call </i><i>it </i>off?<i>¡± </i>


    WHAT!!!! Why would she think that? I couldn¡¯t help butugh. I¡¯d spent over ten years trying to find the girl I¡¯d fallen in love with and here she was trying to end our engagement. She looked extremely confused now. I ced her hand back into mine. I would never let this hand go again. Smiling, I rified her confusion.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>it </i><i>all </i><i>wrong</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>call off </i><i>the </i><i>engagement</i>.


    Her eyes widen.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Really</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Smiling.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Really</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>idea </i><i>how </i><i>happy </i><i>I </i><i>am </i><i>that </i><i>I </i><i>finally </i><i>found </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    39

 Hunted 145

    <b>Chapter </b>145


    <i>Kai¡¯s </i>POV<b>: </b>


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    Gracie stared at me with a confused look on her face. Naturally, I understood. She had no idea I was the boy she¡¯d met all those years ago. Before leaving, my mother whispered to me that she hadn¡¯t told her. I wanted to let her know everything, about how she changed my life, how I looked for her all those years. But first, I had a few questions. My parents neglected to inform me we were engaged. I needed to know when and HOW that happened. Before I could say anything, Gracie spoke first as if reading my mind.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>imagine </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>few </i><i>questions</i>. <i>Though </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>some </i><i>of </i><i>my </i><i>own </i><i>as </i><i>well</i>.¡±


    <b>99 </b>


    She chuckled nervously as she stared directly into my eyes. The intensity of her gaze


    caused me to look away, afraid she¡¯d catch me blushing.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>you </i><i>do</i>. <i>I¡¯d </i><i>be </i><i>more </i><i>than </i><i>happy </i><i>to </i><i>exin </i><i>everything</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>first</i><i>¡­</i><i>how </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>meet </i>


    <i>my </i><i>parents</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Gracie began to exin everything in detail to me. She exined how she met my mother at the beachst week and how she¡¯d yed her violin for her. It was interesting hearing her describe their meeting. She hasn¡¯t changed since childhood, still helping those in need and bringing them back to life through her music. After she exined how she met my parents, she informed me of their asking her to marry me. Her cheeks blushed slightly as she exined that part, I could feel my heart racing at the sight of her redden ears and


    flushed face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i>, <i>that¡¯s </i><i>how </i><i>we </i><i>got </i><i>engaged</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Her warm smile didn¡¯t quite mask the nervousness in her eyes as, I chuckled inwardly thinking about how nervous I was when I¡¯d first met her.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for catching </i><i>me </i><i>up </i><i>on </i><i>everything</i>. <i>Also</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>apologize</i>. <i>I </i><i>know </i><i>this </i>must <i>have </i><i>been </i>a <i>lot </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>epting </i><i>the </i><i>proposal </i><i>of </i><i>someone </i>you <i>don¡¯t </i><i>know</i>, <i>much </i><i>less </i>a <i>person </i>in a <ia</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie¡¯s smile was filled with warmth and empathy, her eyes looked down at her hands and then back at me. I could see her cheeks reding again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i><i>apologies needed</i>. I¡¯m <i>d </i><i>I </i><i>said </i><i>yes</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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    My heart did a skip and jump; she was d she¡¯d said yes!!! Before I told her who I was, I needed to know why. Hoping she wouldn¡¯t notice the longing in my voice, I proceeded to


    ask.


    ¡°<i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i>mind me <i>asking</i>¡­<i>why </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>agree </i><i>to </i><i>this </i><i>arrangement</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie¡¯s eyes widen, I could tell she was getting nervous, her eyes had a different expression¡­guilt maybe? I instantly regretted my question, fearing she would say something that would void the engagement. She began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>At </i><i>first</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>agreed </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>mother</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>felt </i><i>instantly </i><i>drawn </i><i>to </i><i>her</i>. <i>She¡¯d </i><i>shown </i><i>me </i>so <i>much </i><i>kindness</i>, <i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>give </i><i>her </i><i>something </i><i>in </i><i>return</i>. <i>Also</i>¡­<i>for </i><i>the </i><i>first </i><i>time </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>long </i><i>time</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>felt </i><i>like </i><i>someone </i><i>actually </i><i>cared </i><i>for </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I listened to her response intensively. ¡®For the first time in a long time¡®, what did that mean? Has she been mistreated? By whom? I could feel myself getting angry, I had breath slightly to calm myself. Gracie lifted her head looking to the right, a slight smile curled her lips.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Also</i>¡­¡±


    Blushing?


    Why?


    <i>¡°</i><i>When </i>I <i>first </i><i>saw </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>felt</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>felt </i><i>drawn </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>as </i><i>well</i>. <i>Like </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>someone </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>waiting </i><i>for </i><i>my </i><i>whole </i><i>life</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I could feel my ears starting to burn. It felt like all the emotions I held on to these past 10 years were about to burst out of my chest. I had to tell her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>remember </i><i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>do </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie¡¯s eyes shot up. She had a puzzled look on her face. I smiled warmly and continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>About </i><i>10 </i><i>years </i><i>go </i><i>on </i><i>a </i><i>mid</i><i>¨C</i><i>summer </i><i>day</i>. <i>My </i><i>mother </i><i>took </i>me <i>to </i><i>the </i><i>favorite </i><i>beach </i>of <i>me </i>and <i>my </i><i>best </i><i>friend </i><i>Sammy </i><i>hoping </i><i>it </i><i>might </i><i>help </i><i>cheer </i><i>me </i><i>up</i><i>. </i>


    O<fn2033> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? f¦É¦Ídn¦Ïvel</fn2033>

 Hunted 146

    11:56 Mon, Sep 8 ¡­


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡± <fn07b2> For original chapters go to f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn07b2>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>146 </b>


    :


    I could feel my heart getting heavy thinking about Sammy.


    ¡°You see, he¡¯d <i>just </i>passed <i>away </i><i>a </i><i>few </i><i>weeks </i><i>prior </i><i>from </i><i>kidney </i><i>failure </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>coping </i>


    with it <i>too </i>well.¡±


    81


    When I looked up at her face, I could see Gracie¡¯s intense gaze as tears started to fill her


    eyes.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>so </i><i>sorry </i><i>to </i><i>hear </i><i>about </i><i>your </i><i>friend</i>.¡±


    She practically whispered as the tears began to fall. I realized in that moment; I could never bare to see her cry. I smiled gently and handed her a napkin.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i>for <i>that</i><i>, </i><i>Sammy </i><i>was </i><i>great </i><i>kid</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>really </i><i>liked </i><i>him</i>. <i>That </i><i>day </i><i>I </i><i>was </i>at <i>the </i><i>beach</i><i>, </i><i>nothing was </i><i>working</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>could </i><i>feel </i><i>myself drowning </i><i>deeper </i><i>into </i><i>sadness</i>¡­<i>that </i>was <i>until </i><i>this </i><i>very </i><i>interesting </i><i>little </i><i>girl </i><i>walked </i><i>up </i>to <i>me</i><i>.</i>¡®


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>hadn¡¯t <i>even </i><i>noticed </i><i>until </i><i>she </i><i>asked </i><i>me </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>some </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>sea </i><i>stones</i><i>. </i><i>When </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i>respond, <i>she </i><i>then </i><i>asked </i><i>me </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>some </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>seashells </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>how </i><i>her </i><i>mom </i><i>always </i>thought <i>she </i><i>took </i><i>too </i><i>many</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I chuckled lightly thinking about 10 year old Gracie and her frivolous rambling about seashells. Gracie, however, her face was in shock. It looked as if her memories of that day were flooding into her mind, I continued.


    ¡°Rudley, I asked <i>this </i><i>girl </i><i>why </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>bothering </i>me<i>, </i><i>to </i><i>which </i><i>she </i>replied¡­ you look like you¡¯re sad<i>¡®</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>was </i><i>quite </i><i>the </i><i>little </i><i>mind </i>reader. Before I could respond, she offered to y her violin<i>. </i><i>Calling </i><i>me </i>a dummy <i>when </i>I demanded <i>why </i><i>she </i>stopped <i>ying</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Tears were streaming down her face as Gracie sat with her hand over her mouth. The realization was pouring into her mind. She remembered the boy she yed her music for.


    <i>¡°</i>T¨C<i>That</i><i>¡­</i>was you<i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    11:56 Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>8 </b><b>d </b>


    :


    81


    Her voice was shaky and stared directly into my eyes, I felt like my heart was beginning to ache, I didn¡¯t like seeing her cry. I gently grabbed her hand, smiling into the face of the woman I¡¯d loved since I was 12. Nodding my head, I continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i>. <i>Ten </i><i>years </i><i>ago</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>at </i><i>my </i><i>saddest</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>most </i><i>remarkable </i><i>girl </i><i>changed </i><i>my </i><i>life </i><i>with </i><i>through </i><i>her </i>music <i>with her </i><i>pure </i><i>heart</i>. <i>She </i><i>left </i><i>me </i><i>promising </i><i>we would </i><i>meet </i><i>again </i>because <i>we </i><i>were </i><i>friends</i>.¡±


    I realized in that moment the term <i>¡®</i><i>friends</i><i>¡® </i>felt like acid on my tongue. It wasn¡¯t


    enough. It never was.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>looked </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her words snapped me back to the present.


    What????


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>did?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>got </i><i>home</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>realized </i><i>I </i><i>never </i><i>asked </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>your name</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>was </i>so <i>frustrated </i><i>with </i><i>myself</i>. <i>I </i><i>went </i><i>back </i>to <i>the </i><i>beach </i><i>almost </i><i>every </i><i>day </i><i>hoping </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>there</i>.¡±


    <i>I </i><i>smiled </i><i>apologetically </i><i>thinking </i><i>about </i><i>how </i><i>we </i><i>moved </i><i>right </i><i>after </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>met </i><i>her</i>.


    ¡°<i>After </i><i>that </i><i>day</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>dad </i><i>had </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>Conrad </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>two </i><i>year </i><i>project</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Ohh-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>by </i><i>the </i><i>time </i><i>I </i><i>came </i><i>back</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>find </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>your </i><i>full </i><i>name</i><i>, </i>so <i>I </i><i>also </i>went <i>to </i><i>the </i><i>beach </i><i>almost </i><i>every </i><i>day</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie eyes sadden as if she were remembering something.


    ¡°<i>My </i><i>adoptive </i><i>mother </i>passed <i>away </i><i>in </i>a car <i>ident </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>twelve</i>. <i>By </i>the time <i>you </i><i>came </i><i>back</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>probably </i><i>already </i><i>in </i><i>North </i><i>Bay </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Rochesters??? Why?


    11:56 Mon, Sep 8 <b>d</b>.


    ¡­


    <b>81 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>were </i><i>you </i><i>with </i><i>them</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    She looked at me with malice in her eyes, I could tell she held a great deal of contempt towards that family; but why?


    She wiped the corners of her eyes and took a deep breath.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Because </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>their </i><i>biological </i><i>daughter</i><i>. </i><i>My </i><i>birth </i><i>name </i><i>was </i><i>Rochester</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°So, <i>you were </i><i>adopted</i><i>? </i><i>Why</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>mean</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>just didn¡¯t </i><i>expect </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i>too-¡±


    Gracie smiled and held up her and as if to stop me from exining myself.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>an </i><i>interesting </i><i>and </i><i>long </i><i>story</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>apparently </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>taken </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>hospital </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>was </i>born<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 147

    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    ? ???? 28%4


    I could tell by his expression Kai was shocked at my revtion. It¡¯s not everyday you hear your fianc¨¦ was stolen as a baby.


    I spent the next 30 minutes giving Kai the cliff notes version of my life. He listened in silence never once interrupting me, but I could tell his face tensed when I spoke of some the things I¡¯d went through with the Rochesters. When I finally finished, he remained silent for an additional few minutes before speaking.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>see</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    It was something about the way he spoke¡­I wasn¡¯t sure, but it seemed as though his whole demeanor changed. Like he went from being light and happy to scowling; as if he were furious with the Rochesters. I decided that would be enough of them for the day, I didn¡¯t want those people ruining what should be a joyful celebration. Just as I was about to tell him everything was fine, the rest of the Christiansens came back with food.


    <i>¡°</i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>back</i><i>!! </i><i>And </i><i>we </i><i>brought </i><i>delectable </i><i>delights</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka beamed as she walked over to therge table in the room. Both Kai and I nced at each other smiling. His gaze was so intense it made me blush. Not to mention I was still reeling from the fact that he was the boy from my childhood. All the littlements and gestures Ma has been making these past few days now all made sense. She¡¯d always known who I was.


    Ma and Ka made their way over to me and Kai while Teddy and Theo moved the table to be closer. As everyone sat down, Ka had this mischievous look on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>two </i><i>lovebirds </i><i>been </i><i>getting </i><i>know </i><i>each </i><i>other</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The room fell deathly quiet as Kai, and I looked embarrassed. Why¡¯d she have to word it like that!! I could see Kai¡¯s ears reddening as he scowled as his little sister.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>finally </i><i>wake </i><i>up </i><i>after </i><i>a </i><i>six </i><i>month </i><i>in </i><ia </i><i>and </i><i>here </i>you <i>are </i><i>trying </i>to <i>send </i><i>me </i><i>back</i>.¡±


    Kaughed joyously at her big brother as she hugged him tightly. Ma began fixing everyone¡¯s tes, while Theo and Teddy began catching Kai up on everything that¡¯s been


    happening with the family and businesses since he¡¯s been sleep.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i>! <i>I </i><i>called </i>Grandma¨C<i>Roana</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯s </i>cutting <i>her </i><i>trip </i><i>short</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>here </i><i>tomorrow</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Kai¡¯s face lit up with joy, I hadn¡¯t had the chance to meet Grandma¨CRoana yet, but from what Ka told me, she sounded absolutely amazing. She was currently in Lakeford for the grand opening of a children¡¯s home and hospital. I was excited about meeting her myself. Ma handed Kai his beef broth. As he began to eat, she looked at me, smiling


    passively.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie </i><i>dear</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>should </i><i>eat </i><i>something</i>.¡±


    I was so busy paying attention to Kai that I nearly jumped when she called my name. I was just about to protest and say I wasn¡¯t hungry, when she walked over to me with a te of pork belly and white rice. I nodded in obedience realizing she wasn¡¯t taking no for an answer and began to eat. The rest of the afternoon was filled withughs, conversations, and catching up. This was the happiest I¡¯d ever seen the family. It was also the happiest I had ever been since the passing of my mom. We all stayed at the hospital until about 9pm. Originally, I was going to stay with Kai, but I noticed he didn¡¯t eat much of the beef broth. After questioning if anything was wrong, he told me the broth was okay but that he preferred chicken broth. Ma originally got the beef for the heavy protein. I decided to head home that night and make him my special broth and dumplings.


    In my previous life, whenever the Rochesters or Jonathan would get sick, I would make them all medicinal chicken or beef both with dumplings.


    As we were saying goodbye, I noticed Kai¡¯s expression looked sadden. It almost reminded me of that day at the beach when my mom called me toe home. I figured he was probably sad about the family leaving. Smiling, I walked over and sat beside him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>look </i><i>sad</i>. <i>Everyone </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>back </i><i>tomorrow</i><i>! </i><i>Plus</i>, <i>you¡¯re </i><i>cuter </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>smile</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I winked and smiled brightly as I held his hand. Suddenly, he looked at me with an intense stare causing my heart to flutter. His silence felt like forever as he gazed into my eyes. If I didn¡¯t know any better, I¡¯d say he was about to kiss me! Finally, he spoke.


    ¡°Will


    <i>you </i><i>be </i><i>here </i>too?<i>¡± </i>


    I was slightly taken aback by his question; he sounded almost worried like he was going to wake up and I would be gone. There was a longing in his tone with hints of fear. What


    could he possibly be afraid of? As if reading my mind once again, he answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>afraid </i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>wake </i><i>up </i><i>tomorrow </i><i>and </i><i>you </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>here</i>.¡±


    <i>¡®</i>Dummy.¡®


    4 ? 28%


    Didn¡¯t he know how I felt about him? Didn¡¯t he see how my heart raced every time I


    looked at him? Smiling, I stood up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>here </i><i>bright </i><i>and </i><i>early</i><i>¡­I </i><i>promise</i>.¡±


    We headed home after getting caught up by Kai¡¯s doctors and nurses. They all said the same thing, apart from thea, Kai was otherwise healed and healthy. They would keep him one more night for observation, after that, he could go home. The family was ted; Teddy called Grandmother¨CRoana to let her know the good news. I could hear her cheering on the other end about throwing Kai a party.


    After I showered, I made my way to the grand kitchen. The Christiansen¡¯s kitchen was more stacked than a mini grocery store. I was sure I¡¯d find all the ingredients I needed for my chicken and dumplings with homemade broth.


    *****


    ****


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    I lied in my bed looking at the pictures I¡¯d taken today with my family today before settling on the single picture I took of Gracie. She looked so beautiful, her smile was


    of radiant. As I looked at her delicate face, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge


    anger. Gracie informed me of her life with the Rochesters, and I had a feeling that was the light version. The thought of her being mistreated, being abused sent waves of fury through me like electricity. They would know what the price was for making my beloved cry. I opened my contacts and decided to call my best friend Tyler. It was time he learned of the change in my condition.


    ********


    *


    <b>24 </b><fn3d21> For original chapters go to find?novel</fn3d21>


    <b><i>Gracie¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    I finished my dumplings around 1AM. After doing a small taste test, I determined my they wereplete. I needed to get some sleep if I was going to arrive at the hospital before


    <b>3/4 </b>

 Hunted 148

    <b>Chapter </b><b>148 </b>


    <b><i>Gracie¡¯s POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    I woke up around 6:15AM. I wanted to get the dumplings to Kai early. The meal tasted it¡¯s best when fresh. After showering, dressing, and doing my hair, the time was now 9:37AM. This was good, at this rate I would be able to make it to the hospital by 11:30am. I decided to wear something morefortable today. Luckily, my mother¨Cinw turned my closet into a mini boutique as well, so I had plenty of variety regarding clothing. I settled on some light blue skinny jeans and a cute white button up blouse that I tied at the bottom. For shoes I wore low top converses. I put my hair in a ponytail allowing my face to be fully exposed. I wanted to befortable, this was Kai¡¯sst night at the hospital, so I wanted to stay with him for the night.


    A I made my way to the kitchen, I could hear what sounded like Ka whining and Ma fussing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ka </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>eat </i><i>those </i><i>dumplings</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>But </i><i>whyyyyy</i><i>!!! </i><i>Mom</i><i>! </i><i>Kai </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>eat </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>this</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ka</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>But </i><i>it </i><i>smells </i>so <i>good</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>have </i>a <i>tapeworm</i><i>? </i>How <i>are </i><i>you </i><i>always </i><i>hungry</i><i>?!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Iughed quietly as the mother and daughter went back and forth. It was true, Ka could definitely eat. As soon as I walked into the kitchen, both Ma and Ka turned to face me. Both of their faces beamed as I made my way to the stove.


    <i>¡°Good </i><i>morning </i><i>Gracie</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>made </i><i>dumplings</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka¡¯s eyes beamed as her words squealed as she ran over to hug me. I couldn¡¯t help butugh, she was so excited. Ma rolled her eyes and shook her head as she walked over and hugged me tightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>get </i><i>much </i><i>sleep </i><ist </i><i>night </i><i>making </i><i>those </i><i>dumplings </i>and <i>broth</i><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Ma looked at me with an empathetic look in her eyes. I could feel the motherly concern


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    seeping through her eyes as she pulled back from the hug.


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    ¡°<i>You </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>care </i><i>of </i><i>yourself </i>my <i>dear</i><i>. </i><i>Kai</i>¡­<i>Kai </i><i>is </i><i>woke </i><i>because </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>once </i><i>again </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>saved </i><i>my </i><i>son</i>, and <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>how </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>ever </i><i>repay </i><i>you </i><i>so </i><i>please</i><i>¡­</i><i>let </i>me <i>take </i><i>care </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Just then, Ka walked over and hugged her mother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mom¡¯s </i><i>right </i><i>Gracie</i>¡­<i>please </i><i>let </i><i>us </i><i>take </i><i>care </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>! You </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>idea </i><i>the </i><i>joy </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>brought </i><i>back </i><i>to </i><i>this </i>family<i>.</i>¡±<fn075b> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find[f]ovel</fn075b>


    Ka¡¯s eyes began to water.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>brought </i><i>my </i><i>brother </i><i>back</i>¡­¡±


    Her words trailed off as the tears poured down her face. Teddy and Theo soon walked into


    the kitchen.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>is </i><i>that </i><i>delicious </i><i>smell</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka instantly answered tears still in her eyes and voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie </i><i>made </i><i>some </i><i>dumplings </i><i>for </i><i>me </i><i>and </i><i>Kai</i><i>.</i>¡®


    ¡°¡±


    The whole kitchen fell quiet as everyone began tough at Ka. Theo walked over and


    hugged me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>thank </i><i>you </i>for <i>being </i><i>my </i><i>daughter</i><i>¨C</i><i>in</i><i>¨C</i><iw</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Soon Grandpa Teddy chimed in.


    ¡°<i>We¡¯ve </i><i>all </i><i>been </i><i>coasting </i><i>here</i><i>. </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>making </i><i>our </i><i>family </i><i>whole </i><i>again</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My eyes began to swell as the family took turns thanking and hugging me. I could feel my heart filling up, I didn¡¯t want this feeling to every leave.


    8 up, I didn¡¯t want this feat


    After we all finished a light breakfast and Ka finished her bowl of dumplings, we made our way to the hospital. Before leaving, I ran to the guest room to grab some things for Kai. I¡¯d decided to pack some essentials for him as well as some clothes so he wouldn¡¯t have to wear hospital gowns all day. As we walked into the room Kai was finishing up a call. I could hear an excited voice through his phone speaker.


    <b>6 </b>


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    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>back </i><i>on </i><i>Phoenix </i><i>this </i><i>weekend</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i>can¡¯t <i>wait </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>this </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>with </i>the <i>superpowers</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    My face redden as I heard his final words before Kai hung up and turned towards me. Kai had told his friend about me¡­the thought made me blush. As soon as his eyes met mine I felt as if the entire world disappeared and in that moment it was only us. He smiled brightly as he stood up to greet us all.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i>morning <i>son</i>.¡±


    Ma hugged Kai tightly as Theo and Teddy sat the bags and food on the table. Kia¡¯s eyes followed them as they set everything up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What¡¯s </i><i>all </i>of <i>that</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka instantly answered.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>dude</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>is </i><i>rockstar</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>made </i><i>homemade </i><i>chicken </i><i>and </i><i>dumplings </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>with </i><i>homemade </i><i>chicken </i><i>broth</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>delicious</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai looked over at me passionately remembering our conversation from yesterday when he expressed chicken broth being his favorite. Suddenly, his brows began to furrow as a scowl appeared on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wait </i><i>a </i><i>minute </i><i>Ka</i><i>¡­</i><i>how </i><i>exactly </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>the </i><i>dumplings </i><i>are </i><i>delicious</i><i>?</i>¡±


    The room fell quiet as Ka¡¯s eyes widen in fright. Ma lowered her head lightly shaking


    it as Teddy and Theo chuckled lightly trying their best to conceal it.


    Kai began to walk slowly over to Ka; his expression was now serious.


    ¡°<i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>eat </i><i>my </i><i>dumplings </i><i>Ka</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka¡¯s eyes nearly bulged as she ran behind me hugging my back.


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><i>sister </i><i>said </i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>some</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai¡¯s expression suddenly softened as our eyes locked. I looked behind me at my mischievous sister¨Cinw smiled and sighed.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>asked </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>try </i><i>them </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>they </i><i>tasted </i><i>good</i>.¡±


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    <i>¡°</i><i>See</i><i>!! </i><i>She </i><i>asked </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>try </i><i>them</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


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    We all broke out inughter; Kai had a mischievous expression as he looked down at me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>asked </i><i>I </i><i>supposed </i>I¡¯ll <i>allow </i><i>it</i>.¡±


    My face instantly felt flushed, I lowered my head feeling shy. I didn¡¯t realize how tall Kai was until he walked over to me, having him look down at me like that made my mind


    wonder. I shook my head slightly to bring my thoughts back to purity. When I looked up


    again, he was smiling at me warmly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    His voice was filled with warmth.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>wee</i>. <i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>it</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>made </i><i>by </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>, so I¡¯ll <i>love </i><i>it</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Blushing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look </i><i>at </i><i>you </i><i>being </i>a <i>chip </i><i>off </i><i>the </i><i>old </i><i>block</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Teddy¡¯s words broke the trance Kai was slowly putting me under. I¡¯d never felt so relieved


    to escape.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>packed </i><i>you </i><i>some </i><i>essentials </i><i>and </i><i>clothes </i><i>too</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Ka yelled out as she made her way to the table. Kai looked over at me with a slightly


    troubled look on his face. Masking it with a smile, he thanked me.


    Had I overstepped?


    Brushing the thought out of my mind, I joined the family as we all grabbed bowls to try the dumplings.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>already </i><i>ate </i><i>some Ka</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>go </i><ist</i>!¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>What</i><i>!!! </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>the </i><i>youngest</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


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    ¡°<i>They¡¯re </i><i>my </i><i>dumplings</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Children</i>!!! <i>Are </i><i>the </i><i>two </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>the </i><i>only </i><i>mature </i><i>child </i><i>I </i><i>have is </i><i>Gracie</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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    Kai and Ka both looked at me beforeughing, I couldn¡¯t help butugh too. I had


    never experienced a family dynamic like this before. I was refreshing. As we all ate there


    was sudden knock on the door. As we all turned our heads, an older woman walked into


    the room.


    Suddenly, Ka squealed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grandmother</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jumping out of her chair, she ran to hug the woman as everyone else stood up.


    Grandmother¨CRoana had finally arrived.


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    6

 Hunted 149

    <b>Chapter </b>149


    <b><i>Gracie¡¯s </i></b>POV<b>: </b>


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    As everyone made their way to Roana, she scanned the room nervously until her eyes fell on Kai. Suddenly, her tears began to pour out as he walked over to hug her.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, <i>my </i><i>goodness</i>!!! <i>You¡¯re </i><i>really </i><i>awake</i><i>!! </i><i>Praise </i><i>the </i><i>heavens</i>!!¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>missed </i><i>you </i><i>too </i><i>grandmother</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I took my phone out to take a picture of this moment. Suddenly, Roana released Kai and


    looked in my direction. Walking towards me, she had a stern expression on her face.


    ¡°So¡­<i>is </i><i>this </i><i>my </i><i>new </i><i>granddaughter</i><i>¨C</i>in<i>¨C</i><iw</i><i>¡­</i><i>the </i><i>miracle </i><i>worker</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma walked over and ced her hand on Roana¡¯s shoulder.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mother</i>, <i>this </i><i>is </i><i>Gracie</i><i>. </i><i>Kai¡¯s </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>¡­</i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>she </i><i>beautiful</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma¡¯s words made me blush. I bowed slightly to Roana and introduced myself.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>an </i><i>honor </i><i>to </i><i>finally </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>grandmother</i><i>¨C</i><i>Roana</i>. I¡¯m <i>Grd </i><i>Teagues</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Lift </i><i>your </i><i>head</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>look </i><i>into </i><i>the </i><i>eyes </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>young </i><i>woman </i><i>that </i><i>saved </i><i>my </i><i>grandson</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I nervously lifted my head to find Roana¡¯s eyes staring directly at me. I could feel my heart skip a beat as my nerves began to take over.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>heard </i><i>a </i><i>great deal </i><i>about </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Grd </i><i>Teagues</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>saved </i><i>my </i><i>grandson</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>in </i><i>turn</i><i>¡­.</i><i>saved </i><i>this </i><i>whole </i><i>family</i><i>. </i><i>I can¡¯t </i><i>wait </i><i>to </i><i>hear </i><i>you </i><i>y</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Roana held her hands out and embraced me in a hug. I hugged her tightly and thanked her for epting me into the family. She smiled at me warmly.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>dear</i><i>¡­</i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>always </i><i>been </i><i>apart </i><i>of </i><i>this </i><i>family</i><i>. </i><i>Even when </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>it</i>.¡±


    I smiled brightly as she made her way to the table.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>looks </i><i>like </i><i>I </i><i>came </i><i>just </i><i>in </i><i>time</i><i>! </i><i>Who </i>made <i>dumplings</i><i>?</i>¡±


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    Everyone suddenly turned and pointed to me. Roana¡¯s eyes widen.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>cook</i><i>!! </i><i>Good </i><i>choice </i><i>grandson</i>.¡±


    Roana winked at Kai causing him to blush. He looked over at me with a bright smile on his face and held out his hand. I walked to my fianc¨¦ grabbing his hand as we made our way back to our seats to eat.


    After eating, Kai went into the bathroom to shower and change his clothes. We all sat in the sitting area chatting.


    ¡°Oh <i>my </i><i>gosh </i><i>Gracie</i>, <i>if </i><i>Kai </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>marry </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>I</i>? <i>Those </i><i>dumplings </i><i>were </i><i>just </i><i>divine</i><i>.</i>¡±


    We allughed as Ka rubbed her stomach with satisfaction.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>must </i><i>admit</i><i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>quite </i><i>delicious</i>. <i>The </i><i>broth </i><i>was </i><i>amazing</i><i>, </i><i>perfect </i><i>for </i><i>recovery</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I blushed and thanked Theo shyly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Where¡¯d </i><i>you </i><i>learn </i><i>to </i><i>cook </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><i>mom </i><i>was actually </i><i>a </i><i>great </i><i>cook</i><i>, </i>so <i>I </i><i>learned </i><i>a lot </i><i>from </i><i>her</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>rest </i><i>was </i><i>trial </i><i>and error</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I smiled proudly thinking about my mom. Roana spoke next!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Your </i><i>mother </i><i>Diana</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>lovely </i><i>woman</i>.


    <i>Wounds </i>like s


    My eyes shot up in surprise, I wasn¡¯t sure how much everyone knew but hearing them not judge or speak ill of her sent emotions to my heart that was overwhelming.


    §Ô§â§å§á


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i>for <i>that</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>was </i><i>amazing</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>loved </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma gently ced her hand on my shoulder. Empathy in her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i><i>we </i><i>would </i><i>have</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>raised </i><i>an </i><i>amazing </i><i>young </i>woman.<b>¡± </b>


    I smiled warmly, just then, Kai came out of the bathroom fresh and dressed in his sweat shorts and T¨Cshirt.


    After the doctor came by to check how Kai was doing, he confirmed us Kai would definitely be able to go home tomorrow. Roana was the first to cheer.


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    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>wonderful </i><i>news</i><i>!! </i><i>We </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>wedding </i><i>to </i><i>n</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i>!! <i>Yes</i>!!! <i>Grandmother </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>looking </i><i>at </i><i>venues </i><i>the </i><i>past </i><i>few </i><i>days</i>! <i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>wait</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka squealed as she grabbed Roana¡¯s hands.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>big </i><i>enough </i><i>venue </i><i>for </i><i>at </i><i>least </i>500 <i>guests</i><i>¡± </i>


    Teddy stated as he looked at Theo.


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 Hunted 150

    <b>Chapter </b><b>150 </b>


    500!!!!!!


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>the </i><i>Remington </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>best </i><i>ce</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    *27%<fn3f80> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? findnovel</fn3f80>


    Theo looked at Ma for indication that was the best ce. Ma smiled brightly.


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>Remington </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>perfect</i><i>! </i><i>They </i><i>have </i><i>the </i><i>loveliest </i><i>courtyard</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>wedding </i><i>can </i><i>be </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>fall </i><i>when </i><i>the </i><i>weather </i><i>is </i><i>perfect </i><i>here</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka beamed.


    As everyone began to n our wedding, Kai looked at me with an apologetic expression.


    Leaning over, he whispered,


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sorry</i><i>. </i><i>They¡¯re </i><i>all </i><i>just </i><i>really </i><i>excited</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled passively. And leaned closer.


    ¡°It¡¯s <i>okay</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>the </i><i>first </i><i>thing </i><i>about </i><i>wedding </i><i>nning </i><i>anyway</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I giggled as the family continued.


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b><i>: </i></b>


    The sound of her giggle made my heart spin in unnecessary circles. I looked at Gracie¡¯s beautiful face as it filled with humor and joy listening to my crazy family n OUR wedding. I don¡¯t think anything could have made my day happier. That was until Ka told me the good news.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>Kai</i>¡­ <i>Gracie </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>stay </i><i>here </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>tonight </i>so <i>she </i><i>cane </i><i>home </i><i>with </i>you <i>tomorrow</i><i>. </i><i>Does </i><i>this </i><i>couch </i><i>convert </i><i>into </i><i>a </i><i>bed</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mind cleared out slightly as Ka looked at me waiting for my response.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Um</i>¡­I <i>don¡¯t know</i><i>. </i><i>I-</i><i>¡± </i>


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    Before I could answer, Gracie cut in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>okay </i><i>if </i>it <i>doesn¡¯t</i>! <i>That </i><i>recliner </i><i>is </i><i>really </i><ifortable</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Absolutely </i><i>not</i><i>! </i><i>Kai</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>sleep </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>recliner</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>No</i>, it¡¯s <i>really </i><i>okay </i><i>Ka</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>home </i><i>tomorrow</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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    Gracie smiled brightly at my little sister who was now pouting. To be honest, I wasn¡¯t thrilled about her sleeping in a chair either. I could tell she hadn¡¯t been getting much sleep. Although her face was wless, I¡¯d noticed the slightly darkened circles under her eyes and the slight redness. She needed rest.


    Just then, grandmother detoured the conversation back to the wedding.


    ¡°1000<i>! </i><i>The </i><i>Remington </i><i>can </i><i>fit </i><i>up </i><i>to </i><i>a </i>1000 <i>people </i><i>in </i><i>their </i><i>courtyard</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>See! <i>I </i><i>knew </i><i>it</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My father interjected with his hand raised.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Do </i><i>we </i><i>really </i><i>need </i><i>that </i><i>much </i><i>space</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mother frowned staring at the pictures on grandmother¡¯s phone.


    ¡°<i>Well </i><i>of </i><i>course </i><i>we </i><i>do</i>! <i>The </i><i>whole </i><i>world </i><i>is </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>want </i>to <i>see </i><i>this</i><i>! </i><i>Our </i><i>grandson </i><i>woke </i><i>up </i><i>and </i><i>now </i>he¡¯s <i>marrying </i><i>a </i><i>beautiful </i><i>young </i><idy</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Grandpa Teddy beamed with pride as he spoke.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>they¡¯re </i><i>getting </i><i>married </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>fall </i><i>we </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>earthtone </i><i>colors</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ohh</i><i>!! </i><i>Gracie </i><i>would </i><i>look </i><i>beautiful </i><i>in </i><i>teal</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka beamed as my mother¡¯s eyes widen with joy as if visualizing Gracie in the color.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>about </i><i>orange</i><i>?</i><i>¡°</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°<i>ORANGE</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mother, sister, and grandmother all gawked at my dad like he had three heads.


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    As they all continued arguing back and forth about colors and themes, I stood up smiled at Gracie extending my hand for her to take.


    ¡°Want to get out <i>of </i><i>here</i><i>?</i>¡±


    She giggled again and my heart swelled some more.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sure</i>.¡±


    We snuck out as my family continued fussing over the wedding.


    and


    <b>Group¡¯s </b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>she </i><i>would </i><i>look </i><i>lovely </i><i>in </i><i>orange</i>.¡±


    Grandpa¨CTeddy stated with his hands folded siding with Theo.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>is </i><i>not </i><i>wearing </i><i>orange</i>! <i>Teal </i><i>is </i><i>definitely </i><i>the </i><i>right </i><i>color</i><i>! </i><i>It¡¯ll </i><i>go </i><i>beautiful </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>eggshell </i><i>white </i><i>dress</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Roana fussed at Teddy as Ka and Ma pulled up wedding boutiques.


    ¡°<i>Well </i><i>why </i><i>does </i><i>she </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>wear </i><i>white</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Because </i>she¡¯s <i>pure</i>! It¡¯s <i>tradition</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>if </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>wants </i><i>to </i><i>wear</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>we </i><i>ask her</i>¡­.<i>Gracie </i><i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone turned towards where Gracie and Kai should have been,


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wait</i>¡­.<i>where¡¯d </i><i>they </i><i>go</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka looked around the room with a puzzled expression,


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>they </i><i>left </i><i>us</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Theoughed as he closed his tablet. Ma chuckled as well.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>Looks </i><i>like </i><i>they¡¯re </i><i>getting </i><i>along </i><i>just </i><i>fine</i>.<i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 151

    <b>Chapter </b><b>151 </b>


    <b>Gracie¡¯s </b>POV:


    Kai and I decided to sneaked out of the room as the family fussed over the wedding. We chuckled at being able to sneak away without them even noticing. As we made our way to the elevators, Kai had a humorous yet apologetic expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about all of <i>this</i>. <i>I </i>know <i>they </i>can <i>be </i>a <i>little </i><i>overwhelming</i>.¡±


    I smiled brightly; to be honest, I was happy they were excited. It made me feel like I was truly apart of the family.


    ¡°It¡¯s <i>okay</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m d <i>they </i>are <i>so </i><i>happy</i><i>. </i><i>Plus</i>, <i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>know </i>much about <i>weddings </i>so I¡¯m <i>d </i>I¡¯ll <i>have </i><i>help</i>.¡± Kai looked at me with an expression I wasn¡¯t familiar with. Smiling warmly, he grabbed my hand gently. <i>¡°</i><i>As </i>long <i>as </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>happy</i>. <i>I </i><i>want </i><i>this </i>to <i>be </i><i>the </i><i>greatest </i><i>day </i>of <i>your </i><i>life</i>. <i>You </i><i>deserve </i>it.¡±


    I blushed slightly as my eyes averted from his; if I stared at his gaze any longer, I wasn¡¯t sure what I might do next. Wanting to change the subject I inquired about what he had nned.


    ¡°<i>So</i>, <i>where </i><i>exactly </i><i>are </i><i>we </i><i>going</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    ¡°<i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>ice </i><i>cream</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>ice </i><i>cream</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Good</i><i>. </i><i>There¡¯s </i><i>an </i><i>ice </i><i>cream </i><i>shop </i>not too <i>far </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>hospital</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>we¡¯d </i><i>have </i><i>some</i><i>.</i>¡±


    My eyes widen with excitement; I absolutely loved ice cream! It had been awhile since I¡¯dst enjoyed some. As we made our way to the exit, I could see Cameron standing in the waiting area.


    Kai walked over to Cameron shaking his hand. Cameron had a bright smile on his face.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>so </i><i>good </i>to <i>see </i><i>you </i><i>sir</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Cameron shook Kai¡¯s hand with a warm gaze. I could tell he was happy to see Kai had finally waken up even with him ying it cool.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>good </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>too </i>Cam. I¡¯m <i>sorry </i><i>I </i><i>worried </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Think </i>nothing of <i>it </i><i>sir</i><i>. </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Teagues</i><b>, </b><i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>as </i><i>well </i><i>Cameron</i>. <i>Thank </i><i>you </i>for <iing </i>to <i>get </i><i>us </i><i>on </i><i>such </i><i>short </i>notice.¡±


    ¡°<i>My </i>pleasure ma¡¯am.¡± <fn2b25> For more chapters visit find?novel</fn2b25>


    Cameron dropped us off at a parlor called ¡°Cream of life¡°. As we walked into the parlor, Kai held my hand while we made our way to the front.


    ¡°They have every type of <i>vored </i>ice cream <i>you </i><i>could </i><i>imagine </i><i>here</i>; and <i>in </i><i>every </i><i>style</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai whispered to me as he pointed to the menu. As I looked over the menu, a memory of a time my mother and I went to get ice cream shed in my memory. We¡¯d gone shopping and on the way home, she decided to stop at an ice cream shop and ordered us soft¨Cserved vani cones with rainbow sprinkles. I could still see the smile on her face as weughed and ate our cones together. That was one of best days she and I had. As we made our way to the front, I could feel my eyes swell. Not wanting Kai to notice, I quickly wiped my eyes. I didn¡¯t want him to think I was unhappy; it was quite to the contrary, this day gave me that same feeling of happiness.


    ¡°Figure <i>out </i><i>what </i><i>you </i>want<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>did</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled brightly at Kai as we made our way to the counter. A young woman with a bright smile greeted us.


    ¡°<i>Wee </i><i>to </i><i>Cream </i><i>of </i><i>your life</i>, <i>my </i><i>name </i><i>is </i><i>Bri-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, the clerk paused as her eyes began to widen.


    ¡°<i>OMG</i><i>!!! </i><i>Your</i><i>¡­.</i><i>Your</i><i>¡­..</i><i>Your </i><i>Kai </i><i>Christiansen</i>!!!¡±


    The entire parlor was quiet as the customers and workers all turned towards us. Suddenly, a customer chimed in.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>wow</i><i>!!! </i><i>It </i><i>is </i><i>him</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><ia</i><i>??</i><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>He </i><i>must¡¯ve </i><i>waken </i><i>up</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Wait</i>¡­<i>who¡¯s </i><i>that </i><i>girl </i><i>with </i>him???¡±


    Suddenly, everyone began to make their way over to us with excitement and curiosity in their eyes. I knew the Christensen family was famous, but I hadn¡¯t expected this.


    Just as I was about to panic, Kai held his hand up indicating for the crowd to quiet down.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Everyone</i><i>, </i><i>please</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>appreciate </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>are </i><i>happy </i><i>about </i><i>my </i><i>recovery</i>¡­I <i>truly </i><i>appreciate </i><i>the </i><i>well </i><i>wishes</i>. <i>But</i><i>¡­</i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>ask </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>please </i><i>keep </i><i>this </i><i>amongst </i><i>yourselves</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 152

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>152 </b>


    Just then, Cameron walked into the parlor.


    ¡°On <i>behalf </i>of House Christiansen, we appreciate <i>you </i><i>all </i>for your silence on this matter as House Chris is not ready to release the status of <i>Heir </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>yet</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Cameron spoke with authority as he addressed the crowd.


    ¡°As a thank you, House <i>Chris </i>would like to <i>give </i><i>everyone </i>here ten thousand dors as a token of appreciation for your silence.¡±


    The crowd all gasped and cheered, as Cameron continued, I noticed the doors had two guards staying in front of it to make sure no other people could enter. <fnb08b> ?????? ???? FindN0vel</fnb08b>


    As the crowd formed a line to retrieve their payment, Cameron pulled out some documents from his


    briefcase.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i><i>everyone </i><i>could </i><i>please </i><i>sign </i><i>these NDA¡¯s</i>, <i>your </i><i>check </i><i>is </i><i>now </i><i>ready </i><i>to </i>cash<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Each of the customers signed NDAS and picked up their ten thousand dor checks. I stood in amazement as Kai and Cameron remained cool and under control of the entire situation.


    Kai looked down at me with an apologetic expression.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sorry </i><i>about </i><i>this</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    I smiled back.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>okay</i><i>. </i><i>A </i>lot <i>of </i><i>people </i><i>were </i><i>sadden </i><i>when </i><i>they </i><i>heard </i><i>the news </i><i>about </i><i>your </i><i>ident</i>. <i>Everyone </i>is <i>going </i>to <i>be </i><i>thrilled </i><i>to </i><i>learn </i>of <i>your </i><i>recovery</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai smiled warmly at me as we ced our order for our ice cream. We each ordered the vani cone with sprinkles. We sat inside the parlor with Cameron and his two bodyguards and enjoyed our treat. Afterwards, we made our way back to the hospital.


    After saying our goodbyes to Cameron, we made our way back to Kai¡¯s suite. When we arrived, the family was still discussing our wedding, but in a much calmer tone.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Alright</i><i>, </i><i>that </i><i>about </i><i>covers </i><i>the </i><i>basics</i>. <i>We¡¯ll </i><i>hire </i><i>a </i><i>wedding </i><i>nner </i><i>to </i><i>begin </i><i>making </i><i>the </i><i>preparations</i>.¡±


    Ma looked pleased as she closed her tablet. As we closed the door, everyone looked up at us with warm smiles.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>where¡¯d </i><i>you </i>two <i>run </i><i>off </i><i>to</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    3:30 <b>pm </b>


    Ka gave us a mischievous smile.


    ¡°None of your business.¡±


    Kai answered throwing a small pillow at his sister.


    As we allughed, Ma stood up.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we <i>give </i><i>Kai </i>and <i>Gracie </i>some time alone.¡±


    She smiled at Kai as she directed everyone to leave. Teddy stood up and stretched, ¡°Absolutely, let¡¯s give these two some time to themselves. Besides, we have a wee home party to n!¡±


    Roana smiled joyously.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>indeed</i><i>!,</i>¡±


    Suddenly, Ma and Theo looked at me with a conflicted expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i>correct <i>me </i><i>if </i>I¡¯m <i>wrong but </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>your </i><i>birthday </i><iing </i><i>up</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma looked at me with a passive expression. Suddenly, everyone turned in my direction.


    ¡°<i>OMG</i><i>! </i><i>Gracie! When </i><i>is your </i><i>birthday</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I blushed slightly; in all honesty I¡¯d almost forgotten that day wasing up.


    ¡°Um<i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>July </i><i>7th</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>What</i><i>! </i><i>Mom</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>say </i><i>something </i><i>sooner</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>n </i><i>a </i><i>birthday </i><i>party</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka began to scramble through her phone; just then, Kai spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>Gracie is </i><i>okay </i><i>with </i><i>it</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯d like </i><i>to </i><i>wait </i>to <i>throw </i><i>her </i><i>a </i><i>birthday </i><i>party</i><i>.¡± </i>


    I looked at Kai with a puzzled expression, why did it look like he had something nned?


    ¡°<i>Well </i><i>how </i><i>long</i><b><i>??</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    Ka pouted as she stared at her brother. Kai looked at me again and smiled slightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Three </i><i>months</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>THREE <i>MONTHS</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Ka and the grandparents all eximed, while Ma and Theo stared at their son. I wasn¡¯t sure if they


    <b>3:30 </b>pm


    knew what his n was, but they seemed to know he had something brewing.


    Kai turned about face towards me.


    ¡°Gracie, <i>I </i>promise to exin <i>everything </i>to <i>you </i>in <i>detail </i><i>so </i><i>that </i>this <i>will </i><i>all </i><i>make </i>sense, <i>but </i><i>I¡¯d </i>like to ask you <i>if </i>I can n a birthday g for you in <i>exactly </i><i>three </i>months.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure what Kai¡¯s n was, but I trusted himpletely. With a slight smile, I nodded my head in agreement. Kai smiled warmly and kissed the back of my left hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Thank </i>you for trusting me <i>my </i><i>love</i>.¡±


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 Hunted 153

    <b>Chapter </b><b>153 </b>


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    The family ended up staying for a few more hours after deciding to have dinner together at Gracie¡¯s request.


    <i>¡°</i><i>See</i>!! My <i>big </i>sister don¡¯t want to get rid of us!¡±


    Ka joked as she pouted and pinched my cheeks. Rolling my eyes, I smiled at Gracie, in truth¡­whatever she wanted I would have happily obliged.


    ¡°Well<i>, </i><i>what </i>do you <i>all </i><i>say </i><i>we </i><i>order </i>some hibachi <i>and have </i>it <i>delivered</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Grandpa stood up with his phone in his hand about to make a call to his assistant.


    ¡°Oh<i>! </i><i>Make </i><i>sure </i><i>you </i><i>get </i>some <i>miso </i><i>soup </i>too <i>grandad</i>!¡±


    Ka yelled as he began to ce the order to his assistant.


    The time was just after 6pm, finally¡­they were all about to leave so I could have Gracie to myself! I didn¡¯t want to be greedy, but they¡¯d had her for over two weeks before I woke up and I knew once we returned home things would be hectic. I just wanted this night between the two of us.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m so <i>excited </i><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>both </i><i>be </i><i>home </i><i>tomorrow</i>!!!¡±


    Ka squealed as she hugged me and Gracie.


    ¡°<i>Yes</i>! Our <i>family </i><i>is </i><i>finally </i><i>whole </i><i>again</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i><fn8987> Official source is Find~Novel</fn8987>


    Grandmother hugged me tightly, her eyes starting to swell.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you </i><i>too </i><i>grandmother</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After releasing me, she turned to Gracie.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, <i>my </i><i>dear</i><i>. </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>our </i><i>angel</i><i>. </i><i>Never </i><i>forget </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She hugged Gracie with a loving expression. I could see Gracie¡¯s eyes begin to water as she hugged grandmother back.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ditto</i>.¡±


    She whispered as mom made her way over to her. Mother stared at her with a warm smile.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>love <i>you </i><i>Gracie</i>. <i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i>choosing <i>us</i><i>.</i>¡±


    She hugged Gracie tightly as the tears rolled down both of their faces causing everyone to get emotional.


    ¡°I know <i>I¡¯ve </i>been <i>saying </i>take care of my son, but I want you to get some rest <i>tonight</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Gracie wiped the tears from her eyes as she nodded in agreement with my mother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i>ma¡¯am.¡±


    Satisfied with her response, mom turned to me. Her expression said it all. I felt a surge of guilt, for me¡­ it¡¯d only felt like I was sleep for a short time while they all had to endure this for over six months.


    We hugged each other for a long moment before dad came over and embraced us both. After saying our final goodbyes, Gracie walked over to her travel bag.


    ¡°<i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>mind </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>take </i><i>a </i><i>shower </i><i>and </i><i>get </i><ifortable</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her question broke me out of my trance.


    ¡°<i>Absolutely</i><i>¡­</i><i>um</i><i>¡­</i><i>let </i><i>me </i><i>show </i><i>you </i><i>around </i><i>really </i><i>quick</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After Gracie left, I decided to straighten up the room and check if that couch really did turn into a bed.


    <i>Shit</i><i>. </i>


    It didn¡¯t. Well, there was no way I was about to let her sleep in a chair. About 20 minutester, Gracie came out looking refreshed. She plopped down in the chair with a grin on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Your </i><i>bathroom </i>in <i>this </i><i>hospital </i><i>is </i><i>better </i><i>than </i><i>some </i><i>hotel </i><i>bathrooms</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She giggled as she curled her legs into the chair. Her hair was mostly down with just some of it up in a messy bun. She was wearing pajama shorts with a matching long sleeve shirt and knee socks. So simple and yet she looked so radiant.


    <i>Smiling</i>. ¡°<i>Yeah </i><i>the </i><i>VIP </i><i>floor </i><i>of </i><i>this </i><i>hospital </i><i>is </i><i>amazing</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>mean</i><i>, </i><i>overall</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>great </i><i>hospital</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>there </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>lot </i><i>of </i><i>detail </i><i>put </i>into <i>the </i><i>VIP</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Does </i><i>your </i><i>family </i><i>own </i><i>this </i><i>hospital</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°We <i>do</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie¡¯s eyes widen, before settling on a warm smile. I¡¯m sure she was aware of House Christiansen and the business and power we held. Still, I¡¯m sure it was shocking to hear. She scanned the television trying to find something to watch. Settling on some true crime show, she frowned as the narrator spoke about a person thatmitted a murder.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Dummy</i><i>. </i>Now <i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>spend </i><i>the </i><i>rest </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>life </i><i>in </i><i>prison</i>.¡±


    <b>pm </b>


    Iughed to myself thinking about how she¡¯d called me a dummy the first time we met. She truly hadn¡¯t changed one bit. Gracie looked at me as if she were about to ask a question when she paused with a puzzled expression. Suddenly, slight panic seeped into her eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong<i>?!</i>¡±


    I chuckled lightly realizing my staring must¡¯ve rmed her.


    ¡°Nothing. <i>I </i>promise<i>. </i><i>I </i>was <i>just </i><i>thinking</i>¡­<i>you </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>changed </i><i>much </i>since we were <i>children</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie¡¯s eyes fell as if she had been guilty of something. Lifting her head slowly against the head rest of her chair, I could tell something was troubling her. In a low voice, she began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>not </i>true<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>changed</i>¡­a <i>lot</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>How</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Hm. <i>I </i><i>used </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>pathetic </i><i>for </i><i>one</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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    <b>3/3 </b>

 Hunted 154

    <b>Chapter 154 </b>


    I frowned, how could she say such a thing about herself!


    ¡°<i>Gracie</i>! That¡¯s not tru-¡±


    ¡°I used to be humbled<i>, </i><i>weak</i><i>, </i><i>desperate </i>for love from <i>people </i><i>who </i><i>never </i>once showed <i>me </i>an ounce of love and care. <b>I </b>willing to degrade <i>myself </i><i>for </i>them, <i>tire </i><i>myself</i>, make <i>myself </i><i>sick </i><i>if </i><i>it </i><i>meant </i><i>helping </i><i>them</i>.¡±


    Her eyes began to water as she continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>willing </i>to sacrifice everything about <i>myself </i><i>and </i><i>all </i><i>that </i><i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>taught </i><i>me </i>just to appease them. I was <b>even </b><i>willing </i>to <i>marry </i>a man that I didn¡¯t love and <i>KNEW </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>love </i>me <i>just </i>to make them <i>happy</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could feel my eyes darken at the thought of her marrying someone else, much less that Jonathan fool.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>for </i><i>what</i><i>¡­</i><i>all </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>family </i><i>that </i><i>di</i>-¡­<i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>care </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>were </i><i>even </i><i>caught </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>fire</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She spoke with resolute and conviction as if she knew for a fact what she stated was true. I hadn¡¯t got the full story on the Rochesters and Brooks yet. I had Tyler investigating in full detail for me, but based on what I¡¯d learn from Gracie, I knew that family hurt her. They would surely pay for that!!!


    <i>¡°</i><i>But </i><i>you¡¯re </i>not <i>that </i><i>way </i><i>anymore</i><i>¡­</i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie snapped her head in my direction, her face instantly beamed as a warm smile spread across her face.


    ¡°<i>Nope</i>! Because <i>now </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>an </i><i>amazing </i><i>family</i>¡­not to <i>mention</i>¡­


    She leaned in closer as if to whisper.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>marrying </i><i>this </i><i>really </i><i>great </i><i>guy</i><i>¡­</i><i>kinda </i><i>cute </i><i>too</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My face instantly turned red. It¡¯s not like I wasn¡¯t aware that women found me attractive, but Gracie saying it made me feel a way I had never felt. I instantly felt shy as she chuckled lightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i>it¡¯s a <i>good </i><i>thing </i><i>your </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>is </i>so <i>amazing</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hmm</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Iughed out loud at her nonchnt response. We spent the next two hours getting to know the basics of each other. I learned her favorite color was candy apple red. Her favorite music was ssical. Favorite foods consisted of what she was in the mood for. She loved sweets and romance novels. She had an appreciation for science and geography. She was perfect. Learning we had so much inmon made my heart feel like it would explode. Suddenly, I began to feel impatient, our wedding couldn¡¯t get here soon enough.


    As the evening grewter, I could tell she was getting tired but for some reason, she wouldn¡¯t allow her body to rx. I decided to ask her if she would sleep in the bed with me.


    ¡°What!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean anything inappropriate<i>! </i><i>It¡¯s </i>just, <i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>want </i>you to <i>sleep </i>on <i>that </i>chair.¡± <fnf30b> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on Find[F]ovel</fnf30b>


    Gracie¡¯s eyes widen but then rxed with hints ofpassion.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m okay. <i>I </i>swear, <i>this </i>chair really <i>is </if-¡±


    ¡°Gracie¡­<i>I </i>won¡¯t be able to sleep well knowing you¡¯re not sleeping well<i>. </i>Please¡­can you get in the bed? <i>And </i>look, this bed


    <i>is </irger than the average hospital bed and morefortable too. You¡¯ll <i>have </i>plenty of space<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie looked at me and then the bed as if she were pondering what to do. Finally, she let out a light sigh.


    ¡°You really won¡¯t <i>be </i>able to sleep <i>unless </i><i>I </i><i>get </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>bed</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled brightly at my triumph.


    ¡°Not <i>a </i><i>wink</i>.¡±


    Gracie raised her eyebrow in aughed with skepticism. Still, she stood up and made her way to the bed. Smiling, I scooted over so she could have room. I ce one of my pillows on her side and widen the nket. Sliding in the bed, she grinned.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>were </i><i>right</i><i>! </i><i>This </i>is <i>definitely </i><i>more </i><ifortable </i><i>than </i><i>your </i><i>average </i><i>hospital </i><i>bed</i><i>. </i>Is <i>this </i><i>memory </i><i>foam</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Iughed as she pushed her fingers into the mattress. After gettingfortable, sheid back.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>know</i>, <i>I¡¯m </i><i>not even </i><i>sleepy</i>. <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>probably </i><i>be </i><i>up </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>while</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Those were her final words for the evening because not even 30 minutester, Gracie was curled on her right side. Her head had found it¡¯s way to my chest and she was snoring lightly. I smiled in triumph, d that she would finally get some rest. I waited for about an hour before I texted my mother, I needed to find out a few things.


    <b>[</b><b>Mom</b>¡­<i>are </i><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>sleep</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <i>[</i><b><i>Nope</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>you¡¯re </i></b><b><i>father </i></b><i>is </i><b><i>getting </i></b><b><i>some </i></b><i>work </i><b><i>done </i></b>in <i>his </i><b><i>study</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Is </i></b><b><i>everything </i></b><b><i>okay</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>Yeah¡­</i></b><b><i>everything </i></b>is <b><i>fine</i></b><b>. </b><b>I </b><i>know </i>it¡¯s <b><ite </i></b><b><i>but</i></b><b>¡­</b><b><i>could you </i></b><b><ie </i></b><b><i>back </i></b><b>to </b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>hospital </i></b>for a <i>moment</i><b><i>¡­</i></b><b><i>I </i></b>need <b>to </b><i>talk </i><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><b>.</b><b>] </b>


    <b>9:43 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    <b><i>[</i></b><i>On </i>the way<b>.</b><b>] </b>


    I closed my phone and leaned back making sure Gracie was stillfortable as I waited for my mother.


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 Hunted 155

    <b>Chapter </b><b>155 </b>


    <b>Kai¡¯s </b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    Mother arrived at the hospital 45 minutester. As she walked into the room, I could tell she was about to greet us <b>I </b>quickly ced my finger on my lips indicating for her to be quiet and pointed to Gracie sleeping. Mother¡¯s <b>eyes </b>widen in surprise before rxing into a warmer gaze. As she made her way over to the couch near the patio, I <b>began </b>to ease my way out of the bed slowly. I quickly grabbed my pillow to ce it under her as a substitute for <b>my </b>chest until I returned. I couldn¡¯t believe myself; I was suddenly jealous of a pillow. Shaking my head, I made my way over to my mother.


    She smiled warmly as I say next to her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i>, <i>how¡¯d </i>you get <i>her </i>to <i>finally </i><i>fall </i><i>asleep</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    We both looked at Gracie who was slumbering peacefully; smiling, I shook my head.


    ¡°<i>Honestly</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>sure</i><i>. </i><i>One </i>minute <i>she </i><i>was </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>she </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>sleepy </i><i>and </i><i>the </i><i>next </i><i>moment </i>I <i>could </i>hear light <i>snoring</i>.¡±


    My mother smiled once more.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i>must <i>be </i><i>exhausted</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at my mother with a serious expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>take </i><i>it </i>she <i>hasn¡¯t </i><i>been </i><i>getting </i><i>much </i><i>sleep</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Mom looked at me with a grimace expression and lightly shook her head. <fn9a88> Discover more novels at find?novel</fn9a88>


    <i>¡°</i><i>No. </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>going </i><i>to bed </i><ite </i><i>and </i><i>waking </i><i>up </i><i>early </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>estate </i><i>and </i><i>her </i><i>first </i><i>night </i><i>there</i>¡­¡±


    Mom paused for a moment and then continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>went </i><i>to </i><i>check </i><i>on </i><i>her </i><i>just </i>to <i>make </i>sure <i>she </i><i>was </i><i>settled</i><i>, </i><i>when </i><i>I </i><i>walked </i><i>in </i><i>her </i><i>room</i>, <i>she </i><i>was </i><i>in </i>a <i>cold </i><i>sweat</i>¡­I <i>think </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>having </i><i>a </i><i>bad </i><i>dream</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Then my mother¡¯s face harden.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>probably </i><i>nightmares </i><i>about </i><i>those </i><i>people</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mother¡¯s tone darkened as she thought about the Rochesters. I could feel my expression mirroring hers.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>that </i><i>bad</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:43 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>10


    ¡°<i>Emm </i>hmm<i>. </i><i>Those </i>wretched people¡­<i>they </i>were abusing her.¡±


    My eyes widen and my head snapped towards my mother¡­Abused!


    ¡°You mean emotionally or-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>mean emotionally<i>, </i><i>verbally</i><i>¡­</i><i>physically</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I could feel the rage burning in my chest like acid. Those bastards!!!! To think they hurt someone so precious to


    me!!!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>specting </i>or <i>do </i>you know <i>for </i><i>sure</i>?¡±


    My voice was heavy, my mother looked at me with a worried expression. She knew what Gracie meant to me and what I was capable of. Letting out a light sigh, she confirmed what she knew.


    <i>¡°</i><i>After </i><i>we made </i><i>the </i><i>engagement </i><i>request </i><i>with </i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>gave </i><i>her </i><i>a </i><i>week </i>to <i>make her </i><i>decision</i>. During that <i>time</i>, <i>we </i><i>decided </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>digging</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>the feeling </i><i>something </i><i>was </i><i>off </i><i>about </i><i>her </i><i>family</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>pry </i>Gracie <i>too </i>


    <i>soon</i>.¡±


    8913


    I sat quietly as my mother continued.


    ¡°<i>We </i><i>managed </i><i>to </i><i>speak </i><i>with </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>their </i><i>servants</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>were </i><i>reluctant </i><i>as </i><i>first</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>Cameron </i><i>was </i><i>quite </i><i>persuasive</i>.¡±


    Kai smiled lightly thinking about his loyal assistant.


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>things </i><i>we </i><i>found </i><i>out </i><i>were </i><i>disturbing</i>. <i>ording </i>to <i>the </i><i>servant</i><i>, </i><i>Gracie </i><i>came </i><i>back </i><i>home </i><i>when </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>twelve </i><i>after </i><i>her </i><i>mother </i><i>passed</i><i>. </i><i>They </i><i>said </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>moment </i><i>she </i><i>arrived </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>met </i><i>with </i><i>indifference </i><i>and </i><i>cold </i><i>shoulders </i><i>from </i><i>that </i><i>family</i><i>; </i><i>while </i><i>their </i><i>entire </i><i>lives </i><i>revolved </i><i>around </i><i>the </i><i>adoptive </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    What the hell kind of people were these?


    <i>¡°</i><i>They </i><i>said </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>ced </i><i>in a </i><i>storage </i><i>closet </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>bedroom</i>. <i>That </i><i>I </i><i>all </i><i>but </i><i>confirmed </i><i>myself </i><i>the </i><i>day </i><i>your </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>went </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>her</i>. <i>She </i><i>only </i><i>wore </i><i>hand</i>¨C<i>me</i><i>¨C</i><i>down</i><i>¨C</i><i>clothes</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>would </i><i>often </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>perform </i><i>servant </i><i>duties </i><i>as </i><i>a </i><i>way </i>of <i>showing </i><i>her </i><i>gratitude </i><i>for </i><i>them </i><i>taking </i><i>her </i><i>in</i><i>. </i><i>Imagine </i><i>THAT</i><i>! </i><i>Having </i><i>your </i><i>child </i><i>be </i><i>grateful </i><i>you raised </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could hear the disdain in my mother¡¯s voice¡­it matched my expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>even </i><i>though </i>she <i>confirmed </i><i>some </i><i>of </i><i>what </i><i>we </i><i>already knew</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>withheld </i><i>some </i><i>information</i>. <i>I </i><i>think </i>out <i>of </i><i>shame</i><i>, </i><i>so </i><i>we </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>pressure </i><i>her</i><i>. </i><i>Still</i><i>, </i><i>there </i><i>was </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>your </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>let her </i><i>stay </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>house </i>a <i>moment </i><i>longer</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded my head in agreement; I was d they took care of her in my stead.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i>to <i>think</i><i>, </i><i>her </i><i>father </i><i>was </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>marry </i><i>her </i>off to <i>that </i>Brooks <i>boy </i><i>KNOWING</i>, <i>he </i><i>was </i>in <i>love </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>adoptive </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:43 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    <b>1913 </b>


    I could feel my tipping point reaching it¡¯s end at the mention of that asshole she was set to marry<b>. </b>So, he <b>had </b>also abused my Gracie¡­looks like the Brooks family would pay as well.


    ¡°<b>If </b><i>they </i><i>love </i><i>the </i><i>adoptive </i><i>daughter </i><i>so </i><i>much </i><i>why </i><i>did </i><i>they </i><i>want </i><i>Gracie </i>to <i>marry </i><i>that </i>Brooks fool<b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Apparently </i><i>his </i><i>grandfather </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>bloodline </i><iplex</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Huh</i><i>¡­</i>I <i>see</i><b><i>.</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    My mother stayed for about an hour in a half catching me up on what she knew so far about the Rochesters and Brooks family. To think two households that never meant so much as blink to me would now be on my most wanted list. They¡¯d crossed the line and for no valid reason¡­.they would pay for every tear she shed, every scar she had, every dream that was turned into a nightmare. I wanted them all to burn for her agony!


    I walked my mother to the door as she decided to head back home, it was gettingte, and I wanted to be up early so that I could finally leave this ce.


    Smiling at my mother, I was grateful she loved Gracie so much.


    ¡°Mom, thank you for finding her and bringing her back to me.¡±


    Hugging me tightly, my mother smiled warmly.


    ¡°I know you have something nned for her birthday that will involve that family. Just keep us afloat¡­and let me know how your father and I can assist.¡±


    I could see the fire burning in my mother¡¯s eyes, she was most certainly furious. Above everyone, my mother might have been the only person that loved Gracie almost as much as I did. She¡¯d been there from that first day on the beach, and knowing Gracie also helped her in the same manner, I knew she meant everything to her.


    I made my way back over to the bed; Gracie was still sleeping soundly. It warmed my heart watching her get a good night¡¯s rest. From what I¡¯d just learned, she truly needed it. She wouldn¡¯t have to worry anymore, now that I¡¯d found her again¡­I would take care of her forever. I needed her happy and healthy from this point on.


    I slid slowly back into the bed cing the pillow behind my head and her head back onto my chest. She adjusted herself and tightened her grip on my shirt. Her face looked peaceful, I could myself falling in love with her even


    more.


    Leaning my head back, I turned a show on the TV and turned the light off. I¡¯d been sleep for over six months, it was time I woke up and reminded everyone who the Christiansens were and what the penalty was for crossing our loved


    <b>ones</b><b>. </b>


    <b>9:43 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>

 Hunted 156

    <b>Chapter </b><b>156 </b>


    Gracie¡¯s <b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    :


    I woke up the next morning feeling amazing. It was like my entire body went through a rejuvenation phase. It was also the second time I didn¡¯t have any nightmares. I began to panic however when I realized the warm andfortable thing I had beenying on was NOT a pillow and in fact Kai!!


    How did I end up on Kai?? And for that matter, when exactly did I fall asleep? Thest thing I remembered was telling Kai I wasn¡¯t even sleepy. I guess my body was more exhausted than I realized. I looked up at Kai who was still sleeping. His breathing was light as his left arm was draped over me protectively. I smiled slightly¡­the first time I had a peaceful sleep; I¡¯d had a dream about him¡­now, I¡¯d experienced yet another peaceful night with him<b>. </b>


    Hmm.


    Maybe he was my sleeping charm. I looked up at the clock on the wall; the time was 6:42am. Still early. I decided to get up and start packing everything up; not wanting to wake Kai, I slowly eased off his chest but as soon as <b>I </b>tried to sit up, his arm gripped me tighter.


    Startled, I froze in ce not knowing if he¡¯d waken up. His eyes were still closed but his grip remained tight. I tried to move again assuming it was a reflex when Kai spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>longer</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>??????? </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Stay </i><i>here </i><i>with </i><i>me </i><i>just </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>longer</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled warmly at my adorable fianc¨¦, nodding in agreement, Iid back on his chest. When I peaked up, I could see his eyes staring directly into mine.


    I Instantly blushed. Why did he have to be so beautiful! Kai smiled lightly as he kissed me on the top of my head.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>morning </i><i>beautiful</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I shrank shyly into his chest. Hoping he didn¡¯t notice how red my ears were.


    ¡°<i>Good </i><i>morning</i>.¡±


    I spoke in a low voice too ashamed of where my thoughts were headed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>How¡¯d </i><i>you </i><i>sleep</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>actually </i><i>slept </i><i>amazing</i>. <i>Thank </i><i>you</i><b><i>.</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:44 </b>Wed, Sep 10


    Kai smiled,


    ¡°See, I told you <i>the </i><i>bed </i>wasfortable<i>.</i>¡±


    My eyes lowered as a thought urred to me. Kai looked at me with a worried expression.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    I looked back at him shyly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>just¡­well¡­I wonder <i>if </i>it¡¯s because <i>I </i><i>was </i>sleeping <i>next </i><i>you</i>¡­¡±


    Kai smiled brightly, all teeth showing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Teagues</i>¡­<i>are </i>you <i>saying </i><i>you </i><i>want </i>to <i>sleep </i><i>with </i><i>me </i><i>every </i><i>night</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    WHAT!!!!!


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>not</i>¡­..¡±


    I instantly put my head under the covers. I couldn¡¯t finish the sentence because I think that WAS what I was trying


    to say.


    Kaiughed out loud as he tried to remove the nket from over my head. I tightened my grip not wanting him to see how embarrassed I was.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>¡­</i><i>please </i><i>look </i><i>at </i><i>me</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>promise </i><i>not </i><i>to </i><iugh</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I paused for a moment before slowly removing the sheets. Kai was staring at me passionately. Brushing a strand of hair off my face, Kai lightly lifted my chin so that our eyes were connected.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>fact </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>feel </i><i>that </i><i>way </i><i>about </i><i>me</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>idea </i><i>how </i><i>much </i><i>that </i><i>means </i><i>to </i><i>me</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>whatever </i><i>makes </i><i>you </i><ifortable</i><i>, </i>BUT<i>¡­</i><i>just </i><i>so </i><i>you </i><i>know</i>¡­I¡¯m <i>never </i><i>opposed </i><i>to </i><i>us </i><i>being </i><i>together</i>. Fill <i>free </i><i>to </i><i>use </i><i>me </i><i>anytime </i><i>you want </i>or <i>need </i><i>my </i><i>love </i><i>and </i><i>attention</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could feel my entire body heat up from my toes to my head. I spoke in low and honest tone.


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>might </i><i>get </i><i>greedy</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai was awakening feelings in me I¡¯d never experienced even in my previous life. He smiled and gently kissed my forehead.


    ¡°<i>Good </i>thing I¡¯m <i>unlimited</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    We spent another hour in the bed wrapped in each other¡¯s arms, it felt so good to be loved like this.


    <b>9:44 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>10 </b><fnc1bb> Content originallyes from FindN()vel</fnc1bb>


    We officially got up around 8:05am, I showered and dressed first. While waiting for me to finish, Kai ordered us some breakfast.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to shower and get dressed, the food <i>should </i><i>be </i>here <i>by </i><i>the </i>time I finish.¡±


    I smiled and nodded my head in agreement as I braided my hair down. I decided to make two braids for my hairstyle today. As if on cue, as soon as Kai finished, the food arrived.


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    <b>9:44 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±

 Hunted 157

    <b>Chapter </b><b>157 </b>


    He ordered us pancakes, cheesed eggs, and sausage with orange from the hospital kitchen. For this ce <b>being </b><b>a </b>hospital, you would have sworn you were eating at a five star hotel. The food was delicious! <b>As </b>we ate, there was <b>a </b>knock on the door. Kai¡¯s doctor and nurse arrived to provide him with his discharge papers.


    Kai stood to shake Dr. Connors¡® hand as he made his way to our table.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i>morning <i>Heir </i><i>Chris</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>trust </i><i>you¡¯re </i>feeling <i>well</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai looked at me and smiled warmly.


    ¡°<i>Better </i><i>than </i><i>well </i><i>doc</i>. I <i>feel </i><i>amazing</i>.¡±


    I blushed.


    The nurse held her head down a little as she smiled. Dr. Connors smiled as well while pulling out his discharge papers. I also stood up so that I could read the documents in case there were any special treatments or diets Kai may need.


    ¡°<i>Well </i><i>Kai</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>have </i>to <i>say</i><i>¡­</i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>one </i>of <i>my </i><i>more </i><i>remarkable </i><i>stories</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>ident </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>end</i><i>¡­</i><i>something </i>like <i>that </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>fatal</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I shuttered at those words; I could no longer imagine a world Kai was not in.


    ¡°<i>And </i><i>yet</i><i>, </i><i>somehow </i><i>not </i><i>only did </i><i>you </i><i>survive </i><i>but </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>awaken </i><i>from </i>a six <i>month </i><ia</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>vitals </i><i>and </i><i>tests </i><i>all </i><i>came </i><i>back </i><i>great</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>results </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>EKG </i><i>as </i><i>well </i><i>as </i><i>the </i><i>CAT </i><i>all </i><i>look </i><i>great</i><i>. </i><i>There¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>neurological </i><i>damages </i><i>whatsoever </i>as <i>well</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I beamed brightly; overjoyed hearing Kai waspletely healthy. <fnee9c> Content originallyes from Find1Novel</fnee9c>


    Kai leaned over to whisper in my ear.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>see</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>invincible</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    He stood back straight and winked.


    <i>Uggghhhh</i>!!!


    I have got to get a hold of myself! <b>I </b>can¡¯t turn bright red every time he does something cute. I¡¯m starting to think he¡¯s doing this on purpose.


    Dr. Connors signed off on his discharge as the nurse checked his vitals onest time.


    <i>¡°</i><i>All </i><i>good </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Chris</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b>9:44 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    The nurse smiled brightly; right before leaving, she turned in my direction.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Take </i>good care <i>of </i><i>this </i><i>one </i>young Ms. <i>He¡¯s </i><i>tenacious</i>.¡±


    I smiled and nodded in agreement; I nned on spending my life doing exactly that.


    <b>1913 </b>


    After the doctor and nurse left, Kai called Cameron and instructed him to head to hospital. Afterwards, he called his parents to let them know we would be home soon.


    I could hear the excitement on the other end as everyone cheered. Cameron along with the two bodyguards from yesterday arrived at 10:30am. As Cameron instructed the bodyguards to grab our bags, he pulled out a tablet.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>morning </i><i>sir</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Cameron</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>trust <i>you </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>good </i><i>evening </i><i>yesterday</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Indeed</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>did </i><i>sir</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>made </i><i>sure </i><i>your </i><i>recovery </i><i>remained </i><i>concealed</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>release </i><i>that </i><i>information </i><i>when </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>ready</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Excellent</i>. <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>anyone </i>to <i>know </i>of <i>my </i><i>recovery </i><i>until </i><i>September</i>. <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>update </i><i>you </i><i>on </i><i>everything </i><i>over </i><i>the </i><i>next </i><i>few </i><i>days</i>. <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>working </i><i>from </i><i>my </i><i>home </i><i>office</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Cameron nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Oh, <i>and </i><i>Cameron</i><i>¡­</i><i>good </i><i>work</i><i>. </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>maintaining </i><i>everything </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>six </i><i>months</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cameron smiled brightly. The warmth of Kai¡¯s appreciation in his eyes. I smiled slightly; Cameron really was amazing.


    We made our way to the elevators; I could tell Kai was eager to go home. Before leaving, He whispered something in Cameron¡¯s ear. Cameron walked over to the head administrator and spoke low enough for only her to hear. I could see the older woman¡¯s eyes widen with what looked like shock. After Cameron finished, he walked away with a slight smile.


    Several nurses ran over to the admin and asked what was said. I wasn¡¯t sure what Cameron had told her, but as we walked onto the elevator, sounds that resembled cheers began to erupt as the doors closed.


    We walked over to a white Rolls¨CRoyce. The two bodyguards walked over to a ck Ford Expedition. Kai opened my door while smiling at me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ready </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>home </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I beamed at the title. Hearing him say it made it officially feel real.


    ¡°<i>Ready</i><i>.</i>¡±

 Hunted 158

    <b>Chapter </b><b>158 </b>


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    ¡¾õrŸý


    Gracie cuddled next to me as we made our way home. My heart swelled, I was d she was sofortable with me. Still, I could tell she was still exhausted. I knew my family wanted to celebrate, but I wouldn¡¯t let her <b>stay </b>up <b>too </b>long. She needed more rest, one night was clearly not enough.


    As we pulled out of the parking lot, my phone began to buzz. Answering without checking to see who it <b>was</b><b>, </b>I was unprepared for the loud voice on the other end.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kaaaaai</i>!!!!! I¡¯m <i>at </i><i>your </i><i>house</i><i>!! </i><i>Your </i>mom <i>said </i><i>you¡¯re </i>on <i>the </i><i>way </i><i>home </i><i>with </i><i>Grd</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Tyler. <fn0e68> Latest content published on </fn0e68>


    Tyler Green and I had been friends since we were fourteen years old. We met in private school when my family returned to Phoenix from Conrad. After meeting Gracie, I realized I didn¡¯t want to go back to a world where people were too scared to open up or befriend me. After the passing of Sammy, I was afraid I¡¯d lost my one and only friend and that I would go back to being lonely. Then I met this remarkable girl, and she made me realize that even someone like me could make friends.


    Tyler was theplete opposite of me in terms of mannerisms. As mature, refined, and reserved as I was, Tyler was as goofy, loud, and immature. Our difference in behavior is what kept us bnced. He would force me to open up and be youthful while I kept him grounded¡­.well as grounded as he could be.


    I rolled my eyes at the sound of his loud voice. I could feel Gracie chuckling. I wanted them to meet but I also dreaded it. Tyler was the type of friend that would expose everything I DIDN¡¯T want her to know. Not to mention, he was a very energetic and lively person. Fun¡­would be the better term. Tyle had the ability to be familiar with just about anybody. I¡¯m ashamed to admit I wasn¡¯t excited about sharing Gracie with everyone. It was bad enough I had to share her with my family. Ka was already starting toy im to her.


    Still, I¡¯d sent Tyler on a job, so I knew that was the primary reason he¡¯d came back to Phoenix.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>correct</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>actually </i><i>on </i><i>our </i><i>way </i><i>home </i><i>now</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Uhhh</i>¡­.so <i>I¡¯ll </i><i>get </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>the </i><i>infamous </i><i>Gracie </i><i>soon</i><i>¡­</i><i>this </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>fun</i>.<b><i>¡± </i></b>


    I rolled my eyes; I hadn¡¯t even seen him yet and I was already irritated.


    ¡°<i>Tyler </i><i>you-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Rx</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>on </i><i>my </i><i>best </i><i>behavior</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I believed none of what he¡¯d just promised.


    <i>¡°Fine</i><i>. </i>We¡¯ll <i>see </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>shortly</i>.¡±


    <b>9:44 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    I hung up the phone with a grimace expression.


    My peaceful bubble with Gracie would soone to an end. I could feel her giggling on my chest. Immediately bringing me out my funk, I smiled down at her.


    ¡°I love <i>that </i>sound<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>Win </b>


    Her eyes shot up at me. There was so much life in those beautiful brown eyes. She smiled lightly.


    ¡°Your friend sounds like an interesting <i>character</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>Interesting </i><i>is </i><i>the </i>polite term¡­he¡¯s <i>absolutely </i>annoying. <i>If </i><i>he </i><i>irritates </i><i>you </i><i>in </i><i>any </i><i>way </i><i>let </i>me know. I¡¯ll waste no <b><i>time </i></b><i>sending </i><i>him </i><i>to </i>an untimely <i>death</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Gracieughed aloud at my threat. That was it. I couldn¡¯t hold myself back any longer. I could feel my hands gently pull her face closer to mine as I leaned in.


    I kissed Gracie gently on the lips. Realizing what I¡¯d done, immediately pulled back. Suddenly, Gracie grabbed my shirt. Her eyes were burning with something I couldn¡¯t described.


    <i>Desire</i><i>? </i>


    She gently pulled me back to her. I watched her eyes nervously close as she leaned in for another kiss. This time, I kissed her with more passion. I wanted to im her; I needed her to know she belonged to me. That I cherish her. I wanted her to feel all of the loved I¡¯d held in for over ten years in that kiss.


    Chapter Comments


    B 1

 Hunted 159

    <b>Chapter </b><b>159 </b>


    Our lips danced for what seemed like an eternity. Breathless<b>, </b>I slowly pulled away. Her eyes slowly opened. She looked at me with so much love and trust in her eyes. I wanted to earn every bit of her faith. I wanted her to know there would never be another person I loved more than her.


    ¡°<i>Gracie</i><i>¡­</i>I-¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here <i>sir</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I was pulled out of my trance by the words of Cameron. It took me a minute to realize the car was no longer moving and the privacy window was now rolled down.


    For the first since hiring him, I had a desire to fire Cameron.


    Gracie sat up; I felt a pinch of sadness as she moved from my arms. As if she could read my mind, Gracie smiled and kissed me once more. In an instant, all my sadness evaporated. My head of security and main bodyguard Tomas Romane opened my door. I immediately stepped out of the car and made my way over to Gracie¡¯s side. As my second bodyguard Court began to open her door, I held my hand up to stop him. I wanted to be the first to wee her


    home.


    Gracie smiled brightly as she ced her hand into mine and stepped out of the car.


    ¡°Wee home Gracie.¡±


    She beamed brightly and pulled me closer to her face; making our foreheads touch.


    ¡°Wee home Kai.¡±


    She had no idea the affect she had on me. Just as I was about to pull her in for another kiss, my loud and annoying sister came running out the house.


    ¡°<i>Yaayyyy</i><i>!!!! </i><i>They¡¯re </i><i>home</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    She ran over to us as the rest of the family and Tyler came storming out of the house.


    ¡°<i>Wee </i><i>home</i><i>!!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My grandparents shouted in unison. My parents made their over way to hug me and Gracie.


    ¡°<i>Wee </i><i>home </i><i>my </i><i>son</i><i>.</i>¡±


    My mother hugged me tightly; I could feel her tears wet my cheek. I kissed her other cheek and hugged her once


    more<b>. </b>


    9:44 Wed, <b>Sep </b>10


    <b>6</b><b>: </b>


    978


    ¡°<i>Thank </i>you mom, I¡¯m d to <i>be </i>home.¡±


    My dad then walked over hugging me with tears in his eyes. You would have sworn I HADN¡¯T just seen all of them yesterday. Still, I couldn¡¯t imagine the heartbreak they must¡¯ve felt all these months; so, I decided to let them have


    this moment.


    After hugging all of my family, Tyler walked towards me. He had a goofy grin on his face<b>, </b>but <b>I </b>could tell by his eyes¡­he was beyond ted at my being back home.


    We shook hands before he pulled me into a tight embrace.


    ¡°<i>Don¡¯t </i>ever <i>scare </i>me <i>like </i><i>that </i>again <i>brother</i><i>. </i><i>Next </i>time <i>I¡¯m </i><i>kicking </i><i>your </i><b><i>ass</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Iughed at my best friend of over nine years. Despite his annoying and often juvenile behavior, I was d he was my friend and that he was here.


    ¡°<i>You </i>got <i>my </i><i>word</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    We nodded at each other; an unspoken vow made. Just then, his eyes darted over to Gracie who wasughing with Ka. He turned back to me raising his eyebrow.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>know</i><i>, </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>longest </i><i>time </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>she </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>real</i><i>. </i><i>Like </i><i>you¡¯d </i><i>imagined </i><i>her </i>or <i>something</i><i>, </i><i>but</i><i>¡­</i><i>yeah</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>get </i><i>it </i><i>man</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>breathtaking</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Before I could respond, Tyler made his way over to Gracie.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ehte </i>mm<i>. </i><i>Excuse </i><i>my </i><i>Ka</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>introduce </i><i>myself </i><i>to </i><i>this </i><i>lovely </i><i>angel</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Shit</i><i>. </i>Dammit <i>Tyler</i><i>! </i>


    I quickly made my way over to Gracie.


    ¡°<i>Ms. </i><i>Gracie</i><i>. </i><i>Allow </i>me <i>to </i><i>introduce </i><i>myself</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m <i>Tyler </i><i>Green</i><i>, </i><i>Kai¡¯s </i><i>best </i><i>friend</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I rolled my eyes with severe annoyance; Gracie smiled warmly. <fn3c84> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find?novel</fn3c84>


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>pleasure </i>to <i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Tyler. Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>taking </i><i>care </i><i>of </i><i>Kai </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>ten </i><i>years </i><i>until </i><i>I could </i><i>find </i><i>him</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Gracie turned to me. Her eyes beamed with love and devotion, and just like that; all the annoyance I¡¯d felt just a moment ago disappeared.

 Hunted 160

    <b>Chapter </b><b>160 </b>


    Gracie¡¯s <b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    Tyler smiled at me with a warm expression. Suddenly, he hugged me gently.


    ¡°Thank <i>you </i><i>for </i>bringing <i>my </i>best <i>friend </i>back <i>to </i>us.¡±


    <b>I </b>smiled and loosened up hugging him back. After releasing me, he grinned at Kai.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>stand </i><i>corrected</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>??????? </i>


    What did that mean?


    Kai was looking at Tyler with a slightly smug expression. Confused, I decided not to dwell on it any longer. We all made our way into the house, as he grew closer to the grand room, Kai and my eyes widen. The room was filled with flowers, ballons, and a wee home banner.


    WELCOME <i>HOME</i><i>!!!! </i>


    Everyone cheered in unison once more.


    Kai smiled brightly and for a moment, he looked like a carefree young man instead of the mature eldest son of the world¡¯s most powerful family.


    Suddenly, other family members began making their way into the room. I hadn¡¯t had the chance to meet the extended Christiansens, so this was a first for me as well.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kai</i><i>!!! </i><i>Oh</i>, <i>my </i><i>goodness</i>!! <i>I </i><i>swear </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>grown </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>six </i><i>months</i>!!¡±


    A woman shouted as she walked over hugging Kai. She almost looked like Ma only older.


    ¡°<i>Hey </i><i>aunt </i><i>Mina</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai hugged the woman with a bright smile before turning to me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>my </i><i>mother¡¯s </i><i>older </i>sister <i>and </i><i>my </i><i>second </i><i>mother</i><i>, </i><i>Mina</i><i>. </i><i>Aunt </i><i>Mina</i>, <i>this </i>is <i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>Grd </i><i>Teagues</i>.¡±


    Aunt Mina turned to me; her eyes were wide and bright as she took me into a hug.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Leave </i>it up <i>to </i><i>my </i><i>nephew </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>in </i>a <i>six </i><i>montha </i><i>and </i><i>STILL </i><i>find </i><i>a </i><i>beautiful fianc¨¦ </i><i>before </i><i>my </i><i>knucklehead </i><i>son</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i><i>resent that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i><fnc3f4> Get full chapters from F?nd-Novel</fnc3f4>


    <b>9:44 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    A young man around Kai¡¯s age came over smiling as he hugged Kai.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b>Maannn I <i>thought </i><i>you </i><i>were trying </i><i>to </i><i>leave </i>me <i>here </i><i>with </i><i>these </i><i>nutbags</i>!¡±


    Kaiughed aloud. I loved the sound of hisughter.


    ¡°<i>No</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>do </i><i>something </i><i>that </i>cruel<i>! </i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>this </i>is my cousin <i>Parys</i><i>. </i><i>Mina¡¯s </i><i>oldest</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    I smiled brightly as we hugged.


    ¡°A <i>pleasure </i>to <i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Gracie</i>! <i>Got </i><i>any </i><i>friends</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    !!!!!


    Kai yfully punched Parys in the arm.


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>!! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>hot</i>! Hot <i>chicks </i><i>run </i>in <i>circles</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Mina popped Parys on the back of his head.


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>exactly </i><i>why </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>single</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mom </i><i>you¡¯re </i>not <i>trying </i>to <i>marry </i><i>Parys </i>off <i>again </i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    A beautiful younger woman made her way over to our section.


    Kai instantly brighten up as he picked her up and spun her in a circle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i>, <i>this </i><i>my </i><i>FAVORITE </i>cousin <i>Londyn</i><i>. </i><i>Parys</i><i>¡® </i><i>twin </i><i>sister</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>OMG</i><i>!!!! </i><i>Ka </i>was <i>right</i>!!! <i>She gorgeous</i>!!!¡±


    Londyn hugged me tightly as she thanked me for waking up her cousin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i>introduce my <i>brother </i><i>to </i><i>anybody</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Iughed aloud as she threw that final part in.


    One by one I met the immediate extended family.


    I met Michael Marquett, Mina¡¯s husband and their youngest daughter, five year old Brooklyn.


    ¡°You look like an angel.<i>¡± </i>


    She smiled as she held my cheek with her tiny hand.


    ¡ê<b>979 </b>


    <b>9:44 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    <b>¡°</b>That¡¯s because she is.¡±


    Kai beamed proudly as he hugged his little cousin.


    I met Theo¡¯s younger sister along with her husband and children as well.


    ¡°Gracie this <i>is </i>my dad¡¯s sister and brother¨Cin¨C<iw </i><i>Stacy </i>and Corey <i>Delmore</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    They both hugged me with huge smiles on their faces.


    <i>¡°</i>Leave it up to a beautiful woman to <i>be </i><i>the </i>cure <i>to </i><i>wake </i><i>this </i><i>boy </i><i>up</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Stacy beamed as she hugged Kai once more.


    I met their four kids: Carinne, Stephan and Simon (twins), and little four year old Da.


    Lastly, I met the best friends of Theo and Ma; Armin Craimer and his wife Lucy along with their son Dous who was about Kai¡¯s age and Lee who was about nine years old.


    Everyone was so warm and weing. Theo had the party moved to the courtyard once the introductions were over.


    As we made our way to the center, the servants passed around sses of champagne for the adults as well as apple cider for the kids.


    Theo tapped his ss lightly getting everyone¡¯s attention.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i><i>everyone </i><i>could </i><i>raise </i><i>their </i><i>sses</i><i>; </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>propose </i><i>a </i><i>toast</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone lifted their sses in the air as Theo continued.


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    <b>9:44 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>

 Hunted 161

    <b>Chapter </b><b>161 </b>


    ¡°Well¡­where do <i>I </i>begin?¡±


    Theo looked at Ma with love and happiness in his eyes and she gently took his hand.


    ¡°As everyone all know, these past six months <i>have </i>been <i>hell </i>for <i>our </i><i>family</i>. <i>Even </i><i>though </i>we had to show <i>face </i>and navigate throughout the world as if nothing <i>was </i>wrong, <i>we </i><i>were </i>all slowing drifting inside<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Six months ago, our oldest son Kai¡­well he was in <i>a </i><i>horrific </i>car ident <i>that </i><i>left </i><i>him </iatose<b>.</b><i>¡± </i>


    Theo¡¯s voice broke a little as he reminisced about the ident.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>I </i>got to <i>tell </i>you¡­<i>After </i><i>a </i><i>while</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>were </i><i>starting </i><i>to </i>lose <i>hope</i><i>. </i>I <i>mean </i><i>we¡¯d </i><i>tried </i><i>everything </i>to wake <b><i>up </i></b>our son and you all know <i>this</i>. From <i>medical </i><i>experts </i><i>to </i><i>shaman </i><i>priests</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>tried </i><i>everything</i>.¡±


    Theo looked at Kai with sadness in his eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>seemed </i><i>like </i><i>we </i><i>were </i><i>never </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>our </i><i>son </i><i>back</i><i>¡­</i><i>and our </i><i>family</i><i>¡­</i><i>we </i><i>all </i><i>felt </i><i>iplete </i><i>without </i><i>him</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Theo turned his gaze towards me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>then</i><i>¡­</i><i>just </i><i>when </i><i>we </i><i>were </i><i>about </i><i>to </i><i>lose </i><i>all </i><i>hope</i>¡­<i>my </i><i>wife </i><i>found </i><i>his </i><i>guardian </i><i>angel</i><i>¡­ </i><i>Grd</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn0912> Updates are released by f?ndnovel</fn0912>


    Everyone¡¯s gazes fell on me. I could myself blush from the attention as Kai beamed down and kissed my hand gently.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>all </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>this</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>Gracie </i>is <i>an </i><i>excellent </i><i>violinist</i><i>. </i><i>And </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>through </i><i>her </i><i>love </i><i>and </i><i>her </i><i>music</i><i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>my </i><i>son </i><i>was </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>finally </i><i>find </i><i>his </i><i>way </i><i>back </i><i>and </i><i>open </i><i>his </i><i>eyes</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Everyone began to p and cheer.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Now </i><i>I </i><i>promised </i><i>Kai I </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>make </i><i>a </i><i>big </i><i>deal </i><i>because </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>ready </i><i>to </i><i>announce </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>world </i><i>yet </i><i>of </i><i>his </i><i>recovery </i><i>but</i><i>¡­ </i><i>I </i><i>jus </i><i>want </i>to <i>say </i>to <i>my </i><i>son</i><i>¡­</i><i>Kai</i><i>¡­</i><i>your </i><i>mother</i>, <i>sister</i>, <i>grandparents</i><i>¡­</i><i>hell</i><i>¡­</i><i>everybody </i><i>in </i><i>this </i><i>courtyard </i>all <i>love </i><i>you </i><i>so </i><i>very </i><i>much</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>so </i><i>happy </i><i>your </i><i>home</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ps and cheers began again as sounds of sniffling from tears poured throughout the yard. Kai¡¯s expression was filled with warmth and love as he stared at his father.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>to </i><i>Gracie</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>think </i><i>my </i><i>wife </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>picked </i><i>a </i><i>better </i><i>choice </i><i>of </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>for </i><i>our </i><i>son</i>¡­<i>She¡¯s </i><i>looked </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>long </i><i>time</i><i>. </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>finding </i><i>your </i><i>way </i><i>back </i><i>to </i>us <i>again</i><i>¡­</i><i>back </i>to <i>my </i><i>son </i><i>again</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>KNOW <i>THAT¡¯S </i><i>RIGHT</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Ka¡¯s words made everyone burst outughing.


    <b>9:44 </b>Wed, Sep 10


    ¡°To the bride and groom everyone!!¡±


    ¡°TO THE BRIDE <i>AND </i>GROOM!!!¡±


    ð^


    Cheers and shouts of congrattions erupted throughout the courtyard as everyone hugged each other. Theo and Kai embraced lovingly, I made sure to capture that moment in a picture.


    ¡°Now <i>if </i>you could please find someone for my son<i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Mina yelled making everyoneugh once more.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Alright </i>let¡¯s get <i>this </i>party started Christiansen <i>style</i><i>!!! </i>Woohoo<i>!!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka and Londyn cheered as they turned on music while everyone mingled, chatted and danced. While Kai was chatting with his cousins and Tyler, I began dancing with the younger children.


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    As I caught up with my cousins Parys and Dous, Tyler smiled and pointed over in the direction of Gracie.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>your </i><i>little </i><i>cousin </i>Lee <i>is </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>steal </i><i>your </i><i>girl</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    We all turned around and watched as Gracie danced with the younger children. Her face was bright, and her movements were fluent. You could tell she knew how to dance. I found myself wondering if there was anything she couldn¡¯t do.


    We all stared in amazement as she spun in circles and moved around with Lee who had a bright smile on his face. A rare sight as Lee was overly mature for a nine year old. I always thought he reminded me of myself, looks like his taste in women was simr as well.


    shoulder. As the next song began to y, Gracie began dancing with the other children while Ka and Londyn made their way over to the circle. As we looked on, Parys ced his hand over my


    ¡°<i>Pleaaaassse </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>got </i><i>a </i><i>friend</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>! </i><i>If </i><i>she </i><i>does </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>calling </i><i>dibs</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Dous yelled out making us allugh.


    The truth was, even if she did have friends¡­.They wouldn¡¯t be like her. I smiled smugly knowing I had the greatest girl in world and she only had eyes for me.


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>162 </b>

 Hunted 162

    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b>POV:


    Dad had steaks and chops on the grill as we all sat around listening to music and waiting to eat. I¡¯d originally told my parents I didn¡¯t want any type of celebration once I came back home because I wanted to keep my recovery <b>a </b>secret. Leave it up to my parents to find a loophole¡­.And I was d they did.


    Gracie got to meet the most important people in my life, even Cameron came back to the estate with his wife and daughter for the celebration.


    <b>¡°</b><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>Jackie </i>and <i>L</i><i>; </i>Cameron¡¯s <i>wife </i>and <i>daughter</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Gracie¡¯s eyes widen, she had no idea Cameron was married, much less a father.


    ¡°Oh<i>, </i><i>my </i><i>goodness</i>! <i>Cameron</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>you </i><i>had </i><i>such </i><i>a </i><i>beautiful </i><i>wife </i><i>and </i><i>daughter</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie hugged Jackie and L as they all greeted each other.


    ¡°<i>Don¡¯t </i><i>feel </i><i>bad</i><i>, </i><i>Cam </i><i>tries </i><i>his </i><i>best </i>to <i>keep </i><i>his </i><i>work </i><i>and </i><i>personal </i><i>life </i><i>separate </i><i>but </i><i>at </i><i>then </i><i>end </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>day </i>we¡¯re <i>all </i><i>family</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>happy </i>to <i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Gracie</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    After we all ate, the evening began to wind down. Dad and Uncle Armin had truly outdone themselves with the steaks and pork chops. Gracie sat at the table holding Da as she began to fall asleep; while chatting with Ka, Londyn, and Jackie. <fn183b> Checktest chapters at find?novel</fn183b>


    The look on her face was filled with so much happiness<b>, </b>but I could also tell she was tired. My original n was for her to immediately get some rest after we got home but obviously those ns had changed. I didn¡¯t want to interfere though; she had all of Saturday to rest. I wanted her to enjoy this moment of love.


    Tyler and Cameron sat next to me; their expressions were serious.


    <i>¡°</i><i>After the </i><i>party </i><i>winds </i><i>down</i>¡­<i>we </i><i>should </i><i>all </i><i>talk</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler looked at Cameron and me; his voice was stern. We both nodded in agreement.


    Over the past several days I had them both looking into the Rochesters and Brooks family. I¡¯d also decided to have them look into Diana Teagues, Gracie¡¯s adoptive mother. There was something that had been bothering me since Gracie told me about her supposed ¡®kidnapping¡®. She said the Rochesters imed Diana kidnapped her the night after she was born, BUT¡­I had several issues with that, and I think Gracie did too. I¡¯d have Tyler begin to look into it. I knew getting this type of information wouldn¡¯t be easy; the Rochesters may not be as powerful as House Christiansen, but they did have some pull as one of the most powerful families in North Bay. If something was amiss, I knew they would go through great lengths to cover it up.


    As the party came close to an end, my mom stood in the center to make an announcement.


    <b>9:44 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    ¡°<i>First</i>, Theo and <i>I </i>want to thank everyone foring today to celebrate our son¡¯sing home and engagement. Everyone <i>in </i><i>this </i>courtyard is the most important people to our <i>Kai</i>, <i>and </i><i>we </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i>be prouder to share <i>these </i>joyous events <i>with </i>you all,¡±


    Everyone began to p and cheer, my mother looked so regal as she smiled at me brightly. I couldn¡¯t help but smile back, she was right¡­everyone here were the people I¡¯d valued the most. Gracie smiled warmly as she looked in my direction, I could feel all of the love in her eyes.


    I¡¯d had a fairly happy childhood, my parents¡­I couldn¡¯t have asked for better ones. My sister¡­even with her annoyance, she was my best friend. My grandparents, even my extended immediate family¡­House Christiansen wasn¡¯t your average ¡®rich family¡®. We had values, we cared about others, we wanted to make the world a better ce. Still, in the seven years she was with those despicable people, I had no idea what was going on with Gracie and the turmoil she¡¯d endured. I owed it to her to get her justice for her pain.


    Around 8:30pm, everyone started gathering up to head to the estate¡¯s guest house. My mother informed me everyone would be staying for the weekend. Gracie handed the now sleeping Da to Aunt Stacy as she hugged the rest of the children good night. I made my way over to the circle saying goodnight to everyone.


    Gracie and I were the remaining ones as Cam and Ty waited for me in my study.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>which </i><i>room </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>sleeping </i><i>in</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Gracie¡¯s eyes widen.


    ¡°<i>Um</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>west </i><i>wing </i><i>second </i><i>floor </i><i>near </i><i>the </i><i>terrace</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Good, I was familiar with that room. Gracie smiled shyly,


    ¡°Um<i>¡­</i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>¡­</i><i>well</i><i>¡­</i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>going </i><i>to</i>¡­¡±


    Gracie nervously tried to ask her question. I was puzzled at first; but then I started tough. She wanted to know if I would be sleeping in the room with her.


    I decided to tease her a little.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>Gracie</i><i>¡­</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>asking </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>n </i><i>to </i><i>sleep </i><i>with you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I watched as her eyes shoot up in horror; her face began to flush, and her eyes redden. I couldn¡¯t help butugh aloud.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Not </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>!!! </i>I <i>mean</i><i>¡­</i><i>I</i><i>¡­</i><i>well</i><i>¡­</i><i>you</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t</i>¡­¡±


    I held my hands upughing hysterically¡­I decided to take her out of her misery.


    I leaned closer to make sure no one could hear me.


    <b>9:44 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    ¡°I have every intention of making sure you sleep <i>soundly </i><i>tonight</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    She blushed but she also smiled, I had to admit, that made me happier than it should have.


    We walked into the mansion together, as we made it up the stairs. Before heading in the opposite direction, i informed Gracie I would be to her room as soon as I finished speaking with Tyler and Cameron.


    As soon as I entered the study, I noticed Cam and Typaring notes. I¡¯d assigned each of them to a family. The Brooks were assigned to Cameron, and the Rochesters were assigned to Tyler.


    Tyler¡¯s family owned one of the best P.1. firms in all of South Bay. Their firm was the only firm Christiansen Law group used. If there was information to be found, they would be able to uncover it.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gentlemen</i>.¡±


    I greeted both Cam and Ty as I sat at my desk. It felt like it had been forever since I sat in this chair¡­given my six month nap¡­I suppose that was true.


    Tyler looked at me with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°<i>Finished </i><i>tucking </i><i>Grd </i><i>in</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cam¡¯s eyes widen in shock; followed by a head nod. I red at Ty, as usual, he waspletely uncouth. Tylerughed loudly, putting his hands up as a sign of peace.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>kidding</i><i>!!! </i><i>No </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>give </i><i>me </i><i>the </i><i>infamous </i><i>death </i><i>re</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I rolled my eyes as I turned on myputer. It was time to get down to business.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Alright </i><i>gentlemen</i>¡­<i>what </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>learned </i><i>so </i><i>far</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Tyler and Cameron looked at each other with troubled expressions. They began to ce the documents on the table with weary expressions.


    Confused, I began to look over what they¡¯d retrieved so far. As I read the information on the Rochesters, my face began to darken. I now understood why they were weary.


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    <b>9:45 </b>Wed, <b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>

 Hunted 163

    <b>Chapter 163 </b>


    <b>Kai¡¯s </b>POV<b>: </b>


    As I read Tyler¡¯s report, I could feel the heat from my hands rising. If possible, I could have probably lit that report on fire.


    Each page seemed to progress in terms of worsening. Tyler had managed to speak with multiple servants and employees of the Rochesters and there seemed to be amon theme. Grd was abused.


    Years of mental and physical abuse at the hands of her parents and siblings had left Gracie meek and desperate for love and affection. Reading the report brought me back to how Gracie described herself. Meek, desperate, pathetic<i>. </i>That family had stolen all of her dignity from her. But it didn¡¯t stop there.


    Over the years, they¡¯d treated her more like a servant than a daughter. Turns out, the Rochester spawns weren¡¯t that exceptional, while Gracie was overly intelligent and talented. Throughout the years, the family made her constantly do schoolwork, take tests, even create artistically while the other siblings took all the credit. The oldest, Noah Rochester was using her as his secret business tool. Making her create immacte business proposals to acquire contracts while receiving the credit and business awards for HER brilliance.


    In the short amount of time it took me to read over that report, I¡¯d already thought of a thousand different ways to annihte that entire family. I had to take breathing measures just to maintain my sanity as I read on. <fn2b89> Content originallyes from F?nd-Novel</fn2b89>


    <i>Interesting</i><i>. </i>


    Looks like Calvin Rochester has also been dabbling in illegal brokering; moneyundering, and insider trading. Some of these businesses were shellpanies tounder money for some of the worse organized crime gangs in North


    Bay.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>naughty </i><i>of </i><i>you </i><i>Rochester</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled smugly, looks like I¡¯ll be able to destroy him professionally too.


    <i>¡°I </i><i>think </i><i>you </i><i>should </i><i>speak </i><i>directly </i><i>to </i><i>our </i><i>little </i><i>whistleblowers </i><i>as </i><i>well</i>.¡±


    Tyler brought me out my train of thought.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>agree</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Guess </i>it¡¯s <i>my </i><i>turn</i>¡­<i>try </i><i>not </i><i>to </i><i>rip </i><i>the </i><i>page</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cameron handed me his report on the Brooks. In the beginning, my anger wasn¡¯t as nearly aggressive as it was reading the Rochester report. Most of it consisted of all the shady business deals the Brooks had been doing along with the Rochesters over the years<b>. </b>


    No wonder they were all so close. Two families filled with criminals.


    <b>9:45 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    It wasn¡¯t until I got to full report on their jackass of a son Jonathan that my anger began to soar.


    6919


    The report detailed how Jonathan had treated Gracie over the years. Constantly being cruel and indifferent towards her. Angry his grandfather was trying to force him to marry her instead of the sister. Unable to take his frustrations out on the head, he¡¯d chose to make Gracie pay instead. I imagined torturing him until he begged for death only to keep him alive longer.


    All these freaks would pay slowly and painfully.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Set </i>it up for tomorrow afternoon.¡±


    Both Tyler and Cameron looked at me with a puzzled expression.


    <i>¡°</i>You sure? Not that <i>it </i>would <i>be </i>a problem, <i>but </i><i>I </i>assumed <i>you </i><i>would </i><i>want </i>to <i>spend </i><i>the </i>day <i>with </i>Gracie<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler wasn¡¯t wrong, my original n was to spend as much time in the room with Gracie as possible tomorrow, but Ka informed me she wanted to do a little spa day with Gracie, Londyn, and Jackie.


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>girl¡¯s </i><i>are </i><i>all </i><i>going </i>to <i>be </i><i>gone </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>few </i><i>hours </i>for <i>lunch </i><i>and </i><i>a </i><i>spa </i><i>treatment</i><i>. </i><i>Ka </i><i>set </i><i>it </i><i>up</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cameron¡¯s eyes slightly widen as if remembering as well. Jackie must¡¯ve informed him.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>right</i><i>. </i><i>Jackie </i><i>told </i><i>me </i><i>the </i><i>same </i><i>thing</i>. <i>The </i><i>kids </i><i>are </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>stay </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>heads </i><i>while </i><i>they </i><i>all </i><i>go </i><i>out </i>for <i>a </i><i>few </i><i>hours</i>. <i>I </i><i>think </i><i>they¡¯re </i><i>leaving </i><i>about </i><i>1pm</i>, it¡¯s a <i>surprise </i><i>for </i><i>Gracie</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Tyler smiled slightly. I couldn¡¯t help but smile as well, Ka wanted to do something special for Gracie and Londyn had thought of the spa day.


    ¡°<i>Alright</i><i>, </i><i>so </i><i>that </i><i>gives </i>us <i>a </i><i>few </i><i>hours </i><i>then</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>reach </i><i>out </i>to <i>my </i><i>contacts</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>happened </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>off </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>weekends</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>five </i><i>hour </i><i>drive </i><i>from-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>We¡¯ll </i><i>take </i><i>the </i><i>helicopter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Tyler and Cameron nodded.


    After finishing up somest minute details, we all headed to bed. I made my way straight to Gracie¡¯s room. It was almost midnight; I was concerned she may still be woke in an attempt to wait for me.


    I slowly opened her door; the room was dark except for the television still ying. There was some cartoon ying. As I grew closer to the bed, I could finally see her. There, snuggled in the nket, brows furrowed¡­was Gracie.


    She looked restless, whatever she was dreaming about stopped her from sleeping as soundly as she didst night. I frowned slightly; I didn¡¯t like the thought of her having bad dreams. I looked around her room, my mother had really outdone herself with the d¨¦cor. This had to have been done right before Gracie¡¯s arrival.


    I walked to the closest¡­just as I suspected. My mother made sure some of my clothing was added to her closet. She


    <b>9:45 Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    knew me entirely too well. I grabbed some undergarments and made my way to the bathroom for a quick shower. <b>I </b>didn¡¯t want Gracie alone any longer. She¡¯d told me I was her dreamcatcher; I nned to catch every nightmare that


    haunted her.


    After showering, I quietly walked back into the room, Gracie was still asleep, though she didn¡¯t look as tensed as she had before I went into the bathroom. I slowly climbed into the bed, making sure not to wake her. I slid closer to her<b>; </b>her back was facing me as sheid on her right side. I could smell the shampoo she¡¯d used on her hair and the body cream she must¡¯ve used after showering.


    It was intoxicating.


    I wanted to touch her; but I was also afraid I would wake her. Just as I began to debate on what to do next, Gracie made the decision for me. As if she could sense I was close, she turned about face and reached her small hand out to grab my shirt. I smiled warmly as I scooted closer to her, careful not to wake her as she moved unconsciously


    towards me.


    I wrapped my arms around her, securing her in my embrace. As she settled, I could see her brows rxing and her face settling into what looked like a slight smile. Her breathing calmed and she began to snore lightly.


    She was now peacefully sleeping.


    I smiled brighter; knowing I was her peace made my heart feel a way I¡¯d never imagined. I looked down at my sleeping fianc¨¦ feeling a mixture of emotions. Guilt, anger, happiness, remorse, blissfulness, and finally¡­love.


    I knew I loved her. It didn¡¯t matter if she loved me or not¡­I knew eventually, she would get there. I kissed her gently on her forehead and closed my eyes to sleep.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you </i><i>Gracie</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I whispered the words, it felt good saying them aloud.


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 Hunted 164

    <b>Gracie¡¯s </b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    I opened my eyes just as the sun was rising. The room was still slightly dark. The television must¡¯ve been turned <b>off</b><b>. </b>I could see the light pink colors through the huge ceiling to floor window just over Kai¡¯s shoulder. It couldn¡¯t have been no more than 6AM if the sun was just rising¡­still early.


    I looked up at my sleeping fianc¨¦, he had me wrapped in his embrace. No wonder my dreams became peacefulst night. I never dreamed of the fire whenever I was with him. The thought made my heart smile as big as my lips. I wasn¡¯t ready to disturb this moment. I snuggled my face info his chest and decided to go back to sleep.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you Kai</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The words came out quietly as my eyes shut. It felt good to say aloud what my heart had been feeling across two


    lifetimes.


    ***


    ****


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    <i>When </i><i>I </i><i>finally </i><i>woke </i><i>up</i><i>, </i><i>Gracie¡¯s </i><i>head </i><i>was </i><iying </i><i>on </i><i>my </i><i>chest</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>was </i><i>woke </i><i>and </i><i>watching </i><i>something </i><i>on </i>TV <i>that </i><i>was </i><i>making </i><i>her </i><i>giggle </i><i>lightly</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>never </i><i>get </i><i>tired </i><i>of </i><i>that </i><i>sound</i><i>. </i><i>Unaware </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>waken </i><i>up</i>, <i>she </i><i>slightly </i><i>jumped </i><i>when </i>I <i>kissed </i><i>the </i><i>top </i><i>of </i><i>her head</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>help </i><i>but </i><iugh </i><i>at </i><i>her </i><i>nervousness</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>morning</i>.¡±


    <i>I </i><i>beamed </i><i>brightly </i><i>at </i><i>her </i><i>as </i><i>her </i><i>eyes widen </i><i>with </i><i>hints </i><i>of </i><i>guilt </i><i>in </i><i>them</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>morning</i><i>. </i><i>Did </i><i>I </i><i>wake </i><i>you</i><i>?!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Not </i><i>at </i><i>all</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>She gave </i>me <i>one </i><ist </i><i>look </i><i>of </i><i>skepticism </i><i>before </i><i>rxing</i>. <i>It </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i><i>, </i><i>however</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>hadn¡¯t </i><i>waken </i><i>me </i><i>up</i>.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>long </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>been </i><i>up</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>She </i><i>scrunched </i><i>her </i><i>small </i><i>nose </i><i>as </i><i>if </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>think </i><i>about </i><i>her </i><i>answer</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°Emm¡­<i>maybe </i><i>about </i><i>an </i><i>hour </i><i>now</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>I </i><i>nced </i><i>over </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>nightstand</i><i>; </i><i>the </i><i>clock </i><i>showed </i><i>the </i><i>time </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>after </i><i>eight</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>watching</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:45 </b><b>Wed</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    <i>¡°</i>This movie called <i>¡®</i>Eternal Love<b>,</b>¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t <i>think </i>I¡¯ve heard of that one. <i>Is </i>It <i>any </i>good<i>?</i>¡±


    Gracie giggled <i>slightly </i>before responding.


    ¡°Well¡­it depends. <i>If </i>you like <i>those </i>cheesy <i>overly </i>dramatic dramas¡­then definitely<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b><i>I </i></b>was a little shocked. Gracie <i>always </i>seemed mature <i>beyond </i><i>her </i>years so hearing she liked <i>those </i><i>typical </i>romance <b><i>dramas </i></b>was rather interesting.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>surprised </i>you like <i>this </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>stuff</i>.¡±


    She <i>giggled </i><i>again</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>okay </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>guilty </i><i>pleasure </i><i>every </i><i>now </i><i>and </i><i>again</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>Guilty </i><i>pleasure</i><i>. </i>


    <i>Was </i><i>she </i><i>mine</i><i>? </i>


    <i>Before </i>I <i>could </i><i>respond</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>phone </i><i>began </i><i>to </i><i>ring</i>¡­.<i>Ka</i>.


    <i>Annoyed</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>answered </i><i>with </i><i>irritation </i><i>in </i><i>my </i><i>voice</i>.


    ¡°<i>What </i>is <i>it </i><i>Ka</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Oh<i>, </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>what </i><i>is </i><i>it </i><i>me </i><i>you </i><i>grouch</i><i>¡­</i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>guys </i><i>hungry</i><i>? </i><i>Breakfast </i><i>is </i><i>being </i><i>prepared </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>grand </i><i>dining </i>hall.¡±


    <i>I </i><i>tapped </i><i>Gracie </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>shoulder </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>if </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>hungry</i>. <i>Her </i><i>face </i><i>instantly </i><i>lit </i><i>up</i><i>. </i><i>Guess </i><i>that </i><i>meant </i><i>yes</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°<i>We¡¯ll </i><i>down </i><i>shortly</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>After </i><i>getting </i><i>dresses</i><i>, </i><i>Gracie </i><i>and </i>I <i>made </i><i>our </i><i>way </i><i>down </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>dining </i><i>hall</i>. <i>She </i><i>was </i><i>wearing </i><i>this </i><i>pink </i><i>sundress </i><i>that </i><i>hug </i><i>her </i><i>body </i><i>in </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>right </i><i>ways</i><i>. </i><i>My </i><i>thoughts </i><i>went </i><i>from </i><i>dark </i><i>to </i><i>envious </i><i>to </i><i>panic </i><i>as </i>I <i>thought </i><i>about </i><i>the </i><i>fact </i><i>others </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>ogle </i><i>over </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>while </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>out </i><i>with </i><i>Ka </i><i>today</i><i>. </i>


    <i>As </i><i>we </i><i>entered </i><i>the </i><i>dining </i><i>hall</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>looked </i><i>like </i><i>just </i><i>about </i><i>everyone </i><i>else </i><i>was </i><i>up</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>morning </i><i>children</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>My </i><i>mother </i><i>beamed </i><i>brightly </i><i>as </i><i>we </i><i>made </i><i>our </i><i>way </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>table</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>morning </i><i>everyone</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>everyone </i><i>slept </i><i>good</i><b><i>.</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:45 </b>Wed<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>10 </b>


    <i>Gracie </i>smiled brightly as she hugged my mother and aunts.


    ¡°Not as good as <i>Kai </i><i>I </i>bet.¡±


    <i>Tyler¡¯s </i>face had a mischievous grin on it. <i>I </i>wanted to punch that grin right off. <i>Luckily</i><i>, </i><i>Gracle </i>missed hisment<b><i>, </i></b><b><i>I </i></b>stared a thousand daggers at him as Cameron <i>tried </i><i>his </i><i>best </i>not tough<i>. </i>


    <i>I¡¯d </i>kill them <i>both </iter <i>on</i>.


    While we all ate, everyone started <i>discussing </i><i>their </i>ns for <i>the </i>day<i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie </i>I nned <i>a </i>girl¡¯s brunch <i>for </i>us <i>four</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Ka </i><i>beamed </i><i>as </i><i>leaned </i><i>on </i><i>Gracie¡¯s </i><i>shoulder</i>. <i>I </i><i>could tell </i><i>Gracie </i>was <i>excited </i><i>but </i><i>there </i>was a <i>hint </i><b><i>of </i></b><i>guilt </i><i>in </i><i>her </i>eyes <b>once </b><i>she </i><i>looked </i><i>at </i>me.


    <i>I </i>smiled <i>lightly</i><i>; </i><i>she </i><i>wanted </i>to <i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>upset </i><i>about </i><i>her </i><i>leaving </i>me. <i>Always </i>so <i>considerate</i>. I kissed <i>her </i><i>head </i><i>and </i><i>whispered </i><i>in </i><i>her </i><i>ear</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>fun </i><i>doing </i><i>a </i><i>girl¡¯s </i><i>day</i><i>. </i><i>While you¡¯re </i><i>out</i><i>, </i><i>buy </i><i>something </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>like</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>Her </i><i>eyes </i><i>widen </i>as <i>her </i><i>face </i><i>began </i>to <i>turn </i><i>light </i><i>red</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><iughed </i><i>inwardly </i><i>knowing </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>probably </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>decipher </i><i>what </i><i>that </i><i>meant</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>give </i><i>no </i><i>hints</i><i>, </i><i>however</i><i>. </i><i>Let¡¯s </i><i>see </i><i>how </i><i>creative </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>Gracie</i>.


    Chapter Comments <fn3abd> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n FindN0vel</fn3abd>

 Hunted 165

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re all going to take <i>the </i><i>children </i><i>to </i><i>the </i>aquarium. It¡¯s <i>been </i>forever since Mina, and I have went.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>Uncle </i>Michael beamed. House <i>Christian </i>owned <i>the </i><i>aquarium </i>in South <i>Bay</i><i>; </i>I was sure they¡¯d prepared the night before.


    ¡°So, then that just leaves us fes<i>!</i>¡±


    <i>Parys </i>smiled in my direction. <i>Originally</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i>assumed he and Dougle would go with the heads, I guess I would have <b>to </b>take them with us. I nodded at Parys.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>actually have something nned for us to do.¡±


    <i>Tyler </i><i>and </i>Cameron nodded in <i>agreement </i>as <i>he </i><i>and </i><i>Dougie </i><i>looked </i>curious.


    <i>After </i><i>breakfast</i><i>, </i><i>everyone </i><i>went </i>to <i>their </i>rooms <i>to </i><i>get </i><i>dressed </i><i>and </i><i>prepared </i><i>to </i><i>divide </i><i>into </i><b><i>their </i></b>travel groups. <i>Gracie </i><i>decided </i><i>to </i><i>wear </i><i>some </i><i>dark pink </i><i>wedge </i>heel <i>sandals </i><i>to </i><i>match </i><i>her </i><i>dress</i>. <i>She¡¯d </i><i>ced </i><i>her </i><i>in </i>a <i>ponytail</i>. <i>Her </i>thick and wavy <i>hair </i><i>fell </i><i>down </i><i>her </i><i>back </i><i>even </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>ponytail</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>applied </i><i>some </i><i>light </i><i>makeup </i><i>as </i><i>well </i>as lip <i>gloss </i><i>that </i>was also pink.


    <i>She </i><i>looked </i><i>beautiful</i><i>. </i>A <i>slight </i><i>unease crept </i><i>into </i><i>my </i><i>thoughts</i>. <i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>overly </i><i>joyed </i><i>about </i><i>her </i><i>being </i><i>out </i><b><i>of </i></b><i>my </i>sight<i>. </i>As <i>of </i><i>right </i><i>now</i><i>, </i><i>no </i><i>one </i><i>knew </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>of </i><i>Heir </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>. </i><i>What </i><i>if </i><i>someone </i><i>tried </i><i>to </i><i>hurt </i>her. Noticing <i>my </i><i>mood </i><i>change</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>walked </i><i>over </i><i>and </i><i>wrapped her </i><i>arms </i><i>around </i><i>my </i><i>waist</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>wrong</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>I </i><i>was </i><i>too </i><i>ashamed </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>her </i><i>how </i><i>ridiculous </i><i>and </i><i>childish </i><i>my </i><i>thoughts </i><i>were</i>. <i>Smiling </i><i>lightly</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>pressed </i><i>my </i>forehead <i>against </i>


    <i>hers</i>.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>miss </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>She </i>smiled <i>brightly </i><i>at </i><i>me</i>.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>miss </i><i>you </i>too.<i>¡± </i><fnfdb1> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? F¦Énd£Îovel</fnfdb1>


    <i>We </i><i>stood </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>moment </i><i>for </i><i>what </i><i>seemed </i><i>like </i><i>an </i><i>eternity</i><i>. </i><i>Embracing </i><i>each </i><i>other </i><i>with </i><i>our </i><i>love</i><i>. </i><i>Suddenly</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>phone </i><i>pinged</i><i>. </i><i>Tyler </i><i>sent </i><i>me </i><i>a </i><i>message </i><i>letting </i><i>me </i><i>know </i><i>the </i><i>meeting </i><i>had </i><i>been </i>set <i>up </i><i>and </i><i>Cameron </i>let me <i>know </i><i>the </i><i>helicopter </i><i>was </i><i>ready</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>sighed </i><i>lightly</i><i>, </i><i>once </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>this </i><i>was </i><i>over</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>take </i><i>Gracie </i><i>away </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>vacation</i><i>. </i><i>Just </i><i>the </i><i>two </i><i>of </i><i>us</i><i>. </i><i>No </i><i>interruptions</i><i>. </i>


    <i>Everyone </i><i>made </i><i>their </i><i>way out </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>mansion </i>to <i>the </i><i>different </i><i>vehicles </i><i>waiting </i><i>for </i><i>each </i><i>group</i>. <i>I¡¯d </i><i>told </i><i>Ka </i>to <i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>Gracie </i><i>stayed </i><i>safe</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>scolded </i><i>me </i><i>of </i><i>course</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ughhh</i><i>¡­.</i><i>will </i><i>you </i><i>stop </i><i>being </i><i>overprotective</i><i>!! </i>Of <i>course </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i>to protect my <i>sister</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>besides</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>your </i><i>bodyguard </i><i>following us</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>Shit</i><i>. </i>


    So, she did notice.


    The truth was, everyone one of these women were important not just to me, but to our entire family. I needed to make sure they were all safe.


    As we made our way to Tomas¡® SUV, Parys became excited.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>! </i><i>Where </i><i>we </i>going<i>?</i>¡±


    As we all got into the car, I informed Tomas we were heading to my helicopter ¡®Nightwing¡®. Suddenly, Dous became excited.


    ¡°<i>Wait </i><i>we¡¯re taking </i><i>Nightwing</i><i>! </i><i>Oh </i><i>shit! </i><i>I </i><i>haven¡¯t </i>been <i>on </i><i>the </i><i>chopper </i><i>in </i><i>forever</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>we </i><i>going</i><i>???</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both of my cousins beamed in excitement.


    ¡°<i>We¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>North </i><i>Bay</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>North </i><i>Bay</i><i>??? </i><i>Why</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>interview </i><i>someone</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Parys¡® face fell.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>wait</i><i>¡­</i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>work</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i>¡­I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>confirm </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i><i>about </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Tyler and Dougie looked at me confused.


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><i>Rochesters</i>? <i>Why </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>care </i><i>about </i><i>them</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Parys inquired waiting for my response.


    ¡°<i>Because </i><i>they¡¯re </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦¡¯s </i><i>piece </i><i>of </i><i>shit </i><i>family</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I caught Parys and Dous up on everything that transpired with Gracie. Each of them sat with a mixture of empathetic and disgusted looks on their faces.


    <i>¡°</i>Oh, my god. That¡¯s awful.¡±


    Dous whispered as he sat in shock.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Those </i>fucking <i>bastards</i><i>! </i><i>How </i>could <i>they </i>do that to their <i>own </i>daughter and sister! And who¡¯s this Jonathan asshole<b>!</b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Parys was livid, hearing that someone apart of his family was mistreated pissed him off. I shared his sentiments.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>, </i>we¡¯re meeting <i>with </i>your <i>spies </i>to get <i>overall </i><i>truth </i>on <i>what¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>happening</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    I nodded at Dous question.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Apart </i><i>from </i><i>what </i><i>Tyler </i><i>has </i><i>already </i><i>found </i><i>out</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As we arrived at the Nightwing, we all stepped out of the vehicle with a mission. Gather as much information as we could so that we could begin the next steps in my n to destroy the Rochesters and Brooks.

 Hunted 166

    <b>Chapter </b><b>166 </b>


    <b><i>Zelma¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    <b>50 </b>


    Zelma Fynch had been a maid of the Rochesters for over 25 years. 15 of which as the head maid. She began working for the Rochesters at age 20. Zelma was from a small and poor countryside called Mind. Her mother died when she was seven leaving just her and an alcoholic, gambling father. After running into debt with an underground gambling mob, her father made a deal with the under lord to sell his daughter as a ve. To escape, Zelma climbed out of her bedroom window and ran away. She was able to save up some money from a job she had as a waitress and used it to buy her a one way ticket to Kingston.


    Shortly after arriving, she applied for a maid¡¯s position at the Rochesters. Never looking back¡­never learning what became of her father when the under lords learned he couldn¡¯t pay his debt. Zelma


    began her new life as the Rochesters¡® maid.


    Over the years, she proved to be hardworking, trustworthy, and above all else¡­loyal. Throughout the years, she¡¯d seen all kinds of unsavory deals done by the Rochesters, never once wavering or passing judgement. Afterall, had it not been for them, she may have end up homeless or worse. When Calvin


    and Sharon Rochesters began having children, it was Zelma that was there every step of the way


    from the pregnancies to the deliveries. She¡¯d been with her mistress through every delivery and each postpartum. She had also been there the night Grd was born, and when she returned home.


    Zelma never once said a word about any of the illegal activities the Rochesters performed, about any


    of theborws they often broke, about any of the cheating they often did.


    It wasn¡¯t until Grd came back to the estate that Zelma felt her loyalty being tested.


    When word came out of Grd¡¯s return, it was naturally assumed the Rochesters would be


    beyond ecstatic. Afterall, what parents wouldn¡¯t be. But Zelma knew the truth. She knew the return.


    of Grd Rochester would be anything but weing, especially since many didn¡¯t know she was kidnapped in the first ce.


    When Grd was first discovered, Sharon was the first to panic.


    ¡°<i>ZELMA</i>!!!! <i>Get </i><i>in </i><i>here </i><i>now</i><i>!!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Madam</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>CRASH</i><i>!!!!! </i>


    Sharon threw a ss cup into the wall as she screamed and cursed. Zelma wasn¡¯t sure why, but something had her mistress distressed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Madam</i>, <i>if </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>tell </i>me <i>what </i><i>happ-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>what </i><i>happened</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    She¡¯d cut Zelma off before she could finish.


    ¡°<i>They </i><i>found </i><i>her</i><i>!!! </i><i>They </i><i>fucking </i><i>found </i><i>her</i><i>!! </i><i>After </i><i>all </i><i>these </i><i>years</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    <i>????????? </i>


    Zelma was confused, who was this person her mistress didn¡¯t want found?


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sorry</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>found </i><i>who </i><i>madam</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>MY </i><i>DAUGHTER</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    50 <fnbe9e> Get full chapters from f¦É¦Ídn¦Ïvel</fnbe9e>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Y</i>¨C<i>You </i><i>mean</i>¡­.¡±


    The words were like clumps in Zelma¡¯s throat. She knew exactly what daughter, her madam was


    referring too.


    How had this happened???? The night that child was born, Zelma was sure¡­.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Call </i><i>that </i><i>fuckin </i><i>prick </i><i>now</i>!!! <i>Have </i><i>him </i><i>meet </i><i>me </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>warehouse </i><i>in </i><i>30 </i><i>fucking </i><i>minutes</i>!!!¡±


    Madam Sharon rushed out of the bedroom furious. What was going on? Who found the child? There were a million questions floating in Zelma¡¯s mind. Still, her mistress had given her an order, so without hesitation she called Benard Thorton, the Rochesters <i>¡®</i><i>handyman</i><i>¡®</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i><i>, </i><i>who </i>is <i>it</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    A groggy voice came through on the other line.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i><i>Thornbush</i><i>, </i><i>Madam </i><i>Rochester </i><i>has </i><i>requested </i><i>your </i><i>presence </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>usual </i><i>location</i>.¡±


    Silence.


    R


    <b>11:12 </b>Thu, Sep 11


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>say </i><i>what </i><i>for</i>?¡±


    :


    ¡°<i>My </i>madam <i>didn¡¯t </i><i>disclose </i><i>that </i><i>information</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>she </i><i>did </i><i>inform </i><i>me </i>it <i>is </i><i>an </i><i>urgent </i><i>matter</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    ¡°Urgent matter regarding <i>what</i><i>! </i><i>Look </i>dammit<i>, </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>just </i><i>drop </i><i>what </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>doing </i><i>every </i><i>ti-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Regarding </i><i>July </i>7th, 2005.<i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    <b>50 </b>


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m on <i>my </i><i>way</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>Click</i><i>. </i>


    Benard arrived at the warehouse only ten minutes after Zelma and Sharon Rochester arrived.


    As usual, Sharon had Zelma wait outside the warehouse while she conducted business. As she sat on


    the stool outside the warehouse, Zelma could hear her madam yelling and Benard.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>the </i><i>fuck </i><i>did </i><i>they </i><i>find </i><i>her</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know</i>! <i>How </i><i>do </i><i>they </i><i>even </i><i>know </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>chi-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>They </i><i>did </i><i>a </i><i>fucking </i><i>blood </i><i>test</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Lowered voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i>¡­<i>what </i>¡®I¡® <i>don¡¯t </i><i>understand</i><i>¡­</i><i>is </i><i>how </i><i>the </i><i>fuck </i><i>they found </i><i>a </i><i>child </i><i>that was </i><i>supposed </i>to be <i>dead</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sharon and Benard went back and forth for over an hour.


    <i>¡°</i>Look¡­<i>do </i><i>you </i><i>want </i>me <i>to </i><i>take </i><i>care</i>¡­.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>too </i><ite</i>!!! <i>Calvin </i><i>is </i><i>having </i><i>her </i><i>brought </i><i>home</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    After over the meeting ended, Sharon stormed out of the warehouse with Benard walking slowly


    behind her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let¡¯s </i><i>go </i><i>Zelma</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 167

    <b>Chapter </b><b>167 </b>


    Zelma immediately stood and followed behind her madam. The car ride back was silent until they arrived back at the estate.


    <i>¡°</i>Zelma¡­you¡¯re not to inform my husband of <i>this </i><i>meeting </i><i>from </i>today<i>¡­</i><i>understood</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Yes madam¡­of course.¡±


    Pause¡­..


    <i>¡°</i><i>Also</i>¡­<i>that </i><i>child</i><i>¡­</i><i>she¡¯ll </i>be <i>returning </i>to <i>the </i><i>estate</i>. <i>You </i><i>are </i><i>never</i>¡­.<i>and </i><i>I </i><i>mean </i><i>NEVER </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>her </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i>surrounding <i>her </i><i>birth</i>. <i>Understood</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>madam</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    50


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>day </i><i>you </i><i>do</i>¡­<i>it¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><ist </i><i>words </i><i>you ever </i><i>speak</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°<i>Yes </i><i>madam</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Zelma wasn¡¯t concerned however; she knew she would never betray her mistress.


    Once the child arrived, Sir Rochester informed us all, the child¡¯s name was Grd. Naturally, Zelma assumed since returned, the child would be treated no different than the other children. However, it quickly became painfully and pitifully obvious that was not the case.


    Over the years, Zelma stood by in silence as the family abused, mistreated, and used the child. They stole her academic and talented creativity leaving her starving for approval and love. They doted on their adoptive daughter Olivia, never once revealing the truth. That SHE was in fact the adoptive daughter and Grd was their biological daughter. The night it came into question, Sharon convinced Calvin it would bring shame to the Rochester name if others learned the truth. That for the sake of the family, the truth must remain hidden.


    The only ones that were aware of the truth were the Brooks, the Rochesters long time friends and business associates.


    Throughout the years, Zelma stood quietly, never voicing her opinion, never wavering a thought. Even when she silently felt bad, cried, and would try to help the child, she never betrayed the Rochesters. It wasn¡¯t until the night the ne was stolen that Zelma had finally reached her limit of loyalty.


    <b>11:12 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b>Sep 11


    <b>50 </b>


    The night Grd was used of stealing the ne at the time; no one was aware that Olivia had stolen the ne from the Sir and Madam¡¯s room. That is ept for Zelma. She was in the room the morning Olivia took.


    ¡°<i>Zelma</i><i>¡­</i><ie </i><i>here</i>.¡±


    Zelma never liked Olivia, she was unusually cruel,zy, and unremarkable. Over the years<b>, </b>she didn¡¯t understand why her sir and madam invested so much into her instead of their biological daughter. Still<b>, </b>she was the family heiress, so Zelma had no choice but to respect and follow her orders.


    ¡°<i>Yes </i><i>young </i><i>Miss</i><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>take </i><i>this </i><i>and </i><i>in </i>30 <i>minutes</i>, <i>walk </i><i>up </i><i>to </i><i>me </i><i>as </i><i>I </i><i>am </i><i>speaking </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>mother </i><i>and </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>you </i>found <i>it </i>in <i>my </i><i>sister¡¯s </i><i>room</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Olivia dropped the ne into Zelma¡¯s hand.


    <i>???????????? </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma¡¯am </i>I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>under-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>ask </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>understand</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Of course, Zelma followed the order of her young miss. That night, Grd was used of stealing the ne and when the truth came out, Olivia was dangerously close to ming Zelma. That


    morning, she was scared that she may be terminated or worse so Zelma told Sharon the truth.


    Sharon stood in horror as Zelma detailed the events surrounding the ne. Afterwards, Sharon thanked Zelma for her loyalty and promised to take care of everything. She could remember seeing Grd that next morning feeling beyond sad that she was forced to stay bound to such a family. Still, she was loyal to the Rochesters. That was of course until she overheard the conversation regarding her marriage to Jonathan Brooks.


    <i>¡°</i>Look <i>Jonathan</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you </i><i>love </i><i>Livie</i><i>. </i><i>We </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>intentions </i><i>of </i><i>interfering </i><i>with </i><i>that</i><i>. </i><i>Just </i><i>marry </i><i>Grd </i><i>and </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>baby </i><i>with </i><i>her</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>how </i><i>your </i><i>grandfather </i><i>is</i>. <i>Afterwards</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>divorce </i><i>her </i><i>and </i><i>do </i><i>as </i><i>you </i><i>please</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Zelma stood in shock¡­why¡­why had they treated this girl in such a way! What had she done to earn such hatred from this family? Zelma never knew the full truth regarding Grd¡¯s birth and why her madam wanted to get rid of her so bad.


    50


    Still, in that moment¡­Zelma saw her 20 year old self¡­being sold off by her father. It was in that


    moment she decided to help that child escape; because unlike the others, Zelma knew of the marriage proposal from the Christiansens. She¡¯d found the contract while cleaning Grd¡¯s room.


    She also knew that Grd traveled at least twice a year to South Bay to honor the death of her


    adoptive mother. She figured that was how she met the Christiansens. Later that evening, she


    reached out to Ma Christiansen.


    A few weeks after, she was approached by Tyler Green, Kai Christiansen¡¯s PI.


    And now¡­.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Lord </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>¡­</i><i>allow </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>introduce </i><i>myself</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>Zelma </i><i>Fynch</i><i>¡­</i><i>head </i>maid of <i>the </i><i>Rochester </i><i>Family</i><i>.</i>¡±


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    11:12


    Inu, Sep


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>168 </b>

 Hunted 168

    <b>Chapter </b><b>168 </b>


    Gracie¡¯s <i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    We arrived at the Golden Spa around 1pm. Ka booked a VIP room for us all the night before. The Spa was beautiful. The walls were all in floral d¨¦cor, there were hints of gold trimming throughout the paintings. It had beautiful water fountains with lighting that changed colors. The flooring wasminated marble with gold trimming. As we walked to the front counter, we were greeted by a young woman named Evette.


    <i>¡°</i>Madam Chris, thank you so much for <i>choosing </i><i>the </i>Golden <i>Spa </i><i>to </i><i>host </i><i>your </i><i>congrattory </i><i>celebration</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Congrattory Celebration?


    I thought this was just a simple spa day. I wondered what we would be celebrating. I dismissed my thoughts; I was sure Ka would exin. Still, I felt a ping of guilt, if we were celebrating someone I would have liked to have gotten them a gift. Too bad I didn¡¯t have a cheat code for this part of my life. Iughed inwardly at myself.


    As we made our way to the VIP room, my eyes began to widen; the room was exquisite! The artwork, the flooring, even the chairs and massage tables were works of art! Ka smiled brightly at me as she grabbed my hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>my </i><i>brother </i><i>is </i><i>waiting </i>until <i>September </i><i>to </i>announce <i>his </i><i>recovery </i><i>and </i><i>your </i><i>engagement</i><i>; </i><i>but </i><i>your </i><i>birthday </i><i>is </i><i>literally </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>few </i><i>days </i><i>and </i>I¡¯m <i>so </i><i>happy </i><i>about </i><i>the </i><i>wedding</i><i>!!! </i><i>I </i><i>just </i>wanted <i>to </i><i>do </i><i>something </i><i>to </i><i>show </i>my <i>appreciation </i><i>for </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I stared at Ka in shock. So, ¡®I¡® was the ¡®<i>Congrattory </i><i>Celebration</i><i>?</i><i>¡®</i>. Tears began to swell up my eyes causing Ka to hug me tightly. Suddenly, Londyn and Jackie came over with tears and hugs.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Y¡¯all </i><i>are </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>make </i>me ruin <i>my </i><i>makeup</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Londyn yelled out threw sobs causing us all tough.


    After we got set up in our spa chairs, we all sipped wine while we talked and gossiped.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>Gracie </i><i>exactly </i><i>when </i><i>is </i><i>your birthday</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>July 7th</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jackie¡¯s eyes widen, realizing the date was closer than she¡¯d known.


    <b>11:12 </b><b>Thu</b>, Sep 11


    ¡°<i>Wait</i><i>! </i>That¡¯s in like four <i>days</i><i>! </i><i>OMG</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>old </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>turning</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Londyn asked as she picked out a nail color. <fna58c> The rightful source is find?novel</fna58c>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>it¡¯s </i>pretty close¡­and I¡¯ll <i>be </i>20.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>What</i>!! You¡¯re a baby<i>!!</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>Yeahhh¡­not <i>that </i>you <i>look </i><i>it</i><i>! </i>I mean in <i>terms </i>of <i>looks</i>, <i>you </i><i>look </i><i>super </i><i>young</i><i>; </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>assumed </i><i>you </i><i>were </i>like my <i>age</i>.¡±


    <b>50 </b>


    Jackie giggled as she sipped her wine. With the exception of Ka and me; everyone else was either 23 or 24. Iughed aloud as well. The truth was mentally I was already 26 thanks to my previous life; so naturally I was more mature than I should be.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>for </i><i>sure </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>my </i><i>brother¡¯s </i><i>age</i><i>. </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>just </i><i>a </i><i>year </i><i>older </i><i>than </i><i>me</i><i>! </i><i>No </i><i>wonder </i><i>he </i><i>loves </i><i>you </i>


    <i>so </i><i>much</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>as </i><i>mature </i><i>as </i><i>he is</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I blushed at the thought of Kai loving me. <i>Did </i><i>he </i><i>love </i>me<i>? </i>I knew beyond a doubt I loved him, but how would I know if his feelings were love or gratitude? Lost in thought, I was immediately brought back to the now after hearing Londyn¡¯s confession.


    <i>¡°Londyn</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>like </i><i>Tyler</i><i>???</i>¡±


    Londyn blushed bright red. She quickly ced her hands over her eyes in embarrassment.


    ¡°Oh <i>god</i>!!! <i>I </i><i>know</i>!!! <i>He¡¯s </i>so <i>cute </i><i>though</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>few </i><i>people </i><i>NOT </i><i>afraid </i>of <i>Kai</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    We allughed at that. It was true, Tyler wasn¡¯t afraid of Kai at all, not even when he would give him that infamous death re of his.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>well</i><i>¡­</i><i>looks </i><i>like </i><i>we have </i>to <i>y </i><i>matchmaker</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka had a mischievous grin on her face; I could tell her matchmaking wheels were already turning. Wanting to change the subject, Londyn asked me about the wedding.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>! </i><i>Are </i><i>y¡¯all </i><i>nning </i><i>a </i><i>big </i><i>wedding</i><i>; </i><i>or </i><i>is </i><i>my </i><i>cousin </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>all </i><i>quiet </i>and <i>corny</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Before I could answer, Ka shouted,


    <i>¡°</i><i>WHAT</i>!!! <i>This </i>is <i>about </i>to <i>be </i><i>the </i><i>wedding </i>of <i>the </i><i>year</i><i>!!! </i>I¡¯m <i>nning </i>an <i>entire </i><i>event</i>!!!¡±


    Londyn¡¯s eyes widen as if she were remembering something.


    ¡°<i>O</i>¨C<i>Okay </i><i>Ka</i><i>¡­.</i>but <i>this </i><i>is </i>going <i>to </i><i>be </i><i>like </i><i>my </i><i>birthday</i><i>¡­</i><i>right?</i><i>¡± </i>


    50


    Jackie smirked and shook her head as she sipped more wine. Londyn was looking nervously at Ka. I had to ask.


    <i>¡°</i>Umm¡­<i>what </i>happened <i>on </i><i>your </i><i>birthday</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Londyn looked at me nervously.


    ¡°So, <i>for </i><i>my </i><i>21st </i><i>birthday</i><i>¡­</i><i>Ka </i><i>nned </i><i>the </i><i>party</i>. <i>Let¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>say </i><i>it </i><i>made </i><i>people </i><i>feel </i><i>insecure </i><i>about </i><i>parties </i><i>for </i><i>like </i><i>two </i><i>years</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>WHAT</i><i>!!! </i><i>That </i><i>party </i><i>was </i><i>freaking </i><i>amazing</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>weekend </i><i>concert</i><i>!</i>¡±


    WHAT!!!


    My eyes widen as Londyn exined her birthday bash. Ka booked the world¡¯s most famous singers and entertainers and held a three day weekend spring jam. It really WAS a concert.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>! </i><i>Everybody </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>damn </i><i>ball</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>almost </i><i>ended </i>KRS¡¯s <i>Spring </i><i>fling </i><i>concerts</i>.¡®


    99


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 Hunted 169

    Wait what!!


    Londyn noticed my surprised expression and exined further. The KRS Spring Flings were a big deal. Every year, one of the major 4 continents would host. The year we turned 16, the event was hosted in Kingston. As a present, my parents treated Olivie and her friends to an entire weekend of a luxury hotel, the entire three¨Cday concert, and backstage passes. Of course, I wasn¡¯t invited.


    A nerve wrecking thought crept into my mind. If she did all of that for her cousin¡¯s birthday; what would she be willing to do for her brother¡¯s¡­.Oh dear god! They were already talking about over 500


    guests.


    <i>¡°</i>So<i>, </i><i>Gracie</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>did </i><i>your </i><i>parent¡¯s </i><i>say </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>told </i><i>them </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>marrying </i><i>Kai</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Londyn¡¯s question snapped me back to reality. Suddenly, dark memories of the day I told them I epted House Christiansen¡¯s proposal came flooding back. My father¡¯s greedy overjoy, my mother¡¯s disbelief, my sister¡¯s envy, and the mocking from Jonathan and Brian. A sour taste seeped into my mouth. It took a moment for me to realize the room had fell quiet as Ka and Jackie gazed at me empathetically. I guess Jackie knew about the Rochesters¡­.made sense¡­I¡¯m sure Cameron told her.


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>??? </i><i>Did </i><i>I </i><i>say </i><i>something </i><i>wrong</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before I could answer, Ka interjected.


    ¡°<i>No</i><i>, </i><i>no</i>¡­<i>Gracie¡¯s </i><i>mom </i><i>passed </i><i>away </i><i>when </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>12.</i>¡±


    Londyn¡¯s eyes widen. She pped her hands over her mouth as her eyes began to water.


    ¡°Oh, <i>my </i><i>gosh</i><i>!!! </i><i>Gracie</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m so <i>sorry</i><i>!!! </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t</i>¡­¡±


    I immediately held up my hands. I knew Ka was trying to protect my truth about the Rochesters; but I didn¡¯t want it to be at anyone¡¯s expense.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>apologize </i><i>Londyn</i><i>. </i><i>What </i><i>Ka </i><i>said </i><i>is true</i><i>, </i>my <i>adoptive </i><i>mother </i><i>did </i><i>pass </i><i>away </i><i>when </i>I <i>was </i>12. <i>But </i><i>my </i><i>biological </i><i>parents </i><i>are </i><i>aware </i>and <i>happy </i><i>about </i><i>the </i><i>marriage</i>.¡±


    Londyn had a confused look on her face. Knowing what questions would follow, I proceeded to tell her about my life and the Rochesters.


    The room was silent after I finished my harrowing tale of my adoptive mother and my life after her


    <b>11:13 </b><b>Thu</b>, <b>Sep </b>11


    passing. Jackie shook her head quietly; tears flowing down her face. Londyn¡¯s face was filled with tears and anger. Through a shaky voice<b>, </b>she spoke.


    ¡°<i>H</i>¨C<i>How</i>¡­.<i>how </i><i>could </i><i>they</i><i>? </i><i>Who </i><i>does </i><i>that </i><i>to </i><i>their </i><i>own </i><i>daughter </i><i>and </i><i>sister</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn2edd> Original content can be found at find?novel</fn2edd>


    Looking at me with conviction and guilt, Londyn walked over and embraced me into a tight hug.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Could </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>excuse </i><i>us </i><i>for </i>a moment?<i>¡± </i>


    Ka asked the waitresses and nail techs as she walked over to me and Londyn.


    As the waitresses and nail techs stood to leave, Jackie jumped up.


    ¡°<i>Wait</i><i>!! </i><i>Before </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>leave</i><i>, </i><i>please </i><i>sign </i><i>these NDAs</i>. I¡¯m <i>sorry </i><i>but </i><i>we </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>protect </i><i>our </i><i>privacy</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯d </i><i>appreciate </i><i>if </i><i>you all </i><i>kept </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>heard </i><i>indoors</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    What!!! When did she¡­as if reading my mind, Jackie exined.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Cam </i><i>gave </i><i>them </i><i>to me </i><i>this </i><i>morning </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>cautious</i>. <i>He </i><i>said </i><i>he </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>women </i><i>talked </i><i>about </i><i>on </i><i>spa </i><i>days</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Sheughed aloud causing us all tough.


    ¡°<i>OMG</i><i>!!! </i><i>He¡¯s </i><i>such </i><i>a </i><i>right</i><i>¨C</i><i>hand</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka giggled as she wiped the tears out of her eyes. I looked at all three of the women standing before me, in a short time, these women all became so important to me. They¡¯d be my family, weing me with opened arms and no judgement. I loved them all. I needed them to know that. Sitting everyone down, I began to exin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Listen </i>to <i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>something</i>. <i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>In </i><i>just </i><i>a </i><i>short </i><i>time</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>all </i><i>done </i><i>more </i><i>for </i><i>me </i><i>than </i><i>my </i><i>family </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>ever </i><i>done </i><i>in </i><i>an </i><i>entire lifetime</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    The irony was that was true¡­I lived two lifetimes with the Rochesters, and they still couldn¡¯t hold a candle to my new family.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>told </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>this </i><i>story </i><i>not </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>your </i><i>pity</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i><i>all </i>to <i>know </i><i>how </i><i>much </i><i>you </i>mean to <i>me</i><i>. </i><i>What </i><i>I </i><i>went </i><i>through</i><i>, </i><i>yes </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>terrible</i><i>. </i>BUT<i>¡­</i><i>it </i><i>also </i>led me <i>to </i>my <i>new </i><i>family </i><i>and </i><i>my </i><i>new </i><i>life</i><i>. </i><i>So</i>, for THAT<i>¡­</i>I¡¯m <i>eternally </i><i>grateful</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>all</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My voice cracked at thatst part. It was true¡­through all the pain and horrors, I¡¯d found my way


    here. If I had too, I¡¯d do it all again just for this moment.


    We all hugged and cried as we told each other we loved each other.


    ¡°I¡¯m so d Kai found you!¡±


    ¡°We <i>love </i><i>you </i><i>too</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    The girls¡® said in unison as they sobbed and hugged me tighter.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Alright</i><i>, </i><i>alright</i><i>! </i><i>Enough </i>of <i>this </i><i>mushy </i><i>stuff</i>! <i>Back </i><i>to </i><i>girl¡¯s </i><i>day</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    We allughed and held our sses high at Ka¡¯s toast. And just like that¡­Girl¡¯s day was back in


    motion!


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    50


    <b>11:13 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>11


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>170 </b>

 Hunted 170

    <b>Chapter </b><b>170 </b>


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    D:


    50


    The helicopter flight from South Bay to North Bay was just over 40 minutes. A far cry difference than driving. Wended at one of my family ports and immediately got into the SUV. Ramone pulled out of the garage and headed straight for the restaurant we were set to meet Tyler¡¯s informant at. He¡¯d set up a meeting at a restaurant my family owned called Velta. Cameron booked one of the VIP rooms, we needed to make sure we hadplete privacy. I wasn¡¯t sure who this ¡®<i>mole</i><i>¡® </i>was, but I needed to make sure they could be trusted.


    ¡°<i>We¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>at </i><i>our </i><i>destination </i><i>in </i>10 <i>minutes </i><i>sir</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ramone announce taking me out of my personal thoughts.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>received </i><i>a </i><i>text </i><i>from </i><i>my </i><i>informant</i><i>; </i><i>she </i><i>just </i><i>arrived </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>restaurant</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>She</i><i>? </i>


    So, his informant was a woman.


    I nodded at both men as we grew closer to our destination.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>are </i><i>we </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>interrogate </i><i>this </i><i>informant</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler let out a light chuckle. I¡¯m sure for Doug and Parys this all seemed like something out of some


    soap opera.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i>, she¡¯s <i>a </i><i>willing </i><i>informant</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>actually </i><i>came </i><i>to </i><i>us</i>. <i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>came </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>mom </i><i>first</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>??????? </i>


    What!!!


    I stared at Tyler in disbelief.


    ¡°<i>MY </i><i>mom</i><i>? </i><i>What </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>mean</i><i>? </i><i>Who </i><i>is </i><i>this </i><idy</i><i>??</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before Tyler could answer, Ramone announced we¡¯d just arrived at the restaurant.


    We all stepped out of the car; as Ramone handed the keys to the valet, I looked around the area. It


    <b>50 </b>


    had been years since I¡¯d been to North Bay. For some reason, I had an instant bad taste in my mouth. It was as if the hell Gracie went through was rooted into the air here making it unbearable to breath. I wanted this to be over as quickly as possible so that I could get back home.


    Cameron had me put a medical face mask on so that no one would recognize me before entering the restaurant. As we made our way to the hostess table, a small man greeted us with a smile.


    ¡°<i>Wee </i><i>to </i><i>Velta</i><i>, </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>reservation</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cameron handed the host his phone so that he could verify the specialized reservation. The man¡¯s face instantly lit up when he saw we¡¯d booked the VIP room.


    ¡°<i>Y</i>¨C<i>Yes</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>expecting </i><i>you and </i><i>your </i><i>party </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Lewis</i><i>! </i><i>One </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>guests </i><i>have </i><i>already </i><i>arrived</i><i>. </i><i>We </i><i>sent </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>room </i><i>already</i><i>. </i>Is <i>that </i><i>alright</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>fine. </i><i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The man smiled nervously as he led us to the VIP on the second floor.


    As we all entered the room, Cameron thanked the host and provided him with a hefty tip.


    <i>¡°</i><i>T</i>¨C<i>Thank </i><i>you</i><i>!!! </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>so </i><i>much</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyone walked over to the table, the room was dim lit, but I could still see the middle aged woman sitting in the corner. She stared out of the window as everyone sat down. Even without makeup and expensive clothing, she was attractive. But there was a hardness to her face and the lines around her somber eyes told a 1000 tales. Maybe this would be tale 1001. Tyler and I walked over to her, she turned her head slowly; smiling while making eye contact. As she stood, she began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i><i>Green</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>pleasure </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>again</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler shook the woman¡¯s hand while exchanging greetings. She turned to me and smiled warmly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>you </i><i>are</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I took my mask off exposing my stern expression. Extending my hand, I replied.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>Kai </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>; </i><i>Grd </i><i>Teagues</i><i>¡® </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The woman¡¯s eyes widen with shock. I wasn¡¯t sure what Tyler told her, but he clearly hadn¡¯t told her <i>¡®</i>I¡¯ would be the one meeting her today.


    11:13 Thu, Sep <b>11 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>K</i>¨C<i>Kai</i><i>¡­</i><i>Chris</i>¡­.how¡­<i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>you</i>¡­¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>As </i><i>you </i><i>can see</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ve </i>made <i>a </i><i>full </i><i>recovery</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i>¡­I <i>can </i><i>see </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    50


    She stared at me with a shocked expression; Tyler cleared his throat to grab our attention.


    <i>¡°Kai</i><i>¡­</i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>Zelma </i><i>Fynch</i>. <i>The </i><i>Rochesters</i>¡® <i>head </i><i>maid</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing!!! Their head maid!! <i>SHE </i>was the one that exposed the


    Rochesters? Why?


    As if reading my mind, she smiled lightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>lot </i>of <i>questions </i><i>Lord </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>. </i><i>When </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>ready</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>be </i><i>happy </i><i>to </i><i>exin </i><i>myself</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at Tyler who nodded his head in agreement. Trusting his judgement, I gestured for Zelma


    Fynch to head to our table.


    Doug and Parys stood up as she walked over.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Fynch</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>Dous </i><i>Craimer </i><i>and </i><i>Parys </i><i>Marquette</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Her eyes widen once more, she¡¯d clearly heard of each family. I understood her nervousness; she was


    currently in the room some of the world¡¯s most prominent and powerful families. There wasn¡¯t much


    House Christiansen couldn¡¯t do or have ess too. I¡¯d hoped she understood the severity of the


    situation. <fn4875> Follow current nov?ls on f?ndnovel</fn4875>


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 Hunted 171

    <b>Chapter </b><b>171 </b>


    <b>50 </b>


    As we all took our seats, four waiters entered the room to take our orders. We all ordered drinks, but


    <i>I </i>handed a lunch menu to Ms. Fynch.


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>is </i>one of <i>the </i><i>best </i><i>restaurants </i>in <i>North </i><i>Bay </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Fynch</i>. <i>It¡¯d </i><i>be </i>a <i>crime </i><i>not </i><i>to </i><i>try </i><i>their </i><i>dining</i><i>.</i>¡±


    She took the menu from me, hands slightly shaking. She was scared. Good.


    After detailing the menu, she settled on a cuisine chicken dish. I allowed her a few more moments to settle before I began my interrogation.


    ¡°Ms. <i>Fynch</i>, <i>my </i><i>associate </i><i>has </i><i>already </i><i>shown </i><i>me </i><i>the </i><i>report </i><i>as </i><i>well </i><i>as </i><i>informed </i><i>me </i><i>much </i><i>of </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>told </i>him. <i>So</i><i>, </i>we <i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>start </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>beginning</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>face </i><i>to </i><i>face </i><i>because </i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>the </i><i>face </i>of <i>the </i><i>person </i><i>willing </i><i>to </i><i>put </i><i>themselves </i><i>at </i><i>risk </i><i>for </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Obviously </i><i>there </i><i>is </i><i>some </i><i>skepticism </i><i>on </i><i>my </i><i>end</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>are </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters</i><i>¡® </i><i>head </i><i>maid </i><i>after </i><i>all</i><i>. </i>So, <i>I </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>know</i>¡­<i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>doing this</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    She smiled lightly at me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>¡­</i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>seen </i><i>the </i><i>light </i><i>dim </i><i>from </i><i>a </i><i>person¡¯s </i><i>eyes</i>? As <i>if </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>promise </i><i>those </i><i>eyes </i><i>held</i><i>, </i><i>suddenly </i><i>faded </i><i>into </i><i>an </i><i>abyss</i><i>?</i>¡±


    I was confused by her question; but nodded no. She scoffed slightly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>have</i>. A <i>twelve </i><i>year </i><i>old little </i><i>girl </i><i>was </i><i>told </i><i>she </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>reunited </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>long</i>¨C<i>lost </i><i>family</i><i>. </i><i>When </i><i>she </i><i>arrived</i><i>, </i><i>her </i><i>eyes </i><i>were filled </i><i>with </i><i>love</i>, <i>excitement</i><i>, </i><i>happiness</i>. <i>Promise</i><i>. </i><i>Over </i><i>the </i><i>years </i><i>however</i>, I <i>watched </i><i>those </i><i>same </i><i>beautiful </i><i>eyes </i><i>slowly </i><i>dull</i>, <i>sink</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>disappear</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I didn¡¯t need a crystal ball to know she was speaking of Gracie. That family had damn nearly destroyed her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>then</i>¡­<i>one </i><i>day </i><i>I </i><i>saw </i><i>a </i><i>fire </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>same </i><i>girl¡¯s </i><i>eyes</i>. <i>A fire </i><i>that </i><i>screamed </i><i>they </i><i>weren¡¯t </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>destroy </i><i>her</i><i>! </i><i>A </i><i>resolve </i>to <i>fight</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    She mmed her hand slightly on the table and took a deep sigh.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>recognized </i><i>that </i>look <i>Mr. </i><i>Christiansen</i>. <i>I </i><i>recognized </i><i>it </i><i>because </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>had </i><i>once </i><i>had </i><i>that </i>same <i>resolve</i><i>¡­.</i><i>When </i><i>my </i><i>father </i><i>decided </i><i>I </i><i>was </i>to be <i>payment </i>for <i>HIS </i><i>debts</i>. <i>I </i><i>realized </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>either </i><i>fight</i><i>¡­</i><i>or </i>


    <i>die</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    We all sat in silence, I couldn¡¯t begin to imagine what this woman experienced in her youth.


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><i>Rochesters</i>¡­<i>they </i><i>saved </i>me<i>. </i><i>Gave </i>me <i>salvation</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>came </i><i>to </i><i>Kingston </i><i>with </i><i>nothing</i><i>. </i><i>No </i>education, <i>no </i>money, <i>no </i><i>real </i><i>experience</i>. <i>Every </i><i>job </i><i>I </i><i>applied </i>too¡­<i>they </i><i>all </i><i>turned </i><i>me </i>down. <i>Until </i><i>I </i><i>applied </i>for <i>a </i><i>maid¡¯s </i><i>position </i><i>for </i>one of <i>North </i><i>Bay¡¯s </i><i>most </i><i>affluent </i><i>households</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>knew </i><i>they </i><i>were </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i>no. <i>Tell </i><i>me </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>no experience</i>. Turn me <i>away </i><i>like </i>the <i>others</i>. <i>Instead</i><i>, </i><i>for </i><i>reasons </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>never </i><i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>Mrs</i>. <i>Rochester </i><i>decided </i><i>to </i><i>give </i>me a <i>chance</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Her voice was wrapped in guilt as she spoke of her employers. Obvious confliction for her betrayal.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>loyal </i>to them. <i>For </i><i>over </i><i>25 </i><i>years</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>was </i><i>loyal</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>loved </i><i>my </i><i>employers</i><i>; </i><i>I </i><i>loved </i><i>their </i><i>children</i>. <i>And </i><i>even </i><i>with </i><i>their </i><i>imperfections</i>¡­.<i>I </i><i>loved </i><i>my </i><i>job</i><i>. </i><i>Because </i><i>it </i><i>gave </i><i>me </i><i>my </i><i>freedom</i>.¡±


    I stared at Zelma Fynch with a puzzled expression. If she felt this way¡­why was she here.


    <b>50 </b>


    <i>¡°</i>Ms. <i>Fynch</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>appreciate you </i><i>for </i><i>sharing </i><i>this </i><i>with </i><i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>to </i>ask. <i>If </i><i>THIS </i>is <i>how </i><i>you </i><i>feel</i>¡­<i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>her-</i>¡±


    ¡°Because they were going to do to her what my father tried to do to me! Sell her!!¡± <fnb110> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel</fnb110>


    She cut me off before I could finish my question, the tears began to stream down her face. I could


    see the pain in her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Even </i><i>after </i><i>everything </i><i>that </i><i>poor </i><i>child </i><i>did</i><i>. </i><i>All </i><i>the </i><i>humiliation </i><i>she </i><i>endured</i><i>¡­</i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>that </i><i>family </i><i>to </i><i>love </i><i>her</i><i>¡­</i><i>it </i><i>still </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>enough</i><i>! </i><i>They </i><i>treated her </i><i>like </i><i>cattle </i><i>instead </i>of <i>a </i><i>daughter</i>. <i>I¡¯d </i><i>watched </i><i>it </i>for <i>over </i><i>seven </i><i>years </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Christiansen</i>. <i>I </i><i>watched </i><i>that </i><i>light </i><i>dim</i>¡­¡±


    Parys handed her a napkin so that she could wipe her tears.


    <i>¡°</i><i>But </i><i>then</i><i>¡­</i><i>then </i><i>one </i><i>day</i><i>¡­</i><i>there </i><i>was</i><i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>shine</i><i>!!! </i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>slowly </i><iing </i><i>back</i><i>¡­</i>and <i>there </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>watch </i><i>them </i><i>destroy </i><i>it </i><i>again</i><i>. </i><i>So</i>, <i>you </i><i>see</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>HAD </i><i>to </i><i>help </i><i>her!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded my head to her response. I understood. Suddenly, Parys spoke.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Fynch</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>doubt </i><i>your </i><i>words</i><i>¡­</i><i>they </i><i>are </i><i>filled </i><i>with </i><i>an </i><i>emotion </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>never </i><i>experienced</i>. <i>Thank </i><i>you </i>for <i>that</i><i>. </i><i>But </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>understand</i><i>; </i><i>Gracie </i><i>is </i><i>our </i><i>family</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>means </i><i>a </i><i>great </i><i>deal </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>lot </i><i>of </i><i>reasons</i>. <i>How </i><i>do </i><i>we </i><i>know </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>trust </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    She looked at Parys with a warm expression and smiled.


    ¡°<i>Because </i><i>we </i><i>all </i><i>want the </i><i>same </i><i>thing</i>¡­for <i>Grd </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>Justice</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    11:13 <b>Thu</b>, <b>Sep </b>11


    :


    50


    My eyes widen; she was right. Everyone is this room wanted one thing above everything else¡­ Justice


    for Gracie.


    Chapter Comments


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 Hunted 172

    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    We all sat in silence as Zelma Fynch told us a harrowing story of Gracie¡¯s upbring, filling in any gaps that Tyler had not yet received. If I was disgusted with the Rochesters before this¡­now my feelings were that of pure unadulterated hatred. I wanted them to burn a million years and only then¡­would I allow them to die a gruesome death.


    There was something I needed to know. A question that had been burning my mind since learning about the Rochesters.


    <i>¡°</i>Ms. <i>Fynch</i><i>¡­</i><i>by </i><i>any </i><i>chance </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>WHY </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>hate </i><i>Gracie </i>so <i>much</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    She stared at me with a nk expression before answering.


    <i>¡°I </i><i>honestly </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Dammit</i><i>. </i>


    I was just about to tell Tyler we would have to find another way to gather that information when she


    continued.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>however</i>¡­.(<i>sigh</i><i>)</i><i>¡­.</i><i>My </i><i>madam </i><i>never </i><i>had </i><i>any </i><i>intentions </i><i>of </i><i>that </i><i>child </i><i>surviving</i>.¡±


    The room fell inplete silence at thatst part. Was she implying¡­no¡­that couldn¡¯t be it¡­.I


    needed rification.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>saying </i><i>there </i><i>was </i><iplications </i><i>during </i><i>Gracie¡¯s </i><i>birth</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her eyes went dead as she stared at me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i><i>sir</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>born </i><i>perfectly </i><i>healthy</i><i>. </i><i>8lbs</i>¡­7oz¡­<i>19ins </i><i>long</i><i>. </i>A <i>head </i><i>full </i><i>of </i><i>curly </i><i>thick </i><i>dark </i><i>hair</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i>


    <i>was </i><i>perfect</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Parys then asked.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>then </i><i>what </i><i>exactly </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>mean </i><i>by </i><i>your </i><i>madam </i><i>having </i><i>no </i><i>intentions </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>surviving</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Her expression and her silence said it all.


    <b>11:13 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>11 </b>


    ¡°<i>So</i>, <i>you¡¯re </i><i>telling </i><i>me</i>¡­<i>she </i>nned to <i>murder </i><i>Grd</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She nodded.


    <i>GASPS</i><i>!!!!! </i>


    ¡°<i>Was </i><i>she </i><i>the </i><i>one </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>going </i>to do <i>it</i>¡­<i>or </i><i>did </i><i>she </i><i>want </i>someone <i>else </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>their </i><i>hands </i><i>bloody</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My voice was heavy¡­I slowly raised my eyes, looking at her with a re of a thousand deaths. She immediately understood what I was implying. <fn8fb1> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n </fn8fb1>


    Holding her hands up, she rified.


    <i>¡°</i>Not <i>me </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Christiansen</i>! <i>I </i><i>could </i><i>have never-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>THEN </i><i>WHO</i>!!<i>¡± </i>


    My fist mmed on the table; I could no longer contain my rage. They were going to kill her! Gracie!! My fucking Gracie!!!


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i><i>¨C</i>It <i>was</i>¡­a <i>man </i><i>they </i><i>often </i><i>hired </i>to-¡±


    ¡°<i>His </i><i>name</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I barked at Zelma Fynch causing her to shutter. Tyler ced his hand on my shoulder as Cameron stood up. Just then, the waiter walked in with Zelma¡¯s order.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Get </i><i>the </i><i>fuck </i><i>out</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    I roared as the waiter walked over. I needed him gone now so that she could tell me the name of the fucking asshole that was going to kill Gracie as a baby!!


    Tyler pulled me over to the corner. My rage was boiling over. At this rate, I was going to hurt


    someone.


    Cameron notion for the waiter to bring the dish. He whispered something in the waiter¡¯s ear and then handed him what looked like money. The waiter smiled and nodded. He gave one more nervous nce in my direction before leaving.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>calm </i><i>down </i><i>Kai</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>telling </i><i>us </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>knows</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>know </i>it¡¯s <i>a </i><i>lot</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>calm </i>


    <i>down</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    50


    I looked at my best friend; his expression was weary as well as empathetic. Though I think the empathy was for Gracie.


    I took a few breaths. He was right. I needed to calm down. I immediately thought of Gracie<b>, </b>and


    then¡­as if she could sense my stress¡­Gracie sent me a text message.


    The text was a picture of her eating a vani ice cream cone with sprinkles.


    She was smiling brightly but with a mischievous grin. Below the picture was a text.


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>Look </i></b><i>what </i>I¡¯m <i>eating</i><i>! </i><b>I </b><i>miss </i><b>you</b><b><i>! </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>hope </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>like </i></b><i>what </i><b>I </b><b><i>brought</i></b>¡­<b><i>only </i></b><b><i>for you</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b><b><i>something </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><i>would </i><i>like</i><i>.</i><b><i>] </i></b>


    50


    And just like that; all the anger and fire that was burning inside my chest began to simmer. How the universe knew what could calm me¡­was always mystery to me. I smiled lightly as I began to reply


    back.


    [<b><i>Well </i></b><b><i>then </i></b><b><i>Miss </i></b><b><i>Grd</i></b><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><b><i>look </i></b><i>forward </i><i>to </i><b><i>tonight</i></b><i>. </i>]


    Chapter Comments


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 Hunted 173

    <b>Chapter </b><b>173 </b>


    After texting Gracie back, I looked up at Tyler. He looked relieved. Probably thanking the inner gods. for her text message before I went grizzly bear in the restaurant.


    ¡°<i>When </i><i>she </i><i>tells </i><i>us </i>that name¡­¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯ll be on it. We¡¯ll have all <i>of </i><i>his </i>info <i>in </i><i>less </i>than 48hrs.¡±


    I nodded at Tyler as we headed back to the table.


    Zelma was eating her food; it looked like Dous and Parys were able to calm her in my stead. She looked up at me with a weary but warm expression.


    ¡°How¡¯s your meal?¡±


    My voice was still husky.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>excellent </i>Mr. <i>Christiansen</i>. <i>You </i><i>were </i><i>right</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She smiled lightly as I sat down.


    ¡°Ms. <i>Fynch</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>apologize </i><i>for </i><i>my-</i>¡±


    She held her hand up as she wiped the corners of her mouth.


    ¡°<i>No </i><i>apologies </i><i>necessary </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Christiansen</i>. <i>You </i><i>love </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>that </i>much <i>I </i>can tell. <i>Your </i>anger <i>is </i><i>beyond </i><i>warranted</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded. I was d she understood, but my behavior was out of line.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>appreciate </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>saying </i><i>that</i><i>. </i><i>But </i><i>please </i><i>ept </i><i>my </i><i>apology</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>epted</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She smiled as she sipped her water.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Benard </i><i>Thorton</i><i>. </i><i>He¡¯s </i><i>called </i><i>their </i><i>¡®</i><i>handyman</i><i>¡®</i><i>; </i><i>but </i><i>really </i><i>what </i><i>he </i><i>is</i><i>¡­</i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>person </i><i>they </i><i>call </i><i>to </i><i>handle </i><i>all </i>


    of <i>their </i><i>dirty </i><i>work</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>locate </i>him as soon <i>as </i><i>possible </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>were </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>11:14 </b>Thu, Sep 11


    I didn¡¯t like the way she said that.


    ¡°Do you have concerns?¡±


    ??


    ¡°Yes. As of now, <i>there¡¯s </i>nothing <i>I¡¯ve </i><i>heard </i><i>regarding </i><i>Grd</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>never </i>put <i>anything </i>past a person that had no problem <i>killing </i>an infant. <i>The </i><i>day </i>my <i>madam </i><i>found </i>out Grd was still alive<i>, </i><i>he </i>didn¡¯t seem surprised, but he <i>did </i>offer to <i>handle </i><i>her</i>¡® for my mistress. <i>The </i><i>only </i><i>thing </i><i>that </i><i>stopped </i>them¡­ my sir had already arranged for <i>her </i>arrival.<i>¡± </i><fn0352> Chapters first released on find{n}ovel</fn0352>


    We all sat in shock at those words. She was STILL considering murdering her own daughter. I could feel my temper rising back up when Dous asked an important question.


    ¡°You said he didn¡¯t seem surprised <i>Gracie </i>wasn¡¯t <i>dead</i><i>¡­</i><i>is </i><i>it </i>possible <i>he </i>couldn¡¯t kill her when she was a baby¡­so he gave <i>her </i>to Diana <i>Teagues</i><i>? </i>


    <i>Interesting</i><i>. </i>


    Zelma looked at Dous with a look of rity.


    ¡°<i>You </i>know<i>¡­</i>that¡¯s <i>highly </i><i>possible</i>. <i>Maybe </i><i>he </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>a </i><iplete </i><i>monster</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I needed to know EVERYTHING about the night Gracie was born. I needed to speak with this Bernard


    Thorton ASAP.


    Zelma finished her meal, rifying any information or questions we had regarding Grd. There were a few things I was certain of following this meeting, <ol><li>The Rochesters <i>were </i><i>without </i>a <i>doubt </i><i>some </i>of <i>the </i><i>worst </i>people to <i>have </i><i>ever </i><b><i>be </i></b>born. </li><li><i>Benard </i>Thorton <i>would </i><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>key </i></b>to <i>answering </i>all <b>of </b><b>Gracie¡¯s </b><i>questions </i><b><i>regarding </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><i>adoptive </i></li></ol>


    <i>mother</i><b><i>. </i></b><ol start="3"><li><i>The </i><i>punishment </i>I had instore <b>for </b><b>the </b><b><i>Rochesters</i></b>¡­it was sure <b>to </b><b><i>be </i></b><i>filled </i>with <b><i>exquisite </i></b><b><i>pain</i></b>. </li></ol>


    I ordered a ride share for Zelma, she stated she would be staying with her friend this weekend. As she headed to the car, I thanked her for everything she¡¯d done to protect and help Gracie.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>wish </i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>done </i><i>more</i>¡­I <i>should </i><i>have </i><i>done </i><i>more</i>¡­I owed <i>her </i><i>this</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I nodded in response; I knew the feeling.


    As she prepared to get into the car, she called back out to me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i><i>Chris</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I turned back in her direction; my mask was now back over my face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>¡­</i>is <i>she </i><i>happy</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ?. (50


    I paused for a moment before pulling out my phone. I walked over to her and showed her the picture


    Gracie had just sent me.


    She stared at the picture for a few moments; tear drops falling onto the screen. She let out a light


    sigh and got into the car. I closed her door and wave her off as she drove away in her ride share.


    It was now almost 5:30pm, time to get back home to my love.


    Chapter Comments


    B1

 Hunted 174

    <i>Gracie¡¯s </i>POV<b>: </b>


    50


    After the spa, we all took a trip to one of the malls owned by House Christiansen. Londyn¡¯s mother and father had this mall build over a decade ago for her and Parys. It contained every high¨Cend fashion store throughout the entire world. Every name brandbel you could think of was in this mall. It also had multiple boutiques so uing designers could sell their work. It had all types of jewelry galleries, sses huts, you name it¡­this mall had it!


    The mall also had two movie theaters and a variety of high¨Cend restaurants and food courts. I¡¯d been to the mall a few times with Joellie, but the one in Kingston isn¡¯t nearly as extravagant. I looked around in amazement as we headed to a clothing store. This morning, Kai had given me a ck card and told me to buy whatever I wanted; but I wasn¡¯t about to overspend.


    We ended up going into a store called The Martiest. The store was globally known for it¡¯s high¨Cend designer clothing and shoes. As we walked into the store, a sales manager immediately greeted us


    with a smile.


    ¡°Lady <i>Christiansen</i>, Lady <i>Marquette</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>an </i>honor to have you here today<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    She walked up to us smiling brightly as she hugged both Ka and Londyn.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i>you for having <i>us </i>Ms. <i>Caleen</i>. This is <i>my </i>friend Jacqueline Lewis and my <i>future </i><i>sister</i>¨Cin¨C<iw</i>¡­ <i>Grd</i>.¡±


    Ms. Caleen¡¯s eyes widen in shock. She looked over at me inplete surprise.


    ¡°Y¨CYour¡­so Lord Kai¡­¡±


    ¡°<i>Has </i>recovered <i>and </i>would like to splurge on his fianc¨¦. <i>He¡¯s </i>not <i>ready </i>to inform <i>the </i>media <i>however</i>, so I hope you understand <i>this </i>information is to remain discreet.¡±


    Ka looked at Ms. Caleen sternly as Jackie pulled out another NDA. Caleen shook her head eagerly


    and directed us all to a VIP room.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ladies</i>, please make yourselvesfortable<i>! </i>I¡¯ll have several staff <i>members </i>here soon to <i>help </i><i>you </i>with your fittings and purchases.¡±


    She gleefully pounced out of the room. I imagine her salesmission is going to be obscene, no wonder she was so joyful. Four young women walked into our VIP suite; Jackie had them all sign


    <b>11:14 </b>Thu<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>11 </b>


    <b>50 </b>


    NDA¡¯s; everyone was so thorough. As they handed us all wine, Ka asked one of the salesclerks for


    her assistance.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Lady </i><i>Christiansen</i>, my name <i>is </i><i>Roslyn</i>, it¡¯s <i>an </i><i>honor </i>to <i>serve </i><i>you </i>today<i>. </i><i>How </i><i>can </i><i>I </i><i>be </i><i>of </i><i>assistance</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Thank </i>you <i>for </i><i>that </i><i>Roslyn</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>was </i>wondering <i>if </i><i>you </i><i>could </i>assist <i>my </i><i>sister</i><i>¨C</i><i>in</i><i>¨C</i><iw</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>buy </i>something <i>¡®</i><i>special</i>¡® <i>for </i>her fianc¨¦, <i>any </i><i>suggestions</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    I blushed heavily as Roslyn smiled warmly. How could they be sofortable with¡­.oh gosh!!!


    Rosyln walked over to me as the girls were looking at other items in catalogs.


    ¡°Ms¡­.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Ms. </i><i>Grd</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>pleasure </i>to <i>meet </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Would </i><i>you </i><i>mind </i><i>standing </i>for <i>a </i><i>moment</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d like </i>to <i>take </i><i>your </i>


    <i>measurements</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I stood up immediately holding my arms out so that Rosyln could measure me. The girls all walked over as she was finishing up my waist.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>perfect </i><i>right</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Londyn beamed as she visibly measured me. Roslyn stood up closing her measuring tape.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>is</i><i>! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>got </i><i>that </i><i>perfect </i><i>petite </i><i>hourss </i><i>figure</i><i>. </i><i>With </i><i>her </i><i>shape</i>, <i>she¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>pull </i><i>just </i><i>about </i><i>anything </i>off¡­BUT<i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>suggest </i><i>always </i><i>going </i><i>the </i><i>shorter </i><i>routes </i><i>in </i><i>terms </i><i>of </i><i>dresses and </i><i>lingerie</i><i>.</i>¡±


    LINGERIE!!!


    I knew absolutely nothing about lingerie or even being sexy. Not even in my previous life! Jonathan hated me so much that he never touched me. Over five years married, and I was still a virgin. So, I


    had no clue what to do.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>think </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>best </i><i>too</i><i>. </i><i>Gracie</i><i>¡­</i><i>how </i><i>tall </i><i>are </i><i>you</i>? <i>About </i>5¡¯3?<i>¡± </i>


    Londyn¡¯s question snapped me out of my thoughts. <fn66ed> Fresh chapters posted on Find_Novel(.</fn66ed>


    ¡°Close<i>¡­</i><i>5¡¯2</i>¡±


    1-


    50


    Both Ka and Londyn were taller me by at least five inches. They both squealed as they hugged me.


    ¡°Emmm<i>!!! </i>She¡¯s so <i>tiny</i>! <i>I </i><i>love </i><i>it</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>right</i><i>!! </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>so </i><i>fun </i><i>dressing </i><i>her</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could feel my nerves doing a tuck and roll. I had this painful feeling in my gut that Londyn and Ka had found a new doll¡­.me. I looked over at Jackie¡­a cry for help pleading in my eyes. She looked at my sympathetically before sipping her wine and mouthing,


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    <b>11:14 </b><b>Inu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>175 </b>

 Hunted 175

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>175 </b>


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sorry</i>.¡±


    Traitor!!!


    For the next few hours, we filled the VIP room up with all kinds of dresses, pants, skirts, lingerie¡­ you name it¡­we had it. Ka and Londyn helped me with walking in high¨Cheel shoes. I actually wasn¡¯t too bad at that. In my previous life, Jonathan¡¯s mother made me take etiquette sses before and after getting married. Said she didn¡¯t want me bringing shame to the Brooks name.


    <i>Shame</i><i>. </i>


    The mere thought that anyone besides that family could bring them any more shame than they brought themselves was beyondughable.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Londyn</i>¡­<i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>about </i><i>this</i><i>?</i>¡±


    I whispered to Londyn from behind the changing curtain. She peaked her head in before steppingpletely into the section.


    ¡°<i>OMG</i>!!! <i>Gracie</i><i>!!! </i><i>You </i><i>look </i><i>hot </i><i>as </i><i>hell</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The loud screech immediately alerted Ka, Jackie, and the sales clerks.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>my</i><i>!!! </i><i>Well</i><i>¡­.</i><i>you </i><i>might </i><i>be </i><i>sending </i><i>my </i><i>brother </i><i>into </i><i>anothera</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Oh, my god!!!


    I quickly covered my face with my hands as I blushed!!! This was all way too embarrassing!!!


    ¡°Oh, <i>Gracie</i><i>!!! </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>just </i><i>teasing</i>!! <i>Not </i><i>about </i><i>the </i><i>you </i><i>looking </i><i>hot </i><i>thing</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>everything </i><i>else</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ka hugged me tightly as I slowly put my hands down.


    ¡°<i>Do </i>you <i>all </i><i>think </i><i>I </i><i>look </i><i>okay</i><i>?</i>¡±


    I shyly lifted my head. I suddenly felt extremely insecure.


    ¡°<i>Sweetie</i><i>, </i><i>at </i><i>this </i><i>rate</i><i>¡­</i>it¡¯s <i>going </i>to a <i>shotgun </i><i>wedding</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <b>11:14 </b>Thu<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>11


    :


    Jackie giggled as she sipped more wine. I think she might be a little tipsy. The thought made my


    chuckle.


    After we made our purchases, I set up for everything ept two items to be delivered. I wanted to give Kai his <i>¡®</i><i>gift</i>¡® tonight. I wasn¡¯t sure why, but I suddenly had an urge to see him.


    As we strolled through the mall, we passed an ice cream parlor causing Ka to squeak with


    excitement.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>!!! <i>Let¡¯s </i><i>all </i><i>get </i>some ice cream as <i>our </i><i>final </i><i>stop </i><i>for </i><i>today</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I suddenly giggled as I thought about the time Kai, and I brought ice cream. The way the people in that parlor became excited learning that Heir Christiansen finally woke up. He¡¯s loved by so many. I


    could feel a surge of jealousy seep into my thoughts. It¡¯s not like I was unaware of how handsome


    my fianc¨¦ was. Suddenly, I began to think about all the women that would be practically throwing themselves at Kai once his recovery is announce.


    Would I be able topete? I needed to know if Kai was truly in love with me or if he just felt an


    obligation. I would get my answers tonight.


    After ordering our ice cream, I decided to take a picture for Kai and send it to him¡­I¡¯d chosen the


    same kind I got when I went with him. I eagerly awaited his response; jumping a little when my


    phone dinged.


    <b>[</b><b><i>Well </i></b><b><i>then </i></b><b><i>Miss </i></b><b><i>Grd</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b>look </b><b><i>forward </i></b><b>to </b><b><i>tonight </i></b>?<b><i>] </i></b>


    WHAT!!!!!!


    What the hell does THAT mean!! I could feel my face start to redden, how did he know what I


    purchased??? The girl¡¯s all said they wouldn¡¯t say a word to him so that he could be surprised¡­I


    doubt they would go back on their words<b>¡­</b>could the bodyguard¡­.wait no!!! How would he have known what I purchased!!!


    I was too nervous to ask Kai to rify what he meant so I just hearted the message. We¡¯ll see what


    happens tonight¡­


    The time was now a little after 4pm, we were all headed home when Ma texted Ka we would


    have dinner at the Ivy.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mom </i><i>just </i><i>texted </i>me <i>that </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>eating </i><i>at </i><i>Ivy</i><i>! </i><i>So</i>, <i>we¡¯ll </i><i>immediately </i><i>start </i><i>getting </i><i>dressed </i><i>when </i>we <i>get </i>


    <i>home</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, <i>I </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>been </i><i>there </i><i>in </i><i>forever</i><i>! </i><i>Cam should </i><i>be </i><i>happy </i>abTE


    <i>this </i><i>too</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jackie beamed as we grew closer to the estate. I imagined Cameron must¡¯ve been swamped with


    work while Kai was in aa. I¡¯m d she¡¯s been able to have fun!


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    < SHARE <fn00f6> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find?Novel</fn00f6>

 Hunted 176

    <b>Chapter </b><b>176 </b>


    <b><i>Gracie¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    :


    350 <fndfc5> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find?novel</fndfc5>


    Everyone was home from their ventures by 5:30PM. The dinner reservations were for 7:30PM, so everyone hurried to their suites to prepare. Kai came in just as I was fixing my hair. I was still in my bathrobe when he entered. When I finally noticed him, he was leaning against the wall staring at me. He was wearing a pair of custom tailored ck dress cks with a cream colored buttoned up dress shirt. His tie hadn¡¯t been done yet, so it hung around his neck.


    He looked so damn sexy.


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>almost </i><i>finished</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Silence.


    He stood quietly for a few more moments before speaking.


    ¡°<i>Take </i><i>you </i><i>time</i>. I <i>was </i><i>simply </i><i>admiring </i><i>how </i><i>beautiful </i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>right </i><i>now</i>.¡±


    Right now!!!


    I began to blush; I could feel my ears heating up. I quickly finished pinning my curls up and nervously made my way to the closet so that I could get dressed.


    When we first got home, Ka helped me pick out a dress. Ma had filled my closet with all kinds


    of dresses the day after I moved onto the estate, so I had every style. We settled on aced ck


    cocktail tea dress. For shoes, I picked these ck three inch heeled shoes with a diamond flower in


    the back that matched the straps of my dress.


    The time was 6:45pm when I finally finished dressing and applying my makeup. I walked out of the closet just as Kai had returned to check and see if I was ready. As soon as we made eye contact; Kai¡¯s entire face changed.


    He stood staring at me with his mouth slightly opened as if he was in awe of me. My eyes nervously averted from his. The tension was so thick a knife could have cut it. Before I could say anything, Kai regained hisposure and slowly walked towards me. He pulled a ck box from behind his back. Inside were diamond studded earrings with a matching ne and bracelet.


    11:15 Thu, Sep <b>11 </b>


    It was beautiful.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>brought </i><i>this </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>today. </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>like </i>it<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    His voice was low with a slight huskiness to it. I looked up at him smiling warmly and whispered.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>love </i>it<i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i>so beautiful<i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>May </i><i>I?</i><i>¡± </i>


    50


    Kai motioned for me to turn around so that he could put the ne on me. I slowly turned around and lifted my hair. As his hands lightly brushed across my neck, I could feel the heat in my body surge. My thoughts became dark as my mind became clouded with unsavory thoughts.


    Once he finished, we stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity¡­suddenly, my phone buzzed¡­save by the Ka.


    I answered quickly, my voice slightly breathless.


    ¡°Hey<i>, </i><i>you </i><i>guys </i><i>almost </i><i>ready</i><i>? </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>going </i>to <i>be </i><i>heading </i><i>out </i><i>soon</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>We¡¯re </i><i>on </i><i>our </i><i>way </i><i>down </i><i>now</i>.¡±


    I turned to Kai who¡¯s face was now red for some reason.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ready</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    He smiled and walked up gently cing my hand in his.


    As we made our way to the foyer, everyone¡¯s eyes immediately turned to us. Slight shock.


    Ma was the first to speak.


    ¡°<i>Gracie</i>¡­<i>you </i><i>look</i>¡­<i>oh</i><i>, </i><i>my </i><i>goodness</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I smiled shyly thanking her. Kai smiled proudly. Soon everyone beganplementing each other.


    The truth was everyone looked fantastic. We made our way to the two stretch limos. All the heads


    and small children were in one limo while the rest of us were in the other.


    The limo ride was fun, we allughed and joked on our way to the restaurant.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>just </i><i>saying</i><i>!!! </i><i>I </i>see <i>why </i><i>you </i>woke <i>up </i><i>bro</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Parys joked as he wrapped his arm around Kai.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>gorgeous </i><i>right</i>!!!!¡±


    Londyn smiled brightly as she handed me a small ss of wine.


    50


    Tyler nced over at Londyn, for a split second¡­I could have sworn he was blushing. I used this as


    opportunity. I leaned over and whispered so that only he could hear me.


    ¡°<i>Tyler</i><i>, </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>Londyn </i><i>look </i><i>beautiful</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    His eyes widen as if I¡¯d figured out his dark secret. I smiled warmly and nodded my head in approval.


    Understanding my eye contact, he smiled brightly at Londyn.


    ¡°<i>Londyn</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>beautiful </i><i>tonight</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The car suddenly fell silent. Londyn¡¯s face began to redden. Her eyes quickly darted down to her


    ss as she sipped her wine.


    ¡°T¨C<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>Tyler</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Her voice was just above a whisper.


    Kai smiled slightly, he must¡¯ve known as well that Tyler liked Londyn. Parys frowned a bit but then


    rxed his face. He knew Tyler was great guy. He leaned over and whispered something to Tyler


    causing him and Kai to chuckle.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Cam</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>met </i><i>to </i><i>ask </i><i>you </i><i>how </i><i>you </i><i>managed </i>to <i>pull </i>a <i>baddy </i><i>like </i><i>Jackie</i><i>!!</i>¡±


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 Hunted 177

    <b>Chapter </b>177


    :


    Cam smiled smugly as he looked at his wife. Their eyes connected in an unspokennguage only they understood¡­.I suddenly understood just how L got here.


    We entered the restaurant through a special entrance that lead straight to the VIP room so that


    others wouldn¡¯t see Kai.


    50


    Dinner that night was amazing. Everyone spoke about what they did today, sharing pictures of our


    adventures. The heads had the most adorable pictures of the kids at the aquarium. We all showed the


    pictures we took together during our spa and shopping trip.


    Kai smiled warmly at me expressing how d he was that I enjoyed myself. For some reason<b>, </b>it seemed like he and the rest of the guys were a little tight lipped about what they¡¯d been doing all day. Still, I chose not to pry. Hoping that whatever it was, he was able to enjoy himself.


    We finished dinner around 11PM; as we all headed home; the lively energy we¡¯d all had prior was finally dying down. Jackie had fallen asleep in Cameron¡¯s arms; while Londyn leaned her head on Tyler¡¯s shoulder. Ka had fallen asleep leaning on Dous. As he draped his jacket over her, there was a sullen movement that told me he wanted more than her friendship.


    I smiled warmly looking at my circle of family. This is what it meant to truly feel loved and to belong. I couldn¡¯t wait to catch Joellie up on everything that¡¯s happened these past two weeks.


    We arrived home right before midnight; everyone quietly made their way to their suites careful not to wake the children.


    My original n was to show Kai my ¡®<i>gift</i><i>¡® </i>after we got settled in; but I figured he was too tired. That was until I came out of the bathroom; as I was drying my hair; Kai wrapped his arms around my waist and whispered,


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>ready </i>for <i>my </i><i>gift </i><i>now </i>Miss. <i>Teagues</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I froze mid¨Cdry. My ears began to redden. My heart was beginning to speed up. It was like my nerves and shyness were battling each other. I slowly turned around; he had a mischievous expression on his lips.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i>how <i>about </i>it Ms. <i>Teagues</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I smiled lightly¡­fuck it¡­why not¡­it¡¯s why I brought it right?


    A mischievous grin spread across my face as I turned and headed to my walk¨Cin closet. Peaking my head out the door, I spoke in a low and alluring tone.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯ll be right back¡­could you pour me some <i>wine </i><i>please</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai¡¯s eyes widen with excitement; I chuckled as I watched him nervously walk over to the wine cab. No longer was he graceful.


    50


    I darted back into the closet and immediately shut and locked the door. In one instant, all my nerves came crumbling down. At that moment I was d my closet was the size of a small boutique. I sat on the dressing bench breathing slowly as I stared at the clothing bag my gift from Martiest was in. <fn7d56> Content originallyes from find?novel</fn7d56>


    Standing up; I picked the bag up and proceeded to get dress. Once finished, I looked at myself one


    more time in the mirror.


    Londyn and Jackie said You can never go wrong with ck. So, I decided to purchase a ckce lingerie dress with the matching underwear. I also purchased a candy apple red set¡­that¡¯s forter though. My hair was down, but it was now wavy and silky.


    I took a deep breath and unlocked the door¡­walking slowly out of the closet¡­I noticed Kai reading something on his phone. As he turned in my direction, he suddenly froze in ce. His eyes widen and his phone fell out of his hand.


    I immediately began to ask if he wanted me to pick it up when he walked directly over to me and cupped my face in his hands.


    Without saying a word to each other, Kai slowly grew closer to my face. As our lips finally touched, I


    realized¡­I¡¯d been dreaming of this since the moment I¡¯d epted Ma¡¯s proposal.


    Kai kissed me passionately as if he wanted me to feel something. I was bing breathless, but I couldn¡¯t stop. His breath was still sweet from the wine he¡¯d drank. As our kissing continued, his hands glided down my neck and to my lower back. I moaned slightly, his hands felt so amazing on


    my body.


    Suddenly, Kai stopped. My brows furrowed¡­why¡¯d he stop?


    Before I could ask, he gently scooped me up into his arms and carried me to the bed.


    This was it!!! And I was ready!!!

 Hunted 178

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter 178 </b>


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b>POV: </b>


    :


    <b>50 </b>


    When she stepped out of the closet, I¡¯d anticipated seeing something that would make meugh


    more so than anything else. I knew Gracie was inexperienced in terms of rtionships. That asshole she was engaged too never showed her any affection. I¡¯d prepared myself for her shy and clumsy attempt to seduce me, knowing that was immediately where her mind went this morning.


    My original goal was to hold her and tell her how much she meant to me. I would tell her that when she was ready, our rtionship would grow to the next level.


    But when I turned around, my words got caught into my throat.


    Gracie was wearing this ckced lingerie gown with matching underwear. Her thick hair was now wavy and her eyes¡­.those eyes poured straight into my soul.


    How did she manage to look seductive and innocent at the same time!!


    Before she could speak, I felt my feet moving my body towards her. Without even thinking, I immediately cupped her face so that I could her lips. I hadn¡¯t kissed her since we first arrived while in the car. To be honest, I¡¯d been wanting to kiss her again for the past two days.


    After finally deciding to catch my breath, I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. At that moment, I craved her. I wasn¡¯t sure what she originally had nned, but if it was to seduce me¡­she seeded.


    Iid her gently on the bed. Her eyes never leaving mine. I leaned over her bringing my face closer to hers. She slowly closed her eyes as she leaned in to kiss me once more. Part of me was slightly irritated she¡¯d closed her eyes. Those beautiful brown traps felt like they were piercing through my heart.


    I kissed her more gently this time. I wanted her to feel precious; like she was the most valuable creature in this universe.


    ¡°<i>Mmmm</i><i>¡± </i>


    She moaned lightly again. That sound was driving me crazy. I positioned my body so that I was on top of herpletely without adding pressure. Following my lead, she slowlyid back. I used my right hand to gently pull her head back as I trailed kisses over her neck.


    She must¡¯ve really enjoyed that. Soon her hands rose up my forearms gripping them tightly.


    <b>11:15 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>11 </b>


    Hmm.


    150


    I wonder how she would react if I kissed her here¡­


    As I nted kisses over her corbone and breast, Gracie began to moan louder. The sound was


    feeding my ego like a wild beast. I began to use my left hand to trace other parts of her body not


    realizing that my face hadnded right at the hem of her inner thigh. <fn5b46> Content originallyes from fin?novel</fn5b46>


    I paused for a moment. I could feel her breathing with intensity.


    I felt like I could hear her heart beating rapidly with excitement. I wouldn¡¯t tease her anymore.


    I began to nt soft kisses on her inner thigh; her moans grew louder and more rapid as she started


    to squirm.


    <i>Not </i><i>getting </i><i>away </i><i>from </i><i>that </i><i>easy Teagues</i><i>. </i>


    I began to glide my fingers across her underwear. The thince was already soaked with her desire. I


    trailed my fingers inward until I reached my destination.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Uhhhhh</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Got it.


    I smiled smugly, as she moaned louder. I slowly removed my fingers; they were dripping wet with her


    juices.


    I wonder what¡­..hmm¡­.


    ¡°<i>Uhhh</i><i>!! </i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>my</i>¡­..¡±


    Gracie grabbed my head gently as I allowed my tongue to trail and dance over the same areas my fingers trailed. Her body started to move uncontrobly. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    I slowly lifted my head; sitting up so that I could take my shirt off. She watched me with heated intensity. The fire that was burning in her eyes could have burned this entire estate down.


    I drew my body close to hers. My face was directly in her face. I could still taste her natural sweetness. Her breathing was excited. Gently moving into my destination,


    ¡°I <i>love </i><i>you </i><i>Gracie</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>11:15 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>11 </b>

 Hunted 179

    <b>Chapter </b><b>179 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you </i>too¡­¡­ <i>Uhhhh</i><i>¡± </i>


    I entered her body slowly; it felt heaven had just opened the gates.


    **


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    I woke up the next morning beating the sunrise. I looked down at my slumbering fianc¨¦. For once I beat her waking up. The thought left me smiling with a satisfied expression. Gracie was snoring lightly; her hair was disheveled; but she looked so peaceful. Serene actually. I decided to grab me some water. I slid slowly out the bed; careful not to wake her. She¡¯d earned every bit of her rest.


    Maybe it was the six month rest¡­or the fact that I was finally home¡­but I had a surge of energy I¡¯d


    never felt before. Who I kidding¡­it was Gracie.


    I¡¯d craved this woman for over ten years and now¡­now I finally had her. I was never so grateful for


    being in aa than I was at this moment. September couldn¡¯t get here quick enough. I needed her


    to bare myst name immediately. Still, I wouldn¡¯t allow my greed to interfere with her revenge.


    That was a pre¨Cwedding gift I owed to my bride.


    **


    <b><i>Gracie¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    *****


    <i>When </i><i>I </i><i>finally </i><i>woke </i><i>up </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>past </i><i>noon</i>. <i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t believe </i><i>it</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i><i>hadn¡¯t </i><i>slept </i><i>passed </i><i>7am </i><i>since </i><i>moving </i><i>back </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters</i>. <i>Because </i>of <i>all </i><i>the </i><i>work </i><i>that </i><i>family </i><i>used </i><i>to </i><i>have </i>me <i>do</i>, <i>I </i><i>would </i><i>constantly </i><i>wake </i><i>up </i><i>from </i><i>as </i><i>early </i><i>as </i><i>4AM </i><i>to </i><i>as </i><ite </i>as <i>7AM</i>. <i>Waking </i><i>up </i><i>by </i>6:30<i>am </i><i>became </i><i>second </i><i>nature </i>to <i>me</i><i>. </i><i>As </i><i>I </i><i>began </i>to <i>stretch</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>realized </i><i>my </i><i>body </i><i>felt </i><i>sore </i><i>all </i><i>over</i><i>. </i>


    <i>Suddenly</i><i>, </i><i>memories </i><i>from </i><ist </i><i>night </i><i>came </i><i>pouring </i><i>into </i><i>my </i><i>mind</i>.


    <i>Oh </i><i>my </i><i>god</i>!!! I¡­.<i>we</i>¡­.


    <i>My </i><i>brain </i>was <i>scrambling </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>wrap </i><i>my </i><i>mind </i><i>around </i><i>what transpired</i>. <i>You </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>understand</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>lived </i><i>two </i><i>lives </i><i>and </i><i>never </i><i>experienced </i><i>anything </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>! </i><i>Memories </i>of <i>Kai </i><i>seeped </i><i>into </i><i>my </i><i>mind</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>found


    <i>myself </i><i>grinning </i><i>like </i>some <i>lovestruck schoolgirl</i><i>; </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>help </i><i>it</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>no </i><i>idea </i><i>my </i><i>body </i><i>could </i><i>even </i><i>feel </i><i>that </i><i>way</i><i>! </i><i>Suddenly</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>realized </i><i>something </i>was <i>missing</i><i>¡­</i><i>where </i><i>was </i><i>Kai</i><i>? </i>


    <i>I </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>about </i>to <i>panic </i><i>when </i><i>he </i><i>walked </i><i>into </i><i>the </i><i>room </i><i>carrying </i><i>a </i><i>food </i><i>tray </i><i>with </i><i>breakfast </i><i>on </i><i>it</i>. <i>After </i><i>closing </i><i>the </i><i>door</i>, <i>he </i><i>looked </i>in <i>my </i><i>direction</i>¡­<i>our </i><i>eyes </i><i>immediately </i><i>locked</i><i>. </i>He smiled <i>instantly</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i>morning <i>beautiful</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>I </i><i>instantly </i>began to <i>blush</i>. <i>I </i><i>shook </i><i>my </i><i>head </i><i>slightly</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Afternoon</i>.¡±


    <i>Kai </i><i>smiled </i><i>brightly </i><i>as </i><i>he </i><i>kissed </i><i>my </i><i>lips</i>.


    ¡°<i>Afternoon</i>. <i>Feel </i><i>rested</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>I </i><i>nodded </i><i>as </i><i>our </i><i>foreheads </i><i>touched</i><i>. </i>


    <b>$</b><b>50 </b>


    <i>He </i><i>sat </i><i>the </i><i>food </i><i>tray </i><i>down</i><i>; </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>famished </i><i>and </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>realize </i><i>it </i><i>until </i><i>the </i><i>aroma </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>bacon </i><i>danced </i><i>up </i><i>my </i><i>nose</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>immediately </i><i>picked </i><i>up </i><i>my </i><i>fork </i><i>and </i><i>began </i><i>to </i><i>chow down </i><i>on </i><i>my </i><i>breakfast</i><i>. </i><i>Kai </i><i>stared </i><i>at </i><i>me </i><i>with </i><i>an </i><i>amusing </i><i>grin</i>.


    ¡°<i>Hmm</i><b>¡­</b><i>somebody¡¯s </i><i>really </i><i>hungry</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>I </i><i>rolled </i><i>my </i><i>eyes </i><i>as </i>I <i>swallowed </i><i>my </i><i>pancakes</i><i>. </i><i>Stuffing </i><i>more </i><i>in </i><i>my </i><i>mouth</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>responded </i><i>back</i>.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i>for <i>some </i><i>reason </i>I <i>seemed </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>burned </i><i>a </i><i>lot </i><i>of </i><i>energy</i><i>.</i>¡® <fn265c> For more chapters visit f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn265c>


    <i>My </i><i>tone </i><i>was </i><i>sarcastic</i><i>, </i><i>causing </i><i>Kai </i><i>to </i><iugh </i><i>aloud</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>wonder </i><i>what </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>caused </i><i>your </i><i>energy </i><i>to </i><i>burn </i>so <i>brightly</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>He </i><i>whispered </i><i>that </i><i>in </i><i>my ear </i><i>causing </i><i>my </i><i>entire </i><i>body </i><i>to </i><i>react</i>.


    <i>Dammit</i><i>! </i>


    <i>At </i><i>this </i><i>rate </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>constantly </i><i>want </i><i>him </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>time</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>to </i>get <i>a </i><i>grip </i>on <i>myself</i><i>! </i>


    <i>Wanting </i><i>to </i><i>change </i><i>the </i><i>subject</i><i>, </i><i>I </i>asked <i>him </i><i>about </i><i>the </i><i>family</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°<i>Honestly</i><i>, </i><i>everyone </i>kind <i>of </i><i>woke </i><i>up </i><ite </i><i>today</i><i>. </i>We all did so <i>much </i><i>yesterday</i><i>, </i><i>everyone </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i>


    11:16 Thu, Sep <b>11 </b>


    <i>rx</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>have </i>an <i>early </i><i>Sunday </i><i>family </i><i>dinner </i><i>before </i><i>everyone </i><i>heads </i><i>home</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>good</i><i>! </i><i>This </i><i>weekend </i><i>was </i><i>so </i><i>amazing</i>.¡±


    <i>Kai </i><i>looked </i><i>at </i><i>me </i><i>with </i>a <i>mischievous </i><i>grin</i>.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>yeah</i><i>? </i><i>What </i><i>was </i><i>your </i><i>favorite </i><i>part</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Without </i><i>even </i><i>thinking</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i><i>flew </i><i>right </i><i>out </i>of <i>my </i><i>mouth</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><i>part </i><i>where </i><i>you </i><i>told </i><i>me </i><i>you </i><i>love </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Silence</i>¡­.


    <i>Kai </i><i>stared at </i><i>me </i><i>with </i><i>an </i><i>intense </i><i>gaze</i>. <i>And </i><i>then </i><i>a </i><i>warm </i><i>smile </i><i>formed </i><i>on </i><i>his </i><i>lips</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Can </i><i>I </i><i>hear </i>YOU <i>say </i><i>it </i><i>again</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>I </i><i>smiled </i><i>lightly</i><i>; </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>was </i>so <i>spoiled</i>.


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>love </i><i>you</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>love </i><i>you </i>too.¡±


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 Hunted 180

    <b>Chapter </b><b>180 </b>


    <b><i>Gracie¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    50


    Over two months have passed since I first moved into House Christiansen¡¯s estate and since Kai has woke up.


    Since then, there has been so many things that happened.


    Tyler finally told Londyn how he felt over Sunday dinner during the family weekend. I could still


    remember the look on Aunt Mina¡¯s face as she scolded Parys.


    ¡°<i>So</i>¡­<i>you </i>mean <i>to </i><i>tell </i>me <i>even your </i><i>sister </i><i>has </i><i>found </i><i>someone</i><i>!! </i><i>At </i><i>this </i><i>rate </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>marrying </i>off <i>Brooklyn </i><i>before </i><i>you</i>!!¡±


    ¡°<i>Ow</i><i>!! </i><i>Mom</i><i>!! </i><i>Stop </i><i>hitting </i><i>me</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    We allughed hysterically as Aunt Mina continued to pop Parys upside his head.


    Luckily I was able to introduce him to my best friend Joellie.


    That Monday after the family weekend, I called her to update her on everything that transpired following the week I visited my mother¡¯s grave. I can still hear her squealing. <fn3ba2> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find{n}ovel</fn3ba2>


    ¡°<i>WHAT</i><i>!!!!! </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>joking</i><i>???? </i><i>Wait</i><i>!!! </i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>telling </i><i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>marrying THE </i><i>Kai </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>!!! </i>AND <i>he¡¯s </i><i>recovered </i><i>from </i><i>his </i><ia</i><i>!!!! </i><i>WHAT</i>!!!!<i>¡± </i>


    It took me over five minutes to get a word in to catch her up on everything. Afterwards, Ma


    invited her to the estate.


    ¡°<i>We¡¯d </i><i>love to </i><i>have </i><i>her </i><ie </i><i>visit</i><i>! </i><i>Any friend </i><i>of </i><i>yours </i>is <i>a </i><i>friend </i>of <i>ours</i>!¡±


    I remember her looking at me with those adoring motherly eyes causing my heart to swell.


    <i>¡°Plus</i>! I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>want </i>to <i>be </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>wedding</i><i>! </i><i>We </i><i>can </i><i>get </i><i>her </i><i>fittings </i><ipleted </i><i>while </i><i>she¡¯s </i>


    <i>here</i>!.<i>¡± </i>


    Ka and Grandmom¨CRoana beamed as they whipped out the wedding book. Preparations for the wedding began immediately. Kai wanted to get married September 22, a week after the birthday


    party.


    <b>11:16 </b>Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>11 </b>


    The day she came over, Londyn and Parys had just showed up. Londyn wasing to help with the wedding and Parys came over to help Kai. Because no one ept immediate family knew of his recovery, he had Parys helping with thepany to take some of the load off of Cameron. Kai was


    the President of HC¨CTech.


    HC¨CTech was a global Techwarepany and argest bulk of House Christiansen¡¯s ie.


    Everything from military software toputers, phones, tablets, House Christiansen designed the


    software as well as the electronics.


    50


    Theo took over as CEO after his father retired and Kai took over as President. After graduating, Parys


    began working for thepany training to be VP.


    The day he met Joellie; we were all looking at wedding videos to get ideas about the setup. Ma


    had a wedding nnering the next day, so we decided to look at some videos for inspiration.


    Joey was gushing over a floral design when Parys walked into the room to give Londyn a booklet.


    ¡°Oh<b>, </b><i>hey </i><i>Parys</i><i>! </i><i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>introduce </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>best </i><i>friend </i><i>Joellie</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Joey stood up and extended her hand for a shake; a bright smile on her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>Joey</i><i>. </i><i>Everybody </i><i>calls </i><i>me Joey</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Parys stared at Joellie for a brief moment before speaking. In his defense, my best friend has a dazzling smile.


    ¡°<i>I</i>¨CIt¡¯s <i>nice </i><i>to </i><i>meet me</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>mean </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>nice </i>to <i>meet </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡­.</i>I¡¯m¡­ummm<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Oh, <i>dear </i><i>lord</i><i>!!! </i><i>Just </i><i>embarrassing </i><i>me</i><i>!! </i><i>Joey</i>¡­.<i>this </i><i>is </i><i>my </i><i>brother </i><i>Parys</i>. <i>I </i><i>promise </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>more </i><i>articte </i>


    <i>than </i><i>this</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Ka and Iughed hysterically, it was so adorable! From that moment on, Parys and Joey were glued at the hip. Mina nearly thanked me a million times for helping her son finally find love. She


    instanly fell in love with Joey.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>have </i><i>none of </i><i>that </i><i>Ma¡¯am </i><i>junk</i><i>! </i>It¡¯s mom <i>from </i><i>now </i><i>on</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Mina beamed as she hugged Joey.


    After the family weekend, Kai told me about the meeting he and the guys had with Zelma. I couldn¡¯t believe it.


    50


    I wasn¡¯t sure what stunned me the most, her being a mole for Kai¡­or the revtion that my mother wanted me dead.


    Kai updated me on everything he, Tyler and Cameron learned so far. Apparently there was a man


    named Benard Thorton that the Rochesters used to handle all of their dirty work¡­.including killing infants.

 Hunted 181

    <b>Chapter </b><b>181 </b>


    We weren¡¯t sure why, but somehow I not only survived, but I ended up with my adoptive mother Diana Teagues. I can still remember sitting in shock as tears flooded my cheeks. I wasn¡¯t sure if <b>I </b>was crying because my biological mother wanted me dead, or if I was crying because I knew I had been right about my adoptive mother all this time.


    I began tough hysterically, not sure which of the emotions were controlling it.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>knew </i>it¡­I <i>knew </i><i>it</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai sat in silence as I continued tough, the tears blurring my vision. He allowed my moment before providing mefort. I curled into hisp as I continued to cry.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>okay </i><i>my </i><i>love</i>¡­<i>I¡¯m </i><i>here</i>¡­<i>cry </i><i>as </i><i>much </i><i>as </i><i>you </i><i>need </i>too.¡±


    After I finally settled down, Kai told me he had Tyler tracking down this Benard person.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>he¡¯ll </i><i>be able </i><i>to </i><i>answer </i><i>a </i>lot of <i>questions </i><i>about </i><i>what </i><i>happened </i><i>that </i><i>night </i><i>and </i><i>why </i><i>Sharon </i><i>Rochester </i><i>went </i><i>through </i><i>such </i><i>great </i><i>lengths </i><i>to</i>¡­.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>Kill <i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>¡± </i><fnf357> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find?Novel</fnf357>


    <b>67 </b>


    The irony of it all was like rusted blood on my tongue. All those years of her cursing me every time I mentioned my adopted mother. iming that I was ungrateful and cruel by bringing up the woman that stole me¡­.turns out she was just upset the job wasn¡¯t finished.


    ¡°<i>After </i><i>we </i><i>track </i><i>him </i><i>down</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>bringing </i><i>him </i><i>here </i>for <i>an </i><i>interrogation</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai looked at me with a serious expression, I could tell he¡¯d taken all of this personal.


    ¡°I want <i>to </i><i>be </i><i>there</i><i>¡­</i>for <i>the </i><i>interrogation</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I needed to hear the truth with my own ears. With slight hesitation, Kai nodded in agreement as he began his pursuit of Benard Thorton.


    Over the next several weeks following; I decided to find out as much as I could about my adoptive mother. Having House Christiansen to back me up allowed me a lot of opportunities.


    I learned she was actually from <b>a </b>small vige of the coast of South Bay. She married a man named <b>Jacob </b>Teagues when they were fresh out of college. Jacob Teagues was a dentist with his own


    <b>12:20 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>12 </b>


    practice in Willington. He was originally from Kingston and moved to South Bay for school. He <b>fell </b>in love with my mother shortly after and decided to stay.


    67


    From what I learned, they had a very happy marriage. She became pregnant a few years after. However, during her eighth month, her husband¡¯s father passed causing them to return to Kingston. Unfortunately, shortly after the funeral, her husband was stabbed and died from a robbery gone wrong. He¡¯d went out to pick up some fried pork for my mother. She ended up passing out <b>at </b>the hospital and the fall caused her to lose her baby. The surgery also resulted in her having an emergency hysterectomy.


    The nurse I spoke with informed me my motherid in Memorial for over five weeks due to recovery and depression. Memorial was also the same hospital my biological mother had all of her kids.


    The dots were starting to connect. All that was left was to find Benard Thorton. The day Tyler found him, Kai and I were sitting in my bedroom ying a game of checkers. Just as I was about to invade his territory for the king, Kai¡¯s phone began to buzz. Kai put the phone on speaker so that I could hear the conversation as well. Since telling me about Zelma, he kept me involved in everything


    regarding the Rochesters.


    ¡°Hey <i>Ty</i><i>, </i><i>what¡¯s </i><i>up</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Pause.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>guys </i><i>aren¡¯t </i><i>busy </i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler asked in a mischievous tone causing Kai¡¯s ears to redden.


    ¡°What is it <i>Tyler</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Rx, rx<i>! </i><i>I </i><i>call </i><i>baring </i><i>good </i><i>news</i>¡­.<i>I¡¯ve </i><i>found </i><i>Benard Thorton</i>.¡±

 Hunted 182

    <b>Chapter </b><b>182 </b>


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    The five of us sat in the empty warehouse building waiting for Ramone to show up with Benard


    Thorton.


    ??)


    The morning after my night with Gracie, I¡¯d left the room to grab me some water. Turns out, Tyler


    was doing the same thing.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>are you </i><i>doing </i><i>here</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Asking simultaneously, after a short pause, weughed aloud. ?


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>really </i><i>did </i><i>have </i>a crush <i>on </i><i>Londyn </i><i>this </i><i>whole </i><i>time</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i><i>¡­</i><i>we </i><i>really </i><i>bonded </i><i>over </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>few </i><i>months </i><i>while </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>hospital</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hmm</i>¡­looks <i>my </i><ia </i><i>was </i><i>love </i><i>ma</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hahahah</i>!!!! <i>That¡¯s </i><i>going </i><i>on a </i><i>greeting </i><i>card</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    After grabbing two water bottles each, we made our way back to our rooms. Before splitting up, Tyler


    called out to me.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i>¡­I¡¯ll <i>start </i><i>the </i><i>search </i><i>for Thorton </i><iter </i><i>this </i><i>morning</i>.¡±


    Yesterday, in my anger, I told Tyler to immediately begin searching for Thorton. But after everything that happenedst night, I realized spending time with my family was just as important. We had all of next week to find him, today I just wanted to enjoy being back home.


    ¡°Nah<i>¡­</i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>begin </i><i>everything </i><i>on Monday</i><i>. </i><i>Today</i>¡­<i>spend </i>as much time as <i>you </i>can with Londyn.¡±


    Tyler smiled brightly at me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i>, who knew a little <i>hanky </i><i>panky </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>my </i><i>best </i>friend being all <i>mushy</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Tylerughed and ran back to his room before I could react.


    Tomorrow¡­.I¡¯ll kill him tomorrow.


    67


    <b>12:20 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>12


    :.


    67


    After the family weekend ended, I had Parys help Cam with some of his workload at the <b>office </b>while I handled everything else from my home office. Tyler immediately began his search for Thorton that Monday. Turns out, he wasn¡¯t an easy man to find. We figured the Rochesters went through great lengths to keep him hidden.


    In the meantime, I¡¯d purchased Gracie a new phone and had her number changed. I didn¡¯t want the Rochesters tracking her or having ess to her. The father had begun sending her messages demanding she set up a meeting with my parents to discuss business. Rochester truly had a <b>set </b>on him. You all but sold your daughter and then had the nerve to demand more in return. I couldn¡¯t wait to give him exactly what he deserved.


    It took three weeks to finally get a trail on him. Turns out, he had multiple aliases for his bank ounts and IDs. But it was his shellpany that became the turning point.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>think </i>I <i>might </i><i>have </i><i>something</i>.¡±


    Tyler walked into my office one afternoon holding a stack of papers.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>this</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>kind </i>of like <i>Task</i>¨C<i>Manager</i>. <i>Apparently</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>pairs people </i><i>with </i>¡®<i>service </i><i>techs</i>¡®¡±


    I looked at Tyler with a puzzled expression, why was this relevant? Sensing my confusion, Tyler


    exined.


    ¡°This <i>site</i><i>, </i>I <i>found </i><i>it </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>dark</i>¨C<i>web</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i>a <i>shell </i><ipany </i><i>used </i><i>to </i><i>hire </i><i>underground </i><i>services</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Underground¡­.I quickly understood. It was a site where you could hire the worse of the worse to get <i>¡®</i><i>jobs</i><i>¡® </i>done.


    My brows furrowed as I continued to read. I still didn¡¯t understand how this would help find


    Thorton. <fn2c34> Content originallyes from find(?)ovel</fn2c34>


    <i>¡°</i>Okay, so <i>how </i>do we use <i>this </i>to <i>our </i><i>advantage</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯ve </i>got my <i>team </i>tracing jobs <i>he¡¯s </ipleted. Phone <i>numbers </i>that were used, and possible meeting <i>sites</i>. <i>We </i>should be <i>able </i><b>to </b><i>pull </i>something out of this.¡±


    I nodded my head in agreement. This was the most information we¡¯d uncovered so far, so I had <b>to </b>have some faith.


    12:20 Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>12


    And then, finally. It happened after weeks of tracking and tracing, Tyler finally found his location.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Rx</i><i>, </i><i>rx</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>call <i>baring </i><i>good </i><i>news</i>¡­.<i>I¡¯ve </i><i>found Benard </i><i>Thorton</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    67


    My eyes immediately darted to Gracie; I could see the change in her expression. She looked at if she¡¯d stopped breathing for a moment. Her eyes stayed on the phone, waiting for Tyler to continue.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>, </i><i>where </i><i>is </i><i>he</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>He¡¯s </i><i>staying </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>condo </i><i>owned </i><i>by </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>outskirts </i><b>of </b><i>Kingston </i><i>in </i>a small <i>town </i><i>called </i><i>Union </i><i>City</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Gracie¡¯s eyes widen at the name of the location.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>is </i><i>it </i><i>Gracie</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>that </i><i>ce</i>. I <i>mean</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>to </i><i>that </i><i>condo </i><i>before</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Both Tyler and I grew quiet as Gracie exined. Apparently, her piece of shit brother Noah, sent her there before to drop documents off to a man. The man was about average height<b>, </b>salt and pepper hair with a mustache. He wore sses and had a scar on his right arm. She¡¯d met him several times. The man was none other than Benard Thorton.


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 Hunted 183

    <i>¡°</i><i>He </i>used <i>to </i><i>give </i>me <i>the </i><i>creeps</i>¡­<i>always </i>staring at <i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could see her face began to pale as the realization settled in. As tears started to stream down her face, she spoke just above a whisper.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i>¡­all <i>this </i><i>time</i>¡­I <i>had </i><i>been </i><i>meeting </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>man </i><i>that </i><i>almost </i><i>killed</i><i>¡­. </i>


    Gracie jumped up and ran to the bathroom, as the door mmed shut I could hear her heaving as


    she threw up.


    <i>¡°</i>Shit¡­I¡¯m sorry <i>man</i>.¡±


    67


    Tyler said in a lowered voice. I could feel my heart aching in a million pieces. This was why I hadn¡¯t wanted her to be involved. I didn¡¯t want her to get hurt. Heartache slowly turned into rage as I


    became furious at this Benard Thorton.


    ¡°<i>Good </i><i>work Tyler</i><i>. </i><i>Get </i><i>everything </i><i>set </i><i>up</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>him </i><i>in the </i><i>warehouse </i><i>tomorrow</i>.¡±


    ¡°On <i>it</i><i>!</i>¡±


    After hanging up with Tyler, I immediately went to the bathroom. The door was still locked but I


    could hear light sobbing. I knocked on the door.


    ¡°<i>Gracie</i><i>¡­</i><i>baby</i><i>, </i><i>please </i><i>let </i><i>me </i><i>in</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sobs.


    ¡°I know this is a lot. <i>I¡¯m </i>so sorry<i>. </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>protect </i><i>you </i><i>from </i><i>all </i>of <i>this</i>¡­I¡¯m so <i>sorry</i>¡­<i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>failing </i><i>you </i>in so <i>many </i><i>way</i><i>¡­</i><i>I-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before I could finish, Gracie opened the door. Her face still had fresh tears as she gazed at me intensively. Without saying a word, she lunged into me hugging me tightly. I wrapped my arms around her, kissing her head lightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry baby<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°No¡­stop saying sorry<i>.</i>¡±


    She looked up at me with those beautiful eyes. Tears slid down her cheek.


    12:20 <b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>12 </b>


    ¡­


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kai</i>¡­<i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>say </i><i>you </i><i>failed </i>me. <i>You </i><i>have no </i><i>idea </i><i>how </i><i>much </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>saved </i><i>me</i>. <i>This </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>your </i>fault¡­it¡¯s <i>theirs</i>. <i>Let¡¯s </i><i>finish </i><i>this</i>¡­<i>together</i>¡­so <i>we </i><i>can </i><i>move </i><i>forward </i><i>with </i><i>our </i><i>lives</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    67


    I smiled warmly, my heart beamed brightly. She was so brave, so much resilience¡­Zelma was right¡­ there was a fire in her eyes.


    Now, me, Cameron, Tyler, Parys, and Gracie¡­all sat waiting for my head bodyguard to bring the man that could answer all the questions surrounding Gracie¡¯s birth.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>just received </i>a <i>message</i>. <i>Ramone </i><i>and </i><i>his </i><i>team </i><i>are </i><i>heading </i><i>into </i><i>the </i><i>warehouse </i><i>now</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    After Tyler confirmed Ramone was on the way, we all immediately stood up. I could see Gracie¡¯s face


    twitch; she was clearly nervous. A few momentster, the warehouse gate opened as three cars


    pulled in. After his team stepped out of their vehicles, Ramone stepped out of the SUV with a man


    gripped in his hand. The man had a sack on his face causing his words to sound muffled, but I could


    clearly make out what he saying.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>!!! </i><i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>here</i><i>!!!! </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>who </i><i>I </i><i>am</i><i>!!! </i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>what¡¯s </i><i>good </i><i>for </i><i>you-</i>¡±


    Snatch!


    Ramone snatched the sack off of his face causing the man¡¯s eyes to widen as he looked around the


    warehouse.


    Thorton.


    Gracie squeezed my hand; I could feel her slightly tremble as she looked at the person that almost took her life. I gently kissed her hand; I needed her to know everything would be alright. I would let no harme to her ever again.


    Thorton was still rambling when we made our way to the front, as we grew closer, his began to widen.


    ¡°Gra<i>¡­.</i>Grd<i>??? </i><i>What </i>is¡­.<i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>this</i>!!! What¡¯s goin-¡±


    Punch!


    Ramone punched Thorton directly in the jaw causing him to fall over in his chair. Immediately, his henchmen stood the chair back up<b>. </b>


    Fear was now in his eyes as he breathed frantically; blood dripping down his mouth. I spoke in a <fn275f> Read full story at f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn275f>


    calm tone.


    ¡­


    0:0


    <b>67 </b>


    <i>¡°</i>Mr. <i>Thorton</i>¡­<i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i>to <i>ask </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>not </i><i>address </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦ any </i><i>further</i>. <i>From </i><i>this </i><i>point </i>on<i>¡­</i>all <i>of </i><i>yourmentary </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>directed </i><i>at </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thorton spit out blood and scoffed.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>yeah</i><i>¡­</i><i>and </i><i>who </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>are </i><i>you</i>.


    A dark grin spread across my face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>Kai </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thorton¡¯s eyes widen in fear¡­you¡¯re scared¡­very good.


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 Hunted 184

    <b>Chapter </b><b>184 </b>


    <b><i>Gracie¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    I stared at Benard Thorton for what felt like an eternity. This was the man Sharon hired to murder. me. I could feel my stomach turn in knots as I squeezed Kai¡¯s hand. Was that why he always stared at me in that creepy manner? Thinking about how I was almost his prey?


    Kai suddenly kissed my hand gently and stared at me with the most secure expression. I could slowly feel my nerves begin to waiver. That was right! I wasn¡¯t alone anymore; I had Kai and everyone else. There would be no fire this time!


    Thorton¡¯s eyes widen in horror once he realized who Kai was. All that arrogance blew into the wind once he learned he was talking to the world¡¯s most powerful heir.


    <i>¡°</i>K¨C<i>Kai</i>¡­.<i>Chris</i>¡­.<i>but </i>I <i>thought</i>¡­¡±


    Benard¡¯s eyes darted over to me with a confused expression. I could tell he wanted to ask me something; but he was now too afraid. Ramone had already given him a warning punch.


    Two of Ramone¡¯s henchmen pulled chairs over for us to sit in. Tyler then handed P speaking, Kai looked over the contents once more. Nervously, Thorton began to speak.


    a folder; before


    ¡°<i>Lord </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>idea </i><i>what¡¯s going </i><i>on</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>never </i>crossed <i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>am </i><i>I-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>that¡¯s </i>not <i>true </i>Mr. <i>Thorton</i>. <i>Afterall</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>employer </i><i>hired </i><i>you </i>to murder <i>my </i><i>love</i><i>¡­</i>I¡¯d <i>say </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>pretty </i><i>big </i><i>fucking </i>cross.¡±


    The blood began to drain from Thorton¡¯s face as his color quickly paled.


    ¡°W¨C<i>What</i>¡­<i>are </i><i>you-</i>¡±


    Kai held his hand up cutting Thorton off.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let¡¯s </i>not do <i>that </i>Mr. <i>Thorton</i>. <i>I </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>very </i><i>low </i><i>tolerance </i>for <i>lies</i>¡­so <i>the </i><i>more </i><i>you </i><i>try </i>to lie, <i>the </i><i>more </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>upset</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>I </i><i>get </i><i>upset</i><i>¡­</i><i>well</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>my </i><i>head </i><i>of </i>security <i>isn¡¯t </i>fond of <i>his </i><i>employer </i><i>being </i><i>angry</i>.¡±


    Thorton¡¯s eyes darted over to Ramone as he stared directly at Thorton. With his eyes going back to Kai, he quickly decided to stay quiet.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯ve </i><i>been </i>a <i>very </i><i>busy </i><i>man </i><i>over </i><i>the </i><i>years </i><i>Mr. </i>Thorton<i>. </i><i>It </i><i>looks </i>like <i>the </i><i>Rochesters have </i><i>kept </i><i>you </i>


    <i>busy</i><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Closing the folder, Kai looked directly at Thorton.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>know </i><i>why </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>here</i><i>¡­</i><i>right </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Thorton</i>?¡±


    Benard looked as if he was afraid to answer. Realizing such, Kai responded.


    ¡°It¡¯s <i>okay</i>¡­<i>you </i><i>can </i><i>answer</i>.


    ¡°<i>Lord </i><i>Christiansen </i>I <i>don-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Remember </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>said </i><i>about </i><i>lying </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Thorton</i>.¡±


    Kai spoke in a calm but menacing tone causing Thorton to shudder. After letting out a deep sigh, he began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Could </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>cigarette </i><i>please</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ramone motioned for one of his henchmen to bring a cigarette and lighter. After releasing his


    hands, Ramone handed Thorton the cigarette and the lighter.


    <i>¡°</i>Don¡¯t <i>try </i><i>anything </i><i>stupid </i><i>Thorton</i><i>¡­</i><i>your </i><i>family </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>identify </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Benard nodded his head, all the resolution out of him. After lighting the cigarette and taking a drag,


    he smiled lightly at Kai and I.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>, </i><i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>know</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before Kai could say anything, the words flew out of my mouth.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Tell </i><i>me </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i><i>about </i><i>Sharon </i><i>Rochester</i><i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>did </i><i>she</i>¡­¡±


    The words caught in my throat. I couldn¡¯t fix myself to utter the words ¡®<i>kill </i><i>me</i>¡®.


    Kai gently rubbed my back while Thorton lightly chuckled.


    <i>¡°</i>So <i>you </i><i>wanna </i><i>know </i><i>why </i><i>she </i><i>hired </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>rid </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>Okay</i><i>¡­</i>I¡¯ll <i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i>.¡±


    We all sat in silence as we awaited his next words. Taking a deep breath, he continued.


    ¡°<i>There </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>saying </i><i>back </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>day</i><i>. </i><i>The </i>Rochester men <i>could </i>only produce boys.¡±


    My brows instantly furrowed, I remember hearing that in my previous life. Of course that never <b>made </b>any sense to me seeing as to how I wasn¡¯t a boy.


    ¡°For the longest I thought that was rubbish until I even started to notice. Rochester women and extended family¡­THEY would have girls. But the men¡­your grandfather, your father¡­your uncle¡­ nothing but boys.¡± <fnd7db> Fresh chapters posted on </fnd7db>


    ¡°<i>When </i><i>your </i>mother found out <i>she </i><i>was </i><i>carrying </i>a <i>girl</i>, <i>she </i>paniced. <i>She </i>knew <i>if </i><i>word </i><i>came </i>out that <i>she </i><i>was </i><i>carrying </i><i>a girl</i><i>, </i><i>her </i>mother¨Cin<i>¨C</i><iw </i><i>would </i><i>grow </i>suspicious. <i>When </i><i>your </i>Uncle <i>Carter¡¯s </i><i>wife </i><i>became </i><i>pregnant </i><i>with </i><i>a </i><i>girl</i><i>; </i><i>your </i><i>grandmother </i><i>ordered </i><i>an </i><i>immediate </i><i>paternity </i><i>test</i>. <b><i>Of </i></b>course <i>it </i><i>came </i><i>back </i><i>a </i><i>match</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>At </i><i>one </i><i>point</i>, <i>she </i><i>even </i><i>contemted </i><i>terminating </i><i>the </i><i>pregnancy</i>. <i>Unfortunately, </i><i>your </i><i>father </i><i>was </i>very <i>involved </i><i>with all </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>pregnacies</i><i>.</i>¡±


    My face twisted up in confusion, I didn¡¯t understand. Why would she be worried just because¡­.


    Suddenly, my heart began to speed up, was he about to say what I think he is¡­


    As if reading my mind, he began tough.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Rx kid</i><i>¡­</i>it¡¯s <i>not </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>think</i>. <i>You </i><i>are </i><i>most </i><i>definitely </i><i>a </i><i>Rochester</i>¡­.<i>BUT</i><i>¡­.</i><i>your </i><i>mother </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>that </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>time</i>. <i>At </i><i>the </i><i>time</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>feared </i><i>her </i><i>luck </i><i>might </i><i>not </i><i>be </i><i>as </i><i>fortunate </i><i>as the </i><i>other </i>Mrs. <i>Rochester</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Kai¡¯s brows began to furrow.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>saying </i><i>Sharon </i><i>Rochester </i><i>WAS </i><i>in </i><i>fact </i><i>having </i><i>an </i><i>affair</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    My eyes instantly widen. Over the years<b>, </b>I watched my parents disy nothing but love and admiration for each other; it was ludicrous to think that either of them would have ever cheated on


    one other!


    But why else would she have been so worried¡­.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Shit </i><i>really </i><i>hit </i><i>the </i><i>fan </i><i>when </i><i>she </i>got <i>closer </i>to the <i>due </i><i>date</i><i>. </i><i>Because </i><b><i>of </i></b><i>some </i><iplications </i><i>with </i>her <i>third </i><i>pregnancy</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>doctor </i><i>suggested </i><i>she </i><i>have </i>a <i>cesarean</i>. <i>So </i><i>you </i><i>father</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>immediately </i><i>had </i><i>her </i><i>set </i><i>up </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>VIP and </i><i>stayed </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>most </i>of <i>the </i><i>time</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>her </i><i>overall </i><i>n </i><i>was</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>end</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i>came <i>to </i><i>one </i><i>conclusion</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>child </i><b><i>would </i></b>


    <i>have </i><i>to </i><i>go</i>.¡±


    I could feel the tears start to build up in my eyes. Thorton had a look of guilt on his <b>face</b>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>have </i><i>to </i>understand<i>, </i><i>if </i><i>it </i>hade <i>out </i><i>that </i><i>the </i><i>child </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>Calvin¡¯s</i>¡­.<i>Rosemary </i>Rochester <b><i>would </i></b><i>have </i><i>destroyed </i><i>Sharon</i><i>! </i><i>She </i>didn¡¯t <i>have-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>no </i>excuse!!!<i>¡± </i>


    My rage grew as the words flew out of my mouth. Hearing him try and JUSTIFY killing her own


    daughter all so she wouldn¡¯t lose her standings in high society!!!


    Seeing my anger rise as the tears fell from my eyes, Kai¡¯s expression darken.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>remember </i><i>asking </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>defend </i><i>that </i><i>despicable </i><i>woman </i><i>Thorton</i><i>. </i>Do <i>it </i><i>again</i><i>¡­</i><i>and </i>it¡¯ll be <i>the </i><ist </i><i>words </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>speak</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Thorton nodded nervously and continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Anyway</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>sent </i><i>me </i><i>text </i><i>asking </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>help </i><i>her</i>. <i>One </i><i>day</i><i>, </i><i>Calvin </i><i>had </i><i>to </i><i>run </i>to <i>the </i><i>office</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>came </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>hospital</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>she </i><i>wanted </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>try </i><i>and </i><i>fake </i><i>some </i><i>documents </i><i>or </i><i>something </i><i>but</i>¡­.¡±


    His voice trailed off as if he were remembering something dark.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>when </i><i>she </i><i>told me </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>wanted </i><i>me </i>to do<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Kill </i><i>me</i><i>¡­</i>she <i>told </i><i>you </i>to kill <i>me</i>¡­¡±


    Thorton shook his head. I could feel my heart shattering into a million pieces. I thought the worse thing that family could ever do was watch me burn to death in a house fire¡­turns out¡­there was far


    worse¡­.


    Kai handed me a wipe so that I could wipe my face. I took several deep breaths before continuing<i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i>So<i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you</i><i>? </i><i>Why didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>kill </i><i>me as </i><i>she </i><i>ordered</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The words felt like acid on my throat. Thorton suddenly looked at me with guilt riddled in his eyes. He sat silently before Kai intervened.


    <b>9:00 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>14 B


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><i>fianc¨¦ </i><i>asked </i><i>you </i>a <i>question </i><i>Thorton</i>!¡±


    :


    He barked at him with venom in his tone. I could tell his anger was beginning to rise. Thorton looked at Kai and then at me.


    <i>¡°I</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>just </i><i>couldn¡¯t</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>Why</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Because</i>¡­I¡­.<i>you</i><i>¡­</i>¡±


    Kai began to lose his patience.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Spit </i><i>it </i><i>out </i><i>Thorton</i><i>! </i><i>Enough </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>bullshit</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Because </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>mine</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>your </i><i>father</i>¡­.<i>so </i><i>you </i><i>see</i>¡­.<i>I </i><i>just </i><i>couldn¡¯t</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The words flew out of his mouth and although I heard them¡­I couldn¡¯t believe it.


    Chapter Comments


    2

 Hunted 185

    <b><i>Gracie¡¯s </i></b><b>POV: </b>


    I sat quietly for what felt like an eternity.


    So those were the circumstances surrounding my birth? I was possibly the product of an <b>affair</b><b>, </b><b>so </b><b>my </b>


    mother wanted me gone to conceal her secret¡­.


    My heart started to pace as one thing became painfully clear¡­.My number was up the minute I became a Rochester. I ced my hand over my heart as if to calm myself. Kai sat quietly while staring at me; probably waiting to see what I would say or do next. I needed topose myself. I didn¡¯t want to cry over these horrible people anymore. Breathing slowly, I lifted my head towards


    Thorton.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Tell </i><i>me </i><i>everything</i>.¡±


    He nodded in response; guilt riddled on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>first </i><i>met </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i><i>when </i><i>she </i><i>became </i><i>engaged </i><i>to </i><i>Calvin </i><i>Rochester</i><i>. </i><i>By </i><i>then</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>already </i><i>been </i><i>working </i><i>for </i><i>that </i><i>family </i><i>for </i><i>about </i><i>three </i><i>years</i>. <i>When </i><i>I </i><i>first </i><i>met </i><i>her</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i>like <i>anything </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>ever </i><i>seen </i><i>before</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>was </i><i>beautiful</i>. <i>She </i><i>had </i><i>this </i><i>innocence </i><i>and </i><i>purity </i><i>about </i><i>herself </i><i>that </i><i>could </i><i>melt </i><i>any </i><i>type </i>of


    <i>ice</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I sat quietly, giving Thorton my direct attention. I could tell by the way his eyes sparkled, he was in love with my mother.


    ¡°<i>Our </i><i>affair </i><i>began </i><i>after </i><i>their </i><i>marriage</i>. <i>It </i><i>honestly </i><i>just </i><i>happened</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯d </i><i>suspected </i><i>Calvin </i><i>of </i><i>bangin </i><i>his </i><i>secretary </i><i>and </i><i>asked </i><i>me </i>to <i>find </i><i>out</i>. <i>At </i><i>first </i><i>I </i><i>said </i><i>no</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>mean </i><i>my </i><i>loyalty </i><i>was </i><i>technically </i><i>to </i><i>Calvin </i><i>and </i><i>David </i><i>Rochester</i>. <i>But </i><i>the </i><i>way </i><i>she </i><i>looked </i><i>at </i><i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>those </i><i>pleading </i><i>eyes</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>deny </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°As </i><i>it </i><i>turned </i><i>out</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>sleeping </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>secretary</i><i>¡­.</i><i>Sharon </i><i>was </i><i>furious</i>. <i>She </i><i>threw </i><i>things</i><i>, </i><i>yelled</i><i>, </i><i>cursed</i><i>¡­</i><i>and </i><i>then </i><i>finally</i><i>¡­</i><i>started </i><i>crying</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>it</i>. <i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>those </i><i>beautiful </i><i>eyes </i><i>shedding </i><i>tears </i><i>of sadness</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai twitched in his chair. For a moment, it looked as if he understood Thorton.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Anyway</i><i>¡­</i><i>in </i><i>my </i><i>attempt </i>to <ifort </i><i>her</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>kissed </i><i>me</i>. <i>That </i><i>was </i><i>how </i><i>the </i><i>affair </i><i>began</i>. <i>It </i><i>went </i><i>on </i>for <i>years and </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>in </i><i>love </i><i>with </i><i>her</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>in </i><i>love </i><i>with </i><i>me </i><i>too</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The sadness in his voice almost made me feel sorry for him.


    1/31


    <i>¡°</i><i>Anyway</i><i>¡­</i>when <i>she </i><i>found </i><i>out </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>pregnant </i><i>again </i><i>for </i><i>the </i>fourth <i>time</i><i>; </i><i>she </i>was <i>already </i><b><i>irritated</i></b>. <b>She </b><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i>to have <i>another </i><i>child</i><i>; </i><i>the </i><ist </i><i>pregnancy </i>was <i>already </i>too risky.¡±


    Iughed to myself thinking about how much of a pain in the ass Brian has always been.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>when </i><i>she </i>found out <i>she </i>was <i>having </i>a <i>girl</i><i>¡­</i><i>well </i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>say </i><i>that </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>help</i>. <i>At </i><i>the </i>time<b>, </b>she asked <i>Calvin </i><i>if </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>wise </i><i>for </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>another </i><i>child </i>because of <i>the </i><iplications </i><i>with </i><i>Brian</i><i>.</i>¡±


    He recalled the night she called him panicking because the baby might be his.


    ¡°<i>Bernie</i>¡­.<i>I </i>can¡¯t <i>have </i><i>this </i><i>child</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>that</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>why</i><i>!</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>I</i><i>¡­</i><i>Sharon</i>¡­<i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>me </i>to <i>do</i>? <i>You </i>said <i>Rochester </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>agree </i>to the <i>abortion</i><i>. </i><i>What¡¯s </i>the <b><i>big </i></b><i>deal </i><i>anyway</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>big </i><i>deal</i><i>!!! </i><i>This fuckin </i><i>baby </i><i>could be </i><i>yours</i>! <i>Do you </i><i>want </i><i>them </i><i>to </i><i>find </i><i>out</i><i>!!! </i>Do <i>you </i><i>really </i><i>not </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>would </i><i>happen </i>if <i>they </i><i>did</i><i>??</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sharon</i><i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>would </i><i>they </i><i>find </i><i>out</i><i>? </i><i>They </i><i>didn¡¯t</i>¡­¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Because </i>it¡¯s <i>a </i><i>girl</i><i>!!! </i><i>They¡¯ll </i><i>test </i><i>the </i><i>baby </i><i>because </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>girl</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thorton exined how that was the first time he¡¯d heard of the Rochers not having girls; how Calvin¡¯s mother Rosemary Rochester ordered an immediate paternity test when my uncle¡¯s wife gave birth to a girl.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>it</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>right</i><i>¡­</i><i>Rochester </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>ordered </i><i>my </i><i>immediate </i><i>death</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I looked at him in disgust and scoffed.


    <i>¡°So</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>chose </i><i>yourself </i><i>over </i><i>your </i><i>possible </i><i>daughter</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    He looked me in the eyes, so much guilt filled in them.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i><i>¡­</i><i>yeah</i>. I¡¯m <i>scum </i><i>Grd</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>that</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>make </i><i>any </i>excuses. <i>But </i><i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>do </i><i>what </i>she <i>asked </i><i>me</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>harm </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>night </i><i>you </i><i>were </i>born, <i>Sharon </i><i>asked </i><i>Calvin </i>to <i>bring </i><i>her </i><i>some </i><i>specialty </i><i>soup</i>. <i>That </i><i>was </i><i>how </i><i>she </i><i>lured </i><i>him </i><i>out</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thorton told us about how Sharon gave me to him. How callous and detached she had <i>been</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sharon</i>¡­<i>we </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i>to do <i>this </i><i>maybe-</i>¡±


    <b>9:01 Sun</b><b>, </b>Sep 14 B


    <i>¡°</i>Do it <i>Benard!! </i><i>Either </i><i>you </i><i>do </i><i>this</i>¡­or I¡¯ll tell <i>my </i><i>husband </i><i>you </i>took <i>advantage </i><b>of </b>me.<i>¡± </i>


    Thorton¡¯s eyes darkened as he spoke of Sharon¡¯s betrayal.


    <i>¡°</i><i>All </i><i>that </i>time <i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>she </i>was <i>in </i><i>love </i><i>with </i>me¡­turns <i>out </i><i>I </i>was <i>just </i><i>another patsy</i><b><i>. </i></b>She <b><i>made </i></b><i>that </i><i>threat </i><i>without </i><i>even </i>blinking an <i>eye</i><i>. </i>So I took <i>you</i>. <i>My </i><i>original </i><i>n </i><i>was </i>to just <i>drop </i>you <b>off </b>in an <i>orphanage </i><i>somewhere</i><i>, </i><i>but</i>¡­<i>as </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>leaving </i><i>the </i><i>hospital</i><i>, </i>I <i>overheard </i><i>these </i><i>nurses </i>talking about this <i>woman </i><i>that </i><i>had </i><i>just </i><i>discharged </i><i>who¡¯d </i><i>lost </i><i>her </i><i>husband and </i><i>child</i>. <i>That </i>was <i>when </i><i>I first </i><i>met </i><i>Diana </i><i>Teagues</i>.


    39


    My heart skipped a beat at the mention of my adoptive mother.


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    <b>3/3 </b><fnd0f0> Read full story at f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fnd0f0>

 Hunted 186

    <b>Chapter </b><b>186 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>was </i><i>standing </i>on <i>the </i><i>bridge </i>over <i>the </i><ike</i>. <i>Probably </i><ipting </i>suicide. I don¡¯t know why; but in <i>that </i>moment¡­she looked <i>like </i>an angel. <i>An </i><i>answer </i>to <i>my </i><i>prayers</i>. I immediately <i>ran </i>over to her and <i>begged </i><i>her </i><i>for </i><i>help</i>.


    I could feel my eyes began to water as he began to exin how I ended up with Diana.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ma¡¯am</i>!! Please! I need <i>your </i><i>help</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>is </i><i>it</i><i>??</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i>¡­<i>need </i><i>you </i><i>take </i><i>this</i>¡­<i>please</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Take </i><i>what</i><i>?? </i><i>Who </i><i>are </i><i>you</i><i>??</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>time </i>to <i>exin</i><i>! </i><i>Just </i><i>please</i><i>! </i><i>Before </i><i>they </i><i>hurt </i><i>her</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Her</i><i>??? </i><i>What are </i><i>you </i><i>carrying</i><i>???</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thorton exined how he immediately shoved me into her arms and ran away. <ol><li>s. <i>I </i><i>watched </i><i>her </i><i>look </i><i>down </i><i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>stood </i><i>behind </i><i>a </i><i>wall </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>parking </i><i>lot </i><i>so </i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>see </i><i>what </i><i>her </i><i>next </i><i>mov </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>baby </i><i>in </i><i>her </i><i>arms</i>. <i>Watched </i><i>her </i><i>face </i><i>turn </i>to <i>shock </i><i>and </i><i>then </i><i>tears</i>. <i>Watched </i><i>her </i><i>look </i><i>around </i>as <i>if </i><i>she </i><i>were </i><i>looking </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>where </i><i>I </i><i>went </i><i>before </i><i>walking </i><i>to </i><i>her </i><i>car </i><i>and </i><i>immediately </i><i>leaving</i>.¡± </li></ol>


    The tears began to fall down my face as I recalled the time my mother told me I was a gift that saved her life¡­.now I knew why. Turns out, we were each other¡¯s saviors.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Afterwards</i><i>, </i><i>Sharon </i><i>concocted </i><i>this </i><i>whole </i><i>story </i><i>about </i><i>the </i><i>baby </i><i>being </i><i>kidnapped </i><i>while </i>she <i>was </i><i>sleep</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>kid </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>Rochester</i>, <i>so </i><i>it </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>hard </i><i>to </i><i>believe</i><i>. </i><i>Calvin </i><i>lead </i><i>a </i><i>three </i><i>search </i><i>before </i><i>Sharon </i><i>begged </i>him <i>to </i><i>call </i><i>it </i><i>off</i><i>. </i><i>Saying </i><i>that </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>too </i><i>afraid </i><i>to find </i><i>the </i><i>child </i><i>dead</i>¡­<i>ironic </i><i>right</i>. <i>But </i><i>with </i><i>no </i><i>ransom </i><i>ever </i><i>being </i><i>made</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>all </i><i>assumed </i><i>the </i><i>worse</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Shortly </i><i>after</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>adopted </i><i>the </i><i>Olivia </i><i>kid</i><i>. </i><i>Turns </i><i>out</i><i>, </i><i>Sharon </i><i>had </i><i>actually always </i><i>wanted </i><i>a </i><i>daughter</i><i>. </i><i>But </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>was </i><i>that </i><i>Calvin </i><i>made </i><i>sure </i><i>his </i><i>DNA </i><i>was </i>in <i>the </i><i>system </i>and <i>ordered </i><i>that </i><i>if </i><i>a </i><i>child </i><i>born </i><i>that </i><i>same </i><i>day </i><i>and </i><i>year </i><i>ever </i><i>came </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>sick </i><i>or </i><i>had </i><i>an </i><i>ident </i>to <i>immediately </i><i>have </i><i>them </i><i>tested</i><i>. </i><i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>that </i><i>either</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    So that¡¯s how I was found. They tested my blood after the ident¡­so I really was a Rochester¡­ she¡¯d done all of that for nothing.


    Kai¡¯s brows furrowed.


    <b>694 </b>


    ¡°Tell me something Thorton¡­<i>why </i><i>not </i><i>just </i><i>test </i><i>the </i><i>baby</i><i>? </i><i>After </i><i>you </i>took Gracie¡­you could have had her tested and <i>then </i>informed Sharon <i>of </i><i>the </i><i>results</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thorton¡¯s eyes twitched as the guilt began to overpower his gaze. <fnf916> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on ?ovelFind</fnf916>


    <i>¡°</i>Because <i>I </i><i>was </i>too afraid of <i>the </i><i>results</i>. <i>I </i><i>honestly </i>thought for <i>sure </i><i>she </i>was mine. I was afraid that <i>if </i>I


    learned the truth<i>, </i><i>I </i>wouldn¡¯t be <i>able </i>to let her go. I <i>couldn¡¯t </i>do <i>that </i>again<i>¡± </i>


    I looked at Thorton with a puzzled expression. Again?


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>were </i><i>you </i><i>so </i><i>convinced</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thorton lit another cigarette. Took another drag and let out a deep sigh.


    ¡°<i>Because </i><i>her </i><ist </i><i>kid </i><i>was </i><i>mine</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!


    All of our eyes widen!! Wait¡­.does he mean¡­.I had to know¡­


    ¡°<i>Wait </i>a <i>minute</i><i>!!! </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>saying </i><i>you¡¯re BRIAN¡¯S </i><i>biological </i><i>father</i><i>???</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thorton nodded in response. I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. Thorton exined how he¡¯d sneaked and got a paternity test for Brian one day after seeing him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><i>kid </i><i>looked </i><i>just </i><i>like </i><i>I </i><i>did </i><i>as </i><i>a </i><i>child</i>. <i>Over </i><i>the years </i><i>he </i><i>ended </i><i>up favoring </i><i>Sharon</i>, <i>but </i><i>as </i><i>a </i><i>child</i><i>¡­</i><i>my spitting </i><i>image</i><i>. </i><i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>boy</i><i>, </i><i>so </i><i>there </i><i>were </i><i>never </i><i>any </i><i>worries of </i><i>a </i><i>paternity </i><i>test</i>.¡±


    I swallowed hard. This was all too much.


    ¡°<i>Does </i><i>Sharon </i><i>know</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>knows</i>. I <i>told </i><i>her </i><i>immediately </i><i>after </i><i>finding </i><i>out</i><i>¡­</i><i>asked </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><i>run </i><i>away </i><i>with </i><i>me</i>. <i>But </i><i>she </i><i>said </i><i>she </i><i>couldn¡¯t</i><i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>Calvin </i><i>would </i><i>find </i>us<i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>it </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>the </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>life </i><i>a </i><i>child </i><i>should </i><i>have</i><i>. </i><i>That </i><i>she </i><i>LOVED </i><i>our </i><i>baby </i><i>too </i><i>much </i>to <i>make </i><i>him </i><i>suffer</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>I </i><i>realized </i><iter </i><i>on</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>secure </i><i>her ce </i><i>as </i><i>a </i><i>Rochester</i><i>. </i><i>Calvin </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>only </i><i>one </i><i>with </i><i>three </i><i>sons</i>¡­<i>and </i><i>because </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>oldest</i><i>, </i><i>his </i><i>three </i><i>sons </i><i>would </i><i>inherit </i><i>majority </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>businesses</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:01 </b><b>Sun</b>, Sep 14 B


    Kai¡¯s brows furrowed.


    :


    <b>94 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Tell </i><i>me </i><i>something </i><i>Thorton</i><i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>not </i><i>just </i><i>test </i><i>the </i><i>baby</i><i>? </i><i>After </i><i>you </i>took Gracie<i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>had </i><i>her </i><i>tested </i><i>and </i><i>then </i><i>informed </i><i>Sharon </i>of <i>the </i><i>results</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Thorton¡¯s eyes twitched as the guilt began to overpower his gaze.


    ¡°<i>Because </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>too </i><i>afraid </i>of <i>the </i><i>results</i>. <i>I </i><i>honestly </i><i>thought </i>for <i>sure </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>mine</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>afraid </i><i>that </i><i>if </i><b><i>I </i></b>


    <i>learned </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i>be <i>able </i>to <i>let </i><i>her </i><i>go</i>. <i>I </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i>do <i>that </i><i>again</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at Thorton with a puzzled expression. Again?


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>were </i><i>you </i><i>so </i><i>convinced</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Thorton lit another cigarette. Took another drag and let out a deep sigh.


    ¡°<i>Because </i><i>herst </i><i>kid </i><i>was </i><i>mine</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!


    All of our eyes widen!! Wait¡­.does he mean¡­.I had to know¡­


    ¡°<i>Wait </i>a <i>minute</i><i>!!! </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>saying </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>BRIAN¡¯S </i><i>biological </i><i>father</i><i>???</i><b>¡± </b>


    Thorton nodded in response. I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing. Thorton exined how he¡¯d sneaked and got a paternity test for Brian one day after seeing him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><i>kid </i><i>looked </i><i>just </i><i>like </i><i>I </i><i>did </i>as <i>a </i><i>child</i><i>. </i><i>Over </i><i>the </i><i>years </i><i>he </i><i>ended </i><i>up </i><i>favoring </i><i>Sharon</i>, <i>but </i><i>as </i><i>a </i><i>child</i>¡­<i>my </i><i>spitting </i><i>image</i><i>. </i><i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>boy</i><i>, </i>so <i>there </i><i>were </i><i>never </i><i>any </i><i>worries </i><i>of </i><i>a </i><i>paternity </i><i>test</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I swallowed hard. This was all too much.


    ¡°<i>Does </i><i>Sharon </i><i>know</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Yeah</i>¡­<i>she </i><i>knows</i>. I <i>told </i><i>her </i><i>immediately </i><i>after </i><i>finding </i><i>out</i><i>¡­</i><i>asked </i><i>her </i>to run <i>away </i><i>with </i><i>me</i>. <i>But </i><i>she </i><i>said </i><i>she </i><i>couldn¡¯t</i><i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>Calvin </i><i>would </i><i>find </i><i>us</i><i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>it </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>the </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>life </i><i>a </i><i>child </i><i>should </i><i>have</i>. <i>That </i><i>she </i><i>LOVED </i><i>our </i><i>baby </i><i>too </i><i>much </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>him </i><i>suffer</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>I </i><i>realized </i><iter </i>on<i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i>to <i>secure </i><i>her </i><i>ce </i>as a <i>Rochester</i>. <i>Calvin </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>only </i><i>one </i><i>with </i><i>three </i>sons¡­<i>and </i><i>because </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>oldest</i><i>, </i><i>his </i><i>three </i><i>sons </i><i>would </i><i>inherit </i><i>majority </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>businesses</i>.¡±


    <b>9.01 </b>


    <b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>14 </b><b>D </b>


    1944


    I shook my head in disgust. My mother was a real monster. She¡¯d protected Brian to secure her ce and ordered my death for the same reasons.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Anyway</i><i>¡­</i><i>after </i><i>what </i><i>happened </i><i>that </i><i>night</i>, <i>I </i><i>ended </i><i>our </i><i>affair</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>bat </i><i>an </i>eye. When I found <i>out </i><i>she </i>adopted <i>the </i><i>girl</i>¡­<i>my </i><i>heart </i><i>tore </i><i>into </i>a <i>million </i><i>pieces</i>. <i>And </i>then¡­twelve <i>years </i><iter</i>¡­you showed up <i>again</i>. <i>Although </i><i>the </i><i>circumstances </i><i>were </i><i>tragic</i><i>, </i><i>I </i>was <i>d </i><i>Sharon¡¯s </i>karma was <iing </i><i>back </i>to <i>bite </i>


    <i>her</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I furrowed my brows¡­is that what I was? Sharon¡¯s karma? Thorton continued to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>want you to know <i>Grd</i><i>¡­.</i><i>I </i><i>always </i><i>knew </i><i>where </i><i>you </i><i>were</i><i>. </i>I¡¯d <i>followed </i><i>up </i><i>on </i><i>Diana </i><i>Teagues </i><i>and </i><i>learned </i><i>she </i><i>was </i>an amazing <i>mother</i>¡­.<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>expect </i><i>you </i>to <i>ever </i><i>forgive </i><i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i>know<i>¡­. </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>regret </i><i>giving </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>her </i><i>that </i><i>night</i>. <i>You </i><i>deserved </i><i>better </i><i>than </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i><i>and </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My eyes watered up and the tears began to flow. Kai embraced me as Tyler and Parys rubbed my back. After letting out every single tear. of sadness I would ever cry again, <b>I </b>smiled warmly. I finally got my answers. Finally learned the truth.


    Turns out my adoptive mother wasn¡¯t some <i>¡®</i><i>thief</i><i>¡®</i>. Instead, she was an angel¡­my guardian angel.


    I collected myself and stood up. Kai immediately stood up as well. I looked down at Benard Teagues no longer holding any hatred for him. Instead, I pitied him. Pitied him for being foolish enough to


    ch his only son be fall in love with such a cruel and evil woman. A woman that forced him to raised by another man while ordering him to destroy his possible only daughter¡­all for greed and


    status.


    ¡°Release <i>him</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai¡¯s eyes immediately darted to me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>¡­</i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>sure</i><i>? </i><i>You </i><i>don-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I looked at Calvin and smiled lightly.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>owe </i><i>him </i><i>Kai</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai¡¯s face twisted with anger.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>owe </i><i>him </i><i>any-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>9:01 Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>14 </b><b>B </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>I do</i><i>. </i><i>Kai</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>it </i>weren¡¯t <i>him</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>fortunate </i><i>enough </i>to be <i>with </i>my real <b>mother</b><b>¡­ </b><i>Diana</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>also </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>never </i><i>met </i><i>you</i>¡­so <i>for </i><i>that </i><i>reason</i><i>¡­</i>I owe <i>him </i><i>a </i><i>debt</i>. This is my <b><i>payment</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    Looking at Ramone, I repeated in a stern voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Release </i>him.¡±


    Chapter Comments


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 Hunted 187

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>187 </b>


    The <i>Rochester¡¯s </i><b>POV</b><b><i>: </i></b>


    The day the Rochesters received a birthday invitation from House Christiansen, Calvin was ted. He saw this as a sign that House Christiansen was ready to merge the families.


    ¡°<i>Perhaps </i>that useless <i>girl </i><i>did </i><i>something </i><i>right</i>.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    He thought to himself as he prepared for bed. For the past three months, Calvin had been trying to reach Grd. All the attempts, however, had been in vain. She no longer had the same phone


    number, and she never provided any updated information. For weeks Calvin fumed about her ungratefulness andck of respect.


    ¡°How <i>dare </i><i>she </i><i>shut </i><i>this </i><i>family </i><i>out</i><i>!!! </i><i>That </i><i>ungrateful </i><i>ingrate</i>! <i>I¡¯m </i><i>her </i><i>father</i>! <i>Over </i><i>three </i>weeks <i>with </i><i>House </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>and </i>she <i>hasn¡¯t </i><i>set </i><i>any </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>business meetings </i><i>up</i><i>!</i>¡±


    <i>CRASH</i><i>!!! </i>


    Calvin threw his ss of gin at the wall as he cursed Grd. Noah and Brian rushed into the


    study curious about what the ruckus was.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>happened </i><i>in </i><i>here</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Noah questioned as he slowly walked into the room. Brian trailed behind him; a puzzled look on his face as he saw the stain from the gin on the wall.


    ¡°Dad<i>¡­</i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>okay</i>?<b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i>No! I want to <i>know </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i>is <i>going </i><i>on </i><i>with </i><i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian¡¯s face twisted up, of all the brothers, he held the highest disdain for Grd. He couldn¡¯t figure out why someone who didn¡¯t grow up with the same resources as he did be better than him in so many ways. Grd was smarter than him and more talented. She was actually more superior than all of them. And whereas he took full advantage of her talents, he still hated that he had to resort to such behavior just so seed.


    Since she had been gone<b>, </b>his grades suffered significantly, and his father and Noah noticed.


    ¡°Are


    you <i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>the </i><i>only </i><i>way </i><i>you </i>can pass a test <i>is </i>if Grd cheats and take it <i>for </i><i>you</i>?¡±


    18:46 Mon<b>, </b>Sep 15 <fn4c84> This update is avable on find?novel</fn4c84>


    :


    Noah stood firm with irritation in his voice as he confronted Brian about yet another failed test. As <b>he </b>scolded Brian, Noah couldn¡¯t help but think about all the things that had changed since


    Grd left.


    42


    In addition to Brian and Olivia¡¯s grades, Cole was suffering from ¡®<i>writers </i><i>block</i><i>¡®</i><i>. </i>The truth was that Grd hadposed some of his best pieces. Cole was a fairly talented pianist, but Grd was on the level of a prodigy. Her ability topose wless pieces fell into the shadows of Cole who used her work for his advancement in Kingston¡¯s grand orchestra.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>what </i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>do</i>! <i>My </i><i>conductor </i>is <i>threatening </i><i>to </i><i>demote </i>me as <i>lead pianist </i>and <iposer</i><i>! </i><i>Has </i><i>anyone </i><i>heard </i><i>from </i><i>Grace</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>need </i><i>her </i><i>help</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole paced as he panicked thinking about his position.


    Sharon sat silent. Since Grd¡¯s departure, she had mixed feelings. On one hand, she was d that pest was gone. But on the other hand¡­.she hated how Grd embraced Ma Christiansen as if she were her mother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>little </i><i>bitch</i><i>! </i><i>Treating </i><i>that </i>woman <i>like </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>her </i><i>mother</i>! I <i>knew </i><i>she </i><i>would </i><i>be </i><i>nothing </i><i>but </i><i>trouble</i><i>! </i>


    <i>Benard</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>screw </i><i>up</i><i>!!</i><i>¡® </i>


    Her thoughts rattled on as the family continued to suffer at the loss of Grd¡¯s depature. It wasn¡¯t until the birthday invitation that they felt any hope mighte.


    ¡°<i>This </i>is <i>good</i><i>! </i><i>We </i><i>can </i><i>ask </i><i>her </i><i>to </i><ie </i>to <i>the </i><i>estate </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>few </i><i>weeks </i><i>and </i><i>help</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Cole eximed as he read the invitation.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>makes </i><i>you </i><i>think </i>she¡¯lle <i>back </i><i>here</i><i>? </i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>ask </i><i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>little </i><i>too </i><i>eager </i><i>to </i><i>leave</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Brian scoffed as he scanned the TV for something to watch.


    Noah¡¯s brows furrowed as Cole responded.


    ¡°<i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>she </i><i>would</i>. <i>Look</i><i>, </i><i>Grd </i><i>may </i>not <i>be </i>one <i>of </i><i>us</i>, <i>but </i>she¡¯s <i>always </i><i>been </i><i>desperate </i><i>for </i><i>our </i><i>approval</i><i>. </i><i>Besides</i>, <i>she¡¯ll </i><i>probably </i><i>leap </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>chance </i>to <i>stop </i><i>ying </i><i>maid </i>and <i>nurse </i><i>to </i><i>her </i><iatose </i>


    <i>husband</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian and Oliviaughed hysterically at Cole¡¯sment.


    ¡°Oh<i>! </i><i>Big </i><i>brother</i>! <i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>get </i><i>Grd </i>to <iplete </i><i>my </i><i>homework</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian beamed down at Olivia. He¡¯d always adored spoiling his little sister.


    Chapter Comments


    3

 Hunted 188

    <b>Chapter </b><b>188 </b>


    ¡°<i>Of </i><i>course </i><i>she </i><i>will</i><i>! </i><i>If </i><i>she </i>don¡¯t, <i>we¡¯ll </i>just threaten to <i>disown </i><i>her</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    That was something that always made Grd cave, the thought of no longer having a family again always made her cave into the countless demands of the Rochesters.


    Noah shook his head in disgust. In truth, he hated howzy and unexceptional his siblings were. They were the future of the Rochester n and yet they werepletely indulged. But he didn¡¯t have a choice but to go along with their n. Grd was the reason why hended that huge project with thergest real estate firm in North Bay. The meeting for the project was in two weeks and he was nowhere near prepared. He would need her help.


    ¡°Will <i>she </i><i>even </i><i>be </i><i>at </i><i>this </i><i>party</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>42 </b>


    Jonathan Brooks asked in an irritated voice. He still fumed at how Grd chose to defend some brainless stranger over him. He could still see the fire in her eyes the day she¡¯d pped him for what


    he said about Kai Christiansen.


    To make matters worse, Olivia had been getting on his nervestely. All she did wasin and shop. Instead of spending her time studying to make sure she graduated with honors; she spent most of her days wasting time and money. This type of behavior was sure to anger his grandfather.


    Everyone assumed his grandfather wanted him to marry Grd because she was the biological daughter, but the truth was, he believed Grd to be the more superior of the two.


    ¡°Listen boy, this isn¡¯t <i>about </i><i>your </i><i>personal </i><i>feelings</i>. <i>This </i><i>is </i><i>about </i><i>what can </i><i>elevate </i><i>you </i><i>as </i><i>the </i>head <i>of </i><i>the </i>Brooks n! That <i>girl </i>is a <i>genius </i><i>and </i><i>a </i><i>prodigy</i><i>; </i><i>she¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>take you </i>to the next level!<i>¡± </i>


    Patting Jonathan on the shoulder, his grandfather lowered his tone.


    ¡°Listen<i>, </i>you know I love <i>Olivia</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>she </i><i>isn¡¯t </i>cut <i>from </i>the same <i>cloth</i>. <i>Now </i>you can keep her as your mistress¡­but Grd <i>will </i><i>be </i><i>your </i><i>wife</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The day he told his grandfather about Grd marrying into the Christiansen family, his grandfather Isaac nearly had a stroke.


    ¡°GOT DAMMIT <i>BOY</i><i>! </i>You control one <i>girl</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grandfather</i><i>! </i>It¡¯s <i>nothing </i>I could <i>do</i><i>! </i><i>Calvin </i>wasn¡¯t <i>going </i>to turn down an opportunity to merge <i>with </i><i>House </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>anymore </i><i>than </i><i>you </i>would <i>have</i><i>. </i>Besides, <i>you¡¯re </i>wrong about <i>Livie</i><i>! </i><i>She¡¯s </i>top <i>of </i><i>her </i>


    <b>18:46 </b>Mon<b>, </b>Sep 15


    : <fn3979> For more chapters visit f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn3979>


    <i>ss</i>! She¡¯s <i>just </i><i>as </i>smart and talented <i>as </i><i>Grd </i><i>is</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    Isaacughed at Jonathan. He¡¯d been around long enough to recognize what a <i>¡®</i><i>good </i><i>stock</i>¡® was, and he was convinced it was Grd.


    ¡°Fine boy. Marry <i>the </i><i>girl</i>. But mark <i>my </i><i>words</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>end </i><i>up </i><i>being </i><i>wrong </i><i>about </i><i>this</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯ll </i>make <i>sure </i>you live to regret it! Also¡­<i>see </i><i>if </i><i>that </i><i>girl </i>can <i>get </i><i>you </i>a connection to <i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>¡­</i><i>might </i>as <i>well </i>use <i>her </i>marriage to our <i>advantage </i><i>as </i><i>well</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    When Jonathan learned about the Rochesters being invited to the birthday party, Olivia informed him that he had been included as her plus one.


    ¡°<i>This </i><i>will </i><i>give </i><i>me </i><i>an </i><i>opportunity </i><i>to </i><i>speak </i><i>with </i><i>Grd </i><i>about </i><i>a </i><i>merge </i><i>with </i><i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i>.¡®


    Still, he had his doubts about whether she would even be there. Since her departure, Olivie


    constantlyined about how Grd was ignoring her calls and wouldn¡¯t do her homework.


    She even suggested the Christiansen¡¯s had her locked away taking care of their brain dead son.


    Considering herck ofmunication, perhaps that was true.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>there </i><i>if </i><i>not </i><i>for </i><i>any </i><i>other </i><i>reason </i><i>but </i><i>to </i><i>keep </i><i>face</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Noah¡¯s answer made sense. Surely House Christiansen wouldn¡¯t do anything to embarrass or bring


    shame to their family name. Even if Grd was a mere maid, they wouldn¡¯t show that to the


    public.


    As the Rochesters and Brooks all schemed on how to use Grd, they failed to notice the storm


    that was slowly brewing.


    For someone had been recording all of their conversations and would soon help Grd and the Christiansens bring them all down.


    ¡°Hey<i>¡­</i>did <i>the </i>invitation say who¡¯s birthday <i>it </i>is?¡±


    Chapter Comments

 Hunted 189

    <b>Chapter </b><b>189 </b>


    <i>Kai¡¯s </i><i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    :


    ??))


    <b>42 </b>


    After learning the full truth about Gracie¡¯s birth. I decided to tell her about my ns and why I wanted to wait until September to announce everything and celebrate her birthday.


    ¡°So, <i>that¡¯s </i><i>why</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>that </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i>to <i>celebrate </i><i>your </i><i>birthday </i><i>or </i><i>announce </i><i>our </i>engagement, I <i>just </i>wanted to make <i>sure </i><i>we </i><i>gathered </i><i>everything </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters</i>. <i>I </i><i>want </i><i>this </i><i>party </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>day </i><i>of </i><i>your </i>Triumph and <i>rebirth</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Gracie¡¯s eyes widen at the word rebirth. It was as if that word had some type of effect on her. After the meeting with Thorton, it seemed like something had been troubling her. Like it was something she had been keeping from me. At first I thought she was still reeling from learning about Sharon. But then one night¡­for the first time since we¡¯d been together, Gracie had a nightmare.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ah</i><i>!! </i><i>The fire!!! </i><i>Please</i><i>!! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>leave </i><i>me</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    I was jolted out of my sleep at the sound of Gracie¡¯s screaming.


    <i>¡°</i>Please!!!! <i>Help </i><i>me</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gracie</i><i>! </i><i>Gracie</i><i>!!! </i><i>Come </i><i>on </i><i>baby</i><i>! </i><i>Wake </i><i>up</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Gracie¡¯s eyes opened in a panic. She began to quickly look around the room as she checked her arms.


    Sweat was dripping down from her forehead, and she had tears in her eyes. Her breathing was erratic


    as she gripped my shirt. I¡¯d never seen her this frightened before.


    I took her into my arms embracing her close.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s <i>okay</i>. <i>It </i>was <i>just </i>a <i>dream</i><i>. </i><i>Your </i><i>sa-</i>¡±


    ¡°No it wasn¡¯t<i>!! </i><i>It </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i>a dream!!! <i>I</i><i>¡­.</i>¡±


    Gracie began crying, what was going on? I slowly pulled her from me and looked into her eyes.


    ¡°Gracie¡­<i>talk </i>to <i>me</i><i>. </i><i>What¡¯s </i><i>wrong</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>believe </i>me if I <i>told </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>true</i><i>. </i><i>Hey</i><i>¡­</i>look <i>at </i><i>me</i>. <i>There¡¯s </i><i>nothing </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>tell </i>me <i>that </i><i>I </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>believe</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    18:46 Mon<b>, </b>Sep 15 <fn9576> Th?s chapter is updated by find(?)ovel</fn9576>


    :


    Gracie stared at me for a moment before wiping her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i><i>fire</i><i>¡­</i>it <i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>just </i><i>a </i><i>dream</i>. <i>I </i><i>really </i><i>did </i><i>die </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>fire </i>caused <i>by </i><i>my </i><i>sister</i>. <i>Afterwards</i>, I <i>was</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>was </i>


    <i>reborn</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>42 </b>


    I stared at Gracie inplete disbelief. REBORN!!! What! How!!!


    After the shock wore off, Gracie told me everything about her previous life. Everything was the same except for one crucial point. In her previous life¡­she married Brooks. That one horrific decision led to another five years of pain and abuse¡­and ultimately¡­her death.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>know </i><i>this </i><i>sounds </i><i>crazy </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>understand </i><i>if you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>believe </i><i>me</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    It did sound crazy¡­I mean the whole idea that someone could be reborn. But I did believe her. Her eyes¡­they had been trying to tell me this story the entire time and I had been to blind to see it.


    That night, Gracie was able to tell me everything. I remember feeling huge waves of guilt and anger. How the hell could her ¡®<i>husnad</i>¡® just leave her there to die!! If I waken up sooner in her previous life, maybe I would have been able to save her! The thought of her burning alive¡­the suffering she must have went through. There was a rage burning deep inside of me. The Rochesters ¡­Jonathan¡­they would all pay. For this life and thest.


    When she finally fell asleep, Gracie looked peaceful again. It was as if all the weight she had been feeling from these past two lives had finally been lifted. The next morning, she was still asleep. Exhausted no doubt. I decided to get up and make her some breakfast.


    ¡°Good <i>morning </i><i>dear</i><i>. </i><i>Where¡¯s </i><i>Gracie</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mother sat at the breakfast nook sipping her tea while reading a book, Gracie told me how she and dad mourned her and went to her memorial. I¡¯ll forever love my parents for that.


    ¡°She¡¯s still sleeping. I <i>thought </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>make </i><i>her </i>some <i>breakfast</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    My mother looked at me with a strange expression. I wasn¡¯t sure what her expression meant. Shortly after, she smiled warmly.


    That was weird.


    18:46 Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>15 </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±

 Hunted 190

    <b>Chapter </b><b>190 </b>


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>that¡¯s </i>a good <i>idea</i><i>. </i><i>I </i>would <i>do </i>pancakes<i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i>good <i>for </i><i>the </i><i>stomach</i><i>.</i>¡± <fn129f> Find the newest release on find?novel</fn129f>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>Gracie </i><i>isn¡¯t </i><i>sick </i>mom.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know</i>.¡±


    <i>?????????? </i>


    <b>42 </b>


    I furrowed my brows as I watched my mother continue to read her book. That was strange.


    After breakfast, we began the preparations for the birthday party. With the party just three days away, I wanted to make sure everything was in order. All the right guests had received their invites and RSVP, including the Rochesters. Tyler brought me the final party favor. This would be the <i>¡®</i><i>icing </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>cake</i>¡®.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>watch </i><i>the </i><i>recording </i><i>beforehand</i><i>?¡± </i>


    Tyler asked as he poured both me and Cameron a drink.


    ¡°<i>Have </i><i>you </i><i>watched </i><i>it</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tyler sat in his chair and sighed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i><i>¡­</i>I did. <i>Zelma </i><i>got </i><i>some </i><i>great </i><i>shit</i>. <i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>in </i><i>terms </i><i>of </i><i>bringing </i><i>down </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters</i>. <i>Those </i><i>people </i>really <i>are </i><i>scum</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I nodded in response indicating I wanted to see the recordings. ording to Tyler, Zelma began recording conversations from the Rochesters the day after she spoke with my mother. I sat in silence as we watched the recordings. Hours of the Rochesters talking about dirty deals and illegal business. Then came the day everyone found out Gracie epted my parents¡® proposal. I could feel the heat rising from my chest as her brother Brian and that jackass Jonathan mocked me for being in aa. That girl, Olivia, she knew exactly what she was doing.


    Though I have to admit, watching my love p that Brooks fool made all of this worth it. Watching her defend me¡­even before knowing me she defended me. I always knew my love wasn¡¯t misced.


    After finishing the video, Cameron handed me some documents.


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>proof </i><i>we </i><i>needed </i><i>as </i><i>well </i><i>that </i><i>Rochester </i><i>and </i><i>Brooks </i><i>are </i><i>using </i><i>that </i><i>real </i><i>estate </i><i>development </i>


    <i>deal </i><i>as </i>a <i>front </i>for an underground <i>crime </i><i>lord</i><i>. </i>I¡¯m sure <i>their </i><i>board </i><i>will </i>love to <i>hear </i><i>about </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Good¡­everything was in ce. Now all we needed was the star attractions.


    <i>Gracie¡¯s </i><i>POV</i><i>: </i>


    <b>42 </b>


    The time was now 5:30pm and I was finishing up my hair and makeup. The birthday party was actually a masquerade ball. For my attire, I chose a phoenix themed gown and mask. Representing my rise from the ashes. It was poetic that my new home also took ce in Phoenix, South Bay. I now knew why I was reborn. Fate had given me a chance to make the right choice and finally be with the family I was always meant to be with.


    I watched from the tablet as the guest began to arrive. The ball took ce in the estate¡¯s grand hall. I could hear many people questioning exactly WHO this event was for.


    ¡°So, <i>which </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>is </i><i>being </i><i>celebrate </i><i>tonight</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>sure</i>. <i>It </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>oldest </i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°No <i>he¡¯s </i><i>still </i><i>in </i>a <ia</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>so <i>sad</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i><i>¡­</i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>you </i><i>the </i><i>truth</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>surprised </i><i>they </i><i>were </i><i>even </i><i>doing </i><i>this</i>. <i>For </i><i>the </i><i>past </i>nine <i>months </i><i>they </i><i>haven¡¯t </i>had <i>any </i><i>festivities</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°Well <i>can </i><i>you </i><i>me </i><i>them</i>? <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>do </i>if <i>my </i><i>son </i>were in aa. Especially someone as <i>aplished </i>as <i>Kai </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°¡±


    The gossiping was circting all throughout the ballroom with the same question being asked.


    ¡®Who was <i>this </i>party for<i>?</i><i>¡® </i>


    As I sipped on my ss of wine, Ka, Londyn, Joey, and Jackie came into my dressing room.


    ¡°<i>OMG</i>!!!!! <i>Gracie</i>!!! <i>Look </i>at you!!!!¡±


    Ka squealed as she rushed over to hug me.


    ¡°Oh <i>Gracie</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>so </i><i>beautiful</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jackie¡¯s eyes started to water up as she made her way over.


    ¡°<i>Nope</i><i>!! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>dare</i><i>! </i><i>Nobody </i><i>cry</i><i>!! </i><i>Remember our </i><i>makeup</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    We allughed aloud as Londyn scolded us about crying. Joellie walked in front of me cing her hands on my shoulders.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>ready </i><i>mama</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>ready</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I could feel my heart beating at rapid speed. Tonight¡­I would finally get my justice.


    Chapter Comments


    ͹3

 Hunted 191

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>191


    <i>Gracie¡¯s </i><i>POV</i>:


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    As the guest continued to arrive, the girls along with everyone else headed to the ballroom. Kai and I would be making our grand entranceter. I had to give Ka her credit; the ballroom was


    absolutely beautiful. I suddenly became anxious thinking about our wedding. Just then, Kai called <ol><li>me. </li></ol>


    ¡°Hello <i>my </i><i>love</i>.¡±


    ¡°Hello <i>back</i>. <i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>dressed</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Emm </i><i>hmm</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>finished </i><i>the </i><i>rest </i>of <i>my </i><i>makeup</i>. <i>You</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>bet </i><i>you </i><i>look </i><i>beautiful</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>wait </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>And </i><i>yes</i>, <i>I </i><i>actually </i><i>just </i><i>finished</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I smiled lightly thinking about how handsome Kai probably looked. He¡¯d chosen a ck tailed three


    piece suit. The tie, inside of the jacket and his mask all ent my dress. I beamed at the thought of


    us rising together.


    ¡°<i>Well </i>then<i>¡­</i>I¡¯ll <i>see </i><i>you </i><i>soon</i>. <i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>wait </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>how </i><i>handsome </i><i>you </i><i>look</i>.¡±


    We both paused for a moment before hanging up. We would be together soon. I just needed our


    esteemed guests to arrive first.


    The time was 6pm when the Rochesters and Jonathan arrived. I could feel my heart racing as they entered the ballroom. Thanks to the speakers that were ced, I could hear most of everyone¡¯s


    conversations.


    <i>¡°</i>Mother! Do you see <i>this</i><i>! </i><i>Whosever </i><i>party </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>their </i>theme <i>is </i><i>way </i>better than mine <i>was </i><i>this </i>year<i>! </i>Next year I want something <i>ten </i>times <i>better</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia was pouting as she scanned the room. No matter what, everything had to always be about her. I chuckled at her arrogance of thinking she could outdo Ka Christiansen.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i>worry dear¡­it <i>will </i><i>be</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    And of course, mother was right there to indulge her.


    <i>¡°</i>Don¡¯t <i>worry </i><i>Livie</i>, <i>you¡¯re </i>still doing better <i>than </i>Grd. <i>Her </i><i>birthday </i><i>is the </i>same <i>day </i><i>as </i><i>yours </i>and


    18:47 Mon, <b>Sep </b>15


    she <i>didn¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>get </i>a <i>party</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    :


    Cole spoke with a smug tone. And this was supposed to be the nice brother. What a joke.


    ¡°<i>Who </i><i>would </i>want to <i>throw </i>a <i>party </i><i>for </i><i>Grd</i>. <i>That¡¯s </i><i>like </i><i>throwing </i><i>a </i><i>party </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>maid</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fn20d8> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? FindN0vel</fn20d8>


    Brian sneered as they made their way into the ballroom.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Enough</i><i>! </i><i>Tonight </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>here </i><i>to make </i><i>sure </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>on the </i><i>good </i><i>graces </i><i>of </i><i>House </i><i>Christiansen </i><i>and </i><i>to </i><i>also </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>Grd </i><ies </i><i>back </i><i>with </i>us. <i>Even </i><i>if </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>here</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>risk </i><i>others </i><i>hearing </i><i>you </i><i>bad </i>


    <i>mouth </i><i>them </i><i>or </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>42 </b>


    Ever the business schemer, Noah really was just like dad.


    As the party progressed, my father looked around in irritation.


    ¡°<i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>the </i><i>Christiansens </i><i>and </i><i>why </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>they </i><i>announced </i><i>who </i><i>this </i><i>party </i><i>is </i><i>for</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Yes, <i>this </i>is <i>rather </i><i>unbing </i><i>of </i><i>such </i><i>a </i><i>prominent </i><i>family</i>.


    Just as my mother was chiming in, Ma and Theo walked directly behind them.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Enjoying </i><i>yourselves</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma¡¯s words caused everyone to jump and turn around. If it weren¡¯t for the masks, you would have been able to see all the color draining from their faces.


    <i>¡°</i><i>L</i><i>¨C</i><i>Lord </i><i>and </i><i>Lady </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    My father nervously asked as they began to bow.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i>& Mrs. <i>Rochester</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    My father¨Cinw stated in a stoic tone causing my father to shudder,


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>! </i>It¡¯s a <i>pleasure </i>to see <i>you </i><i>both</i><i>! </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>so </i><i>much </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>invitation</i><i>! </i><i>Everything </i><i>looks </i><i>beautiful</i><i>!</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>yes</i>! <i>This </i><i>theme </i>was <i>amazing</i>! <i>You </i><i>two </i>really <i>know </i><i>how </i>to throw a <i>party</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My mother chimed in with my father. All this ass kissing was starting to upset my stomach.


    <i>¡°</i>Are you sure? You don¡¯t think <i>it¡¯s </i>unbing<i>?</i>¡±


    My parents both stared at each other nervously. Suddenly, Ma let out a sardonicugh.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>kidding</i>. <i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><ipliment</i>. <i>It </i><i>was </i><i>actually </i><i>my </i><i>daughter¡¯s </i><i>idea</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Sharon and Calvin bothughed nervously.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>, </i><i>well</i><i>, </i><i>you </i>must <i>let </i>us <i>speak </i><i>with </i><i>her </i><i>sometime </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>some </i><i>ideas </i><i>about </i><i>future </i><i>parties </i><i>and </i><i>events</i><i>! </i><i>Afterall</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>all </i><i>family </i><i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Chapter Comments


    ?

 Hunted 192

    <b>Chapter </b><b>192 </b>


    My father smiled eagerly. Family. Please. Not once did they even ask if I was there.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i>you don¡¯t mind me asking<i>, </i><i>who¡¯s </i><i>birthday </i>are we <i>celebrating </i>today?¡±


    Ma smiled a mischievous smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s a secret for now. In due time<i>, </i><i>the </i>guests of <i>honor </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>arriving</i>. <i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i>everyone enjoys themselves.¡±


    42


    Ma and Theo walked off greeting other guests. Shortly after, Sharon¡¯s face twisted. Speaking low so that no one else could hear her, she fumed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i>bitch. <i>That¡¯s </i><i>the </i>second <i>time </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>done </i><i>that</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Quiet! <i>Enough </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><iining</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Calvin scolded her as Noah spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i>is <i>exactly </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>said </i><i>stop </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>shit talking</i>. <i>You </i><i>all </i><i>almost </i><i>got </i><i>caught</i><i>! </i><i>Let¡¯s </i><i>remember </i><i>why </i><i>we¡¯re </i><i>here</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The time was now 7pm. As the orchestra finished their song, Ma and Theo took the stage. After taking the mic<b>, </b>Ma began to speak.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>all </i>for to <i>celebrate </i><i>this </i><i>evening</i><i>. </i><i>As </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>know</i>, <i>the </i>beginning of <i>this </i><i>year </i><i>was </i><i>very </i><i>tragic </i>for <i>my </i><i>family </i><i>and </i>I. <i>Our </i><i>son </i><i>Kai </i><i>was </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>horrible </i><i>ident </i><i>that </i><i>rendered </i>himatose.¡±


    ¡°Because <i>of </i><i>that</i><i>, </i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>spent </i><i>this </i><i>past </i><i>year </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>shadows </i>as <i>we </i><i>chose </i>to focus on <i>our </i><i>son¡¯s </i><i>health</i>. <i>I </i><b>can </b><i>honestly </i><i>say </i><i>this </i><i>year </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>extremely </i><i>challenging </i><i>for </i>us as <i>we </i>continued to <i>fight </i>and <i>pray </i><i>for </i><i>his </i>recovery; so I <i>thank </i><i>you </i><i>all </i>for <i>joining </i>us <i>tonight </i>as we finally allow some celebration.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>Now I¡¯m sure <i>you¡¯re </i><i>all </i>wondering <i>exactly </i><i>WHO </i><i>we¡¯ll </i>be celebrating <i>this </i>evening, but before <i>we </i><i>get </i>into <i>that</i>¡­I¡¯d <i>like </i>to introduce a young woman on the stage <i>who </i>hasposed a <i>very </i><i>beautiful </i><i>piece </i><i>for </i><i>tonight¡¯s </i>honor.<i>¡± </i>


    <b>The </b>crowd all began to whisper; wondering who the guest or guests of honors were and who this mystery artist was.


    As I made my way to stage, the room began chatter.


    <b>18:47 Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>15


    ¡°<i>Who </i>is <i>that</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>don¡¯t know<i>; </i>she¡¯s wearing a mask so <i>it¡¯s </i><i>hard </i>to tell.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Her </i><i>dress </i><i>is </i><i>beautiful</i><i>! </i><i>Is </i><i>that </i>a <i>phoenix </i><i>themed </i><i>dress </i><i>and </i>mask<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The crowd continued to gossip as I made my way to the piano.


    42


    The first time I expressed my love to Kai; I used my violin and it¡¯s musical notes. Tonight, I would use this piano along with my voice. I scanned the room quickly spotting Kai, he was now standing in front of the crowd. I smiled warmly and began to y the piano as I sang the song written just for him.


    As I began to y and sing, I could hear the crowd whispering. Although I couldn¡¯t make out the words, I could tell they were filled with excitement.


    ****


    <b><i>Kai¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    ***


    As Gracie yed and sing, I could feel my heart swelling in my chest.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Is </i><i>THAT </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>had </i><i>been </i><i>doing </i><i>all </i><i>those </i><i>nights </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>music </i><i>room </i><i>while </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>working</i>?<b>¡® </b>


    She¡¯dposed another love letter to me. Only this time; she used the piano as her paper and her voice as the pen.


    ¡°Oh <i>my</i><i>, </i><i>this </i>is <i>absolutely </i><i>beautiful</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i><fncd9b> For more chapters visit FindN()vel</fncd9b>


    Someone from the crowd eximed as Gracie continued to sing.


    ¡°I wonder <i>who </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>singing </i><i>too</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Well, whoever it is<i>¡­</i><i>he¡¯s </i>a <i>lucky </i><i>fe</i><i>. </i><i>This </i><i>young </idy <i>is </i><i>clearly </i><i>in </i><i>love</i>.¡±


    I could feel myself blushing through my mask. They had no idea¡­me and Gracie¡­we crossed oceans of time just to be together.


    As she reached the end of her song, I could hear several people talking behind me. As they grew closer, their voices grew clearer.


    The Rochesters.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>my </i><i>god</i>¡­I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>believe </i><i>it</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>What </i>is <i>it </i><i>Cole</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>I</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>who </i><i>that </i><i>singer </i><i>is</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°Who is <i>it</i><i>??</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>Grd</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Chapter Comments


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 Hunted 193

    <b>Chapter </b><b>193 </b>


    Gracie¡¯s <b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    <b>42 </b>


    The crowd erupted into a roar of cheers once I finished my song. I immediately looked for Kai. I could see him pping and cheering the loudest. His face was filled with a sense of pride I could see even through his mask. As I stood to bow, I could see Ka, Joey, Londyn<b>, </b>and Jackie pping and crying along with Parys, Dougie, Cameron and Tyler.


    I turned to the crowd and bowed gracefully. As I rose back up, I could see the Rochesters along with


    Jonathan staring at me in shock.


    *******


    <i>Noah¡¯s </i>POV:


    I couldn¡¯t believe it. There was no way THAT was Grd. In low and strained voice, I asked Cole,


    ¡°Cole<i>¡­</i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>sure</i>? <i>You </i><i>think </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>Grd</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>it </i><i>is</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    He spoke in a panicked low tone I¡¯d never heard before.


    ¡°How <i>can </i><i>you </i><i>be </i><i>su-</i>¡±


    ¡°Do <i>you </i><i>have </i><i>any </i><i>idea </i><i>how </i><i>many </i><i>years </i><b><i>I </i></b><i>spent listening </i><i>in </i><i>on </i><i>her </i><i>as </i><i>she </i><i>wrote</i><i>, </i><iposed</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>sang </i>


    music! It¡¯s <i>her</i>! <i>That singer </i>is <i>Grd</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As we watched Ma Christiansen make her way back to the stage and embrace Grd, a dark feeling came over me. Something wasn¡¯t right; like we¡¯d just walked into the lion¡¯s den.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Cole</i>, <i>maybe </i><i>it¡¯s </i>just someone <i>that </i>sounds <i>like </i><i>Grd</i>¡­no <i>way </i>she¡¯s <i>this </i>talented.¡±


    Olivia spoke in a low tone, but I could ear the malice of envy in her words, Has she always felt this way about Grd? Suddenly, father began to p.


    <b>¡°</b><i>Isn¡¯t </i><i>this </i>a good thing<i>! </i><i>That </i>means the Christiansens have epted <i>her</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Mom said nothing. As for me, I didn¡¯t share my father¡¯s sentiments. I was right the first time¡­.We shouldn¡¯t havee here.


    <b>18:47 </b>Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    <b>42 </b>


    <b>Gracie¡¯s </b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    <i>Even </i>behind <i>the </i>masks I could <i>tell </i><i>my </i><i>family </i><i>was </i><i>starting </i><i>to </i><i>panic</i>. <i>I </i>was <i>sure </i><i>Cole </i><i>probably </i><i>figured </i><i>out </i><i>by </i>now <i>that </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>the </i>singer. <i>After </i><i>years </i>of <i>stealing </i><i>my </i><i>work</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>knew </i><i>HE </i><i>of </i><i>all </i><i>people </i><i>would </i><i>recognize </i><ol><li>me<i>. </i></li></ol>


    <i>Ma </i><i>hugged </i><i>me </i><i>tightly </i><i>thanking </i><i>me </i><i>once </i><i>again </i><i>for </i><i>loving </i><i>her </i><i>son</i><i>. </i>I <i>smiled </i><i>warmly </i><i>at </i><i>my </i><i>mother</i><i>¨C</i><i>in- </i><iw</i>. <i>If </i><i>only </i><i>she </i><i>knew </i><i>how </i><i>much she¡¯d </i><i>saved </i><i>me </i><i>in </i><i>these </i><i>two </i><i>lives </i>I <i>lived</i>.


    <i>After </i><i>our </i><i>embrace </i><i>ended</i><i>, </i><i>the </i><i>crowd </i><i>continued </i><i>to </i><i>cheer</i>. <i>Taking </i><i>the </i><i>mic</i><i>, </i><i>Ma </i><i>began </i>to <i>speak</i>.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>so </i><i>much</i><i>! </i><i>If </i><i>I </i><i>could </i><i>have </i><i>everyone quiet </i><i>down</i>. <i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to introduce </i><i>our </i><i>guest </i><i>of </i>honor.¡±


    <i>The </i><i>crowd </i><i>immediately </i><i>became </i><i>quiet </i><i>as </i><i>Ma </i><i>took </i><i>her </i><i>mask </i><i>off</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>As </i><i>I </i><i>said </i><i>early</i><i>, </i><i>this </i><i>year </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>nothing </i><i>short </i>of <i>a </i><i>nightmare </i>for <i>my </i><i>family </i><i>as </i><i>our son </i><iid </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><ia</i>. <i>Many </i>of <i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>this</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>my </i><i>husband </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>tried </i><i>everything </i><i>we </i><i>could </i><i>to </i><i>wake </i><i>up </i><i>our </i><i>son</i><i>. </i><i>Nothing </i><i>worked</i><b><i>.</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Just </i><i>then</i><i>, </i><i>Theo </i><i>walked </i><i>up </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>stage </i><i>and </i><i>gently </i><i>grabbed </i><i>Ma¡¯s </i><i>hand</i>.


    ¡°<i>We </i><i>were </i><i>beginning </i><i>to </i><i>lose </i><i>hope</i>. <i>Afraid </i><i>our </i><i>Kai </i><i>would </i><i>never </i><i>return </i><i>to </i><i>us</i>. <i>That is </i><i>until we </i><i>met </i><i>a </i><i>very </i><i>remarkable </i><i>young </i><i>woman</i><i>. </i><i>This </i><i>girl</i><i>¡­</i><i>well</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯d </i><i>been </i><i>a </i><i>guardian </i><i>angel </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>son </i>for <i>a </i><i>long </i><i>time</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>I </i><i>searched </i><i>a </i>lot of <i>ces </i><i>to </i><i>find </i><i>her</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The <i>crowd began </i><i>to </i><i>whisper wondering </i><i>who </i><i>this </i><i>mystery </i><i>girl </i><i>was</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>she </i><i>had </i>to <i>do </i><i>with </i><i>Kai</i><i>. </i>


    I could <i>see </i><i>the </i><i>color </i><i>draining </i><i>from </i><i>Noah </i>as <i>he </i><i>lifted </i><i>his </i>mask.


    ¡°So <i>before </i><i>I </i><i>introduce </i><i>the </i><i>birthday </i><i>guest </i>of <i>honor</i>, <i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>reintroduce </i><i>you </i>all to someone <i>very </i>special¡­..<i>Our </i>son<i>¡­.</i><i>Kai </i><i>Christiansen</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    The entire crowd gasps as <i>Kai </i><i>made </i><i>his </i><i>way </i><i>to </i>the stage, <f7a> Readplete version only at F¦ÉndNovel</f7a>


    ¡°Is that really him???<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Oh my gosh!!! When did he wake up!!!¡±


    ¡°Wait! I¡¯m not convinced! Is that really him<b>??</b>¡±


    <b>18:47 </b>Mon<b>, </b>Sep 15


    Kai smiled <i>lightly </i>and lifted <i>his </i>mask<i>. </i>


    GASPS!!!!!!


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°It really is him!!!!¡±


    ¡°Oh my gosh!!!¡±


    ¡°Heir Christiansen has awakened!!!¡±


    ¡°Praise the gods!!¡±


    As <i>the </i><i>crowd </i><i>roared </i><i>in </i><i>praise</i><i>; </i><i>there </i><i>was </i><i>one </i><i>family </i><i>not </i><i>cheering</i>. <i>The </i><i>Rochesters</i>. <i>By </i><i>now</i><i>, </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>them </i><i>had </i><i>removed </i><i>their </i>masks. <i>I </i><i>could </i><i>see </i><i>Olivia¡¯s </i><i>eyes </i><i>filled </i><i>with </i><i>anger </i><i>and </i><i>envy</i><i>. </i><i>It </i><i>was </i><i>fine </i><i>my </i><i>marrying </i><i>Kai </i><i>when </i><i>they </i><i>all </i><i>thought he </i><i>was </i><i>a </i><i>mere </i><i>vegetable </i><i>and </i><i>I would </i><i>be </i><i>nothing </i><i>but </i><i>a </i><i>maid</i>. <i>But </i><i>now </i><i>that the </i><i>heir </i>of House <i>Christiansen </i><i>was </i><i>awake</i>, <i>that </i><i>meant </i><i>I </i><i>had </i><i>indeed </i><i>married BETTER </i><i>than </i><i>her</i>.


    Chapter Comments


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 Hunted 194

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>194


    ¡°Wait! Who was the young woman that woke him up?¡±


    A man <i>yelled </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>crowd</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°Yeah¡­whose this ¡®guardian angel¡® you spoke of<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <i>Kai </i>smiled smugly.


    ¡°Mother¡­if I may?¡±


    <i>Ma </i><i>smiled </i><i>proudly </i><i>and </i><i>handed </i><i>the </i><i>mic </i>to <i>Kai</i>. The <i>crowd </i><i>instantly </i><i>silenced </i>as <i>he </i><i>began </i>to <i>speak</i>.


    ¡°First, I want to say thank you all for the well wishes sent these past several months while I was in mya and while I was in recovery. You kind words, cards, flowers, etc¡­.I truly appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°The truth is, I¡¯ve been woke since June 27th.¡±


    <i>GASPS</i><i>!!!!! </i>


    <b>42 </b>


    <i>The </i><i>crowd </i><i>once </i><i>again </i><i>gasp</i><i>. </i><i>Hearing </i><i>that </i><i>Kai </i><i>had </i><i>been </i><i>woke </i>for <i>the </i><i>past </i><i>three </i><i>months </i><i>caused </i><i>questions </i>to run <i>through </i><i>the </i><i>crowd</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°But why have you just now announced your recovery? And who woke you up?¡±


    A <i>reporter </i><i>from </i><i>the </i><i>crowd </i><i>walked </i><i>forward </i><i>speaking </i><i>directly to </i><i>Kai</i><i>. </i>


    Kai turned in <i>my </i><i>direction </i><i>and </i><i>held out </i><i>his </i><i>hand</i><i>. </i><i>Nervous</i>, <i>I </i><i>walked </i><i>slowly </i><i>and </i><i>grabbed </i><i>his </i>hand gently<i>. </i><i>Turning </i><i>back </i>to <i>the </i><i>crowd</i><i>, </i><i>Kai </i>proceeded to <i>answer </i><i>the reporter</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°Regarding why I dyed the announcement of my recovery, I¡¯ll answer that in due time. But first¡­l want to introduce you all to the woman I¡¯ve loved my entire life. The woman that changed my life twice now. My angel¡­My fianc¨¦¡­Grd Teagues.¡±


    I slowly took my mask of revealing my face.


    <i>The </i>crowd began to <i>roar </i><i>and </i>cheer.


    ¡°Oh my gosh!!! Did he say his fianc¨¦???¡±


    <b>18:47 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>15


    ¡°Kai Christiansen is getting married!!¡±


    ¡°Oh wow!!! That song was about him!!¡±


    ¡°What a beautiful couple!!!<b>¡± </b>


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    <i>As </i><i>the </i><i>crowd </i><i>cheered</i>, <i>I </i><i>could </i><i>see </i><i>the </i><i>fire </i><i>in </i>both <i>Calvin </i><i>and </i><i>Sharon¡¯s </i><i>eyes</i>. <i>Kai </i><i>had </i><i>just </i><i>introduced </i>me <i>as </i><i>Teagues </i><i>instead </i>of <i>Rochester</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>reporter </i><i>then </i><i>turned </i><i>his </i>mic <i>and </i>recorder <i>to </i><i>me</i>.


    ¡°Ms. Teagues, tell us¡­who is your family? Where are you from?¡±


    <i>I </i>smiled <i>smugly</i><i>. </i><i>It </i><i>was showtime</i>.


    ¡°Well, my mother¡¯s name was Diana Teagues. Unfortunately both she and her husband has passed


    away years ago. So now, the Christiansen¡¯s are my only fam-¡±


    ¡°GRACELAND!!! How could you say such a thing!! We¡¯re your family!!!<b>¡± </b>


    My <i>father </i><i>stormed </i><i>to </i><i>the front </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>crowd </i><i>along </i><i>with </i><i>my </i><i>mother</i>, <i>siblings</i>, <i>and </i><i>Jonathan</i>.


    <i>The </i><i>crowd </i><i>suddenly </i><i>began </i>to <i>chatter</i>.


    ¡°Wait¡­what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Calvin Rochester?¡±


    ¡°Why is he calling that girl his family?¡±


    <i>The </i>reporter <i>then </i><i>turned </i><i>to </i><i>Calvin</i>.


    ¡°You¡¯re Calvin Rochester right? Do you know this girl?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do! I¡¯m her father! She¡¯s my daughter! Grd Rochester!¡±


    <i>The </i>reporter <i>then </i>turned back to <i>me</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°Ms. Teagues¡­is this true??? Are you the daughter of Calvin and Sharon Rochester?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    <b>18:47 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    :


    ¡°Grd!!! How could you do this to us! To your own mother! You dare to im the woman that


    stole you from me!¡±


    <i>GASPS</i><i>!!!! </i>


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°What!!! They had a child stolen?¡±


    ¡°So wait, Diana Teagues was a kidnapper??¡±


    ¡°This is all so confusing!!!¡±


    <i>Suddenly</i><i>, </i><i>Olivia </i><i>ran </i>to <i>the </i><i>front</i>.


    ¡°Sister!! Why are you doing this??¡±


    <i>Olivia </i><i>practically </i><i>threw </i><i>herself </i><i>towards </i><i>Kai</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°Lord Christensen, please forgive my sister! She wasn¡¯t with us the first twelve years of her life, so she¡¯s not as refined as me. And even though Grd has always been jealous of me, I hope that


    you see her value as more than a maid.¡±


    HA!! <i>This </i><i>fuckin </i><i>bitch</i><i>!!! </i>


    I <i>stepped </i><b>off </b><i>the </i><i>stage slowly </i><i>and </i><i>walked </i><i>towards </i><i>Olivia</i><i>. </i><i>Without </i><i>a </i><i>hesitation</i>.


    <i>SLAP</i><i>! </i>


    ¡°Ahhh!!!¡±


    <i>Olivia </i>stumbled <i>backwards</i>, <i>but </i>before <i>she </i><i>could </i><i>fall </i><i>I </i>pped her again. <fn6c07> Latest content published on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn6c07>


    ¡°Grd!!! Are you crazy!!!<b>¡± </b>


    SLAP<b>!!! </b>


    <i>I </i>looked <i>down </i>at Olivia as she grabbed her now swelling face. As the crowd began erupt in voices one stood <i>out</i><i>. </i>


    ¡°GRACELAND! What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing!!!¡°¡±


    I looked up and smiled smugly at Brian. Giving you all your payment.


    <b>18:47 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    ¡­

 Hunted 195

    Brain stared at me with fire in his eyes. He was obviously furious. Good. It would be that much more satisfying when I brought them all down.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone too <i>far</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i><i>a </i><i>damn </i><i>who </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>married </i>too! <i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>hit </i><i>my </i>sister<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brain barked as he helped Olivia to her feet.


    I could feel Kai begin to walk forward towards Brian, I held my hand on his chest indicating to stop. This was something I had to handle on my own.


    ¡°<i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>meaning </i>of <i>this</i>! <i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>embarrass </i>us <i>in </i><i>front </i>of <i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>! </i><i>Apologize </i><i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    My father yelled as he pointed directly at me. HA! Apologize. As if!


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>would </i><i>I </i><i>be </i><i>apologizing </i>for<i>?</i>¡±


    I smiled sardonically at Calvin; I could practically see the steaming from his ears<b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i>You-! For <i>embarrassing </i><i>yourself </i><i>in </i><i>front </i><b><i>of </i></b><i>such </i><i>a </i><i>prominent </i><i>family</i><i>! </i>For <i>lying </i><i>about </i><i>who </i>your <i>parents </i><i>are</i><i>!</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Lying</i>?¡±


    I sneered at Calvin as his face turned red. Suddenly, Sharon walked to the front.


    ¡°Grd<i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m </i>the one <i>that </i><i>gave </i><i>birth </i><i>to </i><i>you</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m <i>your </i><i>mother</i><i>! </i><i>How </i>could you call the woman that stole you from me <i>your </i><i>mother</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    My face twisted in disgust.


    The whole thing would have been hrious had it not been at the expense of my life. I walked closer to Sharon causing her back up nervously.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mother</i>. <i>When </i>have you ever been my mother?¡±


    Sharon¡¯s eyes bulged open as she pped her hands over her mouth. Suddenly, Noah stepped


    Mon<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>


    forward.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i>! How <i>dare </i>you speak to <i>mother </i><i>like </i><i>this</i>! <i>After </i><i>all </i><i>she¡¯s </i>done for you! You <i>have </i>no <i>idea </i><i>how </i>much <i>she </i><i>suffered </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>taken</i><i>! </i><i>Apo-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Suffered</i>! <i>HA</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>would </i><i>she </i><i>have suffered </i><i>when </i>she¡¯s <i>the </i>reason <i>I </i>was ¡®<i>taken</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The crowd gasped at my words. Whispers roamed throughout the ballroom.


    ¡°What <i>does </i><i>she </i><i>mean </i><i>by </i><i>that</i><i>?</i>¡± <fncd14> Latest content published on Find~Novel</fncd14>


    ¡°Did <i>she </i><i>say </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>taken</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>never </i><i>knew </i><i>they </i><i>had </i><i>a </i><i>missing </i><i>daughter</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Sharon¡¯s eyes widen as the color drained from her face.


    ¡°<i>Grd </i><i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you-</i><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Enough </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>foolishness </i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>believe </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>betraying </i><i>us </i><i>like </i><i>this</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin yelled cutting Sharon off. Suddenly, Cole walked forward.


    ¡°<i>Grd</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>disappointed</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>never </i><i>knew </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>this </i><i>vindictive</i>. <i>All </i><i>those </i><i>times </i><i>I </i><i>sided </i><i>with </i>


    <i>you-</i>¡±


    42


    <i>¡°</i><i>Save </i><i>it</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>I </b><b>cut </b>Cole off before he could finish. I was tired of him ying the <i>¡®</i><i>good </i><i>brother</i><i>¡®</i><i>. </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Do <i>you </i><i>know </i><i>how </i><i>many </i><i>years </i><i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>you </i><i>actually </i><i>cared </i><i>about </i>me? <i>When </i><i>the </i>truth <i>is</i>¡­you only <i>wanted </i>to use <i>me </i>for <i>my </i>music¡­<i>my </i><i>talent</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>were </i>a <i>coward</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Cole¡¯s eyes widen as he stepped back.


    ¡°<i>Grd </i>1-<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Enough</i>! <i>All </i><i>you </i>ever did was stand back as I got <i>punished</i>, bullied, and beaten <i>for </i>things <b><i>I </i></b><i>didn¡¯t </i>do and <i>then </i>pretended to <i>care</i><i>! </i>You <i>never </i><i>ONCE </i>tried to defend me<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brian walked up; his face twisted with anger.


    <b>18:47 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>15


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°You <i>think </i>you¡¯re someone because <i>you¡¯re </i>engaged <i>to </i><i>Kai </i>Christiansen, <i>but </i>he¡¯ll see <i>just </i><i>how </i><i>useless </i>you


    <i>are </i>soon eno-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>right</i>?¡±


    Kai walked down from the stage, a smug grin on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Tell </i>me <i>something </i><i>Rochester</i>¡­do <i>you </i><i>think </i>I¡¯ll <i>figure </i><i>that </i><i>out </i><i>before </i>or <i>after </i>I <i>recover </i><i>from </i>being a¡­ <i>what </i><i>was </i><i>it </i><i>you </i>said<i>? </i><i>¡®</i><i>Braindead </i><i>vegetable</i><i>¡®</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Brian¡¯s eyes widen as he red over at me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>what </i>she¡¯s <i>told you </i><i>but-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai turned around and pressed y on the projection screen. Suddenly, you could hear voices and


    see faces.


    Mocking words from both Brian and Jonathan filled the ballroom as they mocked Kai for being in a


    Brian¡¯s eyes bulged, the color draining from his face. Suddenly, Jonathan ran forward.


    ¡°<i>Heir </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>! </i><i>Please</i><i>! </i>It¡¯s <i>not </i><i>what </i><i>it </i><i>sounds </i><i>like</i><i>! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>twisting-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>So </i>you <i>didn¡¯t </i><i>call </i><i>me </i><i>a </i><i>brain </i><i>dead </i><i>sap</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>I-¡±


    Caught red handed; Jonathan paused<b>, </b>unable to think of something to say.


    ¡°Grd<i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>doing </i><i>this</i><i>¡­</i><i>after </i><i>everything </i><i>we¡¯ve </i>done for <i>you</i>? How <i>could </i>you betray-¡±


    <i>¡°</i>What <i>exactly </i><i>have </i>you done for <i>me</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 196

    My voice fell t as I stared at Sharon. She really was trying to y the grieving mother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Tell </i>me something¡­ ¡®<i>mother</i>¡®. Do <i>they </i><i>know </i><i>the </i>truth<i>?</i><i>¡± </i><fnddf6> This content belongs to find?novel</fnddf6>


    Sharon squinted her eyes at me. Her face contorting to an ugly expression.


    ¡°<i>What </i>truth<i>? </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>idea </i><i>what </i><i>nonsense </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>spew</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin suddenly spoke up again.


    <b>42 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>Stop </i><i>this</i><i>! Your </i><i>mother </i><i>was </i><i>devasted the </i><i>night </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>taken </i><i>from </i><i>us</i>! <i>How </i><i>could </i><i>you </i><i>be </i><i>so </i><i>cruel</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Hahahah</i>!!!!


    I began tough hysterically. He really didn¡¯t know the truth. Growing frustrated, Calvin began to frantically yell.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i>so <i>funny</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>think </i><i>your </i><i>mother¡¯s </i><i>pain </i><i>is </i><i>funny</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I wiped theugh tears from eyes, my face going back to stoic; I sneered at Calvin¡¯s question.


    ¡°<i>Actually</i>, I <i>find </i><i>it </i><i>funny </i><i>she </i><i>was </i>so ¡®<i>torn </i><i>up</i><i>¡­.</i><i>especially </i><i>considering</i>¡­<i>she¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>reason </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>taken </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>first </i><i>ce</i>. Or <i>did </i><i>you </i><i>not </i><i>know</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin¡¯s face twisted in a confused expression.


    ¡°What <i>are </i>you <i>saying</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sigh. ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i><i>saying </i>your <i>precious </i><i>wife </i><i>ordered </i><i>your </i>henchman to murder me in order to cover up an affair.¡±


    GASPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    The crowd began to erupted as my words filled the room like a hollow hole.


    ¡°<i>THAT¡¯S </i>A <i>LIE</i>!!!!!!!!¡±


    Sharon yelled out frantically as Noah held her steady. The color was nowpletely gone from her


    <b>18:48 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    <b>face</b><b>. </b>


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°Grd! <i>Stop </i>it!!! <i>Why </i><i>would </i>you <i>say </i><i>such </i>a <i>cruel </i>thing about <i>mother</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Noah yelled.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯ve </i><i>really </i>gone too <i>far </i><i>Grd</i>.¡±


    Olivia sobbed as Jonathan held her in his arms.


    As the crowd gossiped in shock, some even pulled out their phones to record this cynical mess.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m not <i>the </i><i>one who¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>lying</i>. <i>Your </i><i>precious </i><i>mother </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>lying </i><i>for </i><i>over </i><i>20 </i><i>years</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Calvin looked over at Sharon, her face was ghostly white.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sharon</i><i>¡­</i><i>what </i><i>is </i><i>she </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i><i>? </i><i>Why </i><i>would </i>she <i>say </i><i>something </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>? </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>true</i>¡­<i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tears began to fall down Sharon¡¯s face as she shook her head. Calvin became furious. He walked up and grabbed Sharon by the shoulders; shaking her frantically.


    <i>¡°</i><i>WHO </i><i>WAS </i><i>IT</i><i>!!! </i><i>Who </i><i>was the </i><i>son</i>¨C<i>of</i><i>¨C</i><i>a</i><i>¨C</i><i>bitch </i><i>you </i><i>betrayed </i><i>me </i>for<i>!!! </i><i>Tell </i><i>me</i>!!!¡±


    Sharon continued to cry but said nothing.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Benard </i><i>Thorton</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin looked at Sharon with a despaired expression. I cared nothing about his hurt feelings.


    He then turned to me slowly; his face filled with rage. His voice was shaking.


    ¡°B¨CBenard Thor<i>¡­.</i><i>that </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>true</i>. <i>He¡¯s </i><i>always </i><i>been </i><i>loyal</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I stared at Calvin as he stood in denial. After looking back at Sharon, he began to yell again.


    ¡°<i>You</i><i>¡­</i>you bitch!!! <i>You¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>having </i>an <i>affair </i><i>with </i>Benard!!! <i>This </i><i>whole </i>time!!!¡±


    Sharon ran towards Calvin; her voice filled with pain as she sobbed. Frantically grabbing his hands, she tried to exin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Calvin</i>¡­honey¡­let me exin-¡±


    18:48 <b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Exin</i>!!! <i>EXPLAIN</i><i>!!!! </i><i>You¡¯ve </i><i>had </i><i>his </i><i>bastard </i><i>child </i>in <i>our </i>house <i>for </i><i>the </i><i>past </i><i>seven </i><i>years-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m not <i>a </i><i>bastard </i><i>child</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin turned towards me. His face bloodshot red.


    ¡°<i>What do </i>you mean? <i>You </i><i>just </i>said-¡±


    ??))


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>said </i><i>she </i><i>ordered </i><i>my </i><i>execution </i><i>to </i>HIDE <i>her </i><i>affair</i>. <i>She </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i>sure <i>whose </i><i>child </i><i>I </i><i>was</i>; <i>but </i>she <i>didn¡¯t </i>want <i>to </i><i>take </i><i>any </i><i>chances </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>event </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i><i>ordered </i><i>a </i><i>paternity </i><i>test</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>me </i>being a <i>girl </i>


    and all<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin¡¯s brows lowered, relief on his face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i>¡­so <i>you are </i>my <i>daughter</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Biologically</i><i>. </i>Yes.¡±


    I answered tly. I could see the relief fill Calvin¡¯s eyes. Suddenly, Brian scoffed.


    ¡°<i>So </i><i>you </i><i>put </i><i>us </i><i>through </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>this </i>for <i>nothing</i>! <i>You </i><i>tried </i><i>to </i><i>destroy </i><i>mother</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>wretched</i><i>¡­.</i>even <i>if </i><i>you </i><i>share </i><i>our </i>blood<i>! </i><i>You¡¯ll </i><i>never </i><i>be </i><i>a </i><i>Rochester</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Iughed hysterically at the irony. With a sardonic smile, I sneered at Brian.


    ¡°OUR <i>blood</i><i>? </i>¡®<i>Our</i><i>¡®</i><i>¡­.</i><i>oh </i><i>Brian</i><i>¡­</i><i>Didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>know</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Brain¡¯s face began to pale.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Know </i>what<i>? </i><i>What </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>running </i><i>your </i><i>mouth </i><i>about </i><i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I chuckled.


    ¡°There¡¯s a reason <i>why </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i>was so convinced <i>I </i>was <i>Thorton¡¯s </i>child.¡±


    Sharon ran forward.


    42


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i>!!! <i>Stop </i>it!!!<i>¡± </i>


    Brian stared at me with a harden gaze, but I wasn¡¯t backing down. I looked past Sharon and straight


    at Brian.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>may </i><i>not </i><i>be </i><i>Thorton¡¯s </i><i>bastard</i><i>¡­.</i><i>but </i><i>you </i><i>are</i>¡­¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    <b>18:48 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±

 Hunted 197

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>197 </b>


    <i>Gracie¡¯s </i><b><i>POV</i></b><b>: </b>


    ??)


    Brian stared at me with widen eyes; the colorpletely drained from his face. The entire ballroom was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.


    Sharon looked as if she were about to faint as tears flooded her face.


    ¡°T¨CThat¡¯s <i>not </i><i>true</i>¡­y¨C<i>you¡¯re </i><i>lying</i>¡­.<i>YOU¡¯RE </i><i>LYING</i>!!!!¡±


    Brian yelled as tears began to fall down his face. I stared at him stoically. I actually almost felt sorry


    for him. It¡¯s not easy learning your life is a lie. Brian frantically turned towards Sharon.


    <i>¡°</i><i>M</i><i>¨C</i><i>Mom</i>¡­<i>it¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>true </i><i>right</i>? <i>Tell </i><i>her</i>!!! <i>Tell </i>her it¡¯s <i>not </i><i>true</i>!!!!¡±


    Sharon fell to her knees, crying hysterically.


    <i>¡°</i><i>B</i><i>¨C</i><i>Brian</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m </i><b>so </b><i>sorr-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°NO<i>!!!! </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>true!!! </i><i>Mom</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin¡¯s eyes widen in rage.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>whore</i><i>¡­</i><i>YOU </i><i>WHORE</i>!!!! HOW <i>COULD </i>YOU DO <i>THIS </i><i>TO </i><i>ME</i><i>!!!! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>finished</i>!!!¡±


    Noah suddenly ran to Calvin cing his hands on his shoulders.


    ¡°<i>Father</i>!!! Not <i>now</i><i>!!! </i><i>Look</i><i>, </i>I¡¯m sure <i>mom can </i><i>exin-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><b>Exin</b>!!! <i>Exin </i><i>how </i>I¡¯ve <i>been </i><i>raising </i><i>another </i>man¡¯s <i>child </i><i>for </i><i>over </i>22 <i>years</i>!!!¡±


    Jonathan suddenly turned to me<b>; </b>hatred on his face and in his tone.


    ¡°Is this what you <i>wanted </i><i>Grd</i><i>? </i>To tear <i>your </i><i>family </i>apart<i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b>I </b>cut my eyes over to him andughed.


    ¡°I <i>didn¡¯t </i>do a <i>thing</i><i>. </i>The Rochesters did <i>this </i>all on <i>their </i>own.¡±


    <b>42 </b>


    <b>18:48 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    Noah suddenly turned towards me. His face filled with chagrin


    ¡°That¡¯s enough <i>Grd</i><i>! How </i><i>could </i><i>you </i><i>do </i><i>this </i><i>to </i><i>us</i><i>!!! </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>your </i><i>family</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ha</i><i>! </i><i>My </i><i>family</i><i>?</i>¡±


    1 sneered as I walked towards Noah.


    <b>42 </b>


    ¡°You <i>people </i><i>have </i><i>never </i><i>been </i><i>my </i><i>family</i>. <i>Family </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>abuse </i><i>each </i><i>other</i>. <i>Family </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i>ridicule each <i>other</i>. <i>Family </i>doesn¡¯t <i>STEAL from </i><i>each </i><i>other</i><i>. </i><i>All </i><i>you </i><i>people </i><i>ever </i><i>did was </i>use <i>and </i><i>abuse </i><i>me</i><i>! </i><i>What </i>


    <i>family</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>not </i>true<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia yelled out, tears pouring down her face. Kai pressed y on the projection screen once more.


    This time showing all of the Rochesters along with Jonathan plotting to bring me back to the estate. Olivia¡¯s voice bright and chipper.


    ¡°Oh!! <i>Big </i><i>brother</i><i>! </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>get </i><i>Grd </i>to do <i>all </i><i>of </i><i>my </i><i>homework </i><i>and </i><i>tests</i><i>!</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Olivia¡¯s face turned ashen as she watched the screen.


    Hearing how the Rochesters were scheming to lure me back home just so I could do all of their work,


    the crowd grew even more disgusted.


    ¡°How <i>could </i><i>they </i><i>do </i><i>something </i><i>like </i><i>this </i><i>to </i><i>their </i><i>own daughter </i><i>and </i><i>sister</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°What <i>a </i><i>disgusting </i><i>family</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°No <i>wonder </i><i>she </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>want </i>to <i>im </i><i>them</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia slowly backed away; her face filled with embarrassment. Brian stormed out of the ballroom as


    Cole followed. Releasing Sharon, Noah stepped forward.


    <i>¡°</i>Grd<i>¡­</i><i>we </i><i>may </i><i>not </i><i>have </i><i>always </i>been perfect, but <i>we </i>were <i>your </i><i>family</i><i>. </i><i>It </i>was never anything wrong <i>with </i>you <i>helping </i><i>family</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    This jackass¡­he equated theft to assistance.


    ¡°Help? Is that what <i>you </i>call taking <i>their </i>tests as <i>they </i>received the A¡¯s. Doing <i>their </i>homework as <i>they </i>received the achievements. Writing <i>their </i>music as they received the praise and promotions.¡±


    <b>18:48 </b>Mon<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    :


    Noah¡¯s eyes widen. Never had he heard me be so brazen. I smiled smugly. <fnf476> Updates are released by F?ndNovel</fnf476>


    ¡°<i>Or </i><i>perhaps </i><i>you </i><i>thought </i>doing <i>your </i><i>business </i>proposals <i>and </i><i>then </i>presenting them as <i>your </i>own so <i>that </i>you could get all <i>the </i>credit and des <i>was </i><i>¡®</i><i>helping</i>¡®<i>¡± </i>


    Noah¡¯s face turned ashen.


    <i>¡°</i><i>T</i>¨C<i>That¡¯s </i>not-¡±


    ¡°You <i>know </i><i>Noah</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>actually </i><i>the </i>worst of <i>them </i>all. <i>Sitting </i><i>on </i><i>your </i><i>high </i><i>horse </i>as <i>you </i><i>scolded </i><i>your </i><i>siblings</i>¡­but <i>no </i>one <i>stole </i><i>from </i>me <i>more </i><i>than </i><i>you </i><i>did</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I sneered at Noah as his words felt caught in his throat. With nothing to refute, Noah turned to Sharon helping her stand up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let¡¯s </i>go <i>mother</i><i>.</i>¡±


    After Noah and Sharon left, Calvin turned back to me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>¡­</i><i>I don¡¯t </i><i>understand</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>do </i><i>this </i><i>here</i><i>? </i><i>We¡¯ve </i><i>always been </i><i>honest </i><i>and-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Honest</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    42


    Kaiughed ironically as he walked forward.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>saying </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>honest </i><i>Rochester</i><i>? </i><i>Your </i><i>wife </i><i>has </i><i>a </i><i>bastard son</i><i>; </i><i>your </i><i>children </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>receiving </i>praises for <i>the </i><i>work </i><i>and </i><i>talent </i><i>of </i><i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦</i><i>¡­</i><i>and </i><i>you</i><i>? </i><i>Tell </i><i>me </i><i>something </i><i>Rochester</i>¡­<i>does </i><i>your </i>board <i>know </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i><i>about </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>the </i><i>Brooks</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    As Calvin¡¯s face grew ashen, Jonathan stormed back to the front.


    <i>¡°</i>What <i>the </i><i>hell are </i>you <i>talking </i><i>about </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>!!! </i><i>Just </i>because <i>you¡¯re </i>one of the most powerful heirs¡­ it doesn¡¯t <i>mean-</i>¡±


    ¡°One of?<b>¡± </b>


    Kai responded with an arrogant smile. There was no n in the world as powerful as House Christiansen.


    3/

 Hunted 198

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>198 </b>


    Jonathan lowered his tone.


    :


    ¡°Regardless¡­it doesn¡¯t <i>give </i><i>you </i><i>the </i><i>right </i>to <i>make </i><i>up </i>lies about <i>my </i><i>family</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai stepped directly in front of Jonathan. At six foot three inches, Kai towered over Jonathon. His gaze was filled with hatred as he stared at him.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>know </i><i>Brooks</i>, <i>I¡¯ve been </i><i>wanting </i><i>to </i><i>meet </i><i>you personally</i>. <i>I </i><i>really </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>care </i><i>about </i><i>what </i><i>you </i>said <i>about </i>me¡­I <i>know </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>never </i><i>be </i><i>man </i><i>enough </i>to <i>say </i><i>such </i><i>words </i><i>to my </i><i>face</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>you </i>insulted <i>my </i><i>fianc¨¦</i>¡­<i>that </i>I <i>simply </i><i>cannot </i><i>allow</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Jonathan¡¯s face turned pale as he backed away slowly. Turning to face my father, Kai continued.


    <i>¡°</i>So <i>tell me </i><i>Rochester</i>¡­Does <i>your </i><i>board </i><i>know </i><i>about </i><i>your </i><i>dirty </i><i>dealings</i><b><i>?</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    Calvin¡¯s eyes widen in fear, I¡¯m sure he wanted to know just how Kai found out about his underground business deals with the overlords of North Bay.


    Before Calvin could respond, one of his board members Martin Keys stepped forward.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>is </i><i>it </i><i>that </i><i>we </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>Lord </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    ¡°I¡¯d <i>like </i>to <i>know </i><i>that </i><i>as </i><i>well</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    42


    Another board member stated. When Kai first gave out the party invitations, he made sure to invite <b>a </b>few of Calvin¡¯s board members.


    Calvin nervously turned towards his board members, his face ghostly pale.


    ¡°I¨CI <i>don¡¯t </i><i>know what </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>talking </i><i>abo-</i>¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m talking <i>about </i><i>your </i><i>dirty </i><i>dealings </i>creating <i>front </ipanies <i>for </i>some of North Bay¡¯s most despicable crime lords. You <i>and </i><i>Steven </i>Brooks <i>have </i>been <i>involved </i>in <i>tax </i>evasion, moneyundering, and all <i>types </i>of illegal activity for years.¡± <fneaa9> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fneaa9>


    ¡°THAT¡¯S A <i>LIE</i>!!!¡±


    Jonathan ran forward; his face filled with fear.


    <b>18:48 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    ¡°<i>My </i><i>father </i>would never-¡±


    ¡°Your <i>father </i><i>is </i>a crook, as is your <i>grandfather</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai¡¯s tone was t as he nced at Jonathan.


    :


    Jonathan¡¯s face fell. As Olivia tried to hold his hand, he suddenly yanked it from hers.


    ¡°<i>Let </i><i>go </i>of <i>me</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Stunned, Olivia began to cry.


    ¡°<i>Jonathan</i><i>, </i><i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I <i>should </i><i>have never </i><i>chose </i><i>you </i><i>over </i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>My </i><i>grandfather </i><i>warned </i><i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jonathan stormed out of the ballroom. Olivia turned towards me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You </i><i>treacherous </i><i>bitch</i><i>!!! </i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>all </i><i>your </i><i>fault</i>!!! I¡¯m <i>d </i><i>mother </i><i>tried </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>killed</i><i>!! </i>I wish she <i>would </i><i>have </i>seeded<i>!!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>I </b>smiled smugly as Olivia¡¯s true mask finally showed. Finally, everyone got to see the real her!


    Olivia stormed out of the ballroom after Jonathan. Leaving Calvin now by himself. Martin Keys


    walked over to Calvin, disgust in his face.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>know I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>reporting </i><i>this </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>board</i><i>. </i><i>By </i><i>tomorrow </i><i>morning, </i>I¡¯ll <i>have </i><i>you </i><i>removed</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    With that, he also left the ballroom. Calvin¡¯s face was filled withplete despair. Tears falling down his face; he turned to me.


    <i>¡°</i><i>G</i><i>¨C</i><i>Grd</i>¡­how<i>¡­.</i><i>how </i><i>could </i><i>you </i>do <i>this </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>own </i><i>father</i><i>? </i><i>Your </i><i>own </i>family<i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°Family?¡±


    I scoffed. These people had no idea what <i>¡®</i><i>family</i>¡® was. Pulling out the marital contract my father signed the day I informed him of my proposal from the Christiansens, I turned to the final page.


    <b>42 </b>


    <i>¡°</i>Do you <i>know what </i>this is<i>? </i><i>No</i>? This is a <i>parental </i>release agreement¡­and guess <i>what</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>signed </i><i>it</i>.¡±


    Calvin¡¯s eyes widen in panic as he snatched the contract from my hand.


    18:48 Mon<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>15


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible<i>! </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>never </i><i>signed </i><i>something </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>! </i>I <i>would have </i>never <i>given </i><i>up </i><i>the </i>opportunity <i>to </i><i>be </i>connected <i>to-</i>¡±


    Calvin halted his words realizing he was about to say too much. I decided to finish it for him.


    42


    ¡°What¡­connected to <i>House </i><i>Christiansen</i><i>? </i>Oh <i>I </i><i>know</i>¡­I <i>also </i><i>knew </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>were </i>so <i>willing </i>to <i>sell </i>me <i>to </i><i>the </i><i>highest </i><i>bidder</i><i>, </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>have </i><i>even </i><i>bothered </i><i>reading </i><i>that </i><i>contract</i>. <i>Afterall</i><i>, </i><i>you </i>signed <i>it </i><i>thinking </i><i>the </i><i>Christiansens </i><i>were </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>me </i><i>here </i>as a <i>ve</i><i>. </i><i>Unfortunately </i><i>for </i><i>you</i>, <i>you </i><i>signed </i>over <i>your </i><i>parental </i><i>rights</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Horror stricken Calvin¡¯s face. He couldn¡¯t believe what he was reading.


    ¡°<i>So </i><i>you </i><i>see</i>¡­<i>you¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>my </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><i>the </i><i>Rochesters </i><i>are </i><i>not </i><i>my </i><i>family</i>. <i>As </i>of <i>June </i><i>25th</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>officially </i><i>became </i><i>Grd </i><i>Teagues</i>. I <i>guess </i>I <i>should </i><i>thank </i><i>you</i><b><i>; </i></b><i>if </i><i>you hadn¡¯t </i><i>been </i><i>such </i>a <i>disgustingly </i><i>greedy </i><i>father</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>never been </i><i>able </i><i>to </i><i>legally </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>daughter </i><i>of </i><i>my </i><i>true </i><i>mother</i><i>¡­</i><i>Diana </i><i>Teagues</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Calvin dropped to his knees, his tears falling on the paper. Suddenly, Kai signaled for security.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>please </i><i>remove </i><i>this </i><i>man </i><i>from </i><i>my </i><i>ballroom</i><i>¡­</i><i>his </i><i>presence is </i><i>no </i><i>longer </i><i>required</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 199

    <b><i>Gracie¡¯s </i></b><b><i>POV</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    After Calvin was removed, the guests all turned to Kai and I. I knew they were riddled with questions; I would do my best to answer. The reporter came back to the front,


    <i>¡°</i>Ms. <i>Teagues</i>!! <i>First</i><i>¡­</i><i>let </i>me <i>say</i>¡­. <i>I </i>am so <i>sorry, </i><i>it </i>seems <i>like </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>truly </i><i>been </i><i>threw </i><i>an </i>ordeal<i>! </i>I can¡¯t <i>imagine </i><i>what </i><i>your </i><i>life </i><i>was like </i><i>living </i><i>with </i>such a <i>deceitful </i><i>family</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Tears began to water in my eyes, he had no idea, it cost me my life in my previous life.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Please</i><i>, </i><i>tell </i><i>us</i>¡­<i>exactly what </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i><i>regarding </i><i>your </i><i>adoptive </i>mother<i>? </i><i>How </i><i>did </i><i>she </i><i>find </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Kai took my hand gently into his. Smiling back at me¡­he looked at me as if I was the most beautiful person in the world. With a nod to show his support, I smiled warmly at him. Turning back to the


    crowd, I took in a deep breath and answered the reporter¡¯s questions.


    I told the crowd the harrowing story about how Sharon ordered my death all because she didn¡¯t want to give up her position as a Rochester. I told them about my would¨Cbe possible father Bernard Thorton, and how I ended up with Diana Teagues. The entire ballroom was in tears. I told them how


    beautiful my life was with my adoptive mother, and dreadful it became once I was reunited with the


    Rochesters.


    ¡°How <i>could </i><i>a </i><i>mother </i><i>do </i><i>that </i>to <i>her </i><i>own </i><i>child</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>believe </i><i>that </i><i>family </i><i>was </i>so <i>disgraceful</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Thank </i>god <i>for </i><i>Diana </i><i>Teagues</i>¡­<i>she </i><i>was </i>a <i>saint</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    That was the best part¡­my mother¡¯s name had finally been vindicated! Finally, the world would


    know how amazing she was, no longer would her name be stained with shame and lies.


    I closed my eyes for a brief moment, thanking my mother to myself for always loving me; when a question from the crowd jilted me back.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So </i><i>what </i><i>now</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before <b>I </b>could answer, Kai, along with everyone else from the Christiansen n as well as Tyler, Cameron & Jackie, and Joellie walked to the stage. Each of us grabbing hands; the people I had grown to love<b>, </b>that had loved me for two lifetimes¡­standing tall with me. Grandmother¨CRoana spoke


    <b>18:48 </b>Mon<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>15


    <b>first</b>.


    :


    ¡°Now¡­we n a wedding<i>! </i>We <i>hope </i>you all <i>will </i>be able to attend!<i>¡± </i>


    Kai and I blushed as the crowd went wild with cheers! Congrattions and well wishes flooded the


    room. Kai smiled with pride as he took me into his arms.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m so proud <i>of </i><i>you </i><i>Gracie</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I blushed as my smile grew brighter. He had no idea how much that meant to me.


    Suddenly, Kai pulled me closer, his eyes gazing into mine, and gently kissed me. Everyone cheered


    and pped as the happy couple embraced each other.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>!! </i><i>Save </i><i>it </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>I </i><i>do¡¯s</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Parys¡®ment caused us all to burst outughing. The reporter then called back out to Kai.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i><i>! </i><i>Heir </i><i>Christiansen</i>¡­<i>you </i><i>never </i><i>told </i>us¡­.<i>who </i><i>was </i><i>this </i><i>birthday </i><i>party </i><i>for</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    42 <fn0ef4> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n </fn0ef4>


    Kai looked at me and smiled.


    ¡°For <i>my </i><i>finance </i><i>of </i><i>course</i>. <i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>get </i><i>the </i><i>chance </i><i>to </i><i>celebrate </i><i>it </i><i>on </i><i>her </i><i>actual </i><i>day</i><i>; </i>so I <i>nned </i><i>it </i>for <i>today</i><i>. </i><i>Now</i><i>, </i><i>if </i><i>the </i><i>band </i><i>could </i><i>please </i><i>y some music</i>¡­<i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>dance </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>most </i><i>beautiful </i>


    <i>person </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>room</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai led me down to the dance floor, as the crowd split to give us room; we began to slowly dance. Our eyes gazing lovingly at each other. After a few moments, everyone else began to pair up with


    someone and take the dance floor.


    As the song came to an end, there was a sudden ruckus in the hallway. We could hear what sounded like people yelling and then the doors flew open.


    Olivia came running in with what looked to be a knife in her hand. As she ran towards the crowd, she began to scream and cry,


    <i>¡°</i><i>GRACELAND</i>!!! YOU <i>BITCH!!! </i><i>I </i><i>HOPE </i><i>YOU </i><i>DIE</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Olivia <b>came </b>charging towards me, knife in hand. Before I could react, Ramone quickly tackled her down to the ground,


    <b>18:48 </b>Mon, Sep 15


    Squirming, she began yelling and cursing.


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Get </i><i>your </i><i>fucking </i><i>hands </i>off <i>me</i><i>!! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>who </i><i>I </i><i>am</i>!!! <i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>bitch</i><i>!! </i><i>You </i><i>ruined </i>my <i>life</i>!!! <i>Jonathan </i><i>left </i>me <i>because </i><i>of </i><i>you</i><i>!!! </i>I¡¯ll <i>kill </i><i>you</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ramone along with one of his other bodyguards dragged Olivia out the ballroom to wait for the authorities. Outside the ballroom, you could hear Sharon yelling and crying. Finally, she came running into the room


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>!! </i><i>Grd </i><i>please</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Sharon threw herself at my feet, tears flooding her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Grd</i><i>! </i><i>Please</i>!! I <i>beg </i><i>you</i><i>!! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>!!! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>let </i><i>her </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>jail</i><i>! </i><i>It¡¯ll </i><i>ruin </i><i>her</i><i>! </i>Please<i>!! </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>my </i>


    <i>daughter-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>WAS <i>YOUR </i><i>DAUGHTER</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 200

    <b>Chapter </b><b>200 </b>


    :


    ?


    <b>42 </b>


    Watching my biological mother degrade herself, begging me to save her precious Olivia¡­all the emotions that I carried for two lifetimes came flooding out.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯re </i><i>willing </i>to <i>throw </i><i>yourself </i><i>at </i><i>my </i><i>mercy</i>¡­.<i>to </i><i>degrade </i><i>yourself </i><i>just </i>to <i>save </i><i>Olivia</i>¡­but you <i>were </i>willing to <i>have </i>me <i>murdered</i><i>?!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Sharon¡¯s eyes widen; as she searched for the right words, nothing woulde up. The truth was¡­ there were no right words. Nothing could justify this¡­


    ¡°<i>No </i><i>matter </i><i>who </i><i>my </i><i>father </i><i>was</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>was </i>YOUR <i>daughter</i>¡­.<i>but </i><i>you </i><i>discarded </i><i>me </i>like trash because <b>I </b><i>threatened </i><i>your </i><i>status</i><i>¡­</i><i>and </i><i>then </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>the </i><i>nerve </i><i>to </i><i>beg </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>save </i><i>someone </i><i>who </i><i>just </i><i>tried </i>to <i>kill </i>


    me<i>?</i>¡±


    The tears began to swell into my eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>my </i><i>sister</i><i>¡­</i><i>because </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>my </i><i>mother</i>¡­¡± <fn6397> Original content can be found at findnovel</fn6397>


    With that, I turned to walk away. Sharon had disappointed and hurt me for thest time. I hated myself for even being affected. Kai ran after me along with Joellie and Ka.


    Suddenly, Ma walked up to Sharon. Her face filled with disgust.


    <i>¡°Security</i><i>¡­</i>please <i>remove </i><i>this </i><i>woman </i><i>from </i><i>my </i><i>home</i>.¡±


    Sharon¡¯s eyes widen in fear as she frantically looked around for me.


    ¡°<i>Stop </i>looking for Gracie¡­<i>she </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>helping </i><i>you </i><i>or </i><i>your </i><i>family </i><i>any </i><i>further</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°But my daughter-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Your daughter is going <i>to </i><i>jail </i>for attempted murder. <i>And </i><i>if </i><i>you </i>don¡¯t get the hell off <i>my </i><i>property</i>¡­I¡¯ll you arrested <i>for trespassing</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The security guards grabbed Sharon by the arms dragging her out the ballroom. As she struggled, you could hear her screaming and pleading for leniency towards Olivia, To the bitter end, she would defend her.


    <b>The </b>party pretty much went back to normal after that. I got to blow candles off the cake <b>as </b>everyone sang happy birthday¡­a first since I was twelve. We all danced and drank the night away. There were


    <b>18:49 </b>Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>


    :


    <b>42 </b>


    fireworks afterwards to close out the evening. Once the party was over, I waspletely exhausted. After taking a nice hot shower, I found my way to my bed plopping face down. Suddenly, I could hear Kaiughing behind me.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>an interesting <i>way </i><i>to </i><iy </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>bed </i>future Mrs. <i>Christiansen</i>.¡±


    I immediately turned around; my face filled withughter.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>long </i><i>have </i><i>you </i>been <i>standing </i><i>there</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Long </i><i>enough </i>to <i>see </i><i>you </i><i>plop </i><i>facedown </i>onto <i>the </i><i>bed</i><i>.</i>¡±


    I giggled as I sat up. Kai sat next to me, taking my left hand into his.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>tired</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>give </i><i>you </i><i>my </i><i>birthday </i><i>gift</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    I stared at Kai with a puzzled expression, I hadn¡¯t expected him to give me a gift. On my actual birthday, although we didn¡¯t celebrate it publicly, we all celebrated as a family. Ma and Theo threw another family weekend with everyoneing to the estate. It was absolutely wonderful and Kai¡­well lets just say in terms of gifts, if it had been St. Merry¡¯s Day, I would have had the entire bag of presents.


    Kai gently kissed my hand as he started to speak,


    ¡°You <i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>ten </i><i>years </i><i>ago</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>convinced </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>found </i><i>the </i><i>love </i><i>of </i><i>my </i><i>life </i><i>when </i>I <i>met </i><i>this </i><i>remarkable </i><i>girl </i>and <i>her </i><i>violin</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>it </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>time</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>she </i><i>had </i>to <i>cross </i><i>two </i><i>lifetimes </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>with </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Kai¡¯s eyes were filled with emotion as he continued.


    ¡°You <i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>never </i><i>told </i><i>you </i><i>this</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>the </i><i>day </i><i>I </i><i>woke </i><i>up</i>, <i>it </i><i>was </i><i>your </i><i>mother </i><i>I </i><i>saw </i>in <i>my </i>dream.¡±


    My eyes suddenly widen! WHAT!!!!


    ¡°What do you mean<b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    ¡°I mean¡­she was <i>the </i>one that guided me towards <i>your </i>music¡­before she left¡­she <i>whispered </i>something to <i>me</i>¡­do <i>know </i>what it was?<i>¡± </i>


    I could feel the tears falling down my face, shaking my head no, Kai continued.


    <b>¡°</b><i>Please </i><i>treat </i>my daughter <i>well</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i>waited a long time for <i>you</i>.¡±


    <b>18:49 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>15


    <b>?</b>. 042


    I could feel my face soaked in tears<b>¡­</b>my mother¡­she spoke to Kai for me¡­even in death¡­she was still my guardian angel.


    ¡°<i>I </i>know <i>you¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>threw </i><i>a </i>lot <i>Grd</i>. <i>Two </i><i>lifetimes</i>¡­and I can¡¯t <i>promise </i><i>you </i><i>that </i><i>everyday </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>perfect</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>promise </i><i>to </i><i>love </i><i>you for </i><i>the </i>rest of <i>my </i><i>life</i><i>¡­</i><i>to </i><i>cherish </i><i>you </i><i>always</i>¡­and to <i>be </i>there <i>for </i>you <i>every </i><i>step </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>way</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    I sat in silence. As Kai spoke, I couldn¡¯t help but think his words felt like a proposal<b>, </b>except we were already engaged. Before I could say anything, Kai pulled out this small, beautiful velvet box.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Now</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>I </i><i>was in </i><ia</i><i>¡­</i>so <i>my </i><i>parents </i>took <i>the </i><i>liberty </i><b><i>of </i></b><i>setting </i><i>everything </i><i>up</i>. BUT¡­<i>I </i><i>think </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>much </i><i>rather </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>one </i>to <i>ask </i><i>you </i><i>this</i><i>.</i>¡±


    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    Kai dropped down on one knee; his eyes gazed into mine as they burned brightly with love.


    <i>¡°</i>Grd <i>Teagues</i>¡­<i>will </i><i>you </i><i>do </i><i>me </i><i>the </i><i>honor </i>of <i>being </i><i>my </i><i>wife</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The tears came flooding as I eagerly shook my head.


    <i>¡°</i>Yes!!! Yes!!!<i>¡± </i>


    Kai picked me up swirling me around; after kissing me passionately, we made our way back to the bed. That night, Kai made love to me passionately, it was as if our entire souls were meeting for the


    first time. Letting us know¡­we were both right where we belonged.


    Maybe after this I¡¯ll be inspired topose another violin piece.


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 Hunted 201

    <b>Chapter </b><b>201 </b>


    <b><i>Grd¡¯s </i></b><b>POV</b><b>: </b>


    32


    Life returned to normal after the birthday party. Kai finally returned to work as President of HC-


    Tech. Theo was so happy to have him return. Over those two weeks, we finally finished all the


    preparations for the wedding including finding me the perfect gown which had to be altered as Kai, and I got some unexpected news.


    ¡°<i>We¡¯re </i><i>pregnant</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    I could still remember being in shock as the doctor gave us the exiting news. Kai almost levitated to


    the sky he was so happy! Meanwhile, when we announced it to the family, after the heads all cheered, Jackie and Londyn went around collecting payment for winning a bet.


    Apparently the group took bets on whether I would end up pregnant BEFORE the wedding.


    <i>¡°</i><i>YES</i>!!! <i>Pay </i><i>up</i><i>!!!</i>¡± <fn7001> Content originallyes from FindN()vel</fn7001>


    Londyn danced around with Jackie as they took everyone¡¯s money.


    I could still remember Tyler and Parys grumbling as they dug into their pockets to pull out cash.


    ¡°<i>I </i><i>knew </i><i>it</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Ma eximed as she hugged me tightly.


    ¡°<i>OMG</i><i>!! </i><i>My </i><i>first babyshower </i><i>nning</i>!!!¡±


    I remember looking at Ka in slight fear¡­I could imagine how much she would go all out for her niece or nephew.


    The wedding was absolutely wonderful¡­I don¡¯t think a queen could have had a better one. Ka and Roana had truly outdone themselves. After a three week honeymoon, Kai and I discovered our little bundle of joy was actually BUNDLES. Finally, seven monthster, a beautiful baby girl and boy was born. We named them Diana and Sammy¡­after our two guardian angels. We ended up hiring Zelma as our head caretake. Afterall, if it wasn¡¯t for her, everyone would have never learned the truth. As for Benard Thorton<b>, </b>he left North Bay shortly after our meeting. I learnedter on from Kai, he gave him money relocate as a debt paid for sparing my life with the threat of never returning to North or South Bay ever again.


    As for the Rochesters, after the party¡­the board voted to remove both Calvin and Noah. The same thing happened with the Brooks causing the grandfather to have a heart attack. Shortly after, Jonathan¡¯s father med him and disowned him after giving him a livable sum of money and forcing him to leave the estate. I heard he blew through it with gambling, liquor and women.


    As for Cole, he was removed from the Kingston Orchestra after they found out all of his work was giarized from me. They actually offered me a position as head writer and violinist, but I turned it down. No way would I ever live in Kingston again¡­my home was South Bay.


    Brian was kicked out of the university and shortly after moved away. He hasn¡¯t spoken to the Rochesters since. The rumor was he went to look for his biological father. Maybe Thorton can finally atone for the child he abandoned that was his. As for Olivia, after she was arrested, myself along with multiple guests from the party testified about her trying to kill me. She¡¯s now serving 20 years.


    in state prison.


    Sharon and Calvin divorced shortly after, and once Olivia was convicted, Sharon went back home to her hometown. They say she ended up going crazy and was put in a psych ward. To avoid jail as well as the overlords, Calvin and Noah fled the country, Cole left with them. I hear they went over to the Western Coast. Figures, cowards.


    As for me¡­<i>as </i>painful as my life was in my previous, that¡¯s how much joy I had in my new one. Soon the Christiansen n grew evenrger as everyone else started getting married and having children. As a ¡®push¡® gift, Kai purchased an entire orchestra hall for me so that I could continueposing and writing music. He said I deserved for the world to hear how magical my violin was. We¡¯re currently the number one orchestra in the world.


    I crossed two lifetimes to find this moment¡­this joy¡­the euphoric feeling of bliss¡­Thank you Diana¡­thank you for loving me so much that you made sure I found this moment. Thank you for finding me and treating me as if I were your own. Thank you for giving me enough love in twelve years tost a lifetime. I hope that you continue to watch and be proud,


    Love,


    Your Daughter: Grd Teagues¨CChristiansen.


    THE END.

 Hunted 202

    <b>Chapter </b><b>202 </b>


    Story 4: <i>Four </i><b><i>years </i></b><i>in </i><b><i>prison</i></b>, <i>my </i><i>list </i><i>was </i><b><i>iplete</i></b><i>. </i><b>Now </b>I¡¯m <i>making </i>a <b><i>new </i></b><i>list </i>of <i>revenge</i>! <fn7b16> Official source is find?novel</fn7b16>


    The day I went to prison, I asked for three things. <ol><li>Put money on my books. </li><li>Visit at least twice a month so that others would know who my family was. </li><li>Take care of my grandmother. </li></ol>


    32


    After serving four years, my family never sent me one red cent; causing me to have to squander formissary. As for the other two conditions¡­I only received one visit. The day my adoptive sister came to tell me my grandmother died in inhumane conditions.


    The day I was released, I came out with one goal and one goal only. To DESTROY the Taylors. One by one, I¡¯ll make sure they all pay!


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 Hunted 203

    <b>Chapter </b><b>203 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>1</b><b>: </b><b>Released </b>after four <b>years</b>.


    :


    ??))


    <b>32 </b>


    As the prison guard called her number, she could feel her heart start to race. Finally, after spending for years in prison for vehicr homicide, Josie Taylor was finally being released. As she gathered her things, the guard Lawrence Tillman smiled greasily at her.


    <i>¡°</i>Emm¡­I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>miss </i><i>you </i><i>Taylor</i><i>. </i><i>You and </i><i>our </i><i>¡®</i><i>special</i>¡® <i>meetings</i>.¡±


    His words burned like acid in her mind. Those ¡®special meetings¡®, were the beginnings of her hell and


    torture at this hellhole they called prison.


    She looked at Tillman with hatred in her eyes saying nothing.


    ¡°Oh<i>¡­</i><i>don¡¯t </i>look <i>at </i><i>me </i><i>like </i><i>that</i>. <i>Afterall</i>¡­<i>you </i><i>never </i><i>forget </i><i>your </i><i>first </i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    To that, she smiled. He was right. she wouldn¡¯t forget¡­she wouldn¡¯t forget how he beat her and held her down as he brutally assualted her almost every night, destroying any chances of her having a <fnc3cd> For original chapters go to Find~Novel</fnc3cd>


    normal level of intimacy. She¡¯d make sure to thank for him for it properly.


    As she walked to the front to receive her exit pass, the clerk Elma looked at her with pity. Out of everyone here, she was the only person that ever treated Josie like a human. After handing her the pass, she smiled warmly.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Good </i><i>luck </i><i>child</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>life </i><i>hasn¡¯t </i><i>exactly </i><i>been </i><i>easy </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>here </i><i>but</i>¡­it¡¯s <i>nothing </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>do </i><i>about </i><i>that </i><i>now </i><i>except </i><i>move </i><i>forward</i><i>. </i><i>Maybe </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>your </i><i>way </i><i>of </i><i>atoning </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>sins</i>. <i>Just </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>you </i><i>try </i><i>to </i>make <i>something </i>of <i>yourself</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>Elma</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>hope </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>good </i><i>life</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    She smiled at Josie with guilt in her eyes.


    That <i>¡®</i>not <i>so </i>easy <i>life</i>¡®. It consisted of multiple beatings, sexual assualt, trips to the infirmary, and ced in the ck hole.


    As far as not being able to do anything about it¡­well that¡¯s where she was wrong. Very soon, Josie would make sure every person that tried to destroy her pay dearly.


    And as for atonement¡­.She didn¡¯t have shit to atone for. The charged Josie served time for¡­she wasn¡¯t the perpetrator¡­she just took the fall. The real culprit was her adoptive sister¡­Vanessa


    17:43 Tue, Sep <b>16 </b>


    Taylor.


    (32)


    As she exited the prison the sun hit her eyes hard almost blinding her. It had been so long since she was out in fresh air and sunlight. Over the past four years, there seemed to always be a reason to throw Josie in the hole; and that was when she wasn¡¯t in the infirmary. As she made her way out the gate, she noticed a ck luxury SUV parked across the street. It didn¡¯t take a rocket scientist to figure out who it was<b>¡­ </b>


    Her brother¡­Christian Taylor.


    As she began to walk down the street, Josie could hear his car door m.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>what </i>the hell <i>do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>doing</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    He barked at her as she made her way down the street. Hearing his words, Josie paused and turned around. Christian was storming across the street, irritation in his eyes. As he grew closer, his


    eyebrows began to furrow.


    ¡®<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell</i><i>. </i><i>Why </i><i>does </i><i>she </i><i>look </i><i>like </i><i>that</i><i>?</i><i>¡® </i>


    Josie had always been beautiful. Her skin was a beautiful caramelplexion, her thick long hair had natural honey blonde highlights, her figure, although petite was curvaceous and full. She had light freckles around her nose and dimples on her cheeks. She had light brown eyes that sparkled in the sun and long beautiful eyshes. Josie always seemed like she had a natural brightness to herself. But now, now she looked dull and worn out. Her skin was pale, and her eyes had dark circles. Her hair was dry and ky and her eyes¡­her eyes no longer shined brightly.


    As she turned around slowly she looked at Christian as if he were a distant stranger.


    ¡®Why is she <i>looking </i><i>at </i>me <i>like </i><i>this</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Christian began to feel awkward; Josie had always looked at him with admiration. Over the years, she did everything she could to please her big brother. But now, now she looked as if she didn¡¯t even know him. The thought gave Chrisitan an unsettling feeling.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Can </i>I <i>help </i><i>you </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian¡¯s eyes widen, ¡®<i>Did </i>she just call me <i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i><i>?</i>¡® Irritated, he scoffed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>have </i>time for <i>your </i>foolishness today<i>. </i>Get in the car so we can go home.¡±


    <b>32 </b>


    <i>¡®</i><i>Home</i><i>¡®</i><i>, </i>the word almost sounded hysterical to Josie. She didn¡¯t have a home¡­at least not with them. If it wasn¡¯t for her having to get some items from that house, she would never have stepped foot on the Taylor estate ever again. Josie looked over at Christian¡¯s SUV and then back at him.


    ¡°No thank you <i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i>¡­<i>I¡¯d </i><i>rather </i><i>catch </i><i>the </i><i>bus</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian immediately grew irritated. ¡®<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>with </i><i>this </i><i>attitude</i><i>!!</i>¡®


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>see </i><i>four </i><i>years </i><i>in </i><i>prison </i><i>has </i><i>taught </i><i>you </i><i>nothing</i><i>! </i><i>Get </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>got </i>damn <i>car </i>Josie<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie stared at Christian with a nk expression.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>lesson </i><i>you </i><i>expected </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>learn </i><i>in </i><i>prison</i>¡­<i>other </i><i>than </i><i>to </i><i>not </i><i>take </i><i>the fall </i><i>for </i><i>someone </i>


    <i>else¡¯s </i><i>crime</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian¡¯s eyes widen, a tinge of guilt not on his face. He was aware that Josie only went to prison to cover for Vanessa; in fact, he was one of the people that forced her to do it. Softening his tone, he


    began to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i><i>¡­</i><i>just </i><i>get </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>car</i>. <i>Everyone </i><i>is </i><i>waiting </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>They¡¯ve </i><i>all </i><i>missed </i><i>you</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Josie had to hold her breath to stop fromughing aloud. What a crock of shit. If they all missed her


    so much, why hadn¡¯t any of them visited her. Unmoved, Josie looked up at Christian once more.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯ll </i><i>forgive </i><i>me </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>find </i><i>it </i><i>difficult </i>to <i>believe </i><i>anyone </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>family </i><i>¡®</i><i>missed</i>¡® <i>me</i><i>. </i><i>Regardless </i><i>however, </i><i>I¡¯d </i>


    <i>rather </i><i>take </i><i>the </i><i>bus</i>. <i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Tay-</i>¡±


    ¡°Stop <i>calling </i><i>me </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i>!!¡±


    Christian¡¯s patience was running thin. Why was she acting so distant?


    ¡°What <i>else </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>me </i><i>call you</i><i>? </i><i>Your </i><i>father </i>announced <i>to </i>the <i>press </i><i>a </i>week <i>after </i>my <i>arrest </i><i>that </i><i>I </i>was no <i>longer </i><i>apart </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>Taylor </i><i>n</i><i>. </i><i>Therefore</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i>no longer my brother.¡±


    Christian paused, it was true¡­his father had announced parental separation from Josie Taylor to the press; but that was only because he didn¡¯t want to lose any of his board members or funding. Surely


    she understood that?


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i><i>, </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>a </i><i>formality</i>. After <i>everything </i><i>calms </i><i>down</i>¡­dad <i>will </i>announce-¡±


    ¡°No <i>need</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>never </i><i>know </i><i>when </i><i>the board </i><i>may </i><i>threaten </i><i>him </i>again. <i>Anyway</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>on </i><i>my </i><i>way</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Josie</i>¡­I¡¯m <i>warning </i>you<i>! </i>Get <i>in </i><i>the </i><i>fuckin-</i>¡±


    :


    <b>32 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>take </i>kindly to threats anymore <i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i><i>. </i><i>Please </i><i>do </i><i>well </i>to remember <i>that</i>. <i>And </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><ie </i>any closer<i>, </i>I¡¯ll make <i>sure </i>to scream <i>at </i><i>the </i>top of <i>my </i><i>lungs </i><i>that </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>kidnapping </i>me. I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>think </i><i>that </i><i>will </i>be a good look for <i>the </i>board either<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian was stunned! Never had Josie talk to him this way. She had always been so sweet, her voice


    like sugar. Now, it was filled with contempt and disdain. Fed up with her attitude, Christian decided


    to leave.


    ¡°Fine! <i>See </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>give </i>a <i>shit </i><i>how </i><i>you </i><i>get </i><i>home</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie didn¡¯t say a word. She just turned around and continued her walk.


    Shocked by herck of emotion, Christian stalked back to his car.


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 Hunted 204

    <b>Chapter </b><b>204 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>2</b><b>: </b><b>The </b><b>Real </b><b>Taylor </b>Daughter.


    As Josie made her way to the bus stop, She noticed Christian¡¯s car speed by. He red as he passed her. He still couldn¡¯t believe she would rather take the bus than get into his car. Four years ago, she would have practically begged him to let her ride with him.


    543


    Josie was the youngest child of Laura and Harold Taylor, however, a mix¨Cup at the hospital the night she was born caused them to take home the wrong child. By the time the truth came out, thirteen years had passed. At the time, Josie was living with whom she thought to be her maternal grandmother Darlene Bowen. For the past five years, Darlene had been taking care of Josie along with her cousin Marlon. Their parents all died in a ne crash when she was eight and he was eleven years old. Despite that, Josie had a happy life, that is until she moved in with the Taylors.


    Her grandmother provided her and her cousin with love and support. While she and Marlon were as close as any brother and sister could be. Life was pretty good, that was until the hospital found out an error had been made. To avoid awsuit, they came clean about the switch, however, when Josie was taken back to the Taylors, the familiy petitioned the courts to keep Vanessa. Stating that Darlene was too old and inadequate to care for a teenage girl.


    Because of their wealth and status, the courts sided with them. The truth was, they just didn¡¯t want to let go of the <i>¡®</i><i>daughter</i><i>¡® </i>they¡¯d raised for over thirteen years. At first, Josie could understand that, although they weren¡¯t her blood family, she loved her grandmother and cousin dearly. When she first moved in with the Taylors, Josie tried everything she could to help them feelfortable around her, but as time went on, it was painfully clear they did not see her as their daughteror sister; and only loved Vanessa.


    Still, she would do everything she could, from excelling in school, to being attentive around the estate, she would help her siblings anytime they needed it. She learned how to make specialty soups for her brother Jamie who always seemed to have a sensitive stomach. But it wasn¡¯t enough; in the end, all they cared about was Vanessa.


    One night, while cleaning, Vanessa came prancing into the kitchen as Josie was making a hot water solution to wipe down the stove. As Josie picked up the bucket, Vanessa bumped into her causing the solution to spill all over Josie with just a few drops sshing on Vanessa; but the way she screamed, you would have thought it was third degree burns.


    <i>¡°</i>Ahh<i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Hearing Vanessa scream, everyone came running into the kitchen.


    <b>$</b><b>4 </b>


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, <i>my </i>god<i>!! </i><i>Nessie</i><i>!! </i>What happened<i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°I got burned with Josie¡¯s cleaning solution.¡±


    Before Josie could say anything, Laura grabbed her arm.


    ¡°<i>Josie</i><i>! </i>What <i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i>wrong <i>with </i>you! <i>Are </i>you <i>trying </i>to <i>kill </i><i>your </i>sister!!¡±


    She had been so furious, she didn¡¯t notice the huge burn scar on Josie¡¯s arm. As she gripped her arm, the burn, now blistering began to bleed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean-¡±


    ¡°<i>Jesus </i>Josie! <i>I </i><i>know </i>you grew <i>up </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>slums</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>this </i><i>is </i><i>unbing</i><i>! </i><i>Vanessa </i>is <i>our </i><i>baby </i>sister<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The slums? Josie didn¡¯t grow up in the slums, sure her family wasn¡¯t rich, but they weren¡¯t poor either. Laura let go of Josie¡¯s arm with force causing her to almost fall.


    As they all swarmed around Vanessa to check her very minor injury, she began to speak in that sugary voice she always used.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Guys</i>, <i>don¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>mad </i><i>at </i><i>Josie</i>¡­.<i>I </i><i>bumped </i><i>into </i><i>her</i><i>¡­</i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>her </i><i>fault</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian scoffed,


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>swear </i><i>Ness</i>, <i>you¡¯re </i><i>entirely </i><i>too </i><i>sweet </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>own </i><i>good</i><b><i>.</i></b>¡±


    What was that supposed to mean? It really was her fault. Still, Josie knew better by now than to try and defend herself. It cause her way more trouble than it was worth. That night, she had to tend to her own arm as they all waited hand in foot on the burn victim Vanessa. Over the years, that was the pattern. Vanessa would cause a mishap with Josie, and they would all fall for it. At first, Josie thought Vanessa didn¡¯t mean her minor mishaps. That they truly were idents. But she would soonter learn, everything Vanessa did was well calcted to ensure the family loved her and hated


    Josie.


    As time went on, Josie maintained her same outgoing energy, hanging on to the hope that one day the Taylors would finally ept her as one of their own. On top of that, she still had her nana and her cousin. It wasn¡¯t great but it was bearable. That was, until the year Josie and Vanessa turned eighteen. That year, everything fell apart.


    For her 18th birthday, the Taylor¡¯s bought Vanessa a car. Although their birthdays were on the same


    54


    day, the Taylors never celebrated Josie. Still, it was fine, she was celebrating with her nana and cousin. That night it was a triple celebration, Marlon had just got epted into a four year research program, and Josie had just got epted into Bridgeton¡¯s top University.


    The next day, everything went to hell. Josie has just got back from the doctors office with her grandmother, she¡¯d noticed she seemed unusally fatigued. Turns out, she had stage three stomach cancer. Josie was beside herself; she wasn¡¯t sure how her nana would be able to afford the treatment.


    <i>¡°</i>Nana¡­what are we going to do<i>! </i><i>We </i><i>have </i>to <i>figure </i><i>out </i>how <i>we </i><i>can </i><i>get </i><i>you </i><i>the </i><i>proper </i><i>treatment</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i>calling Marlon. <i>Maybe </i>he can-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll do no such thing!¡±


    ¡°<i>Nana</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯ll </i><i>do </i><i>no </i><i>such </i>thing. For <i>one</i><i>, </i><i>Marlon </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>receive calls </i>for <i>the </i><i>next </i><i>four </i><i>years</i>. He¡¯s <i>in </i>a <i>remote </i><i>location</i><i>.</i>¡±


    That was true, where Marlon was going, he wouldn¡¯t be able tomunicate for the next four years.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>but </i><i>maybe </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>catch </i><i>him </i><i>before </i><i>he-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>said </i><i>no</i><i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>cousin </i><i>worked </i><i>his </i><i>entire </i><i>school </i><i>career </i>for <i>this</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>ruin </i><i>it</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie understood where her grandmother wasing from, and she didn¡¯t want to be selfish but


    what else could she do!


    ¡°<i>Then </i><i>I¡¯ll </i>ask <i>my </i><i>parents</i><i>! </i><i>They </i><i>know </i><i>how </i><i>much </i><i>you </i><i>mean </i>to <i>me</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>ask </i><i>them</i>!! I¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>right </i><i>back</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before Darlene could protest, Josie was out the door. Darlene wasn¡¯t fond of the Taylors; she hated the way they mistreated her granddaughter. She couldn¡¯t understand why they couldn¡¯t simply love both of the girls.


    Josie raced home. Barging through the door, she immediately ran to her father¡¯s study. Harold was in the room speaking with Christian when Josie busted in. <fn7> This text is hosted at F?nd-Novel</fn7>


    ¡°<i>Father</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i><i>need </i><i>your </i><i>help</i><i>! </i><i>Please</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Harold looked at Josie irritated, how dare she burst into his office unannounced like that.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>want</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m <i>busy-</i>¡±


    15:12 Thu, Sep 18 <b>T. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>need </i>to save my grandmother<i>!! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>sick</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>has </i><i>stage </i><i>three </i>cancer, and she doesn¡¯t <i>have </i>enough money <i>for </i>the treatment<i>! </i>Please¡­<i>can </i><i>you </i><i>help </i><i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Harold looked at Josie with disdain, what the hell did he care if that woman was sick¡­it wasn¡¯t his


    problem.


    ¡°Why should <i>I </i><i>help </i>some <i>old </i>woman?<i>¡± </i>


    Old woman? Josie could hardly believe her ears, after all, biologically she was also his precious Vanessa¡¯s grandmother. Before Josie could protest, Laura came running into the study in a panic.


    ¡°<i>Harold</i><i>!! </i><i>Come </i><i>downstairs </i><i>quick</i><i>! </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>Nessie</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Without hesitation, both Harold and Christian ran out the room. Josie soon followed. When she got downstairs, she saw Vanessa sitting on the sofa crying profusely in Jamie¡¯s arms.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>mean </i><i>it</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>mean </i><i>it</i>!!!¡±


    Turns out, Vanessa while under the influence, identally hit and killed someone.


    Chapter Comments

 Hunted 205

    Chapter <b>3</b><b>: </b>Take the fall.


    Josie could hardly believe her ears, Vanessa drunkenly murdered someone by hitting them, and the family wasforting her like SHE was the victim.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i>not your fault Ness! That person <i>was </i><i>probably </i><i>J</i><i>¨C</i><i>Walking</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jamie tried tofort her as he continued to rub her back.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>worry </i><i>Ness</i><i>! </i>I¡¯ll get <i>right </i><i>on </i>it and see <i>if </i><i>the </i><i>authorities </i>know <i>anything</i><i>! </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>protect </i><i>you</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian vowed as he immediately pulled out his phone and called his assistant to find out the


    details.


    Vanessa began to panic,


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>caught </i><i>on </i><i>a </i><i>CCTV</i><i>!!! </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>jail!!! </i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>jail</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Josie watched her mother ran over and grabbed her hands.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mother </i><i>would </i><i>never </i><i>allow </i><i>her </i><i>baby </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>jail</i><i>!!! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>fine</i>!!!¡±


    Josie was shocked, over the years, this family would literally throw FITS at her over the most minute mistakes, but somehow, Vanessa murder¡¯s someone from driving drunk and everything was okay. They might as well had med the victim.


    An hourter, the family received devastating news. Turns out, the victim was hit directly at the crosswalk because Vanessa sped through the light. The entire thing was caught on the CCTV, and the victim¡¯s family did not want to settle. The CCTV was also able to grab the license te, but it didn¡¯t catch the driver.


    ¡°<i>Franklin</i><i>, </i><i>what¡¯s the </i><i>penalty </i><i>for </i><i>vehicr </i><i>homicide</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian asked his assistant sounding exhausted.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Four </i><i>years </i><i>max </i>sir. <i>If </i><i>the </i><i>family </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>settle</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯ll </i><i>more </i><i>than </i><i>likely </i><i>have </i><i>to </i>do <i>the </i><i>full </i><i>four</i>. Minimum <i>is </i><i>eighteen </i><i>months</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura began to panic.


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    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><i>baby </i>can¡¯t <i>do </i><i>four </i><i>years</i>!!!!! <i>She </i>can¡¯t <i>do </i>30 <i>days</i><i>!!! </i><i>She </i><i>won¡¯t </i>make <i>it </i>in <i>prison</i>!!!!¡±


    Harold looked exasperated, he wasn¡¯t sure what to do. He knew it was only a matter of time before the cops came to pick up Vanessa.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Harold</i><i>!!! </i><i>Nessie </i>can¡¯t go to <i>jail </i><i>for </i><i>this</i><i>!! </i><i>It¡¯ll </i><i>ruin her</i>!!! <i>Do </i><i>something</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>thinking</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Suddenly, Harold looked up at Josie as if he had an epiphany. Running to the stairs, he grabbed Josie¡¯s hands.


    ¡°<i>Josie</i><i>!! </i><i>Y</i>¨C<i>You </i><i>have </i><i>to </i>go to <i>take </i><i>the </i><i>fall </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    WHAT!!! Josie could hardly believe her ears! She knew this family didn¡¯t care much for her, but she never expected them to think THIS LOW. Suddenly, Laura ran over.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i><i>!! </i><i>Josie</i><i>!! </i><i>You </i><i>can </i><i>do </i><i>this </i><i>for </i><i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>! </i><i>Please</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie was shocked.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>want </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>jail</i><i>¡­</i><i>for </i><i>something </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>do</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura tried to clean it up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>would </i><i>only </i><i>be </i>for <i>a </i><i>little </i><i>while</i><i>! </i><i>18 </i><i>months </i><i>at </i><i>best</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>But </i><i>Christian¡¯s </i><i>assistant </i><i>said </i><i>the </i><i>max </i><i>is </i><i>four </i><i>years</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Suddenly, Christian stepped in.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>but </i><i>Josie</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>get </i><i>that </i>much time<i>. </i><i>You¡¯ve </i><i>never </i><i>been </i><i>in </i><i>trouble</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura frantically looked at Josie again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>See</i>!! <i>You¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>out </i><i>in </i><i>no time</i><i>! </i><i>Josie</i>¡­<i>please</i><i>¡­.</i><i>Nessie </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>jail</i><i>! </i><i>It¡¯ll </i><i>ruin </i><i>her</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Ruin her¡­.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mom</i>¡­<i>what </i><i>about </i>me? <i>Something </i><i>like </i><i>this </i><i>could </i><i>ruin </i><i>me </i><i>too</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    $54


    15:13 Thu, Sep 18 T <fnade1> Original content can be found at F¦Énd£Îovel</fnade1>


    Before Laura could answer, Harold, now irritated barked at Josie.


    <i>¡°</i>Look!!! We don¡¯t have time for <i>this</i><i>!!! </i><i>The </i><i>police </i><i>have </i><i>her </i><i>license </i><i>te</i>, that means <i>the </i>cops <i>will </i><i>be </i><i>here</i><i>. </i>soon!!! Do <i>this </i>and <i>I¡¯ll </i>pay <i>for </i><i>your </i><i>grandmother¡¯s </i><i>treatment</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie could hardly believe her ears, how could he be so cruel as to dangle her nana¡¯s health.


    ¡°So what¡¯s it going to be <i>Josie</i><i>? </i>Either you <i>take </i><i>this </i><i>fall</i>, <i>or </i><i>let </i><i>your </i><i>grandmother </i><i>die</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s eyes watered up. What choice did she have. Without the proper treatment, her grandmother would die. Through silent tears, Josie nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Oh<i>! </i>Wonderful!!!¡±


    Laura ran over and hugged Vanessa tight.


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>mommy</i><i>!! </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>daddy</i><i>!!! </i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>brothers</i>!!!<i>¡± </i>


    She thanked all of them but not Josie. Finally, after they all celebrated Vanessa not going to jail, did she realize she hadn¡¯t thanked Josie.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>Josie</i>! <i>Thanks </i><i>for </i><i>doing </i><i>this</i><i>! </i><i>And </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>worry</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>heard </i><i>prison </i>isn¡¯t <i>all </i><i>that </i><i>bad</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie stared at her sister in disgust, just a few moments ago she was having a panic attack, now prison wasn¡¯t that bad. Harold became irritate,


    ¡°Josie<i>! </i><i>Your </i><i>sister </i><i>just </i><i>thanked </i><i>you! </i><i>Tell </i><i>her </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>wee</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    But Josie didn¡¯t listen, for the first time in five years¡­she didn¡¯t listen. Instead, with a dead expression, she turned to her father.


    15:13 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep 18 </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned mel¡±

 Hunted 206

    <b>Chapter </b><b>206 </b>


    <b>054 </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m going to jail because <i>your daughter </i><i>is </i><i>a </i><i>drunk </i><i>driving </i><i>murder</i><i>¡­.</i>I think <i>that¡¯s </i>enough.¡®¡±


    She turned and walked away before Harold could say anything. There was slight guilt in his heart. Had he really just traded one daughter for the other. Just as he was about to go after Josie, Vanessa grabbed his hand.


    ¡°Oh daddy<i>, </i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>she¡¯s </i>going to <i>be </i>fine.¡±


    Harold turned to his daughter and smiled. Later than evening the cops came and arrested Josie. Per her father and brother, she decided to plead guilty rather than go to trial hoping she would only get the minimum. But Josie didn¡¯t get the minimum, the family of the victim was outraged and


    expressed their disdain at the hearing. To make an example out her, the judge gave Josie the max.


    Four years.


    Josie¡¯s entire face paled, she has never even been suspended from school and now she would have to do four years!!! In a panic, she turned to her family, he father immediately jumped up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>do </i><i>the </i><i>time</i><i>!!! </i>It¡¯s <i>only </i><i>four </i><i>years</i>! <i>Look</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>begin </i><i>your </i><i>grandmother¡¯s </i><i>treatment </i><i>as </i><i>soon </i>as <i>they </i>


    <i>take </i><i>you </i><i>in</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    There it was again, the dangling of her grandmother. Tears started the fall down Josie¡¯s face, all her ns, her future, her dreams¡­gone. She dug into her picket and pulled out a piece of paper handing it to her father.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>this</i><i>?</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s <i>a </i><i>list </i><i>of </i><i>three </i><i>things </i><i>I </i><i>need </i><i>guaranteed </i><i>since </i>I¡¯m <i>doing </i><i>this</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Puzzled, Harold opened the list. There were things Josie demanded: that they visit her every month, put money on her books, and of course, the most important thing¡­take care of her grandmother.


    Harold eagerly shook his head.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>worry </i><i>Josie</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>to </i><i>follow </i><i>this</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    But that turned out to be a lie.


    On Josie¡¯s first night in the tombs, she was immediately bullied. The three cellmates in her cell; told her if she didn¡¯t buy them certain products; they would beat her up. <fn7d30> Updates are released by Find?Novel</fn7d30>


    15:13 <b>Thu</b>, Sep 18 T


    ¡°<i>A </i><i>little </i><i>rich </i>bitch like you should be able to afford it.¡±


    Is what the ringleader Tammy said. Commissary was purchased every Sunday. That morning. Josie quickly ran up to the counter to ce her order; she¡¯d already informed her family of the day. But when the clerk went to charge her ount, she learned there was no money.


    ¡°<i>What</i>!!! No<i>!! </i>That <i>has </i><i>to </i><i>be </i>a <i>mistake</i><i>!! </i><i>Check </i>it again!!!<i>¡± </i>


    Josie began to panic! How could her ount be empty!!!


    <i>¡°</i>Look girl, there <i>is </i>no <i>mistake</i>. Ain¡¯t no money <i>on </i><i>your </i><i>ount</i>. <i>Call </i><i>you </i><i>family </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>too</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie frantically ran over to payphone to call her father, but when the voice recording came through; it informed her the receiver WOULD NOT ept the charges. Josie¡¯s face turned ashen. She hadn¡¯t even been there a week, and already he¡¯d reneged. That night, the cellmates beat Josie so bad she ended up in the infirmary.


    Years of this abuse went on, and not once did her ount ever get filled, not once did her family ever visit, and she was sure they didn¡¯t take care of her grandmother.


    That theory was confirmed the one time Vanessa came to visit.


    ¡°<i>Oh </i><i>wow</i><i>!! </i><i>You </i><i>look </i>so <i>different </i><i>sister</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie had already been in prison for over three years. She was no longer the person she was when she first went in. Vanessa, however, looked vibrant and beautiful. Wearing thetest fashion, she smiled brightly. Josie didn¡¯t say a word.


    ¡°Oh<i>! </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>sick</i><i>? </i><i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>anyway</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>came </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>you</i><i>¡­</i><i>your </i><i>nana </i><i>died</i>. <i>Like </i><i>two </i><i>weeks </i>ago. <i>She </i><i>was </i><i>sick </i>or <i>something</i>. <i>Anyway</i><i>¡­</i><i>her </i><i>ashes </i><i>are </i><i>still </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>hospital</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>told </i><i>them </i><i>to </i><i>leave </i>them <i>there </i><i>so </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>hold </i>a <i>service </i><i>for </i><i>her </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>get </i><i>out</i><i>. </i><i>Wasn¡¯t </i><i>that </i><i>nice </i>of <i>me</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s entire world went dark¡­everything she did was for her grandmother!!! She never even got the chance to say goodbye!!! And now¡­she was dead. Josie couldn¡¯t even respond. She just stood up and left, leaving Vanessa smiling smugly.


    After her release, she would make sure that smile never formed on her lips again.

 Hunted 207

    <b>Chapter </b><b>207 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>4</b><b>: </b><b>A </b><b>not </b><b>so </b><b>weed </b><b>home</b>.


    :


    88


    Josie got to the Taylor estate around 2:30pm. As she walked up to the gate, a feeling of numbness rush ed over her. It had been four years since shest stepped foot in the house, but her hatred was tenfold. As she rang the doorbell<b>, </b>she could hear voices on the inside.


    ¡°Yes, <i>may </i><i>I help</i><i>¡­</i><i>young </i><i>miss</i><i>? </i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    The head maid Rhonda¡¯s eyes widen as she realized it was Josie.


    ¡°Hello <i>Rhonda</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>nice </i>to <i>see </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    <i>99 </i>


    ¡°Oh<i>, </i><i>yes</i><i>!! </i><i>Please </i><ie </i><i>in</i><i>! </i><i>The </i><i>sir </i><i>and </i><i>madam </i><i>informed </i><i>me </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>arrival</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie smiled lightly, Rhonda was always nice her. As she made her way into the mansion<b>, </b>everything wa


    s basically the same. Some minor changes of d¨¦cor here and there, but for the most part, the same.


    As Josie walked passed the foyer, she could hear her mother.


    <i>¡°</i>Josie? Is <i>that </i><i>you</i><i>? </i><i>Oh </i><i>my </i><i>goodness</i>!!! <i>Wee </i><i>home</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura rushed over to Josie, a bright smile on her face. You would have thought Josie had just got home


    from college instead of prison.


    ¡°<i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>look </i><i>at </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Wee </i><i>home</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie didn¡¯t say a word; she just stared at Laura. Feeling uneasy, Laura began to make small talk.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>hungry</i>! <i>I </i><i>had </i><i>the </i><i>cook </i><i>prepare </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>favorites</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie still said nothing; what she really wanted to know is how her mother even knew what her favorite


    s were. Just then, Harold walked in.


    ¡°<i>Wee </i><i>home </i>Josie<i>. </i><i>What </i>took <i>you </i>so <i>long</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie looked at Harlod, a distant disgust in her eyes caused him to slightly shudder.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>took <i>the </i><i>bus</i>.¡±


    Laura smiled nervously.


    9:59 Fri, Sep 19


    ¡°Oh, yes¡­ Chris told <i>us </i>about that¡­<i>why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i>you <i>let </i><i>him </i><i>give </i><i>you </i>a <i>ride </i>home?¡±


    Josie looked back at her mother.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to get <i>his </i>car dirty.¡±


    Her voice was t, emotionless¡­almost robotic. It was making Laura feel ufortable.


    ¡°Oh for <i>Christ </i>sake <i>Josie</i>, you don¡¯t have to <i>act </i>like <i>this</i><i>. We¡¯re </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>family </i><i>after </i><i>all</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Laura looked over Harlod with a nervous expression.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s okay <i>Harold</i><i>. </i><i>Maybe </i><i>it </i><i>felt </i>good <i>riding </i><i>the </i><i>bus</i>.¡±


    88


    Harlod however was growing tired of her distant behavior; before prison, Josie used to always flutter ar ound with bouncing energy.


    ¡°<i>Well what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>this </i><i>behavior </i><i>for</i>! <i>You </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>home </i><i>five </i>minutes <i>and </i><i>already-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Already </i><i>what</i><i>? </i>Is <i>there </i><i>a </i><i>particr </i><i>way </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>someone </i><i>should </i><i>act </i><i>after </i><iing </i><i>home </i><i>from </i><i>prison </i><i>Mr. </i>


    <i>Taylor</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s <i>not </i><i>what </i>I¡¯m <i>saying</i>! I¡¯m¡­.<i>did </i><i>you </i><i>call </i><i>me </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Harold¡¯s eyes widen. He couldn¡¯t believe it! Josie used to call him dad so much it drove him crazy! Now it was Mr. Taylor. Laura frantically looked at Josie.


    <i>J</i><i>¨C</i>Josie dear¡­.<i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>calling </i><i>your </i><i>father </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Josie looked at Laura with a stoic expression.


    <i>¡°</i>Because <i>ording </i><i>to </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i><i>, </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>longer </i><i>my </i><i>father</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura¡¯s eyes widen; guilt poured through. She¡¯d forgotten about Harold disowning Josie. Harold¡¯s expr


    ession darkened, he hadn¡¯t expected that news to reach her.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>about </i><i>that</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie stared directly at Harold.


    ¡°<i>They </i><i>made </i><i>sure </i>I <i>saw </i>it in prison when <i>I </i><i>asked </i><i>why </i><i>you </i>wouldn¡¯t take <i>my </i><i>calls</i><i>.</i>¡±


    9:59 Fri, Sep 19


    Harold¡¯s brows furrowed, guilt began to seep through. He¡¯d intentionally disconnected with Josie in or der to please the board. Surely she would understand that.


    <i>¡°</i>Josie¡­<i>what </i>I <i>did </i>was for <i>the </i><i>sake-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>no </i>need to <i>exin </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i>. <i>The </i><i>other </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor </i>already did. I understand<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>, </i>if <i>you </i>understand <i>why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>calling </i><i>Mr.-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i>want to <i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>you </i><i>keep </i><i>the </i><i>board </i><i>happy</i>. <i>If </i><i>you¡¯ll </i>excuse <i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura and Harold stared nervously at Josie.


    <i>¡°</i><i>S</i><i>¨C</i><i>Sure</i>¡­ Um<i>¡­</i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>made </i><i>a </i><i>wee </i><i>home </i><i>dinner</i><i>. </i><i>When </i><i>you </i>get <i>settled </i><i>in</i><b><i>; </i></be <i>down </i><i>and </i><i>eat</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie didn¡¯t say a word. She just walked past Harold. As soon as she was out of ear¨Cshot, Harold fumed.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the hell </i><i>was </i><i>that </i><i>all </i><i>about</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before Laura could answer, Jamie and Vanessa walked into the foyer.


    ¡°Is <i>Josie </i><i>home</i><i>!!</i><b>¡± </b>


    Vanessa asked brightly.


    ¡°Yes<i>, </i><i>um</i>¡­<i>she¡¯s </i><i>upstairs </i>now <i>getting </i><i>settled</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Jamie looked surprised.


    ¡°<i>Really</i>? And <i>she </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>say </i><i>anything </i><i>to </i>us<i>? </i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>weird</i><i>, </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>usually </i><i>happy </i>to see <i>everyone</i>.¡±


    Harold scoffed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t <i>know </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i>wrong <i>with </i><i>that </i><i>girl</i><i>!</i>¡±


    ¡°Harold<i>¡­</i><i>maybe </i>we should give <i>her </i><i>time</i>. <i>She </i>did just spend <i>four </i>years <i>in </i>prison.¡±


    Suddenly, Vanessa began to cry,


    <i>¡°</i><i>This </i><i>is </i><i>all </i>my fault isn¡¯t <i>it</i>!!! If I hadn¡¯t¡­<i>if </i><i>I </i><i>hadn¡¯t</i>!!!<i>¡± </i>


    9:59 Fri, Sep 19


    :


    Before <b>she </b>could get the words out, everyone immediately startedforting her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ness </i><i>stop </i><i>it</i><i>!! </i><i>It¡¯s </i>not your <i>fault</i><i>! </i><i>Look </i><i>Josie </i><i>is </i>fine¡­<i>I¡¯m </i><i>sure </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>just </i><i>tired</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Jamie rubbed her back as he tried to reassure her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes </i><i>sweetie</i><i>, </i><i>none </i><i>of </i><i>this </i><i>on </i>you<i>. </i><i>Josie </i><i>will </i>be fine.¡±


    Laura said in a soothing tone.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>would </i><i>think </i><i>the </i><i>girl </i><i>did </i><i>100 </i><i>years </i><i>instead </i><i>of </i><i>four</i><i>! </i><i>All </i><i>this </i><i>drama</i><i>! </i><i>What </i>does <i>she </i>want from us<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Harold stormed off leaving the three of them in the foyer. Suddenly, Vanessa became cheerful again.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Maybe </i>I <i>should </i><i>go </i><i>see </i><i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura immediately stopped her.


    ¡°<i>Nessie</i>¡­<i>sweetie</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>think </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>good </i><i>idea</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>just </i><i>got </i>home; <i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i>we let <i>her </i>get settled.¡± <fn0fbf> Latest content published on find~novel</fn0fbf>


    Vanessa¡¯s eyes shed a ping of irritation before her sugary mask came back.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯re </i><i>right </i><i>mom</i>, <i>her </i><i>resting </i><i>is </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>best</i><i>.</i>¡±


    88


    They all made their way back into the grand room. Christian stood in the stairway witnessing the entir e exchange. Irritated, he made his way to Josie¡¯s room. He couldn¡¯t understand why she was being so di


    fficult.


    As he approached her room, Christian didn¡¯t even knock, he just burst in causing Josie to panic.


    ¡°What <i>the </i><i>fuck</i>!!! <i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>knock</i>!!!¡±


    Christian waspletely taken


    aback, in the past, Josie never said so much as a word like damn, let alone use hard profanity.


    He was just about to say something when he noticed her back. There were bruises all over her. Some w ere older than the others. Christian¡¯s eyes widen in horror.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>happened </i>to you<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    His voice was low and rough. Josie quickly pulled her shirt over. Ignoring Christian¡¯s question.


    9:59 Fri, Sep <b>19 </b>


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>do </i><i>you </i>want Mr. <i>Taylor</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    :


    ?(0


    88


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i>! <i>Enough</i><i>! </i>I¡¯m <i>you¡¯re </i><i>brother</i><i>! </i><i>Now </i><i>stop </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor </i>and <i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>what </i><i>happened </i><i>to </i><i>your </i><i>back</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Josie stared at Christian with no emotion. It was toote for him to y the dutiful brother.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>that </i><i>why </i>your <i>burst </i>into <i>my </i><i>room</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i>¡­I-<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Then </i><i>I </i><i>reiterate</i>¡­.<i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>want </i>Mr. <i>Taylor</i>? <i>Because </i><i>there </i><i>is </i><i>absolutely </i><i>no </i><i>reason </i><i>for </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>call </i><i>you </i><i>a </i><i>nything </i><i>else</i><i>. </i><i>You </i>made <i>your </i><i>stance </i><i>very </i><i>clear </i><i>about </i><i>who </i><i>and </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>four </i><i>years </i><i>ago</i>. As for <i>my </i><i>back </i>¡­.it¡¯s <i>none </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>business</i>¡­it¡¯s not <i>like </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>do </i><i>anything </i><i>about </i><i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian¡¯s eyes widen in slight panic. What the hell happened to her while she was


    in there? Sure, they hadn¡¯te to visit, but that prison was well aware she was a Tay¡­suddenly¡­


    Christian realized something.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i>¨C<i>Is </i><i>this </i><i>because </i><i>father </i><i>denounced </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie smiled sardonically but refused to answer. As she walked past Christian, he grabbed her arm.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i>am <i>still </i><i>your </i><i>brother</i><i>. </i><i>Tell </i><i>me </i><i>what </i><i>happened</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Josie looked at Christian, unmoved by his brotherly love.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯ve </i><i>got </i><i>all the </i><i>answers </i><i>right</i>? <i>Figure </i><i>it </i><i>out </i><i>on </i><i>your </i><i>own</i>.¡±


    Josie snatched her arm out of his grasp and went downstairs leaving Christian in shock.


    Chapter Comments


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 Hunted 208

    <b>Chapter </b><b>208 </b>


    Chapter 5: Do you even know who I am?


    Josie made her way downstairs to the dining room. She couldn¡¯t wait to see what these favorite <i>dishes</i>¡® were. In the five years she was in this family; never once did they ask her about favorite foods. In fact, they didn¡¯t take the time to learn anything about her. As she made her way to the table, the strong smell of seafood shot up her nose.


    There were several different seafood dishes. Fried red snapper, blue crab, chilled shrimp over ice, and grilled lobster tails. All of this would have been great if not for Josie¡¯s seafood allergy. Josie had a serious allergic reaction to seafoods; one bite off the wrong kind and her throat would immediately close up. She wondered who¡¯s idea it was to serve these dishes. Just then, the family all came into the dining room. Vanessa was the first to speak.


    ¡°<i>Josie</i><i>!!! </i>I¡¯m <i>so </i><i>happy </i><i>you¡¯re </i>home<i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    A Vanessa bounced over causing Josie to take two steps back. She didn¡¯t want to touch her. She was already hip to Vanessa¡¯s little games. One hug could turn into a drastic fall. As soon as she backed away, Vanessa¡¯s face fell. Guess it was time for the waterworks. As if on cue, Vanessa began to cry.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i>¡­I<i>¡­</i>I¡¯m <i>sorry </i><i>for </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>hug </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>so </i><i>happy </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>I </i>guess <i>you </i>hate me <i>now</i>. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>okay</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>deserve </i>it!!<i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Jamie spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ness</i><i>!! </i>That¡¯s <i>not </i><i>true</i><i>!! </i>Don¡¯t say <i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa began sobbing louder.


    <i>¡°</i><i>No </i><i>Jamie</i><i>! </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>okay</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>understand </i><i>if </i><i>Josie </i>hates me now<i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie stood in silence. She was immune to this shit show by now. Jamie looked up at Josie in a panic.


    ¡°Josie<i>! </i><i>Tell </i>Vanessa <i>you¡¯re </i><i>sorry </i><i>for </i><i>not </i><i>letting </i><i>her </i><i>hug </i><i>you</i>! <i>Tell </i>her that you don¡¯t hate her<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie looked at Jamie and raised an eyebrow. His face became ashen. Why wasn¡¯t she saying


    anything? Any other time when this happened, Josie would immediately apologize and exin. Now, her expression was just nk.


    Suddenly, Harold spoke up. <fn8471> The source of th?s content is F¦ÉndNovel</fn8471>


    <b>9:59 </b>Fri<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Got </i><i>dammit </i><i>Josie</i><i>! </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i>n on <i>making </i>us <i>all </i><i>miserable</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>just </i><i>got </i><i>here </i><i>and </i><i>already the </i><i>family </i><i>is </i><i>in </i><i>chaos</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Laura began plead with Harold.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>Josie </i>didn¡¯t mean <i>anything </i><i>by </i><i>it</i><i>! </i><i>Right </i><i>Josie</i><i>?</i>¡±


    These fucking clowns. Josie hadn¡¯t said two words and yet in an instant, it was poor Vanessa and mean Josie. Christian spoke next.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i>, <i>just </i>apologize <i>to </i><i>Vanessa </i><i>so </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>all </i><i>eat</i>. <i>She </i><i>even </i><i>went </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>way </i><i>to </i><i>pick </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>your </i>favorite foods<i>. </i><i>The least </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>do </i><i>is </i><i>say </i><i>thank </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie looked over at Christian. Still thinking about the bruises on her back, his eyes instantly averted


    from hers.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Exactly </i><i>what </i><i>am </i><i>I </i><i>apologizing </i><i>for</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Everyone fell silent for a moment unable to answer that question. Exactly what had she done? Jamie tried to give an exnation.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Y</i>¨C<i>You</i><i>¡­</i><i>well </i><i>you </i><i>made </i><i>Ness </i><i>cry</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°How<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°How what?¡±


    ¡°How did I make <i>¡®</i>Ness<i>¡® </i><i>cry</i>? Did <i>I </i><i>hit </i><i>her</i><i>? </i>Did <i>I </i><i>yell </i><i>at </i><i>her</i>? Did <i>I </i><i>take </i><i>something </i><i>from </i><i>her</i>? <i>How </i>did I


    make her cry?¡±


    Jamie¡¯s face reddened from embarrassment. He had no way of answering that question.


    ¡°W¨CWell¡­¡±


    Just then, Christian jumped back in.


    <i>¡°</i>Look¡­let¡¯s just all <i>move </i>on. Vanessa picked your favorite foods. <i>Say </i>thank you and let¡¯s eat.¡±


    Josie almost wanted tough, this family would rather eat crushed ss than admit they were


    wrong.


    0:50 Fri, Sep 10


    111


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be dining with you all this evening.¡±


    Reaching his breaking point, Harlod began to yell.


    ¡°This!! This is what we¡¯re talking about!!! So ungrateful!!! Your poor sister went out her way to make sure the cooks prepared all your favorite foods and instead of you being grateful you want to leave<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    9:59 Fri Sep 19


    Burn note whis turned me

 Hunted 209

    <b>Chapter </b><b>209 </b>


    ÊØ


    Josie looked at her father with <b>a </b>ck expression. That pissed him of more than anything. No more were the adoring eyes of a daughter desperate for his lowe.


    ¡°Mr. Taylor¡­<i>I¡¯m </i>skipping dinner tonight because I have a severe allergic to seafood. Something I expressed over five years ago.¡±


    Before Harold could say something, Josie continued.


    ¡°A <i>fact </i><i>of </i>which I¡¯m sure you probably forgot being as to how it was so long ago. The <i>fact </i>that it can literally kill is of no <i>matter</i>.¡±


    Harold¡¯s face fell. He had no idea she was allergic to seafood. He quickly tried to rey a time she may have told <b>him</b>, each timeing up nk. Suddenly Laura spoke,


    ¡°I¨CIt was an ident Josie. We <i>didn¡¯t </i>know. We can have the cooks make something else.¡±


    Josie smiled eerily bright at Laura causing a slight chill down her spine. Her daughter¡¯s face was so


    lifeless now.


    *You knew Mrs. Taylor because I <i>told </i>you <i>multiple </i>times. <i>The </i><i>proper </i>terminology would be that you forgot, and as I said¡­I can understand you <i>forgetting </i>something as unimportant as a food that can kill <fne8cf> Read full story at </fne8cf>


    me.¡±


    Laura¡¯s face paled. Was that how Josie saw this? More importantly¡­was it true?


    Finally, she turned back to her three siblings.


    ¡°Although I¡¯m not sure <i>why </i><i>you </i>thought <i>it </i>was my absolute favorite, I thank you for the efforts of cooking my ¡®favorite¡® <i>meals</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s eyes were icy<b>, </b>causing Vanessa <b>to </b>look away nervously. This hadn¡¯t gone the way she thought it would. Josie looked over at Christian.


    ¡°Will that apology be suffice <i>enough </i>for Ms. <i>Taylor</i>? I can do another <i>if </i>it¡¯s not.¡±


    Christian¡¯s face harden. Josie was doing this on purpose, but it was also what they asked for. Finally, she turned to Jamie.


    ¡°As <i>you </i><i>young </i><i>Mr. </i>Taylor¡­<i>I¡¯m </i>not sure if <i>you¡¯ve </i>figured <i>out </i>what I could have possibly done to upset Ms.


    <b>9:59 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    <i>Taylor</i>, <i>but </i><i>if </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>referring </i>to <i>my </i><i>stepping </i><i>back</i>. <i>Right </i><i>now</i><i>, </i>due to <i>the </i><i>injuries </i>on <i>my </i>back, it¡¯s <i>ufortable </i>to <i>hug</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Jamie¡¯s <b>face </b>fell ashen; he had no idea she was covered in back bruises!


    ¡°<i>Josie</i><i>¡­</i>I <i>didn¡¯t</i>¡­¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Of </i>course <i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t</i><i>¡­</i><i>because </i><i>you </i><i>never </i><i>asked</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>assumed</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>then </i><i>I </i><i>got </i><i>fused </i><i>at </i>for <i>all </i><b><i>of </i></b>your assumptions. <i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>at </i><i>least </i><i>that </i><i>much </i><i>has </i><i>stayed </i><i>the </i><i>same </i><i>all </i><i>these </i><i>years</i>.¡±


    With that, Josie turned around and left, leaving the family feeling embarrassed. The servants all shook their heads as they watched it unfold. Over the years, they always felt bad for Josie. Everyone in the house knew Vanessa was the one that murdered that person, and even after taking the fall, the Taylors still treated her like an outsider.


    Laura was the first to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Vanessa</i><i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>go </i><i>out </i><i>your </i><i>way </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>me several </i><i>times </i><i>seafood </i><i>was </i>Josie¡¯s <i>favorite</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa¡¯s eyes widen with shock, her little dinner n to make Josie ufortablepletely backfired. Scrambling for an answer, Vanessa began to cry.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mom</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m </i>so <i>sorry</i><i>!! </i>I <i>honestly </i><i>forgot</i><i>!!! </i>I <i>was </i><i>just </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>her </i><i>feel </i><i>at </i><i>home</i><i>!!! </i>I¡¯m <i>sorry</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Harlod chimed in before Laura could say anything.


    ¡°<i>She </i><i>just </i>forgot <i>Laura</i><i>! </i><i>Hell</i><i>¡­</i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>years </i><i>ago</i>! <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>remember </i><i>everything </i><i>from </i><i>that </i><i>far-</i>¡± <ul><li></li></ul>


    <i>¡°</i><i>But </i><i>we </i><i>remember </i><i>our </i><i>other </i><i>children¡¯s </i><i>allergies </i><i>Harold</i><i>. </i><i>Just </i><i>saying</i>¡­<i>she </i><i>lost </i><i>four </i><i>years </i>of <i>her </i><i>life</i>¡­<i>it </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>been </i><i>nice </i>to <i>at </i><i>least </i><i>remember </i><i>her </i><i>favorite </i><i>foods</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Everyone stood in shock <b>as </b>Laura left the room. Vanessa was seething on the inside, never had her mother got upset with her before<b>; </b>much less over Josie! Jamie rubbed her back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret Ness. Josie <i>will </i><i>be </i><i>okay</i>¡­<i>she </i><i>always </i><i>is</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Harold looked over at Christian.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Do </i><i>you </i>know anything about <i>those </i>supposed bruises on her <i>back</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian looked at his father, his expression ufortable.


    <b>9:59 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>19 </b>


    ¡°They aren¡¯t suppose¡®. I¡¯ve seen them.¡±


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 Hunted 210

    <b>Chapter </b><b>210 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>6</b><b>: </b><b>What the </b><b>hell </b>happened these <b>past </b><b>four </b><b>years</b><b>?! </b>


    Everyone stared at Christian in shock.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>You </i><i>actually </i><i>saw </i><i>them</i>? <i>When</i>?¡±


    Jamie asked as he sat at the table.


    <b>75 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Right </i><i>before </i>dinner. <i>I </i><i>went </i><i>upstairs </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>her </i><i>to </ie <i>down </i><i>and </i><i>eat</i><i>¡­</i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>when </i>I <i>saw </i><i>them</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>got </i><i>bruises </i>all <i>over </i><i>her </i><i>back</i>¡­some <i>old</i><i>¡­</i>some <i>look </i><i>pretty </i><i>fresh</i>.<b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Harold¡¯s face twisted with shock and guilt. These past four years, he all but pretended Josie didn¡¯t


    exist. He also failed to honor her list. He told himself he would make it up to her when she got


    home, but that wasn¡¯t turning out how he expected. Josie was cold and distant. She wouldn¡¯t even


    call him dad anymore. In a harden voice, he spoke to Christian.


    ¡°Find <i>out what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>happened </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>four </i><i>years</i>. <i>Even </i><i>if </i><i>we </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>visit</i><i>¡­</i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>a </i><i>Taylor</i>. <i>They </i>


    <i>should have </i><i>known </i>not <i>to </i><i>touch </i><i>her</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Even </i><i>if </i><i>we </i><i>disowned </i><i>her</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Christian asked as his father walked by. Harold paused¡­too afraid to answer¡­too afraid that was the <b>case</b>. That he¡¯d inadvertently put a target on his daughter¡¯s back the moment he publicly denounced


    her. But he had no choice! She wasbeled a murder¡­the board wouldn¡¯t stand for it!


    <b><i>¡®</i></b>Just <b><i>find </i></b><i>out </i><i>what </i><i>happened</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    He barked <b>at </b>Chrisitan before walking away. Upstairs, Laura was talking through Josie¡¯s door.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b>Josie<b>¡­</b><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b>sure <i>these </i><i>past </i><i>four </i>years <i>have </i>not <i>be </i>the <i>best </i><i>for </i>you. I¡¯m so <i>sorry</i>. But you¡¯re <i>home </i>now<i>. </i>Please try <i>and </i>put it <i>behind </i>you as <i>we </i><i>all </i>move <i>forward</i>. These <i>past </i>four <i>years </i>haven¡¯t been <i>easy </i><b><i>for </i></b><i>us </i><i>either</i><b><i>.</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    Laura immediately felt guilty for saying thatst part. She wasn¡¯t trying to guilt trip <b>Josie</b><b>; </b>she <b>just </b>wanted her to go back to the way she was.


    Josie sat <b>on </b>end of her bed <b>staring </b>at the door.


    at <b>on </b>end


    try <b>to </b><b>co </b>


    <b><i>¡®</i></b><b>Even </b><b><i>when </i></b><b>you </b>try to <bfort </b>me¡­<b>It¡¯s </b><b>about </b>you.¡®


    <b>1/4 </b>


    <b>10:38 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>21 </b>


    :


    <b>75 </b>


    Josie shook her head in disgust as she turned her phone on. After four years it flooded with missed calls and texts. Some of them were from her grandmother. Josie began to cry as she read some of the messages from her nana.


    <b><i>[05</i></b><b>/</b><b>19</b><b><i>/</i></b><b><i>21</i></b><b><i>¨C</i></b><b><i>Josie</i></b><b>¡­</b><b><i>where </i></b>are <b><i>you</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><i>Nana¡¯s </i><b>worried</b>. <b>I </b><b>haven¡¯t </b><i>heard </i><b><i>from </i></b>you <b><i>since </i></b><b>you </b><b>left </b><b><i>yesterday</i></b>. <b><i>Anyway </i></b><i>call </i><i>me </i><b><i>when </i></b><b><i>you </i></b>can. <b><i>It¡¯s </i></b><b>your </b><i>Nana</i><b>.</b><b>] </b>


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>05</i></b><b><i>/</i></b><b><i>25</i></b><b><i>/</i></b><b><i>21</i></b><b><i>¨C</i></b><b>Josie</b><b><i>!!! </i></b><b><i>Please </i></b><b><i>tell </i></b><i>me </i>it¡¯s not <i>true</i><b><i>!!! </i></b><b><i>That </i></b><b><i>girl </i></b>Vanessa told <i>me </i><b>you </b><b><i>went </i></b>to <b>prison </b><b>for </b><i>vehicr </i><i>homicide</i><b><i>!! </i></b><b>You </b><b>don¡¯t </b><b><i>even </i></b><b><i>drive</i></b><b><i>!!! </i></b><i>What </i><b><i>did </i></b><b><i>those </i></b><b><i>people </i></b><b><i>make </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>do</i></b><b>!!!</b><b>] </b>


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>06</i></b><b><i>/</i></b><b><i>24</i></b><b><i>/</i></b><b><i>21</i></b><b>¨C</b>Oh <b>my </b><b><i>Josie</i></b><b>¡­</b><b>I </b><i>miss </i><b><i>you </i></b><b>so </b>much<b>. </b><b>I </b><b>know </b><b><i>what </i></b><b><i>those </i></b><b><i>people </i></b><b><i>did</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>I <b><i>wish </i></b>I <b><i>knew </i></b><b><i>where </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><i>were</i><b>. </b><b><i>They </i></b>won¡¯t <b><i>tell </i></b><b><i>me. </i></b><b><i>They </i></b><b><i>haven¡¯t </i></b><b><i>even </i></b><b><i>held </i></b><i>up </i><b><i>their </i></b><b><i>end </i></b><b>of </b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bargain</i></b><i>!!! </i><b><i>They </i></b><b><i>sacrificed </i></b><b><i>my </i></b><b>baby </b><b>for </b><b><i>nothing</i></b><i>!!! </i>I¡¯m <b>sorry</b><b><i>! </i></b><b><i>Sorry </i></b><b>I </b><b><i>couldn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>protect </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><b>! </b><b><i>Sorry </i></b><b>I </b><b><i>became </i></b><b><i>your </i></b><b><i>curse</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <b>[</b><b>03</b><b>/</b><b>03</b><b><i>/</i></b><b><i>24</i></b><b><i>¨C</i></b><i>I </i><b><i>hope that </i></b><i>this </i><i>message </i><b>one </b><b>day </b><b><i>finds </i></b><b><i>you</i></b>. <b>Oh </b><b>my </b><b><i>Josie</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>just </i></b><i>want </i>to <b><i>tell </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>how </i></b>much <i>I </i><b><i>love </i></b><b>you</b><b>. </b><b><i>Raising </i></b><b>you </b><i>and </i><b><i>Marlon </i></b><i>was </i><i>some </i><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>greatest </i></b><b><i>parts </i></b><b>of </b><b>my </b><b><i>life</i></b><b>. </b>I¡¯ll <b><i>probably </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>leaving </i></b><b>soon</b><b>. </b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>hope </i></b><b>I </b><b><i>get </i></b><i>to </i><b><i>see </i></b><b>your </b><b><i>parents</i></b><b>. </b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>hope </i></b><i>that </i><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>forgive </i></b><b><i>me </i></b><b>for </b><i>failing </i><b><i>you</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>hope </i></b><i>that </i><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>will </i></b><b><i>someday </i></b><b>too</b><b>. </b><b><i>Please </i></b><b><i>remember </i></b><b><i>that </i></b>I¡¯m <b><i>always </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>and </i></b>look <b>to </b><b><i>your </i></b><i>cousin </i>


    <b><i>when </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><ies </i></b><b><i>home</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b>Love </b><b><i>Nana </i></b>]


    The tears poured out of Josie¡¯s eyes uncontrobly. Thatst message was sent on 03/03/24¡­that


    bitch Vanessa came to the prison on 03/05/24. Just two dayster. Josie¡¯s heart felt like led. So that


    confirmed what she already knew. They let her die. They used her grandmother so she could take the fall, and they still let her die!!!


    <i>¡®</i>It¡¯s <i>okay </i><i>nana</i><i>. </i><i>Because </i><i>not </i><i>only </i><i>do </i>I <i>forgive </i><i>you</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m going </i><i>to </i><i>avenge </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    Josie pulled up Marlon¡¯s number. Before her release, she wrote him telling him everything that happened. She also wrote for him not to visit her. She wasn¡¯t sure if the Taylors had eyes there or not. Marlon immediately wrote her back; he also put money on her books for her final month. He¡¯d


    just returned home the month before her release and found out everything all at once. That his nana had passed away and his cousin was in prison for homicide. It all felt like a ton of bricks copsing


    on his head. He had no idea leaving would tear his family apart like this.


    And regardless of how many times she told him not too, he med himself for Josie. He was her big cousin¡­he was supposed to protect her.


    On the first ring, Marlon answered.


    ¡°<i>You¡¯re </i><i>home</i>!!! <i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i>call me from the prison so I could pick you up!!!¡±


    <b>10:38 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>21 </b>


    Josie smiled warmly, it felt so good to hear Marlon¡¯s voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i>to <i>chance </i><i>you </i>running into <i>Christian</i>. <i>He </i><i>came </i>to <i>the </i><i>prison </i>to <i>pick </i>me <i>up</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Steamed fumed in Marlon¡¯s eyes at the sound of Christian¡¯s name. He hated him. What kind of big brother would do something like this to his sister.


    ¡°<i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>now</i><i>? </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>there</i><i>? </i>I¡¯m <iing </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie instantly smiled. She began to pack a quick bag.


    ¡°<i>Okay</i><i>. </i><i>Park </i><i>down </i><i>the </i><i>street </i>so <i>they </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>see </i><i>you</i><i>. </i>I¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>ready </i><i>in </i>15 <i>minutes</i>.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯ll <i>be </i><i>there</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>75 </b>


    After Josie hung up with Marlon, she quickly packed a bag. The time was now 5pm, and Marlon had just showed up.


    When Josie got downstairs, everyone was in the grand room. Laura was the first to notice her


    walking by.


    ¡°Josie? <i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>going</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Panic shed in her eyes once she noticed a traveling bag in her hands.


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>hospital </i><i>to </i><i>retrieve </i><i>my </i><i>grandmother </i><i>and </i><i>give </i><i>her </i><i>a </i><i>proper </i><i>memorial</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Instant guilt shed into Laura¡¯s eyes. She¡¯d known about the passing of Josie¡¯s adoptive grandmother as well.


    ¡°O¨COh¡­.I see<i>. </i><i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>have </i>one of us <i>drive </i><i>you </i><i>so </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>be </i>there with-¡±


    ¡°No need Mrs. <i>Taylor</i>. <i>With </i><i>all </i><i>due </i><i>respect</i><i>; </i>I don¡¯t need the constant reminder that I threw my <i>life </i>away all for nothing <i>with </i>me as I <i>bury </i>my <i>grandmother</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura¡¯s face waspletely ashen. She wasn¡¯t aware Josie learned they reneged on their deal to save


    Darlene,


    ¡°J¨CJosie<i>¡­</i><i>what </i>do you mean <i>by </i>tha-<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mrs. </i><i>Taylor</i>¡­<i>I </i><i>just </i>spent four years in <i>prison </i>for <i>a </i><i>crime </i>I <i>didn¡¯t </imit. The <i>least </i><i>you could </i><i>do </i><i>is </i><i>not </i>


    <b>10:38 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>21 </b>


    Chapter 210 <fn588b> For more chapters visit F¦Énd£Îovel</fn588b>


    <b>75 </b>


    <i>lie </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>face</i>¡­<i>right</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Before she could answer, Christian jumped up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Exactly </i><i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>mean by </i><i>all </i><i>of </i><i>this </i>Josie<i>! </i><i>You </i><i>knew </i>you <i>were </i><i>doing </i><i>the </i>four years for Vane-¡±


    ¡°No¡­.I <i>did </i><i>the </i><i>four </i><i>years </i>for <i>my </i><i>grandmother</i><i>! </i>Let¡¯s <i>be </i><i>clear</i><i>! </i><i>Under </i>no <i>circumstances </i><i>would </i><i>I </i><i>have </i>ever


    <i>thrown </i><i>my </i><i>life </i><i>away </i><i>for </i><i>someone </i><i>who </i>was <i>callous </i><i>enough </i>to not <i>only </i><i>drive </i><i>drunk</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>to </i><i>MURDER </i>


    <i>someone</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa¡¯s eyes redden, why would she yell that out!!!


    ¡°Josie¡­you need to <i>rx</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>an </i><i>i-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i>a <i>shit </i><i>what </i><i>it </i><i>was</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie cut Jamie off, she was tired of his passiveness. Cutting her eyes back over to Christian, he suddenly shuddered. Early she had no emotion in her eyes¡­now¡­pure hatred.


    <i>¡°</i>Look<i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>bothered </i><i>you </i><i>all</i><i>¡­</i><i>called</i><i>¡­</i><i>wrote</i><i>¡­</i><i>begged</i><i>¡­</i><i>asked </i>for <i>ANYTHING </i><i>during </i><i>the </i>fours <i>years </i>I <i>spent </i><i>in </i><i>prison </i>for <i>a </i><i>crime your </i><i>precious </i><i>Vanessa </i><i>did</i><i>! </i><i>The </i><i>least </i><i>you </i><i>could </i><i>do </i><i>is </i><i>let </i><i>me </i><i>bury </i><i>my </i><i>fucking </i><i>grandmother </i><i>without </i><i>an </i><i>audience</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian¡¯s eyes widen in horror, in that moment¡­it became clear¡­the girl he knew as Josie was no more. Before he could say anything, Harold intervened.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Let </i><i>her </i><i>go</i>.¡±


    Josie cut her eyes over to him and without a word; walked out the door.

 Hunted 211

    <b>Chapter </b><b>211 </b>


    Chapter <b>7</b><b>: </b><b>The </b>memorial<b>. </b>


    :


    <b>75 </b>


    As Josie grew closer to the end of the estate, she could see a navy blue SUV parked on the right side


    of the street.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>must </i>be <i>Marlon</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    Josie could feel her heart pound with joy. She had missed her cousin so much thesest four years.


    As soon as Marlon turned around, he saw Josie running up. His was filled with joy until she got


    closer. It wouldn¡¯t be something you¡¯d notice unless you knew her. Luckily for Josie, she was naturally beautiful, it took a lot to damage her appearance. But if you knew her, you would recognize the differences. Marlon could see the sullen bruises on her arms and her shoulder. He imagined there


    was more on her back. Whoever did this made sure to bruise her in areas not usually seen<b>. </b>


    Josie smiled brightly for the first time in over four years as she reached her arms out to hug Marlon.


    Slightly lifting her off her feet as he embraced her, the tears began to stroll down her face.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>are you crying </i><i>for </i><i>big </i><i>head</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Marlon used to always call her big head when they were children. It felt good hearing that name


    again. Josie wiped the tears from her eyes.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>so </i><i>happy </i><i>to </i><i>see </i><i>you dummy</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Marlon smiled warmly as he took her bag and opened her door.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>Come </i>on¡­<i>let¡¯s </i><i>go </i><i>see </i><i>nana</i>.


    ¡±


    They arrived at the hospital 30 minutester. The receptionist directed them to the memorial department. Marlon pulled out a paper.


    ¡°<i>We¡¯re </i>here to <i>collect </i>our <i>grandmother¡¯s </i>ashes<i>.</i><b>¡± </b>


    The clerk took the paper and smiled with relief.


    ¡°After <i>that </i>girl, <i>I </i>was starting to think no one would <i>ever </ie to im her. One moment please,¡±


    The clerk went into the back. Josie looked up at Marlon with the same confused expression. <i>After </i>


    <b>10:38 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>21 </b>


    A 173


    75


    <i>what </i><i>girl</i><i>? </i>When the clerk came back<b>; </b>she had a smile on her face as she handed Marlon the box.


    ¡°<i>Here </i><i>you </i><i>both </i>go. <i>She </i><i>waited </i><i>a </i>long time to <i>be </i><i>reunited</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    As we both grabbed the box, I looked back up at the clerk.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Ma¡¯am</i>¡­<i>you </i><i>stated </i><i>a </i><i>girl </i><i>came </i>to <i>visit</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    The clerk¡¯s face harden as if she were remembering something unpleasant.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>Yes</i><i>, </i><i>a </i><i>day </i><i>after </i>Ms. <i>Bowen </i><i>passed</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>a </i><i>young </i><i>woman </i><i>came </i><i>in </i><i>iming </i>to <i>be </i><i>her </i><i>granddaughter</i>. She


    <i>wanted </i><i>to </i>collect <i>her </i><i>remains</i>. <i>When </i><i>we </i><i>asked </i><i>what </i><i>her </i><i>name </i><i>was</i><i>, </i><i>we </i><i>realized </i><i>she </i>wasn¡¯t who <i>Ms. </i><i>Bowen </i><i>had </i><i>listed </i>as <i>her </i><i>next </i>of <i>kin</i><i>.</i>¡± <fn4032> This content belongs to Find_Novel(.</fn4032>


    ¡°<i>We </i><i>informed </i><i>the </i><i>young </i><i>woman </i><i>we </i><i>could </i><i>only </i><i>give </i>Ms. <i>Bowen¡¯s </i><i>remains </i><i>to </i><i>two </i><i>people</i><i>. </i><i>Both </i><i>you </i><i>and </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Bowen</i><i>. </i><i>The </i><i>girl </i><i>smiled </i><i>politely </i><i>and </i><i>then </i><i>she </i><i>said </i><i>the </i><i>strangest </i><i>thing</i>.¡±


    ¡°She said <i>she </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>the </i><i>old </i><i>hag </i><i>as </i>she <i>didn¡¯t </i><i>mean </i><i>anything </i><i>to </i><i>her </i><i>anyway</i><i>¡­</i>she <i>just </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i>


    <i>have her </i><i>thrown </i><i>away</i><i>. </i><i>She </i>said <i>she </i><i>was </i><i>her </i><i>biological </i><i>granddaughter </i><i>and </i><i>should </i><i>be </i><i>allowed </i><i>to </i><i>make </i>


    <i>that </i>decision<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>After </i><i>we </i><i>informed </i><i>her </i><i>of </i>Ms. <i>Bowen¡¯s </i><i>will</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>became </i><i>belligerent</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>mean </i><i>we </i><i>literally </i><i>had </i><i>to </i><i>call </i><i>security</i>. <i>An </i><i>older </i><i>gentleman </i><i>ended </i><iing </i><i>to </i><i>get her</i>, <i>I </i><i>believe </i><i>a </i><i>big </i><i>brother </i>or <i>something</i><i>. </i><i>Anyway</i><i>, </i><i>people </i><i>are </i>so <i>crazy </i><i>these </i><i>days </i><i>they </i><i>think </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>weirdest </i><i>ways </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>their </i><i>rocks </i>off.¡±


    Josie could feel her entire body heating up! Both she and Marlon knew EXACTLY who that woman


    was. Fucking Vanessa Taylor!! Josie stormed off quickly as they made their way to the memorial hall.


    ¡°<i>That </i><i>fucking </i><i>bitch</i>!!! I <b><i>swear </i></b><i>to </i><i>god</i><i>!! </i><i>If </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>the </i><ist </i><i>thing </i><i>I </i><i>do</i>¡­<i>she </i><i>will </i><i>pay</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Marlon grabbed Josie¡¯s hand in an attempt to calm her down.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Come </i>on <i>Jojo</i><i>¡­</i><i>let¡¯s </i><i>go </i><i>honor </i><i>our </i><i>nana</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Josie looked up at Marlon with tears in her eyes; nodding in agreement; they made their way to the


    hall.


    After the service, Marlon took Josie to her favorite restaurant.


    ¡°Oh <i>my </i>god!! It¡¯s been so long since I had steak!¡±


    (75)


    Josie sat smiling as she dug into her food. Marlon was happy she had an appetite. He had been worried about herck of eating. As they ate dinner, Josie told him about what the Taylors had been doing since her arrival.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And then</i>¡­<i>the </i><i>bitch </i><i>tried </i>to <i>get </i><i>me </i>to <i>eat </i><i>seafood</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>

 Hunted 212

    <b>Chapter </b><b>212 </b>


    Marlon¡¯s eyes widen in horror, he knew all too well about Josie¡¯s allergic reaction to seafood.


    ¡°Is she insane!! What the fuck! Is she trying to kill you!¡±


    Josie lifted her eyebrows as she bit into her steak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>probably</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Marlon stared at her in shock. He knew that as long as Josie stayed in that house her life was in


    danger.


    ¡°<i>Come </i><i>and </i><i>live </i><i>me</i>. <i>I </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>two </i><i>bedroom</i><b><i>; </i></b><i>you¡¯ll </i><i>have </i><i>your </i><i>space </i><i>and </i><i>bathroom</i>. <i>Please</i><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Josie looked up and smiled at Marlon.


    ¡°I¡¯m <i>like </i><i>ten </i><i>steps </i><i>ahead </i>of <i>you</i><i>¡­.</i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>wait </i><i>at </i><i>least </i><i>90 </i><i>days</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Why?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><iplete </i><i>three months </i>of <i>therapy </i><i>for </i>AODA. <i>It¡¯s </i><i>court </i><i>ordered </i>as a <i>condition </i>for <i>my </i><i>release</i><i>. </i>


    <i>And </i>since <i>the </i><i>Taylors </i><i>are </i><i>the </i><i>home </i><i>connected </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>probation</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>stay </i><i>there</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Shit.


    Marlon hadn¡¯t taken that into consideration.


    <b><i>75 </i></b>


    ¡°Okay<i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>look </i><i>into </i><i>seeing </i><i>if </i><i>we </i><i>can </i>do <i>a </i><i>change </i><i>of </i><i>address</i><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Josie smiled brightly. It was just like her big cousin to immediately start trying to take care of her. <fnb954> Get full chapters from Find_Novel(.</fnb954>


    ¡°I <i>know </i><i>it </i><i>was </i>a lot so I <i>won¡¯t </i>pressure you¡­.<i>but </i><i>when </i>you¡¯re ready¡­<i>just </i>know you can talk to me about what happened<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s <b>face </b>slightly darkened. She wasn¡¯t sure if she would ever be able to talk about what happened in that woman¡¯s prison.


    After they finished dinner, they headed back to Marlon¡¯s apartment.


    <b>10:38 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>21 </b>


    :


    ¡°<i>Wow </i><i>cousin</i>!! <i>This </i><i>is </i><i>your </i>condo!!! Damn <i>this </i>is nice<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>75 </b>


    Marlon looked at Josie slightly stunned, she never used to curse and now today, she dropping swears left and right. He couldn¡¯t help beugh.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>pretty </i><i>decent</i>! As soon as <i>I </i><i>finished </i><i>the </i><i>research </i>team <i>project</i><i>; </i><i>TriMark </i><i>hired </i><i>me </i><i>right </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>spot </i><i>as </i><i>a </i><i>bio</i><i>¨C</i><i>engineer</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Oh¡­so <i>then </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>rolling </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>big </i>bucks<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The two cousinsughed hysterically. As they settled in the living room, Marlon walked over with a


    box.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Speaking </i>of <i>big </i><i>bucks</i>.¡±


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s this</i>?¡±


    Marlon opened the box, and Josie could hardly believe her eyes. Inside was an inheritance document


    assigned to both Marlon and Josie totaling over sixteen million dors. Josie¡¯s hands shook as she picked up the documents and began to read.


    Darlene was given a sixteen million dor settlement for both of her daughters¡® death in the ne


    crash. Unfortunately, the case didn¡¯t officially settle and pay out until a year after Josie was sent to


    prison. After that, Darlene had the funds ced in a trust for both she and Marlon. She knew Josie¡¯s life was going to be hard once she got out of prison and figured eight million dors would be more


    than enough to have a good life.


    Josie stared at the documents.


    ¡°<i>W</i><i>¨C</i><i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i>she <i>just </i><i>use </i><i>the </i>money <i>on </i><i>herself-</i>¡±


    ¡°You know <i>nana </i><i>would </i><i>have </i><i>never </i><i>done </i>something <i>like </i><i>that</i>. She wanted to make <i>sure </i>we lived <i>well</i>. Besides, ording to <i>the </i>attorney, <i>by </i><i>that </i>time¡­the cancer has already spread <i>rapidly </i>to other areas of her <i>body</i><i>. </i><i>The </i>time to <i>act </i><i>would have </i>been <i>when </i><i>she </i><i>first </i>found out.¡±


    Josie sat in silence<b>, </b>the hatred in her heart growingrger. If Harold had just done what he promised, not only would her nana had lived, but she could have easily paid him his money back. The mes would never settle. They¡¯d taken too much from her. Suddenly, Marlon¡¯s words broke her out of her thoughts.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>did </i>you <i>say</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>saying </i><ist </i><i>chance</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>just </i><i>forget </i><i>this </i><i>whole </i><i>revenge </i><i>thing</i><i>¡­</i><i>eight </i><i>million </i>dors is <i>definitely </i><i>enough </i><i>money </i><i>to </i><ist </i><i>you</i><i>; </i><i>especially </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>throw </i><i>in </i><i>another </i><i>four </i><i>to </i><i>make </i><i>it </i><i>twelve</i>. <i>You </i>can <i>do </i><i>whatever </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>with </i><i>that </i><i>kind </i><i>of </i><i>money</i>. <i>You don¡¯t </i><i>have </i>to <i>be-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>turn </i><i>back</i>. <i>There </i><i>are </i><i>some </i><i>scars </i><i>that </i><i>may </i><i>never </i><i>go </i><i>away</i><i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>much I </i><i>ept</i>. <i>But </i><i>the </i>others¡­


    <i>they </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>go </i><i>away </i><i>until </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been vindicated</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>to </i>see <i>this </i><i>though</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b>75 </b>


    Marlon stared at his little cousin for a brief moment. He could see the pain in her eyes as she spoke.


    She wasn¡¯t backing down.


    ¡°<i>Alright </i><i>then</i><i>¡­</i><i>guess </i>I¡¯ll <i>have </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>your </i><i>trusted </i><i>sidekick</i><i>.</i>¡±


    <i>(</i><i>Both</i><i>)</i>. <i>Hahahahahah</i><i>!!!!! </i>


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    4

 Hunted 213

    <b>Chapter </b><b>213 </b>


    <b>Chapter 8</b><b>: </b><b>Talk </b><b>Therapy</b><b>. </b>


    Marlon dropped Josie off back at the Taylor estate about 7am the next morning; before heading <b>to </b>work.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m not <i>kidding </i>Jojo¡­<i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i>a <i>shit </i><i>about </i>a <i>court </i>order. <i>If </i><i>they </i><i>hurt </i><i>you</i>¡­call <i>me </i><i>immediately</i><b>!.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°<i>Don¡¯t </i><i>worry</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>will</i>.¡±


    She quickly made her way to her room; she would have to meet with that therapist at 10am. As soon as she entered the house, Laura walked up with a bright smile on her face.


    ¡°<i>Good </i><i>morning </i><i>Josie</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>trust </i><i>everything </i><i>went </i><i>well </i><i>with </i><i>the </i><i>service</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie gazed at Laura before she caught Vanessa in her peripheral vision. Ignoring Laura¡¯s question; she walked straight over to Vanessa.


    ¡°Oh<i>! </i><i>Good </i><i>morning </i><i>sister</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>was </i><i>your-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>SLAP</i><i>!! </i>


    Josie pped Vanessa directly in the face causing her to fall backwards. Laura screamed as she ran over to her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i><i>!! </i><i>Why </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>do </i><i>such </i><i>a </i><i>thing</i>!!!¡±


    Suddenly, the brothers along with her father all made their way into the foyer.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>happened</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Harold yelled as he saw Laura hunched down next to Vanessa.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know</i><i>!! </i><i>Josie </i><i>just </i><i>pped </i><i>Vanessa </i><i>and</i><i>¡­</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>what!!! </i><i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>wrong </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Christian barked as he stood in front of Josie who was still ring at Vanessa. Jamie immediately ran over draping his arm around her shoulder. Shooting death res at Josie, he fumed.


    ¡°What the hell is your problem <i>Josie</i>! <i>Has </i><i>being </i>in prison <i>made </i><i>you </i>uncouth!<i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Vanessa spoke up; tears flooding her face.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t me Josic! I read somewhere that <i>a </i>person can develop PTSD <i>after </i>leaving prison<i>! </i>She probably thought-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any got damn <i>PTSD</i>¡­What <i>I </i><i>did</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>did </i>on purpose<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    The room went quiet. Laura spun around¡­gone was the passive motherly act. Now she had fire in her eyes.


    ¡°Why would you attack your <i>sister</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie stared at Vanessa.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>ask </i><i>her</i><i>? </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>tell </i><i>them </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>did</i><i>¡­</i>or <i>should </i><i>I</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa looked at Josie with a surprised expression. Tears flowing down her face.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Sister </i><i>I-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Stop </i><i>calling </i><i>me </i><i>your </i><i>fucking </i><i>sister</i><i>! </i><i>Just </i><i>admit </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>did</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Suddenly, Jamie intervened.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>learned </i><i>at </i><i>that </i><i>prison</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>Vanessa </i><i>didn¡¯t-</i>¡±


    Suddenly, Josie startedughing hysterically as tears fell down her face. She started mumbling something before her words became clear. The family stared at her with shock.


    <i>¡°</i>I. <i>Am</i><i>. </i><i>So. </i><i>Sick</i><i>. </i>Of. <i>This</i><i>. </i><i>FUCKING</i>! <i>FAMILY</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Harlod¡¯s eyes began to bulge as he became furious.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>say</i><i>!!! </i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>You </i>little <i>brat</i><i>!!! </i><i>After </i><i>everything </i><i>we¡¯ve-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>!!! </i><i>After </i><i>everything </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>what</i><i>! </i><i>Done </i><i>TOO </i>me! <i>Because </i><i>you </i><i>haven¡¯t </i><i>done </i><i>shit </i>FOR ME <i>except </i><i>destroy my </i><i>fucking </i><i>life</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie began to vent out all of her frustrations; it felt as if these four years had finally caught up to


    <b>10:58 </b>Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    her.


    69


    ¡°Even <i>after </i><i>everything</i>!! <i>After </i><i>EVERYTHING </i><i>FUCKING </i><i>THING</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i>tried to <i>be </i><i>the </i><i>perfect </i><i>daughter </i><i>and </i><i>the </i>perfect <i>sister</i>, <i>but </i><i>it </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>enough</i>!! <i>It </i>was <i>never </i>enough<i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>give </i>me <i>back</i><i>!! </i><i>HUH</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>give </i>me <i>back </i><i>to my </i><i>REAL </i><i>FAMILY</i><i>!!! </i><i>To </i><i>the </i><i>people </i><i>that </i><i>loved </i>me<i>!!! </i><i>Because </i><i>it </i>was <i>painfully </i><i>clear</i><i>¡­you </i><i>all </i><i>never </i><i>wanted me</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>that </i><i>was </i><i>fine</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>fine </i><i>with </i><i>that</i>! <i>Because </i>I <i>had </i><i>people </i><i>that </i><i>actually </i><i>loved </i><i>me</i><i>!!! </i><i>And </i><i>you </i><i>took </i>them <i>away</i><i>!! </i><i>You </i><i>took </i><i>her </i><i>away</i>¡­..<i>You </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>even</i>¡­¡±


    Josie¡¯s words began to break as the tears flooded down her face. Laura walked up.


    ¡°<i>Josie</i><i>¡­</i>I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i><i>what¡¯s </i><i>going </i><i>on</i>¡­<i>but </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>apologize </i><i>to </i><i>Nessie </i><i>we </i><i>can </i><i>all </i><i>talk-</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Oh </i>my <i>fucking </i><i>god</i><i>!!! </i><i>The </i><i>days begin </i><i>and </i><i>end </i><i>with </i><i>¡®</i><i>Nessie</i><i>¡® </i><i>so </i><i>much </i><i>that </i><i>even </i><i>when </i>I <i>AM </i>THE <i>ONE </i><i>HURTING </i><i>you </i><i>make </i><i>it </i><i>about </i><i>her</i><i>!!! </i><i>Am </i>I <i>not </i><i>worth </i><i>five </i>minutes <i>of </i><i>your </i><i>fucking </i><i>time</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Laura tried to grab Josie¡¯s hand, but she quickly jerked it away. <fne8cf> ?????? ???? find?novel</fne8cf>


    ¡°<i>Don¡¯t </i><i>fucking </i><i>touch </i>me<i>! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>ever </i><i>fucking </i><i>touch </i>me<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian began to grow frustrated.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i>tell <i>us </i><i>what </i>happened <i>instead </i>of <i>spazzing </i><i>out</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Chapter Comments


    63

 Hunted 214

    <b>Chapter </b>214


    20


    Josie¡¯s tear soaked red eyes darted over to Christian¡­her re was deathly. Christian took a step in


    out of natural reaction.


    Josie¡¯s voice became eerily calm.


    <i>¡°</i>Spazz out? You think <i>THIS </i><i>is </i>spazzing out? <i>Oh </i><i>dear </i>¡®<i>brother</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>have </i>no idea<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian could feel his face pale. What the hell happened between yesterday and today to tick her off so bad. Josie¡¯s gaze fell back on Vanessa.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>enough </i><i>I </i>went <i>to prison </i>for <i>your </i><i>murder </i><i>under </i><i>the </i><i>lie </i><i>that </i><i>my </i><i>grandmother </i><i>would </i>be taken <i>care </i><i>of</i>¡­<i>you </i><i>had </i><i>try </i><i>and </i><i>have </i><i>her </i><i>destroyed </i><i>too</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Laura¡¯s eyes widen in shocked. She quickly looked at Josie in disbelief.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i><i>¡­</i><i>what </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i>?? <i>Nessie </i><i>would </i><i>nev-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i>a <i>shit </i><i>about </i><i>what </i><i>¡®</i><i>Nessie</i><i>¡® </i><i>would </i><i>do</i><i>¡­.</i><i>there </i>is <i>a </i><i>whole </i><i>security </i><i>video </i><i>of </i><i>VANESSA demanding </i><i>they </i><i>throw </i><i>my </i><i>grandmother¡¯s </i><i>ashes </i><i>out </i><i>two </i><i>days </i><i>after </i><i>she died</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><i>it </i><i>hadn¡¯t </i><i>been </i><i>for </i><i>my </i><i>grandmother </i><i>assigning </i><i>her </i><i>next </i><i>of </i><i>kin</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>let </i><i>me </i><i>bury </i><i>her. </i><i>Even </i><i>after </i><i>you </i><i>came </i><i>to </i><i>torment </i><i>me </i><i>in </i><i>prison </i><i>about </i><i>how </i>she <i>died</i><i>. </i><i>About </i><i>how </i><i>your </i><i>bothers</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>mother</i><i>, </i><i>and </i><i>you </i><i>FATHER </i><i>LIED</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Even </i><i>after </i><i>you </i><i>tormented </i><i>me </i><i>about </i><i>how </i><i>I </i><i>fucked </i><i>my </i><i>life </i><i>up </i><i>for </i><i>nothing</i>!!! <i>Because </i><i>they </i>NEVER <i>had </i><i>any </i><i>intentions </i><i>on </i><i>helping </i><i>her</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>still </i><i>had </i><i>to </i><i>try </i><i>and </i><i>do </i><i>that</i><i>? What </i><i>did </i><i>I </i><i>ever </i><i>do </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>Vanessa</i>¡­.¡®


    ¡°9


    Everyone stood around in shock, not saying a word. Vanessa¡¯s face grew ashen; she¡¯d honestly forgotten about that day. Josie picked up her bag and walked back towards the door.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>putting </i>a <i>request </i><i>in </i>to <i>have </i>a <i>change </i><i>of </i><i>address</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>stay </i><i>here</i>¡­I¡¯ll <i>only </i><i>end </i><i>up </i><i>back </i><i>in </i><i>jail</i><i>¡­</i><i>this </i><i>time </i><i>for </i><i>something </i><i>I did </i>do. <i>You </i><i>people </i><i>aren¡¯t </i><i>conducive </i><i>to </i><i>my </i><i>health</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie walked back out leaving the entire family shocked and torn for words.


    A few momentster, Laura looked over at Vanessa. Tears were flooding her face.


    ¡°<i>Vanessa</i><i>¡­</i><i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>do </i><i>what </i><i>she </i><i>said </i><i>you </i><i>did</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa looked up at her mother¡­very seldom did she ever call her Vanessa. She knew she was mad, trying to lie wouldn¡¯t help this situation. So she tried to minimize her damage.


    10:59 Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>


    ¡°Mom it¡¯s not like the <i>makes </i>it sound.¡±


    ¡°Then have is it?¡±


    270


    Harold spoke next; his voice was filled with anger. He had been trying to figure out how losie learned the truth; and to know it was Vanessa.


    ¡°Why would you be so stupid<i>!!!</i>¡±


    ¡°Harold calm down!!¡±


    ¡°Mom, dad is right!¡±


    Both Laura and Vanessa looked at Christian with a shocked expression. He¡¯d never been angry with Vanessa before, but it was very clear¡­right now he was furious.


    <i>¡°</i>Chris¡­I-¡±


    ¡°Did you think of what could <i>happen </i><i>if </i>she told the truth<i>!! </i>If she insisted <i>they </i><i>dig </i><i>into </i>the case further??? Josie had a solid <i>alibi </i>for <i>that </i><i>day</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>were </i><i>you </i><i>thinking </i>provoking her<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jamie stood up. He didn¡¯t care what the situation was, he didn¡¯t want anyone yelling at his little sister or making her cry!


    ¡°Hey, chill out <i>Chris</i>.¡±


    <i>¡®</i><i>Chill </i>out<i>? </i>Do you <i>understand </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i>is <i>going </i><i>on</i><i>? </i>Or <i>do </i><i>you </i><i>relish </i><i>on </i><i>being </i><i>clueless</i><i>?</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Hey </i><i>fuck </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>If </i>you <i>cared </i><i>so </i><i>much </i><i>about </i><i>her </i><i>grandmother </i><i>then </i><i>you </i><i>should </i><i>have </i><i>honored </i><i>her </i><i>conditions</i>! Besides¡­<i>that </i><idy </i><i>was </i><i>just </i>as <i>much </i><i>Ness</i><i>¡® </i><i>grandmother </i><i>than </i><i>Josie</i><i>¡­</i><i>hell </i><i>if </i><i>not </i><i>more</i><i>! </i><i>She </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>even </i>blood <i>rted</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Christian sneered at his brother.


    ¡°<i>So </i>does <i>than </i><i>mean </i>Josie is <i>more </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>sister </i><i>than </i><i>Vanessa</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>No <i>that-</i><i>¡± </i>


    Realizing his hypocrisy, Jamie immediately shut his mouth. Laura looked back at Vanessa<b>, </b>pain filled


    in her eyes.


    10:59 Mon<b>, </b>Sep 22


    ¡°Nessie¡­you don¡¯t hate your sister¡­do you<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Before she could answer; Jamie responded.


    ¡°Of course <i>she </i>doesn¡¯t! Josie was just being dramatic<i>! </i>Honestly <i>that </i>whole thing was ridiculous!<i>¡± </i>


    Just then, Christian¡¯s assistant texted him letting him know he emailed over a report from the woman¡¯s prison where Josie was at for four years.


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    20 <fn0084> This text is hosted at FindN0vel</fn0084>

 Hunted 215

    <b>Chapter 215 </b>


    After everything died down in the foyer, everyone went their separate ways. Laura went directly to her room. The image of Josie was still burning in her mind. She didn¡¯t look angry¡­she looked¡­ broken. Like all of the spirit had been ripped out of her. Was this the right thing to do? At the time, she was so desperate for Vanessa not to go to jail that she would have agreed to anything. But what she ultimately agreed to was destroying one daughter for another.


    Christian immediately went to his study to retrieve the documents his assistant sent. As soon as he opened the file, his face turned ghostly white.


    His assistant had sent him a detailed report of everything that Josie had been through¡­and to his horror¡­it was worse than he could have imagined. Inside, the report detailed multiple trips to the infirmary, multiple beatings by inmates and guards¡­there was one in particr that kept popping up¡­Officer Tillman. The report showed she was forced into solitude multiple times; malnourished, sleep deprived. But the worse was the final part of the infirmary report.


    The nurse suspected long¨Cterm sexual abuse. She believed the inmate was too scared to speak about it. Josie was brought into the ICU of the infirmary for excessive bleeding consistent with a miscarriage. When the assualt kit was performed, it showed she had multiple tearing consisted with


    forcible sex or rape.


    Christian¡¯s hands began to shake¡­.as he stared at the screen, all that kepting to mind was the list of demands she requested in exchange for taking the fall. <ol><li><i></i><i>Put </i><b><i>money </i></b><i>on </i><b><i>my </i></b><b><i>books</i></b>. <b><i>(</i></b><b><i>So </i></b><b><i>that </i></b>I <b><i>can </i></b><b><i>take </i></b><b><i>care </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>myself</i></b><b><i>) </i></b></li><li><b></b><i>Visit </i><i>at </i><b><i>least </i></b><b><i>twice </i></b>a <i>month </i><b><i>so that </i></b><b><i>others would </i></b><i>know </i><b><i>who </i></b><i>my </i><b><i>family </i></b><b><i>was</i></b><i>. (</i><i>it¡¯s </i><b>for </b><b>my </b><b><i>protection</i></b><i>. </i><b><i>Others </i></b><i>won¡¯t </i><b><i>bother </i></b><i>me </i><i>if </i><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>know </i></b>I¡¯m <i>a </i><b><i>Taylor</i></b><b><i>) </i></b></li><li><b></b><b><i>Take </i></b><b><i>care </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>my </i></b><b><i>grandmother</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>(</i></b><b><i>The </i></b><b><i>reason </i></b><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><b><i>doing </i></b><b><i>this</i></b><b><i>) </i></b></li></ol>


    She¡¯d only asked for three small favors, and they couldn¡¯t even honor one. The blood began to rush to his brain¡­was THIS worth it? Had sacrificing Josie for Vanessa been the right choice? After all, Vanessa was the one that hit and killed that person and did little to stay out of trouble after.


    Shouldn¡¯t she had paid for her crime? They would have taken care of her the right way had she gone to jail! Why did they make Josie suffer like this.


    The anger began to fume over. Whoever was responsible would pay! Christian stormed into his father¡¯s study and mmed the papers down on his desk.


    ¡°What¡¯s thi-¡±


    Harlod froze mid¨Csentence as he red the report. His eyes began to swell as tears overflowed. He had no idea she went through this. No wonder she was spazzing out. Harlod began to crumble the paper.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>want <i>to </i>know <i>who </i><i>the </i><i>asholes </i><i>were </i>that did <i>this </i>to <i>her</i><i>. </i>I want <i>their </i>fucking heads!!! Immediately!!!¡±


    Chrisitan looked at his father in agreement.


    ¡°Um¡­are we going <i>to </i>tell mom?¡±


    Harold¡¯s eyes shot up at his son.


    ¡°<i>No</i>!!! <i>If </i><i>she </i>found <i>this </i><i>out </i><i>it </i><i>would </i><i>kill </i><i>her</i>. <i>She¡¯s </i><i>already </i><i>been </i><i>battling </i><i>with </i><i>what </i><i>we </i>did¡­if she saw


    <i>this</i>¡­¡±


    Christian nodded in agreement. It was true, out of everyone she took sending Josie to prison in Vanessa¡¯s stead the hardest. Something like this would kill her.


    Josie made her way over to her probation officer¡¯s office.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Taylor</i><i>, your </i><i>PO </i><i>will </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>now</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s PO was a woman named Geogia West. Although she was in her mid¨Cforties, she had a strikingly beautiful and youthful face. Josie had only met her twice so far, but she seemed like a genuinely decent person. Hopefully she would honor her request.


    ¡°Ms. <i>Taylor</i><i>. </i><i>What </i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>do </i><i>for </i><i>you </i><i>today</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>seeing </i><i>me </i><i>at </i><i>such </i><i>short </i><i>notice </i><i>Officer </i><i>West</i><i>. I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>it¡¯s </i>possible <i>for </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>please </i><i>switch </i><i>my </i><i>home </i><i>address</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Geogia West looked up at Josie. She wasn¡¯t expecting that.


    ¡°<i>Well </i>it¡¯s <i>not </i><i>usually </i><i>rmended</i><i>. </i><i>We </i><i>prefer </i><i>you </i>to <i>be </i><i>stable </i><i>while </i><i>on </i><i>probation</i><i>. </i><i>Not </i><i>to </i><i>mention</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>only </i><i>have </i><i>90 </i><i>days</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>think </i><i>you </i><i>can-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i>not <i>safe </i><i>environment </i><i>for </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Not </i><i>a </i><i>safe</i><i>¡­</i><i>aren¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>Harold </i><i>and </i><i>Laura </i><i>Taylor¡¯s daughter</i><i>? </i><i>They¡¯re </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>most </i><i>prominent </i><i>people </i><i>in </i><i>this </i><i>state</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>10:59 </b>Mon, Sep 221 <fn94c5> Discover more novels at Find~Novel</fn94c5>


    ¡°What¡¯s thi-*


    Harlod froze mid¨Csentence as he red the report. His eyes began to swell as tears overflowed. He <b>had </b>


    no idea she went through this. No wonder she was spazzing out. Harlod began to crumble the <b>paper</b><b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>want to know who <i>the </i>asholes <i>were </i><i>that </i><i>did </i>this to <i>her</i><i>. </i>I want their fucking heads!!! Immediately!!!¡±


    Chrisitan looked at his father in agreement.


    ¡°Um¡­are we going to tell mom?¡±


    Harold¡¯s eyes shot up at his son.


    ¡°No!!! <i>If </i><i>she </i>found <i>this </i>out <i>it </i><i>would </i><i>kill </i><i>her</i><i>. </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>already </i><i>been </i><i>battling </i><i>with </i><i>what </i><i>we </i><i>did</i>¡­if she <i>saw </i>


    <i>this</i>¡­¡±


    Christian nodded in agreement. It was true, out of everyone she took sending Josie to prison in Vanessa¡¯s stead the hardest. Something like this would kill her.


    Josie made her way over to her probation officer¡¯s office.


    <i>¡°</i>Ms. <i>Taylor</i>, <i>your </i><i>PO </i><i>will </i><i>see </i><i>you </i><i>now</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s PO was a woman named Geogia West. Although she was in her mid¨Cforties, she had a strikingly beautiful and youthful face. Josie had only met her twice so far, but she seemed like a genuinely decent person. Hopefully she would honor her request.


    <i>¡°</i>Ms. <i>Taylor</i>. <i>What </i><i>I </i><i>can </i>do <i>for </i><i>you </i><i>today</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Thank </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>seeing </i><i>me at </i><i>such </i><i>short </i><i>notice </i><i>Officer </i><i>West</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i><i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>possible </i><i>for </i>me <i>to </i><i>please </i><i>switch </i><i>my </i><i>home </i><i>address</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Geogia West looked up at Josie. She wasn¡¯t expecting that.


    ¡°<i>Well </i><i>it¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>usually </i><i>rmended</i><i>. </i><i>We </i><i>prefer </i><i>you </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>stable </i><i>while </i><i>on </i><i>probation</i><i>. </i><i>Not </i>to <i>mention</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>only </i><i>have </i><i>90 </i><i>days</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>think </i><i>you </i><i>can-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>safe </i><i>environment </i><i>for </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Not </i>a <i>safe</i><i>¡­</i><i>aren¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>Harold </i><i>and </i><i>Laura </i><i>Taylor¡¯s </i><i>daughter</i><i>? </i><i>They¡¯re one </i><i>of </i><i>the </i>most <i>prominent </i><i>people </i><i>in </i><i>this </i><i>state</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    10.59 Mon, Sep 22


    fosse knew this wasn¡¯t going to be exactly easy; still, she couldn¡¯t give up.


    ¡°Officer West..*


    You can <i>call </i>me Georgia.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Georgia. ording to my file<i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>have </i>a severe drinking problem. My concern is if I stay with that family¡­something bad <i>will </i>happen. Besides¡­they denounced <i>me </i>four years ago, so it¡¯s just really stressful. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s healthy for someone who is supposed to <i>have </i>a drinking problem.<i>¡± </i>


    Georgia stared at Josie with aplex expression. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t understand, in fact she understood very well how families can oftentimes force a person to rpse. What she found interesting is how Josie kept saying ¡®on her file she listed as an alcoholic<i>.</i><i>¡® </i>Why phrase it like that? Why not just say she¡¯s an alcoholic or has a drinking problem. It was like she was trying to purposely disassociate herself from being an alcoholic.


    <i>¡°</i>Do you have an address you would be able to transfer too?<i>¡± </i>


    Josie instantly perked up!


    ¡°Yes!! It¡¯s actually <i>with </i><i>my </i>cousin! His <i>name </i>is Marlon <i>Bowen</i><i>, </i><i>and </i>he¡¯s a <i>bioengineer</i><i>! </i><i>He¡¯ll </i>make sure I go to my therapy sessions and stay out of trouble I swear!¡±


    Georgia looked at the desperation on her face. Something was definitely going on that she was


    missing.


    ¡°Alright. <i>I¡¯ll </i>approve your transfer. <i>You </i><i>can </i>leave as <i>soon </i><i>as </i><i>today</i><i>. </i><i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>know </i><i>once </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>on </i><i>the </i>premises and we¡¯ll still <i>meet </i><i>once </i>a week<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie was beyond ted! She could finally get out of that house for good!


    ¡°Oh my gosh!!! Ms. Georgia!! <i>Thank you </i>so <i>much</i><i>!! </i><i>This </i>is <i>literally </i><i>some </i><i>the </i><i>best </i><i>news </i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>had </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><i>long </i>


    time!¡±


    ¡°d I could help. Hurry <i>on </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>here</i><i>, </i><i>your </i><i>first </i><i>appointment </i><i>with </i><i>your </i><i>therapist </i>is <i>today </i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie smiled brightly while nodding her head.


    ¡°Yes <i>ma¡¯am</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯m </i>headed <i>there </i><i>now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Georgia couldn¡¯t help but smile, this girl was really happy to get out of that house!


    314


    ¡°Hey Josie.¡±


    Josie spun around immediately.


    ô~õr


    ¡°Just remember¡­whatever <i>you </i><i>talk </i>to <i>your </i><i>therapist </i><i>about </i><i>is </i>between <i>the </i>two of <i>you</i>. <i>So </i>don¡¯t be afraid


    to let loose.¡±


    Josie smiled and waved goodbye. As soon as she was finished with therapy, she would get her belongings from that house.


    Back at the Taylor estate; Christian received a notification from the department of corrections.


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>This </i></b><i>message </i><i>is </i><b><i>for </i></b><i>the </i><b><i>listed </i></b><b><i>responsible </i></b><b><i>party </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>Josie </i></b><b><i>Taylor</i></b><b><i>: </i></b>


    <b><i>As </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>05/13/2025 </i></b><b><i>The </i></b><b><i>responsible </i></b><i>parties </i><b><i>listed </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>Christian </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>Harold </i></b><b><i>Taylor </i></b><b><i>have </i></b><i>now </i><b><i>been </i></b><i>terminated</i><b>. </b><b><i>The </i></b><b><i>recently </i></b><b><i>released </i></b><i>will </i><i>no </i><b><i>longer </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>housed </i></b><i>at </i><b>9406 </b><b><i>Roosevelt </i></b><b><i>Court </i></b><b><i>Way</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>New </i></b><b><i>address </i></b><b><i>has </i></b><b><i>been </i></b><i>update </i><b>by </b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>releasee¡¯s </i></b><b><i>probation officer Georgia </i></b><b><i>West</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    Chrisitan could hardly believe what he just read. She actually went and changed her address!!! To where!! And more importantly, who was her new responsible party??? Christian could feel a storm brewing and it gave him an uneasy feeling. A feeling that told him maybe this was just the beginning for Josie.


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    <b>?? </b>


    Visitor


    7 days ago


    Such despicable people they are her supposed biological family


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 Hunted 216

    <b>Chapter </b><b>216 </b>


    Chapter 10<b>: </b>Dr. <b>Evelyn </b>Woods.


    :


    Josie arrived at the therapist¡¯s <b>office </b>at exactly 9:30am. With a half hour to spare, she decided to call Marlon.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hey</i>! <i>Everything </i><i>okay</i><b>???</b><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>everything </i><i>is </i><i>great</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>just </i><i>left </i><i>my </i>PO¡¯s <i>office</i><i>, </i><i>and </i>she <i>agreed </i>for me to <i>switch </i><i>my </i><i>address</i><b>!!</b>¡±


    51


    Marlon could hardly believe his ears<b>! </b>Finally his cousin coulde and stay with him. Since learning the truth, he had been paranoid about Josie staying on that estate. Afraid they may decide to lock her back up or worse in order to keep their secret.


    ¡°Josie <i>that¡¯s </i><i>great</i><i>!!! </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i>go <i>back </i><i>to </i><i>the </i>condo <i>and </i><i>wait </i><i>for </i>me to get <i>off work </i><i>to </i><i>get </i>your <i>things</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Josie pondered that for a moment before deciding against it.


    ¡°No<i>¡­</i><b><i>I </i></b>want <i>to </i><i>get </i><i>out </i>of <i>there </i>ASAP. <i>After </i><i>I </i><i>leave </i><i>my </i><i>session</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i>to <i>pack </i><i>my </i><i>things </i><i>and </i><i>head </i>to the condo.¡±


    Marlon paused for a moment. He wasn¡¯t thrilled at the idea of her going alone, but he understood her need to leave soon. After a deep sigh, he agreed.


    ¡°<i>Okay</i><i>¡­</i><i>just </i>please <b>c-</b><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>know<i>¡­</i><i>call </i><i>you </i><i>if </i><i>there¡¯s </i><i>any </i><i>issues</i><i>.</i><b>¡± </b>


    After hanging up with Marlon, Josie was called into the office of her new therapist Dr. Evelyn Woods. Slightly nervous<b>, </b>she made her way into the room.


    <i>¡°</i>Good <i>morning </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Taylor</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯m </i>Dr. <i>Evelyn </i>woods<i>, </i><i>and </i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>your </i><i>therapist </i>for the next <i>three </i>months<i>. </i>Of course, <b>if </b><i>once </i><b>your </b><i>probation </i>is over<i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>would </i><i>like </i><i>to </i><i>continue </i>that¡¯s <i>also </i>an <i>option</i>.¡±


    Josie thought about that for a moment. Therapy¡­considering everything she¡¯s been through<b>; </b>it wouldn¡¯t be such a bad idea. Too bad she wasn¡¯t an alcoholic.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you <i>Dr. </i>Woods; and <i>thank </i><i>you</i>.¡±


    As Josie sat down, Evelyn tried her best to read Josie¡¯s expression. Everything about her was nk. It was as if she was making sure she said everything correctly.Josie looked around the office, it wasfortable enough. Probably how she was able to get people to open up to her. After a few minutes <b>of </b>silence, Dr. Evelyn spoke first.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i>, is this your first time in therapy<i>?</i>¡±


    Josie looked around the office once more before answering.


    17:58 Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b><fnb163> This text is hosted at find¡¤novel</fnb163>


    :


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yes</i>, as a matter <i>of </i><i>fact </i>it is. <i>So </i><b><i>I </i></b>don¡¯t <i>really </i><i>know </i><i>how </i><i>this </i>works<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Evelyn smiled, that was a line she¡¯d heard plenty of times.¡±


    Well, it works however you like. We can take things slow. You can about what you¡¯refortable with.¡±


    Josie¡¯s brows furrowed. Therapy or not, she knew the primary reason for all of this was her supposed drinking


    problems.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>but </i><i>eventually </i>you¡¯ll <i>want </i>to <i>about </i><i>my </i><i>¡®</i><i>drinking</i><i>¡­</i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Eventually</i><i>; </i><i>but </i><i>again</i>, <i>it¡¯s </i><i>when </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>ready</i>.¡±


    Josie chuckled; it was hard to talk about something that wasn¡¯t true. Evelyn pressed on.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>we </i><i>start </i><i>with </i><i>something </i><i>easy</i>¡­tell me <i>about </i><i>your </i><i>home </i><i>life</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Josieughed hysterically. Her home life was anything but ¡®<i>¡®</i><b><i>easy</i></b><b>¡®</b><b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i>not <ifortable </i><i>with </i><i>talking </i><i>about </i><i>that </i><i>right </i><i>now</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Okay</i>¡­<i>you </i><i>were </i><i>in </i><i>prison </i><i>for </i><i>four </i><i>years</i>¡­I¡¯m <i>sure </i><i>that </i><i>hard </i><i>for </i><i>you</i>. <i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>want-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I don¡¯t </i><i>want </i>to <i>talk </i><i>about </i><i>that </i><i>either</i>.¡±


    <b>51 </b>


    Josie immediately shut down that line of questioning. She wasn¡¯t ready to discuss the horrors of that prison just yet. Nodding in agreement, Evenly smiled.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay<i>. </i>We can <i>talk </i><i>about </i><i>those </i><i>things </i><i>when </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>ready</i><i>. </i><i>So </i><i>what </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>like </i>to <i>talk </i><i>about </i><i>now</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie pondered that question; she honestly wasn¡¯t sure. Suddenly, she remembered the words from her PO this morning.


    ¡°I have a question.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Go <i>on</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>My </i><i>PO </i>told <i>me </i><i>that </i><i>whatever </i>I discuss <i>with </i>you <i>is </i>confidential. <i>Is </i>that true?¡±


    Evelyn looked at Josie with a puzzled expression.


    <b>¡°</b><b><i>Yes</i></b><b><i>, </i></b>of <i>course</i><i>. </i><i>You¡¯ll </i><i>have </i>doctor/patient <i>privilege</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Even <i>though </i>this <b>is </b>court ordered<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>17:58 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Yes</i></b>. <i>For </i><i>the </i>most <i>part</i><i>; </i><b><i>I </i></b>won¡¯t <i>be </i><i>able </i>to <i>disclose </i>anything we discuss<b><i>.</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    Josie raised a brow. So there WAS a provision. Understanding her expression<b>, </b>Evelyn exined further<b>. </b>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>As </i>long <i>as </i><i>you </i>don¡¯t <i>express </i>any <i>desires </i>of <i>hurting </i><i>yourself </i><i>and</i><i>/</i>or <i>others</i><b>; </b>nothing we discuss <i>will </i>be disclosed <i>to </i><i>anyone</i>. <i>Not even </i><i>your </i><i>PO</i>.¡±


    51


    Josie nodded her head as if to show she understood. The rest of the session was just small talk. Before she knew it; 45 minutes had passed by.


    <b>¡°</b><i>Well</i>, <i>looks </i><i>like </i>our <i>time </i><i>is </i><i>up</i><i>. </i><i>Maybe </i><i>next </i><i>week </i><i>we </i><i>talk </i>a <i>little </i><i>bit </i><i>about </i><i>why </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>here</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Josie smiled halfheartedly; she knew she would have to think of something regarding her supposed drinking.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Absolutely</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Once Josie left the office, Evelyn called Georgia to provide her with an update regarding their first appointment.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Hey</i><b>, </b>so <i>how¡¯d </i><i>it </i><i>go</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    Georgia and Evelyn were actually long¨Ctime best friends. The two women had known each other since college. When


    Georgia was first assigned to Josie, after reading her file she felt therapy would be beneficial.


    ¡°Umm<i>¡­</i><i>she </i><i>was </i>a <i>little </i><i>reluctant </i><i>to </i><i>talk </i><i>but </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>expected </i><i>considering </i><i>what </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>through</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Although they didn¡¯t have all the facts, thedies each read Josie¡¯s medical report and general report from the prison. They were both aware she suffered a great deal during her four years, that was part of the reason Georgia suggested therapy.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Without </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i>the <i>details</i><i>, </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>guys </i><i>talk </i><i>about </i><i>her </i><i>alcoholism</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Without breaking <i>privilege</i>¡­no. <i>But </i>it¡¯s <i>also </i><i>the </i><i>first </i><i>day</i><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Ha¡­.¡±


    ¡°<i>What</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Georgia paused for a moment before answering. Something about Josie¡¯s case had been bothering her, and after meeting with her this morning, her confusion only increased.


    ¡°It could be nothing but<i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i>know¡­It¡¯s <i>something </i>about this girl that seems unusual¡­as <i>far </i>her case goes. I think <b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><i>going </i>to <i>do </i>some digging.¡±


    ¡°It <i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>hurt</i><b><i>; </i></b><i>especially </i>if it might help <i>her </i><i>with </i><i>therapy</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Georgia agreed, there <b>was </b>definitely something going on with Josie¡­she just wasn¡¯t sure it was alcoholism.


    17:58 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°<i>Hey</i>¡­<i>is </i><i>your </i><i>nephew </i><i>back </i><i>in </i><i>town</i>?¡±


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>Yeah</i>, <i>why</i>?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>in </i>case she <i>may </i>need <i>a </i><iwyer </i><iter </i><i>on</i><i>.</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Understood</i>. I¡¯ll <i>reach </i><i>out </i><i>to </i>him <i>and </i><i>hive </i><i>him </i>a <i>heads </i><i>up</i>.


    *************


    51)


    After having lunch, Josie took a rideshare back to the Taylor estate. This time, she would just go straight to her room and pack. After walking in the mansion, she didn¡¯t notice anyone in the grand room or foyer. Good! I can go straight to my room without any issues.¡®


    Making a b¨Cline straight to her room, Josie moved swiftly and quietly so that no one would know she was home. <b>As </b>soon <b>as </b>she made it to her destination, she immediately pulled out her old suitcase from when she first arrived and began packing.While packing her belongings, she came across a picture of her and her grandmother. It was taken on her 11th birthday right after one of her friends smashed cake in her face.


    Josie stared at the picture as if she were looking at a stranger. The girl in the photo looked so happy and full of life, who would have known her life would take the horrible turn it took.Tears started to fall down her cheeks¡­she missed her nana so much. Wiping her eyes, Josie continued to pack, just then¡­Laura knocked on the door.


    Chapter Comments


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 Hunted 217

    <b>Chapter </b><b>217 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>11</b>: <b>Back </b><b>to </b><b>the </b>way <b>things </b>used to <b>be</b><b>. </b>


    :.


    A


    Josie opened the door expecting it to be Christian. Instead, it was Laura. She had this weary look on her <b>face </b><b>as </b><b>if </b>she had been mentally battling something. After a few moments of silence<b>, </b>Josie spoke <b>first</b>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Is </i><i>there </i>something you need <i>Mrs. </i><i>Taylor</i>?


    <b>51 </b>


    Hearing Josie call her ¡®Mrs. Taylor¡® made Laura¡¯s heart ache deeply. When she first met her long lost daughter, Josie was overjoyed. Her eyes were filled with so much love and admiration. She remembered how Josie beamed knowing it was Laura she actually looked like.


    ¡°It¡¯s so <i>amazing</i><i>! </i>I <i>spent </i><i>years </i><i>wondering </i><i>what </i><i>distant </i><i>family </i><i>member </i><i>I </i>looked like! Turns <i>out</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>look </i>just like <i>my </i><i>mom</i><i>!!</i><b>¡± </b>


    But Laura¡­although she wasn¡¯t necessarily mean to Josie¡­.she was cold and distant. Too afraid that if she showed her biological daughter any affection; it would jeopardize the rtion she had with her adoptive daughter.


    Now¡­there was no more love, no more admiration, no more beaming. Josie looked at her <b>as </b><b>if </b>she were a stranger in the street; and that was when she wasn¡¯t looking at her with pure disgust.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>just </i><i>checking </i><i>on </i><i>you</i>. I <i>noticed </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>back </i><i>home</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Josie looked at Laura with a nk expression.


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><i>moving </i><i>out</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>here </i><i>to </i><i>collect </i><i>my </i><i>things</i>.¡±


    Laura¡¯s eyes widen! Moving out! To where!!! Laura looked frantically past Josie and saw her fully packed suitcase.


    <i>¡°</i>Josie<b>! </b><i>Let¡¯s </i>not be <i>rash</i><i>!! </i>You don¡¯t <i>have </i>to do <i>this</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Josie looked at Laura almostughing; did she truly not get what was going on?


    <i>¡°</i>Mrs. <i>Taylor-</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    ¡°<i>I¡¯m </i>your <i>mother</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Laura yelled out in a panicked frustration. She¡¯d told herself that the whole ¡°Mr. & <i>Mrs.</i>¡± thing was just Josie¡¯s way of being dramatic. Wanting to hurt their feelings some; but eventually she would go back to calling them all by their formals. But now¡­now she was leaving?


    <b>¡°</b><b>As </b>I was <i>saying </i>Mrs. <i>Taylor</i>¡­It¡¯s not healthy <i>for </i>me to be here. I have to leave.¡±


    Josie turned around and grabbed her suitcase and bookbag; walking past Laura. As she made her way downstairs, Laura followed yelling hysterically.


    <b>17:58 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    ¡°Josie!!! Stop <i>this</i><i>!!! </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i>acting <i>this </i><i>way</i><i>!!! </i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i>being so got damn <i>dramatic</i><i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie stopped walking; by now, everyone heard themotion and made their way downstairs.


    <i>¡°</i>Jesus <i>Christ</i>¡­what <i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>going </i>on now<i>? </i><i>Is </i>it going to be <i>something </i>every <i>time </i>shees home<b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Jamie fussed as he made his way to the foyer. Vanessa walked behind him slowly; too afraid to get close <b>in </b><b>case </b>Josie pped her again. Laura ignored both children, keeping her focus on Josie.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i>¡­<b><i>I </i></b><i>have </i>been <i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>be </i><i>reasonable </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>understand </i>you <i>were </i><i>locked </i><i>up </i>for <i>several </i>years. <i>But </i>this has gone on <i>far </i><i>enough</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>let </i><i>it </i><i>go</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Josie stared as Laura with pure disgust in her eyes, causing Laura to slightly shudder. In an eerily calm voice, Josie responded.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>exactly </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>asking </i>me <i>to </i>¡®<i>let </i><i>go</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura was taken aback; she hadn¡¯t expected that to be Josie¡¯s rebuttal. <fndaac> Latest content published on Find_Novel(.</fndaac>


    ¡°W¨C<i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>meant</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>only </i><i>asking </i><i>if </i><i>we </i><i>could </i><i>just </i><i>go </i><i>back </i><i>to way </i><i>things </i><i>were</i>. <i>You </i><i>should </i><i>know</i><i>¡­</i><i>this </i>was hard <i>on </i>all of <i>us</i><b><i>.</i></b>¡±


    By now, Christian hade into the foyer as well as Harold. Before Josie could say anything, Vanessa immediately ran next to Laura crying.


    Of <b>course</b>. It must be <i>¡®</i>poor Nessie<i>¡® </i>time.


    ¡°Josie<i>¡­</i><i>I </i>know <i>everything </i>is <i>my </i><i>fault</i><i>!! </i><i>But </i><i>please </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>take </i><i>it </i><i>out </i><i>on </i><i>mom </i>or <i>the </i><i>family</i><i>! </i><b>If </b>you <i>have </i><i>to </i><i>hate </i><i>anyone</i>¡­ <i>hate me</i>!! I <i>deserve </i><i>it</i><i>!! </i><i>Maybe </i>I <i>should </i><i>just </i><i>leave </i><i>the </i><i>fam-</i>¡±


    Right on <b>cue</b>, everyone ran to Vanessa¡¯s defense. Jamie of course being the first to speak.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>doing </i><i>this </i><i>Josie</i>!! <i>Nessie </i><i>has </i><i>been </i><i>nothing </i><i>but </i><i>kind </i><i>you</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>bully </i>her like <i>this</i>!!!¡±


    Then Harold.


    ¡°Honestly¡­.I¡¯ve tried to <i>be </i><i>patient </i><i>with </i><i>you </i>but enough <i>is </i>enough<i>! </i><i>Why </i>must you take <i>this </i>out on Vanessa! None of <i>this </i>is her fault!!!¡±


    The scene was so absurd Josie began tough hysterically. Harold¡¯s eyes darkened.


    <i>¡°</i>Just what <i>the </i>hell is so funny<i>!</i>¡±


    Josie smiled sardonically.


    <b>¡°</b><i>If </i>it¡¯s not <i>Vanessa¡¯s </i><i>fault</i><i>¡­</i><i>then </i><i>by </i><i>all </i>means <i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor</i>¡­point to <i>whose </i>fault it <i>is</i><i>?</i>¡±


    17:58 Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    Before Harold could say anything, Jamie spoke up¡­always the protector.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>do </i>you mean IF not <i>Ness</i>! <i>How </i><i>would </i><i>anything </i>be her <i>fau-</i>¡±


    A


    <b>51 </b>


    ¡°<i>Did </i><i>she </i>not hit a <i>pedestrian </i>at a <i>crosswalk </i><i>killing </i><i>her </i><i>instantly </i>because she <i>was </i><i>driving </i><i>while </i>intoxicated<i>? </i>Or have you all been <i>lying </i>so <i>much </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>four </i><i>years </i><i>that </i><i>you </i><i>really </i><i>convinced </i><i>yourselves </i>I was the one <i>that </i><i>did </i><b><i>it</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Jamie¡¯s eyes widen as his face became ashen. It was true, in a way¡­the Taylors almost forgot it was in fact Vanessa that caused the ident.


    <i>¡°</i><i>That </i><i>was </i><i>an </i><i>ident</i><i>! </i>She didn¡¯t-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Then </i><i>why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>she </i><i>pay </i>for <i>it</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Laura and Harlod¡¯s faces began to harden. Josie cut her eyes over to Laura.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Is </i></b><i>THIS </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>want </i>me to go <i>back </i><i>to</i>? <i>Watching </i><i>all </i><b>of </b><i>you </i><i>fawn </i><i>over </i><i>Vanessa </i><i>and </i><i>gang </i><i>up </i>on <i>me </i>every time <i>she </i>sheds a tear <i>I </i><i>had </i><i>nothing </i><i>to </i><i>do </i><i>with</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    Laura¡¯s eyes were filled with guilt¡­Josie had a point¡­she never said anything to Vanessa and yet somehow she got all of the me. Trying to calm the situation; she lighten her voice.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i>¡­I <i>only </i><i>met </i><i>for </i>us <i>to </i>go <i>back </i><i>to </i><i>being </i><i>a </i><i>happy </i><i>family</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Josie stared at Laura with a puzzled expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>When </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>all </i>STOP <i>being </i><i>a </i><i>happy </i><i>family</i>? <i>In </i><i>the </i><i>four </i><i>years </i>I <i>was </i><i>in </i><i>prison</i>¡­you all <i>managed </i><i>just </i><i>fine</i><i>. </i><i>New </i><i>d¨¦cor</i><i>, </i><i>family </i><i>photos</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>vacations</i><i>, </i><i>holidays</i>, <i>birthdays</i>¡­<i>what </i><i>exactly </i><i>did you </i><i>NOT </i><i>do</i>?<b>¡± </b>


    <b>Laura </b>and Harold began to look at Josie frantically. They weren¡¯t used to hearing her call out their hypocrisy<b>. </b>


    ¡°And despite <i>my </i><i>taking </i><i>the </i><i>fall </i>for <i>your </i><i>irresponsible </i><i>daughter</i>¡­not <i>ONCE </i><i>did </i><i>any </i>of <i>you </i><i>visit</i><i>. </i>Unless <b><i>of </i></b>course <i>you </i>count the <i>time </i><i>Vanessa </i>made sure <i>I </i><i>knew </i><i>you lied </i>to me <i>about </i><i>my </i><i>grandmother</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa¡¯s <b>face </b>went ashen<b>; </b>she knew her dad and brother were still upset about her doing that. She immediately intervened.


    ¡°Josie!! <i>That¡¯s </i>not <i>what </i><i>I </i><i>wanted </i>to do! <i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i>you to know she passed! <i>I </i>knew it was something you wouldn¡¯t want <i>to </i>find out once <i>you </i>got <i>home</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Jamie immediately spoke up again.


    ¡°You see<b>! </b><i>Trying </i>to turn what Ness did into something ugly when she was just looking out for you! Look¡­I get that-¡±


    ¡°Oh Josie¡­It¡¯s sad really¡­your <i>grandmother </i><i>practically </i><i>died </i>in filth. Dad threw her in one of <i>those </i>cheap <i>nursing </i><i>homes</i>¡­<i>awe</i>¡­<b>you </b><i>didn¡¯t </i>really <i>think </i><i>he </i><i>would </i>take care of her? Oh that¡¯s so cute.¡±


    17:58 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    Josie recited the words that Vanessa said to her that day; causing Vanessa to panic.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>a <i>lie</i><i>!!! </i>I <i>never-</i>¡±


    451


    <b>51 </b>


    Just then, Josie pulled out a recorder ying back the conversation she had with Vanessa the day she told her about her nana¡¯s passing. The words were verbatim. Josie stopped the recording with an eerie smile.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Did </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>that </i><i>every </i><i>single </i>call is <i>recorded </i><i>in </i><i>prison</i>? Even the <i>in</i><i>¨C</i><i>person </i><i>conversations </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>through </i><i>the </i><i>phone </i>and <i>booth</i><i>. </i><i>And </i><i>if </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>an </i><i>inmate</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>request </i><i>those </i><i>conversations</i>.<b>¡± </b>


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 Hunted 218

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    <b>17:58 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>218 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>12</b><b>: </b>True <b>Regret</b><b>. </b>


    :


    All the color drained from Vanessa¡¯s face<b>. </b>There was no getting around this now. Everyone stared in silence, even Jamie was quiet for once. Josie turned back to Laura.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>keep </i><i>saying </i>¡®go <i>back </i>to <i>the </i><i>way </i><i>things </i><i>were</i><b>¡®. </b><i>But </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>really </i>mean is for me to <i>allow </i>you the <i>satisfaction </i><b>of </b><i>being </i><i>delusional</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura¡¯s eyes widen! How could she say that! She suffered the most these past four years<b>! </b>


    ¡°<i>Josie</i><i>!! </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>any </i><i>idea </i><i>how </i>much I <i>suffered </i><i>from </i><i>you </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>prison</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Josieughed hysterically.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>much </i>YOU <i>suffered</i><i>? </i><i>Awe</i><i>¡­</i>poor <i>Laura</i><i>¡­</i>you must¡¯ve <i>been </i><i>devastated </i>every <i>time </i>you looked <i>at </i><i>a </i>family photo and <i>saw </i><i>my </i><i>face</i>¡­<i>oh </i><i>wait</i>¡­<i>that¡¯s </i><i>right</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>in </i><i>any </i>of <i>the </i><i>family </i><i>photos</i>.¡±


    <b>51 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i>to make ¡®<i>Nessie</i>¡® <i>feel </i><i>ufortable</i>. <i>That </i><i>¡®</i><i>way </i><i>things </i><i>were</i>¡® <i>rhetoric</i><i>. </i><i>Tell </i>me <i>something</i>¡­what¡¯s <b><i>my </i></b><i>favorite </i>color? <i>Favorite </i><i>holiday</i>? <i>Favorite </i><i>pastime</i>? <i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>even </i><i>remember </i><i>that </i><i>my </i><i>birthday </i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>same </i><i>day </i><b><i>as </i></b><i>your </i><i>precious </i><i>Nessie¡¯s</i><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°For <i>Christ </i><i>sake</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>remember </i>my <i>food </i><i>allergies</i>. <i>So </i><i>why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>say </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>really </i><i>want</i><i>? </i><i>Say </i>you <i>want </i><i>me </i>to <i>rid </i><i>you </i><i>of </i><i>that </i><i>small </i><i>speck </i><i>of </i><i>guilt </i><i>you </i><i>may </i><i>actually </i><i>have</i>!<i>¡± </i>


    Laura¡¯s eyes began to water. She wasn¡¯t sure what made her the most ufortable¡­Josie¡¯s words<b>¡­</b>or the fact that she couldn¡¯t answer any of those questions<b>. </b>Suddenly, Harlod spoke up.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i><b>¡­</b>is <i>this </i><i>your </i><i>n</i><i>!! </i>To <i>spend </i><i>everyday </i><i>making </i>us <i>ufortable</i><i>!!! </i><i>What¡¯s </i><i>done </i><i>is </i>done! <i>You¡¯re </i><i>mother¡¯s </i><i>right</i>! <i>Let¡¯s </i>just-¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s <i>not </i><i>my </i><b><i>mother</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b><i>remember</i>? <i>And </i><i>you¡¯re </i>not <i>my </i><i>father</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Harold¡¯s eyes had fire in them. How dare she denounce them so coldly!


    <i>¡°</i><i>Oh</i><i>¡­</i>what¡¯s the matter? <i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>the only </i>one <i>that </i><i>gets </i>to denounce me?¡±


    Harold¡¯s face tightened¡­no matter what he said¡­legally¡­Josie was right.


    <i>¡°</i>What is it that <i>you </i><i>want</i><i>!! </i><i>You </i>obviously <i>want </i>something. <i>What </i>do <i>you </i>want¡­money?¡±


    Jamie asked with disdain in his tone.


    <i>¡°</i>Money<i>¡­</i><i>ha</i><i>! </i>You can¡¯t repay a <i>life </i><i>with </i><i>money</i>¡­.the value is nowhere near equal.¡±


    <b>17:58 </b>Thu<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    <b>51 </b>


    Jamie¡¯s eyes widen in slight fear¡­.what exactly did she mean by that? Before anyone could respond, Josie picked up her bags causing Harold to panic.


    ¡°<i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>you </i>going!!! <i>You </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>just </i><i>keep </i><iing </i><i>and </i><i>going </i>as <i>you </i>please<b><i>!!</i></b>¡±


    Josie sneered.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>guess </i><i>your </i><i>oldest </i><i>didn¡¯t </i>inform <i>you</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>no </i>longer <i>be </i><i>living </i><i>at </i><i>this </i><i>premise</i><b><i>. </i></b><i>My </i><i>probation </i><i>officer </i>feels the <i>environment </i><i>is </i><i>unhealthy</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Harold¡¯s eyes nearly bulged out of his head! Panic immediately struck his face! What exactly had she told her probation officer! Where was she going!! Frantically, he walked towards Josie.


    ¡°T¨CThat¡¯s not <i>possible</i><i>! </i><i>Where </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>going</i><i>! </i><i>You </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>have </i>a <i>registered </i><i>address </i><i>with </i>a <i>responsible </i>party! <i>Listen </i><i>Josie</i>¡­<i>we </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>you </i>to <i>leave</i>! <i>Let¡¯s </i><i>all </i><i>talk </i><i>about </i><i>this </i><i>rationally</i><i>.</i>¡±


    But Josie wasn¡¯t stupid. Smiling Sardonically, she red at Harold.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>aware </i><i>of </i><i>what </i><i>I </i>need <i>regarding </i><i>my </i><i>address</i>; <i>where </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>going </i>is <b>of </b><i>no </i><i>business </i><i>to </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>But </i><i>please</i><b><i>¡­</i></b><i>stop </i><i>with </i>the <i>¡®</i><i>fatherly</i>¡® <i>act</i>. <i>We </i>all <i>know </i><i>the </i><i>reason </i><i>you </i><i>really want </i><i>me </i>here is <i>to </i>make <i>sure </i>I don¡¯t tell <i>the </i><i>truth</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Harold¡¯s face fellpletely ashen. How had she figured that out!! Seeing his reaction; Josie knew her guess was correct<b>. </b>Chuckling while shaking her head; she headed towards the door. Suddenly, she stopped mid exit and turned


    back to Laura.


    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, <i>and </i>Mrs. <i>Taylor</i>¡­.<i>stop </i><i>saying </i><i>you </i><i>suffered </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>four </i><i>years</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>have </i><i>no </i><i>idea </i><i>what </i>true <i>suffering </i><i>is</i><b>¡­.</b><i>not </i><i>yet </i>


    <i>anyway</i><b>¡­</b><b>¡± </b>


    With that, Josie left the estate leaving the Taylors stunned. Anxiety began to creep into Laura¡¯s chest. What was that supposed to mean? The only one that remained quiet was Christian. He wasn¡¯t sure why, but something told him Josie would not take their deception lightly. He felt as if tidal wave of storms were headed their way.


    <i>¡°</i><i>D</i><i>¨C</i>Did she <i>just </i><i>threatened </i>us? <i>That </i>sounded <i>like </i>a <i>threat</i><i>¡­</i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura and Harold stood in silence. Their expressions were too hard to read.


    Jamie looked at Christian nervously. Christian rolled his eyes and walked forward. This entire situation became more than he expected. However, there two things he was certain of; one, Josie was out for blood¡­if they didn¡¯t get a hold on her soon she could be dangerous<b>; </b>and two¡­Vanessa wasn¡¯t who he thought she was.


    <i>¡°</i>Before I speak <i>about </i>Josie¡­I need <i>rification </i>on <i>something</i>.¡±


    Christian turned to Vanessa; her face was filled with nerves. Jamie may have acted like he didn¡¯t hear that recording; but she knew Christian wouldn¡¯t. Still, she tried her best to y the sweet and innocent sister she¡¯d always yed.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Is </b><i>something </i>wrong big <i>brother</i>?<i>¡± </i>


    <b>17:58 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    Silence.


    :


    <b>51 </b>


    Christian walked directly in front of Vanessa; his tone was stern yet distant.


    <i>¡°</i>Vanessa<i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>go </i><i>see </i><i>Josie</i><i>? </i><i>And </i><i>before </i>you <i>answer</i>¡­remember <i>that </i>we <i>all </i>heard the <i>recording</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa nervously took a step back. Christian had never taken this type of tone with her. Realizing she was backed into a corner; Vanessa resorted to the one thing that always worked¡­her tears. She instantly began <b>to </b><b>cry </b><b>as </b>she answered Christian¡¯s question. Through sobs she began to exin.


    <i>¡°A</i>¨C<i>At </i><i>first</i>¡­I <i>really </i><i>did </i><i>just </i><i>want </i>to <i>tell </i>her about <i>her </i><i>grandmother</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i><i>knew </i>she <i>would </i>be upset <i>if </i>she found out <iter</i><i>! </i><i>B- </i><i>But </i><i>then</i>¡­<i>she</i>¡­she looked at me so <i>mean</i><i>!!! </i><i>It </i><i>was </i>so much <i>hatred </i>in her eyes!! <i>Like </i>it was <i>my </i><i>fault-</i>¡±


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>IT </i></b><i>WAS </i>YOUR <i>FAULT</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Chrisitan yelled at Vanessa causing her along with everyone else to jump. Harold intervened in an attempt to calm him down.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chris</i><b>¡­</b>calm <i>down</i><i>! </i><i>She¡¯s </i><i>still </i><i>your </i>sis-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°<i>So </i><i>was </i>Josie <i>dad</i><i>!! </i><i>But </i><i>because </i><i>we </i><i>prioritized </i><i>Vanessa over </i><i>her</i><i>¡­</i><i>we¡¯re </i>now all <i>in </i><i>this </i><i>mess</i><b>!</b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Christian was bing frustrated. It seemed like only he cared about how dangerous this could be. Harold looked away in shame¡­he knew what Josie had been through during those four years. Christian was right.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>all </i>need <i>to </i><i>know </i><i>something.-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Christian </i><i>wait</i><i>! </i>I <i>thought </i><i>we </i><i>decided-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s too <ite </i><i>for </i><i>that </i><i>now </i><i>dad</i>! <i>Look </i><i>at </i><i>how </i><i>far </i><i>this </i><i>has </i><i>gone</i><i>! </i><i>Maybe </i><i>if </i><i>they </i><i>all </i><i>knew </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i><i>they </i>would <i>stop </i><i>provoking </i><i>her</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Laura red at Harold, her voice low with guilt and confliction.


    ¡°<i>Knew </i><i>what</i>? <i>What </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>been </i><i>keeping </i><i>from </i>us<b><i>?</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    Harold¡¯s face went ashen, drenched in guilt. Laura cut over to Christian.


    ¡°What <i>the </i>hell is going on<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian took a deep breath.


    ¡°Josie was severely abused during those four <i>years </i>in prison.¡±


    Everyone¡¯s eyes widen. Panic flooded Laura¡¯s face, her hands began to shake as she slowly walked towards Christian. Gripping his shirt, tears began to fall down her cheeks.


    <b>17:59 </b>Thu<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°W¨C<i>What </i><i>do </i>you mean¡­a¨C<i>abused</i><b><i>?</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    :


    ?


    51


    Christian couldn¡¯t bare to tell her all the details. Shooting a quick look at his father, he spoke in a low tone.


    ¡°<i>We </i>don¡¯t <i>have </i><i>all </i><i>the </i><i>details </i><i>yet</i>. <i>But </i><i>from </i><i>what </i>we¡¯ve learned so <i>far</i>, the abuse seemed to be throughout her <b><i>entire </i></b><i>duration</i>. It seems <i>like </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>targeted</i>. <i>I </i><i>have </i><i>my </i><i>team </i><i>looking </i><i>into </i><i>it </i><i>now</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Laura¡¯s body felt like it may go limp. Abused! She¡¯d sent her daughter¡­that never did anything ept beg for her love¡­to a ce to be abused¡­in that moment¡­Laura realized she¡¯d lost any chance of ever being Josie¡¯s mother. She¡¯d hoped that she may be able to redeem herself once Josie came back home; but the truth was clear.


    With tears falling down her face; she released Christian¡¯s shirt and walked away; taking onest look at Harold before leaving the foyer. Once she was out of earshot; Jamie began to question Christian.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chris</i><i>¡­</i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>telling </i>me <i>someone </i><i>purposely </i><i>abused </i><i>Josie </i><i>KNOWING </i><i>she </i><i>was </i>a <i>Taylor</i><i>? </i><i>Who would </i>be that bold? That


    <i>stu-</i>¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not a <i>Taylor </i><i>anymore </i><i>Jamie</i>. <i>We </i><i>denounced</i><i>¡­</i>remember.<i>¡± </i>


    Jamie¡¯s eyes widen with guilt. His voice slightly trembling.


    ¡°<i>H</i>¨CHow <b><i>bad </i></b><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>abuse</i><b><i>?</i></b>¡± <fn6484> For more chapters visit fin?novel</fn6484>


    Christian looked directly at him.


    ¡°<b><i>You </i></b><i>really </i><i>want </i><i>to </i>know<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Harold remained silent. It was as if over 20 years of regret was crashing into him.


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 Hunted 219

    <b>Chapter </b><b>219 </b>


    Chapter <b>13</b><b>: </b><b>What¡¯s </b><b>next</b><b>? </b>


    Jamie looked at his brother with confliction. He wasn¡¯t sure if he truly wanted to know. Deciding for him, Christian handed him the report. Jamie¡¯s brows furrowed as he began to read, by the time he was finished¡­he <b>face </b>looked ghostly pale. How could one person go through this much.


    51)


    As Vanessa watched the tears start to form in his eyes; she snatched the report from Jamie. <b>As </b>she read on¡­her face began to ashen. She had no idea this was what Josie endured. His voice trembling, Jamie looked at Christian.


    ¡°H¨C<i>How </i><i>could </i><i>they </i>let <i>this </i><i>happen</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>know</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯re </i><i>investigating </i><i>everything </i><i>now</i>. <i>Me </i><i>and </i><i>dad </i><i>believe </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>targeted </i>on <i>purpose</i>. <i>The </i>main <i>thing </i><i>right </i><i>now </i><i>is </i><i>finding </i><i>out </i><i>who </i><i>put </i><i>the </i><i>bullseye </i><i>on </i><i>her </i><i>back</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa felt as if she was going to faint. Four years ago, when Josie was first sent to prison, she paid officer Tillman to make Josie¡¯s life in prison hard. Her original goal was to break her enough to where she would want to leave the Taylor n permanently. She had no idea they would do all of this to her. Still, she knew Christian wouldn¡¯t see it that way. She needed to contact Tillman fast!


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>say </i><i>this </i>once <i>and </i>once <i>only</i><i>¡­</i><i>from </i><i>this </i><i>point </i>on¡­.<i>leave </i>Josie alone. <i>Until </i><i>we </i><i>figure </i><i>out </i><i>exactly </i><i>what </i>she¡¯s <i>doing</i>; <i>only </i>dad or <i>I </i><i>will </i>deal <i>with </i>her. <i>Understood</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Jamie and Vanessa nodded in agreement. Harold left the foyer. He knew Laura was likely in distress by now. As he grew closer to their bedroom, he could hear the sobsing from the other side of the door. Slowly opening their bedroom doors, he could see Laura hunched over on her side of the bed crying hysterically. Harold¡¯s eyes began to water <b>as </b>he watched his wife cry in pain.


    This wasn¡¯t how any of this was supposed to go. Josie was only supposed to do her four years ande home. He knew she would be upset about her grandmother, but he¡¯d n to spoil her topensate for that. Now, he would have to find out who did these things to her and make them pay as retribution to his daughter.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Laura</i></b><i>¡­</i>it¡¯s <i>going </i>to be <i>okay-</i>¡±


    ¡°HOW!!! <i>How </i><i>will </i><i>this </i>be <i>okay </i><i>Harold</i>!!! I <i>didn¡¯t </i><i>want </i><i>her </i>to <i>get </i>hurt in <i>there</i><i>!! </i><i>You </i>told me she wouldn¡¯t!¡±


    Harold¡¯s face instantly filled with guilt. Back when Josie first got sent to prison, he assured Laura she would be okay. But now¡­it seemed that was the furthest thing from the truth.


    ¡°I want <i>them </i>to <i>pay</i><i>! </i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i>to find <i>the </i><i>fuckin </i>shitheads that did <i>this </i>to my daughter and make them pay!!!¡±


    Harold nodded in agreement. He had every intention of making that happen. They dared toy a hand on a Taylor; he would personally saw that hand off as a gift to Josie.


    <b>17:59 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    51


    Josie¡¯s rideshare arrived at Marlon¡¯s condo around 1pm. <b>As </b>she pulled her bags out of the car, her body began to feel fatigued. It was <b>as </b>if the entire day had drained her and it was only after 1pm. Marlon wouldn¡¯t be home until five; after she got settled, Josie decided she would take a nap.


    Josie woke up to smell of chicken frying. Forgetting where she was for a moment<b>; </b>she quickly <b>sat </b>up and looked around the room in a panic. Her breathing trying to pace<b>; </b>she remembered she was now at Marlon¡¯s. Josie hopped out of her bed and made her way to the kitchen. As she grew closer<b>, </b>she could see Marlon watching something on TV <b>as </b>he fried the chicken. The sweet and spicy smell began to make her stomach growl, looking at the clock she realized it was now after 8pm.


    ¡°Oh <i>my </i><i>god</i><i>!! </i>I <i>didn¡¯t </i>mean to sleep <i>this </ite<i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Startled, Marlon quickly turned around.


    ¡°<i>Hey</i><i>, </i><i>hey </i><i>sleeping </i><i>big </i><i>head</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Josie feigned annoyance <b>as </b>she walked over to her cousin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What </i><i>time </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>get </i><i>home</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Right </i>before 5:30.¡±


    ¡°<i>WHAT</i><i>!!! </i><i>Dummy</i><i>! </i><i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>wake </i><i>me </i><i>up</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Marlon raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>would </i>I do <i>that</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Because </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>home</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Marlon smiled at his little cousin and patted her head.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jojo</i><i>¡­</i>I <i>came </i>to check <i>in </i><i>on </i><i>you</i><i>. </i><i>You </i><i>were </i><i>sleeping </i><b>so </b><i>sound</i><i>¡­</i><i>there </i><i>was </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>interrupting </i><i>that</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>probably </i><b><i>been </i></b>a while <i>since </i><i>you </i><i>slept </i><i>that </i><i>good</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Josie smiled warmly at her big cousin.


    ¡°About <i>four </i>years<b><i>.</i></b>¡±


    Marlon nodded in agreement. <fnf20e> Find the newest release on FindN()vel</fnf20e>


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>! </i>I see <i>the </i>smell good <i>fried </i>chicken; <i>what </i>else <i>we </i><i>having</i>?¡±


    Marlon tilted his chin in the direction where the sides were.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Since </i>I <i>did </i>Korean style fried chicken I made <i>some </i><i>white </i>rice with kimchi and pickled white <i>radish</i><i>.</i>¡±


    17:59 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>


    :


    Josie¡¯s eyes widen with excitement; Marlon was the one that taught her how to cook. And whereas <b>she </b>fancied herself a great cook; nothing beat his Korean style fried chicken. Eager to eat; she practically danced over to the dinner table.


    <b>51 </b>


    Marlon set the table and served both he and Josie. The first bite into the chicken was like heaven to her. She closed her eyes and bobbed her head happily as if she were listening to music as she ate. Marlon couldn¡¯t help butugh, she would do that same thing when they were younger. It was good to know the old Josie wasn¡¯tpletely destroyed by those people.


    ¡°<i>So</i><b>¡­</b><i>what¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>overall </i><i>n</i><b><i>?</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    Marlon asked in between bites<b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i>¡­.I¡¯m <i>going </i><i>to </i><i>tear </i><i>them </i><i>all </i><i>down</i>. <i>One </i><i>by </i><i>one</i><i>¡­</i><i>in </i>the <i>areas </i><i>that </i>mean <i>the </i>most to <i>them</i>.¡±


    Marlon nodded in agreement.


    ¡°<i>Yeah </i><i>but </i><i>how</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie chewed her food before responding.


    <i>¡°</i><i>By </i><i>bing </i>one of <i>the </i><i>most </i><i>powerful </i><i>people </i><i>in </i><i>Bridgeton</i>.¡±


    Marlon¡¯s eyes widen. That was an unrealistic ambition.


    ¡°<i>How </i>do <i>you </i><i>n </i><i>on </i><i>doing </i><i>that</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie smiled at her cousin; she knew he probably thought she was crazy.


    <i>¡°</i>By <i>creating </i>a <i>new </i><i>name </i><i>and </i><i>new </i><ipany</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>have </i>a <ipany </i><i>Taylor </i><i>Corp will </i><i>desperately </i>need<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>So </i>it¡¯ll <i>have </i><i>to </i>involve <i>real </i><i>estate</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Josie nodded in agreement. The Taylor fortune was due to her father and grandfather being real estate andnd development tycoons. With that, they were able to expand their business throughout the entire Eastern Region estimating their ie in the low billions. Josie would need to set up apany that would tailor that need and she had just the right kind of business venture in mind.


    ¡°I managed to do one good <i>thing </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>hellhole</i>, I have a <i>double </i>master¡¯s in architectural design and international


    business.¡±


    Marlon¡¯s eyes widen; he had no idea she was able to go to college while in prison.


    ¡°<i>How </i>does <i>that </i>work<i>? </i><i>Do </i>you do online?¡±


    Josie nodded in agreement.


    17:59 Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ?


    <b>51 </b>


    <b>¡°</b><i>Yup</i><i>. </i><i>There¡¯s </i>a <i>program </i><i>that </i><i>Vancore</i>¨C<i>University </i>runs <i>that </i>allows inmates <i>that </i>tested <i>high </i>on <i>their </i><b><i>SATS </i></b><b>to </b>apply. I had a <i>perfect </i>score <i>after </i>all.¡±


    Before her incarceration, Josie scored a perfect score on her SATS and also graduated valedictorian of her <b>ss</b>. She¡¯d got epted into Bridgeton¡¯s number one University. Vancore was number two.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>impressed </i><i>little </i><i>cousin</i><i>! </i><i>So </i><i>you </i><i>want </i>to <i>start </i><i>an </i><i>architectural </i><i>designing </i><ipany</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>Yup</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Okay</i><i>¡­</i><i>then </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i><i>to </i>need to <i>catch </i><i>the </i><i>eye </i>of <i>a </i><i>top </i><i>corporation </i>in order <i>to </i>make <i>yourself </i><i>more </i>desirable <b>to </b>the <i>Taylors</i>.<b>¡± </b>


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 Hunted 220

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>220 </b>


    Chapter 14<b>: </b><b>Secrets </b>and Lies.


    <b>51 </b>


    Christian sat at hisputer staring at the names of the officers that worked the cell ward Josie had been housed in four years ago. Out of all the names that showed up on his screen; only one name appeared multiple times.


    Lawrence Tillman.


    Every time she was ced in solitude or the infirmary. Every time she was reprimanded or disciplined, he seemed to be themanding correction officer. Christian wasn¡¯t convinced it was of coincidence. Christian immediately


    called his assistant.


    <i>¡°</i>Sir.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Get </i>me <i>everything </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>on </i><i>Lawrence </i><i>Tillman</i>. <i>I </i><i>want </i>to <i>know </i><i>where </i><i>he </i>lives, <i>how </i>long he¡¯s <b>been </b>at that <i>woman¡¯s </i><i>prison</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i>he¡¯s <i>ever </i><i>had </i><i>debt</i>. <i>I </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>know </i><i>everything</i>! <i>I </i><i>also </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>know </i>who <i>he¡¯s </i><b><i>been </i></b><i>in </i><i>contact </i><i>with </i>the past four <i>years</i>.¡±


    <b>As </b>Christian gave his orders, on the other side of the door, Vanessa began to panic.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Shit</i>!!! <i>Shit</i><i>! </i><b><i>If </i></b><i>he </i><i>finds </i><i>out </i><i>about </i><i>my </i><i>deal with </i><i>Tillman </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>fuckin </i><i>done</i><i>!</i><i>¡® </i>


    Vanessa quickly ran to her room and grabbed her phone. With shaking fingers<b>, </b>she dialed Tillman¡¯s number. After two rings, a groggy voice answered.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Yeah</i></b><i>, </i><i>who¡¯s </i><i>this</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>It¡¯s </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Who the <i>hell </i>is m-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Vanessa <i>Taylor</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Yeah? What <i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>want</i>? Got another <i>girl </i><i>you </i>want-¡±


    ¡°You need to <i>leave </i><i>town </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>while</i>. <i>Now</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tillman sat up in his bed and rubbed his stomach. Irritated and confused, he questioned Vanessa.


    ¡°Just what <i>the </i>hell are <i>you </i>talking about?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i><i>brother </i>is Investigating <i>what </i>happened <i>to </i>Joste.¡±


    <b>17:59 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    Tillman¡¯s <b>eyes </b>widen. What the fuck was going on! When Vanessa first approached him about Josie; <b>in </b>addition to paying him over five hundred thousand¡¯s dors<b>, </b>she promised he wouldn¡¯t get caught.


    <b>51 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>So </i><i>you¡¯re </i>telling me <i>I </i><i>get </i>to <i>torture </i>a TAYLOR <i>and </i>NOT get <i>caught</i><i>! </i><i>Bullshit</i><i>! </i>Look <idy</i>, <i>I </i>don¡¯t know what type <b>of </b><i>game </i><i>you¡¯re </i>running <i>but </i><i>I </i>can¡¯t be fooled.¡±


    Vanessa smirked slyly.


    ¡°In two <i>days </i>my <i>father </i><i>is </i><i>going </i>to <i>hold </i>a <i>press </i>conference <i>denouncing </i><i>Josie </i><i>Taylor </i><i>from </i>the <i>family</i>. <i>So </i>you <b><i>see</i></b><b>; </b>she will <i>no </i><i>lo-</i><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i>Father<i>?? </i><i>Wait</i>¡­<i>this </i><i>chick </i>is <i>your </i><i>sister</i><i>? </i><i>What </i><i>the </i><i>fuck</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Tillman stood in amazement as he listened to this girl offer him thousands of dors to torment her own sister.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ha</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>rich </i><i>people </i><i>are </i><i>deranged</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Vanessa rolled her eyes; she needed to wrap this up quickly as she had a nail appointmenting up soon.


    <i>¡°</i>Look, <i>are </i><i>you </i><i>in </i><i>or </i><i>not</i><i>? </i>Because <i>if </i><i>your </i><i>not </i><i>then </i><i>point </i><i>me </i>to <i>someone </i><i>who </i><i>would </i><i>be</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tillman sneered.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So </i><i>how </i><i>do </i>you <i>know </i>I¡¯ll <i>even </i><i>do </i><i>it</i>? <i>What¡¯s </i><i>to </i><i>stop </i>me <i>from </i><i>just </i><i>taking </i><i>the </i><i>money </i>or <i>telling </i>your <i>family</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    Vanessaughed hysterically.


    <i>¡°</i>Do I look like <i>an </i><i>idiot </i><i>to </i><i>you </i><i>Officer </i><i>Tillman</i>? <i>Tell </i><i>my </i><i>family</i><i>¡­please</i>. I <i>looked </i><i>into </i>you <i>Tillman</i><i>¡­</i><i>you¡¯ve </i>taken <i>pleasure </i><i>out </i>of <i>torturing </i><i>women </i><i>for </i><i>free</i><b><i>. </i></b><i>Now </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>get </i><i>paid </i><i>for </i><i>it</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa slid a picture of Josie over to Tillman. His eyes darkened as he licked his lips. Vanessa smiled smugly.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>¡­</i><b><i>do </i></b>we <i>have </i>a <i>deal</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Tillman looked at Vanessa, a sick hunger in his eyes. He¡¯d never had a rich heiress<b>¡­</b>this should be fun. Vanessa slid


    a card over to him.


    ¡°That¡¯s my contact <i>info</i><i>. </i><i>You¡¯ll </i>send me <i>monthly </i>updates regarding her demise. I don¡¯t need to know the details<i>; </i><i>just </i>that <i>she¡¯s </i><i>living </i><i>in </i><i>hell</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tillman took the card, a puzzled look on his face.


    ¡°Out of curiosity<i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>are </i>you doing this<b><i>?</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    Vanessa stared and Tillman smiling coldly.


    <b>17:59 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>need her <i>to </i>hate <i>my </i><i>parents</i>. <i>Only </i><i>I </i>can <i>be </i><i>the </i><i>Taylor </i>princess.<b>¡± </b>


    Tillman felt a slight shudder; <b>this </b>girl was beyond heartless.


    After transferring the money into his ount. Vanessa stood to leave. Suddenly, Tillman called out.


    ¡°Hey<i>! </i><i>How </i><i>do </i>I <i>know </i><i>your </i><i>family </i><i>won¡¯t </i><ie </i><i>investigating </i><i>this</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Vanessa smiled innocently; don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll convince my family to let her go for the next four years.


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>they¡¯ll </i><i>listen</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    ¡°Of <i>course</i><b><i>.</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    A dark thought crept into Tillman¡¯s mind.


    <i>¡°</i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>the </i><i>one </i><i>that </i><i>killed </i><i>that </i><i>person </i><i>in </i><i>that </i>DUI¡­.aren¡¯t <i>you</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Vanessa smiled eerily.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yup</i><i>¡­</i><i>and my </i><i>family </i><i>instantly </i><i>decided </i>to <i>sacrifice </i><i>her </i>for <i>me</i><i>. </i><i>So </i>you <b><i>see</i></b>¡­<i>they¡¯ll </i><i>believe </i><i>and </i><i>do </i><i>anything </i>I <i>say</i><i>. </i>Do <i>well </i><i>to </i><i>remember </i><i>that </i><i>in </i>case <i>you </i>ever <i>think </i><i>about </i><i>fucking </i><i>me</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa walked out of Tillman¡¯s apartment leaving him a feeling of both fear and excitement. He¡¯d just received 500k and he¡¯d get to have some fun with a beautiful young heiress.


    That was what he¡¯d thought the day he made that deal; now<b>, </b>on the other end¡­Vanessa was telling him he had to


    leave town. <fn92ec> Newest update provided by </fn92ec>


    51


    ¡°How <i>did </i><i>you </i><i>fuck </i><i>this </i><i>up</i>!!!¡±


    Tillman barked through his phone; the board was already on him about those incidents involving Josie. Someone told the warden he was always the residing officer and she¡¯d been up his ass ever since. And now he might have one of the Eastern region¡¯s <b>most </b>powerful families on his neck.


    <i>¡°</i>You <b><i>need </i></b>to <i>calm </i>down<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa tried to keep her voice low to make sure no one would hear her.


    ¡°No! Fuck <i>that</i><i>! </i>We need to <i>meet</i>! ASAP!!!<i>¡± </i>


    Tillman hung up immediately. He quickly opened hisputer and checked his offshore ount.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Shit</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯m </i>down to 50k. That¡¯s not remotely <i>enough </i>to relocate; that little bitch is going to have to <i>pay </i>up some more money<b>.</b>¡±


    Tillman texted an address to Vanessa informing her to meet him at 4pm. As she stared at her phone, her eyes darkened at the final part of his text.


    [Bring money<i>! </i><i>You </i>want me gone¡­.I¡¯m going to need a <i>million </i><i>dors</i>!<b>] </b>


    *****How <i>the </i><i>fuck </i>am <i>I </i><b>supposed </b>to <b><i>get </i></b>that <i>much </i>money <b><i>unnoticed</i></b><b>!¡¯ </b>


    It was <b>hard </b><b>enough </b>getting <b>the </b>500k. <b>She </b><b>had </b><b>to lie </b><b>and </b><b>say </b>she was <b>hosting </b>a <b>charity </b><b>event </b><b>in </b><b>the </b><b>neighboring </b><b>region</b><b>. </b><b>There </b><b>was </b><b>no </b><b>way </b><b>Chris </b>or <b>her dad </b>would <b>believe </b><b>that </b><b>story </b><b>again</b><b>. </b><b>She </b><b>had </b><b>to </b><b>think </b><b>of </b><b>something </b><b>quick</b>; <b>the </b><b>time </b>was <b>now </b>1pm<b>, </b><b>she </b><b>had </b><b>exactly </b><b>three </b>hours <b>to </b><be </b>up <b>with </b><b>that </b>money.


    Marlon showed up at Watts¨CCorp. He had a meeting with thepany¡¯s new CEO, Joshua Watson. Watts¨CCorp was thergest hotel and resorts chain in all four of the major regions. He and Marlon had been friends <b>since </b>college. When Marlon got home, Joshua was one of the first people he reconnected with. It was then he learned about Joshua firing the firm his family used to design all of their hotels and resorts.


    He knew Joshua would desperately be trying to find their recement.


    <b>As </b>Marlon stepped in the elevator, he looked down at the folder in his hand. Before prison, Josie wanted to go to school for architecture and design. Her talents were amazing, shocking even the most seasoned <b>firms</b>. Marlon had no doubt if it had not been for the Taylors ruining her life, she would have met Joshua all on her on.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Welp</i><i>¡­</i><i>time </i>to make you <i>desirable </i><i>Josie</i><b><i>.</i></b><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 221

    <b>Chapter </b><b>15</b><b>: </b><b>The </b><b>Blueprint</b><b>. </b>


    Joshua greeted Marlon with a bright smile, it had been a few weeks since he heard from his friend. When Marlon called and asked to meet him<b>, </b>he was surprised as well as curious. After shaking hands, Jushua lead him to his sectional sofa. Marlon looked out therge floor to ceiling window, A slight smile appeared on his face <b>as </b>he thought about how much Josie would love this view.


    <i>¡°</i><i>What¡¯s </i><i>got </i><i>you </i><i>smiling</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    ¡°<i>Nothing</i><i>, </i><i>just </i>a <i>random </i><i>thought</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Joshua raised his eyebrow slightly skeptical; but chose not to pry.


    ¡°So¡­<i>how¡¯s </i><i>life </i><i>back </i><i>in </i>the <i>real </i><i>world </i>been <i>treating </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>I </i></b><i>can¡¯t </i><iin</i>. <i>You</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Joshua took a deep sigh.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Some </i><i>days </i><i>are </i><i>better </i><i>than </i><i>others</i>.<b>¡± </b>


    Marlon lightly chuckled, he knew Joshua was probably stressing about thepany. The board wasn¡¯t exactly happy about him firing the architectural firm and had been pressuring him to find its recement.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Yeah</i></b><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>heard </i><i>you </i><i>were </i><i>shaking </i><i>things </i><i>up </i><i>here</i>.¡±


    Joshua let out a sarcasticugh.


    ¡°<i>Shaking </i><i>things </i><i>up</i>¡­.more <i>like </i><i>giving </i><i>the </i><i>board </i><i>reason </i>597 <i>on </i><i>why </i><i>I </i><i>shouldn¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>CEO</i>.¡±


    Joshua¡¯s father passed from a sudden heart attack causing him to assume the CEO position much sooner than expected. When the decision was made, his uncle was furious. There were also some board members that disagreed.


    <i>¡°</i>Look<i>¡­</i>we <i>all </i><i>know </i><i>Josh </i><i>is </i><i>talented</i>¡­<i>and </i><i>we </i><i>all </i><i>know </i><i>he¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>CEO </i>someday<i>, </i><i>but </i><i>why </i>now<i>? </i><i>He </i><i>just </i><i>finished </i>graduate <i>school </i><i>for </i><i>Christ </i><i>sake</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    His uncle James eximed as the board held a meeting regarding the next CEO, Dana Watson, Joshua¡¯s grandmother and the founder of Watts¨CCorp shot her eyes over at James.


    <i>¡°</i>Because I said so. As thergest shareholder and owner of thispany¡­I¡¯d <i>say </i>my word <i>is </i><iw</i><i>.</i>¡±


    James looked at his stepmother with darkened eyes. James was the result of an affair her husband Jasper had <b>with </b>his secretary. When he turned eighteen, Jasper officially brought him into the family demanding he have a ce in


    17:59 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    thepany.


    <i>¡°</i><i>He¡¯s </i>our s-¡±


    :


    51


    ¡°That <i>bastard </i><i>is </i>not my son.<b>¡± </b>


    Jasper¡¯s eyes seethed with hatred. He¡¯d always been inferior to his smarter and more talented wife. The end result was countless affairs with women who depended solely on him in an attempt to make himself feel powerful.


    Jasper knew the board waspletely in Dana¡¯s pocket so they would agree to whatever demands she made. In the end, after Jasper threatened to go to media and expose all the family¡¯s dirty secrets, so she agreed to bring him on as an associate VP. When the press asked, they concocted a story about Jasper adopting him from a mentorship program. Jasper knew above everything else; Dana hated the idea of her family image being tarnished. It was the only reason she never divorced him. Instead, she gave the mistress money and shipped them overseas until James turned eighteen.


    After the passing of her son Jackson, James tried to hold a secret meeting with the board in an attempt to have them vote him in as CEO. He¡¯d made offers with several of the board members and their greed superseded


    their loyalty. Luckily for Dana, she still had loyal members who informed her of the meeting. It was then she announced Joshua as the new CEO.


    Now, even some of his supporters were getting frustrated with him firing the firm so close to beginning of the Eastern resort project.


    ¡°How <i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>could </i><i>he </i><i>make </i><i>such </i><i>an </i><i>impulsive </i><i>move </i><i>like </i><i>this </i><i>without </i><i>consulting </i>us!!!¡±


    Many of the board members felt he was too young, too impulsive, and too arrogant to be CEO.


    ¡°What made <i>you </i><i>fire </i><i>the </i><i>firm</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Marlon asked as he sipped his ss of whiskey. Joshua let out a sigh as he stood and walked over to his desk. Picking up a stack of blueprints and sketches, he walked back over to Marlon and handed him the documents.


    ¡°Because <i>I¡¯m </i>sick of <i>their </i>mediocre <i>designs</i>.¡±


    Marlon looked over the documents, he didn¡¯t know much about architecture and designs, but even he could tell this work wasckluster at best. Especiallypared to some of the work his cousin had done over the years.


    <i>¡°</i>Yeah¡­this is kind of <i>t</i>¡­I see what you mean.¡±


    ¡°You see<b>!! </b>There¡¯s no re<i>! </i>No creativity<i>! </i><i>It </i>looks like any other resort! This <i>is </i>supposed to <i>be </i>thergest resort in the world<i>; </i>I gotta have something else that makes it worth that. This just isn¡¯t it.¡±


    Joshua tossed the blueprints and drawings onto the coffee table.


    AD


    ¡°<i>My </i>uncle¡¯s been using this as a <i>way </i><i>to </i>weasel into the board¡¯s graces. An attempt to prove I¡¯m not ¡®ready¡® to lead. If I don¡¯t find a recement firm soon, they may actual vote me out<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Joshua tilted his head back as he held onto his ss before taking a swig.


    ¡°Welp! <i>That¡¯s </i>why I¡¯m here! To <i>pull </i>your ass out of <i>the </i><i>fire</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Joshua looked at his friend with a puzzled expression. How could he possibly help him. As if reading his mind, Marlon handed Joshua a folder filled with blueprints and sketches, Puzzled, he took the folder slowly pulling out the documents. As he scanned the documents, his eyes began to widen. These sketches were incredible! From the design of the rooms to the structure of the lobby, the entire blueprint was exquisite. The detail that was ced into every single sketch was nothing short of amazing. And it didn¡¯t just stop there; the creator of this blueprint designed various unique attractions. Casinos, water parks, a mini safari, amusement parks, you name it; the resort would have it. They even incorporated five star dining. This wasn¡¯t a resort¡­.it was a paradise!


    Joshua sat the documents down; his face filled with admiration, excitement, and questions.


    ¡°W¨C<i>Where</i>¡­where did you get this??¡±


    Marlon smiled proudly.


    ¡°<i>My </i>little <i>cousin</i>.¡±


    <i>!!!!!!!!!! </i>


    Joshua¡¯s eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets! He could hardly believe his cars! When did Marlon get a little cousin! And one that was THIS talented!! Without thinking, he eagerly grabbed his friend¡¯s arm.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>you </i>tell me <i>you </i>had <i>this </i><i>type </i>of talent <i>in </i><i>the </i><i>family</i><i>!!! </i><i>What </i>firm do <i>they </i><i>work </i>for<i>!!! </i>I¡¯ll <i>hire </i><i>it</i><i>! </i>Just take <i>me </i>to him¡­<i>wait</i>¡­Is it a him or a <i>her</i>?¡±


    Marlon smiled nervously. He knew he wouldn¡¯t have a problem selling Josie¡¯s work. To say she was talented was an understatement; Josie was a genius. Unfortunately, her current record wasn¡¯t as clear.


    <i>¡°</i>It¡¯s ¡®she¡®.¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>She</i>¡­.okay<i>¡­</i>well when can I meet her<i>?? </i>I mean <i>that¡¯s </i><i>why </i><i>you </i>brought this to me, right? <i>So </i><i>I </i>can work with her<i>?</i>¡±


    Marlon nodded taking another swig of his whiskey.


    ¡°I promise <i>to </i>take <i>you </i>to meet <i>her </i>very soon¡­but before I do¡­I need to know how opened your mind can be?¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>What</i>?¡±


    ¡°¡­.there¡¯s some things I have to exin to you about my cousin. I need to know I¡¯ll have <i>your </i>full understanding<b>.</b>¡±


    <b>51 </b>


    Joshua looked at Marlon with a confusing expression. What could he possibly say about the girl that he felt may be beyond understanding? At this point, he could have told him at night she turned into a werewolf, and he wouldn¡¯t


    have cared as long as it meant she would design his resort.


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><i>all </i>ears<b>.</b>¡±


    Chapter Comments <ol start="4"><li>4. </li></ol><fn7ab3> Newest update provided by find?novel</fn7ab3>

 Hunted 222

    <b>Chapter </b><b>222 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>16</b><b>: </b><b>The </b><b>wronged </b>genius.


    Joshua sat in silence as <b>he </b>waited for Marlon to exin what was going on with his cousin.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Remember </i>when <b><i>we </i></b><i>were </i><i>in </i><i>college </i><i>and </i><i>I </i>used <i>to </i>get those homemade caramel salted cookies <i>that </i>you loved to steal so much?¡±


    51


    Joshua had a quick shback of their days in college. Every year right before the holiday break, <b>a </b>shipment of caramel salted cookies would be delivered to Marlon for him and his roommate. Because of how good the cookies were, he¡¯d naturally assumed Marlon¡¯s grandmother was the baker.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>remember the cookies <i>your </i><i>grandmother </i>used to bake <i>for </i><i>you </i><i>AND </i><i>your </i><i>roommate</i><i>¡­</i>I.E. <b>me</b><b>¡­.</b><b><i>I.E</i></b><b>.; </b>that¡¯s not stealing.¡±


    Marlon let out a light chuckle.


    <i>¡°My </i><i>grandmother </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>the </i>one <i>that </i><i>made </i>those <i>cookies</i><i>¡­</i><i>it </i>was <i>my </i><i>little </i><i>cousin</i>¡­..Josie. She¡¯s <b>also </b>the one that <b><i>made </i></b><i>those </i><i>blueprints </i><i>and </i><i>sketches</i><i>.</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Joshua¡¯s eyes widen. He¡¯d vaguely remembered Marlon telling him about a younger cousin when they first met; but she would have been like fifteen when he first came to the university.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wait</i><i>¡­</i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>telling </i><i>me </i><i>someone </i><i>had </i><i>those </i><i>type </i><i>of </i><i>baking </i><i>skills </i>as a <i>teenager</i>?? <i>I¡¯m </i><i>confused </i><i>here </i><i>Marlon</i>¡­<i>are </i><i>you </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>warn </i><i>me </i><i>about </i><i>something </i>or <i>get </i><i>me </i><i>to </i><i>ask </i>for <i>her </i><i>hand </i><i>in </i><i>marriage</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    At this rate, if Marlon revealed one more skill about the girl; Joshua would be outside her door with <b>a </b>speaker box above his head.


    Marlonughed aloud at his friend¡¯sment.


    ¡°<i>No</i><i>¡­</i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>not </i><i>it</i>¡­¡±


    <i>¡°</i>So then just <i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>what </i>firm she works <i>for </i><i>and </i>I¡¯ll <i>fig-</i>¡±


    ¡°Josie doesn¡¯t work a firm.¡±


    Joshua¡¯s brows furrowed. Now that was something he found hard to believe. As talented as she was<b>¡­.</b>there a million firms that would have killed to have her on their team. <fnc2d6> Checktest chapters at Find_Novel(.</fnc2d6>


    ¡°Why wasn¡¯t she picked <i>up </i>by a <i>firm</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Marlon swallowed hard as he looked his friend directly in the eye<b>. </b>


    ¡°Because she just <i>got </i>out of prison<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>18:00 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    :


    51


    <b>He </b>knew he heard Marlon, he just couldn¡¯t believe WHAT he heard! Prison<b>!! </b>For what!! For how long<b>??? </b>What the hell was going on! Joshua stood up quickly, and as fast as he got excited, it only took half that time for it vanish. The board would have a field day about this! Hiring a felon! Joshua could see his dream resort slowly fading away! <i>¡®</i><i>Maybe </i><i>whatever </i><i>she </i><i>did </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>that </i><i>bad</i><b><i>?</i></b><i>¡® </i>Joshua thought to himself as he started strategizing how he would sell it to the board. Sitting back in chair, he took a swig of his whiskey before speaking¡­there <b>may </b><b>still </b>be a chance<b>. </b>


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>was </i><i>she </i><i>in </i><i>prison </i>for? <i>Nothing </i>serious ri-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Vehicr </i><i>manughter </i><i>due </i>to <i>drunk </i><i>driving</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Chance shattered.


    Convincing the board to hire a felon would have already been a battle, there was no way in hell he would be able to convince them to hire a murder! Not to mention¡­his grandmother! Thepany and family image meant everything to her. If she found out he¡¯d hired someone as careless as a murdering drunk driver<b>¡­.</b>she might actually


    appoint her husband¡¯s bastard child as CEO afterall.


    Joshua could feel a headache brewing¡­why would Marlon do this to him! Give him this gleam of hope only to snatch it away.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Marlon</i><i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>would </i><i>you </i>even <i>show </i>me <i>this</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    Guilt in his tone, Marlon tried to exin.


    <i>¡°</i>Because <i>I </i><i>needed </i><i>you </i>to <b><i>see </i></b><i>her </i><i>work </i><i>first</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why</i><i>! </i><i>So </i><i>you </i><i>could trick </i><i>me </i><i>into </i><i>hiring </i><i>her</i><i>! </i><i>What </i><i>did </i><i>you </i><i>think</i><i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>I </i><i>would </i>be so <i>blown </i><i>away </i><i>I </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>care</i><i>! </i>She¡¯s a


    <b><i>murd-</i></b>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>My </i>cousin is <i>innocent</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Marlon stood directly in Joshua¡¯s face. He could understand why his friend would be upset; giving the circumstances¡­who wouldn¡¯t be. But he wouldn¡¯t allow him to speak ill of Josie. She¡¯d already been through too


    much.


    Joshua stood back stunned. It was understandable for Marlon to feel this way¡­after all¡­she was his only family¡­.but the <b>fact </b>remained she was convicted of vehicr homicide which meant he couldn¡¯t work with her. Taking a deep breath, he began to exin.


    ¡°Look Mar¡­I get <i>she¡¯s </i>your cousin¡­and I know <i>we </i><i>all </i>want to think <i>highly </i><i>of </i>our <i>family</i><i>, </i>but you¡¯ve got to face facts she-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m not <i>saying </i><i>she¡¯s </i>Innocent because she¡¯s my cousin! I¡¯m saying she¡¯s innocent because it¡¯s the truth! Look¡­I get how this is hard to believe¡­but <i>if </i>you¡¯d just listen to me <i>for </i>ONE MOMENT¡­I can exin everything.¡±


    Joshua looked at Marlon as if he had three heads¡­what could he possibly say that would exin all of this. He was about to refuse when his eyes nced over at the blueprints still on the table,


    18:00 <b>Thu</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    wless.


    :


    ¡¢(51


    ¡®Shit¡­guess <i>this </i><i>is </i><i>the </i><i>werewolf </i><i>part</i>.<b>¡® </b>


    Joshua reluctantly sat down to listen to Marlon. For those designs¡­he¡¯d be opened.


    Marlon let out a sigh of relief<b>; </b>sitting back in his chair. He began to tell his friend the harrowing story of Josie


    Taylor.


    Joshua sat in silence¡­.stunned was the better term. After Marlon finished telling him about Josie, he could hardly believe his ears. It all sounded like some horrible soap opera horror. Learning she was the long lost daughter of the Taylors¡­one the region¡¯s most prominent families. Learning they treated her like that. Their own daughter<b>! </b>Using her grandmother¡¯s illness to cover the crimes of their adoptive daughter¡­who does that<b>! </b>


    Joshua got up to pour himself another drink. Had he known today would be filled with all this drama he would have brought some harder liquor to the office<b>. </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>bullshitting </i>me <i>in </i><i>an </i><i>attempt </i>to cover <i>for </i><i>your </i>cousin?¡±


    Joshua had to ask¡­she was Marlon¡¯s family after all¡­people protect their families. Lord knows he watched his grandfather do that same thing for his uncle. No matter how much James screwed up, his grandfather woulde


    up with a million excuses.


    Marlon nodded his head. If only it were that simple¡­that he was merely covering for his cousin. Then that would


    have meant all the horror she endured wasn¡¯t true. But that just wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°Honestly Josh¡­I wish that were the case¡­that I¡¯m lying to protect her image. That she hadn¡¯t gone through all those years of abuse and torment. But unfortunately¡­that isn¡¯t the case. My cousin really <b>is </b>innocent. She has a solid alibi for the day of the ident. Not to mention, Josie doesn¡¯t drink, and she doesn¡¯t drive.¡±


    ¡°Shit<i>.</i>¡±


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Yeah</i></b><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>now </i><b>I </b><b>see </b><i>why </i><i>you </i><i>wanted </i>my <i>mind </i>to be <i>opened</i>.¡±


    Suddenly, a thought urred to Joshua.


    ¡°Wait<i>! </i>You said <i>she </i><i>had </i>a <i>solid </i><i>alibi</i><b><i>??</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Yup¡­my grandmother had outdoor cameras¡­<i>if </i>Investigated¡­they would have seen my cousin was at our nana¡¯s the <i>time </i>of the ident<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Now Joshua was extremely confused.


    ¡°Huh¡­a <i>wrongfully </i>used genius¡­there¡¯s something <i>you </i><i>don¡¯t </i>read about <i>every </i><i>day</i><i>. </i>But it¡¯s one thing <i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>get </i><i>Mar.</i><i>¡± </i>


    18:00 Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡°What¡¯s <i>that</i><i>?</i>¡±


    :.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i>note <i>forward </i><i>with </i><i>the </i>truth now? If <i>there¡¯s </i><i>solid </i>evidence¡­she coulde <i>forward </i>and clear her name<b><i>! </i></b>Why not <i>expose </i><i>those </i><i>assholes </i><i>for </i><i>the </i><i>horrible </i><i>people </i><i>they </i><i>are</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Marlon smiled sardonically¡­


    <i>¡°</i><i>Remember </i><i>that </i><i>part </i><i>about </i><i>you </i><i>being </i><i>openminded</i>¡­¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah</i>¡­<b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>referring </i>to the <i>prison </i><i>part</i>.¡±


    Joshua¡¯s face scrunched.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Then </i><i>what </i><i>WERE </i><i>you </i><i>referring </i><i>too</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i>My <i>cousin</i>¡­.there¡¯s something she <i>has </i><i>to </i>do <i>before </i>she clears <i>her </i><i>name</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>And </i><i>that </i>is<b><i>??</i></b>¡±


    Marlon smiled as he took the final swig of his drink.


    <b>51 </b>


    ¡°<b><i>Get </i></b><i>revenge</i>.<b>¡± </b>

 Hunted 223

    <b>Chapter </b><b>223 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>17</b><b>: </b><b>The </b><b>Meeting</b>.


    :


    51


    Tillman sat inside the coffee shop located in the outskirts of Bridgeton waiting for Vanessa <b>to </b><b>arrive</b>. The time <b>was </b>already 4:45pm and he was starting to think she would stand him up.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Where </i><i>the </i><i>fuck </i>is she!! <b><i>If </i></b><i>she¡¯s </i><i>thinking </i>about <i>fucking </i>me over!!!¡®


    Panic began to seep into his chest as he continued to look at the coffee shop entrance. He¡¯d already tried calling her twice on the burner number, but that line was no longer in service, and she wasn¡¯t answering the number she¡¯d called him from earlier that day<b>. </b>Taking another sip of coffee, Tillman decided to leave.


    ¡°<i>Fuck </i><i>this</i>. <b><i>If </i></b><i>anything </i><i>happens </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>just </i><i>tell </i>them <i>all </i>she <i>paid </i><i>me</i><i>¡­.</i>or <i>maybe </i>I <i>should </i><i>just </i>get <i>in </i>front <i>of </i>it.¡±


    Tillman reached into his pocket and pulled out a USB. The day he met Vanessa for the first time; he wasn¡¯t <b>sure </b>if she was being truthful or trying to set him up. It was already an open¨Csecret regarding Tillman and many of the women at the State Prison. The only reason he wasn¡¯t in jail yet was because many of the women he¡¯d brutalized were terrified of him and had little to no resources. But Josie was different, if the brother truly had begun investigating¡­that would mean she would have the support of the Taylor family, and his life would be over.


    Tillman dropped a few dors on the table for a tip and headed towards the exit. Just as he was about to leave, Vanessa walked in with her neatly arched brows furrowed as she scanned the shop looking for him. Once their eyes met, a surge of annoyance seeped through her appearance. Tillman rolled his eyes and made his way back to the caf¨¦


    table.


    Scoffing, he took his seat. <fn4d77> Newest update provided by find~novel</fn4d77>


    ¡°Took <i>you </i><i>long enough</i><i>¡­</i><i>thought </i>I <i>said </i>4:00.¡±


    Vanessa looked at Tillman with pure disgust. She then lifted arge ck duffle and mmed it on the table.


    ¡°<i>You </i><i>told </i><i>me </i><i>to </i>bring a <i>million </i><i>fucking </i><i>dors</i><i>! </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>any </i><i>idea </i>how <i>hard </i><i>that </i><i>was</i>!¡±


    Vanessa seethed <b>as </b>she watched Tillman smile smugly and grab the bad.


    ¡°A <i>little </i>rich <i>bitch </i><i>princess </i><i>like </i><i>you</i>¡­<i>surely </i>a <i>million </i>wasn¡¯t <i>hard </i><i>to </i><i>find</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Vanessa rolled her eyes and took a seat.


    ¡°<i>Whatever</i>. Look, you got your money¡­now get out of town.¡±


    Tillman stayed silent for a moment. He was getting irritated with Vanessa¡¯s attitude. It wasn¡¯t like he could simply drop his entire life and leave.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>happened</i>! I <i>thought </i>you said they wouldn¡¯t care what happens to her! Now <i>all </i><i>of </i><i>sudden </i>I-<i>¡± </i>


    <b>18:00 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep 25 </b>


    ¡°This <i>is </i><i>all </i><i>your </i><i>fucking </i><i>fault</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    :


    51


    Tillman¡¯s eyes widen in shock. Just what the hell was she talking about! All he did was perform the job she paid him


    to do.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>fuck </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>talking </i><i>about</i>! <i>I </i><i>did </i><i>exactly </i><i>what </i>you asked<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tillman¡¯s voice started to rise; causing other customers to watch. Vanessa looked around the caf¨¦ nervously; the <bst </b>thing she needed was to end up on social media arguing with Tillman. Leaning forward<b>, </b>she spoke in a low tone so that only he could hear.


    ¡°<i>Okay you </i><i>need </i><i>to </i><i>get </i><i>your </i>voice <i>down</i><i>! </i>Listen¡­.<i>I </i><i>told </i><i>you </i>to make <i>her </i><i>life </i><i>hell</i><i>¡­</i><i>yes</i><i>! </i><i>But </i><i>you </i><i>took </i>it too <b><i>far </i></b>AND you <i>left </i><i>evidence</i><i>! </i>So YOU <i>fucked </i><i>this </i><i>up</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa was fuming; none of this would have happened if Tillman hadn¡¯t been so sloppy; and she wasn¡¯t about to let some low¨Css piece of shit correction¡¯s officer insult her. She was Vanessa Fucking Taylor! Besides, none of this was her fault. She had every right to protect what¡¯s hers. Cutting her eyes at Tillman, Vanessa stood to leave. Putting her sunsses back on, she spoke in a menacing tone.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i>a <i>shit </i>how <i>you </i>do <i>it</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>you </i>need to leave. <i>And </i><i>if </i><i>you </i>like <i>breathing</i>¡­I <i>suggest you </i>do <i>it </i><i>quickly</i>. <i>My </i><i>version </i><b>of </b><i>events </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>better </i><i>than </i><i>yours</i><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Before Tillman could respond she leaned into Tillman¡¯s ear whispering in a sardonic tone.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i><i>they </i><i>were </i><i>willing </i>to <i>send </i><i>their </i><i>own </i><i>daughter </i><i>to </i><i>prison </i>for <i>me</i><i>¡­</i><i>what </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>they¡¯ll </i>do <i>to </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    The blood began to drain from Tillman¡¯s face. Vanessa was right, if they did something like that to a family member, there was no way they¡¯d spare him. Standing nervously, he ced another tip on the table and nodded in agreement


    to Vanessa.


    ¡°I¡¯ll <i>leave </i><i>Taylor</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>but </i><i>you </i><i>better </i><i>make </i><i>damn </i><i>sure your </i><i>brother </i><i>stays </i><i>off </i><i>my </i>ass! <i>Because </i>I <i>don¡¯t </i><i>give </i>a shit <i>how </i><i>much </i><i>your </i><i>family </i><i>loves </i><i>you</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>go </i>down¡­<i>YOU </i><i>go </i><i>down</i>¡­¡±


    Tillman couldn¡¯t see it; but Vanessa¡¯s eyes were filled with fright. This little act she was putting on¡­her mask was starting to slip. Everything was now on the line¡­she was this close to being the official heiress of the Taylor empire¡­she wasn¡¯t about to let Josie or Tillman fuck it up.


    As they both <b>left </b>the caf¨¦, someone who had been watching them the entire time was taking pictures. After watching both parties leave<b>, </b><b>the </b>person pulled out his cellphone and dialed a number.


    ¡°Yes Mr. Taylor¡­<i>you </i><i>were </i><i>right</i>. <i>She </i>dide here to meet someone.¡±


    After several moments of silence, the person on the other line spoke.


    ¡°Send me <i>the </i>pictures and keep an eye on her until she arrives back home.¡±


    Click.


    18:00 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    <b>51 </b>


    Jamie Taylor sat at his desk with a troubled expression. Before Ness left<b>, </b>he saw her standing outside of Christian¡¯s door listening in before rushing back to her own room. Curious, he followed her. That¡¯s when he overheard her yelling at someone on the phone. Shortly after, she¡¯d asked their father to allow her a million dor limit so that she could purchase some items from an auction outside of the city. A weird feeling came over Jamie. Vanessa had been acting strange after the drama with Josie. When she saw that report, he wasn¡¯t sure why¡­but it looked <b>as </b>if she were expecting the information more so than being surprised. A dark feeling wasing over Jamie¡­it felt as <b>if </b>a storm wasing and he wouldn¡¯t be able to stop it.


    Josie was at her desk drawing more sketches when Marlon came home. She¡¯d already made dinner for them<b>, </b>some homemade chicken cheese stuffed ravioli with a garden sd.


    ¡°<i>Hey </i>Josie<i>¡­</i><i>did </i><i>you </i>make <i>dinner</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


    Josie closed her sketch pad and smiled at Marlon.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>did</i><i>! </i>I made some <i>chicken </i><i>stuffed </i><i>ravioli</i>. <i>Hey</i>¡­<i>you¡¯re </i><i>home </i><i>early</i>.¡±


    Marlon nervously rubbed the back of his head.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>Yeah</i><i>¡­</i><i>about </i><i>that</i>¡­<i>did </i><i>you </i>make <i>enough </i><i>for </i><i>a </i><i>guest</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie stared at her cousin with a puzzled expression; however, just before she could ask him what he meant, Joshua Watson walked into the room.


    With a bright smile on his face,


    ¡°Nice to <i>finally </i><i>meet </i><i>you </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Josie </i><i>Taylor</i>.¡±


    Chapter Comments

 Hunted 224

    <b>Chapter </b><b>224 </b>


    Chapter <b>18</b><b>: </b>Four <b>months </bter<b>. </b>


    :


    <b>51 </b>


    James Watson stared at his screen for several minutes looking at thetest grand opening of a Gallery. Over the <b>past </b>four months there had been several grand openings for restaurants and galleries that was causing buzz throughout the Eastern Region. High praises regarding the building often unique architectural designing had be the talk of the town. With eachunch, many couldn¡¯t wait to see what new creative sets would be thought of next.


    James smiled smugly, he knew the board had been upset with Joshua about his firing of their original architectural firm. This would be the push they needed to demote Joshua as CEO and appoint him. FINALLY, Watts<b>¨C</b>Corp would be his<b>; </b>all he had to do was find the designer responsible¡­Elizabeth Bowen.


    ¡°Spencer<b>¡­</b>I <i>want </i>you to <i>find </i><i>out </i><i>everything </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>about </i><i>this </i><i>new </i><i>architectural </i>designer Elizabeth <i>Bowen </i>and <i>bring </i><i>it </i><i>to </i>


    me<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Yes sir.<i>¡± </i>


    <b>As </b>James<b>¡® </b>assistant left his office, James felt a certain satisfaction. Even with all the buzz going on about the new designer, Joshua made no efforts to try and locate her. For the past several weeks after the grand opening of the


    Imperial Gallery, James worried Joshua would find and hire Bowen. But after trailing him for the past several weeks,


    there were no such efforts made. He wasn¡¯t even trying to locate her.


    ¡°Oh <i>little </i><i>nephew</i><i>¡­</i><i>your </i><i>arrogance </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>your </i><i>downfall</i><i>. </i><i>Even </i>your <i>grandmother </i><i>won¡¯t </i>be able to <i>save </i>you once I <i>sign </i>


    <i>Elizabeth </i><i>Bowen</i>.¡±


    ***


    <b>¡°</b><b><i>You </i></b><b><i>were </i></b><i>right </i><b><i>boss</i></b>. <b><i>He¡¯s </i></b><i>looking </i><b><i>into </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b>now</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b><i>Joshua¡¯s </i></b><b><i>assistant </i></b><b><i>Travis </i></b><b><i>Cross </i></b><b><i>handed </i></b><b><i>him </i></b>a <b><i>folder filled </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>documents</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Each </i></b><b><i>containing </i></b><i>possible </i><b><i>information </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>Elizabeth </i></b><b><i>Bowen</i></b><i>. </i>


    <b><i>¡°He¡¯s </i></b><b><i>probably </i></b><b><i>going </i></b><b><i>to try </i></b><i>and </i><b><i>poach </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>before </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>do </i></b><i>in </i><b><i>order </i></b><b>to </b>turn <i>the </i><b><i>board</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    <i>Joshua </i><b><i>smiled </i></b><b><i>cooliy</i></b><b>. </b><b>He </b><b>wasn¡¯t </b><b><i>concerned </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>all </i></b><i>about </i><i>his </i><i>uncle </i><b><i>poaching </i></b><i>Elizabeth</i>. <b><i>He </i></b><b><i>already </i></b>knew <b><i>who </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>was</i></b><b>¡­.</b><i>Josie </i><b><i>Taylor</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b>¡°</b>Let him <b>try</b><b>¡­</b>this should <b><i>be </i></b><b>fun</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <i>Cross </i>smiled <i>slightly</i>, he knew his boss <b>loved </b>a <b>good </b><b><i>challenge</i></b>. <b><i>The </i></b>treasure hunting game had now begun, <b>the </b>prize<b>¡­.</b>Elizabeth <i>Bowen</i><b><i>. </i></b>


    Since leaving the estate four months ago, Christian had tried locating her several times with no sess. The only


    18:00 Thu<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    ¡­


    A


    51


    thing he was able to confirm <b>was </b>that she attended all of her therapy sessions as well as her probation appointments. He¡¯d had one <b>of </b>his assistants keeping track of her until her final day of probation. Now that it <b>was </b>over; he had no clue where she <b>was </b>or WHO she was staying with.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i><i>telling </i>me she¡¯s <i>fallen </i><b>of </b><i>the </i>face <b>of </b>the earth!¡±


    **¡°N¨CNo sir¡­but we can¡¯t find her. Maybe she-<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I don¡¯t <b>want </b>you got damn maybes!!! Find her<b>!</b><b>¡± </b><fnc55b> ?????? ???? F?ndNovel</fnc55b>


    <i>Christian </i>barked his orders at <i>his </i>assistant <i>before </i><i>throwing </i><i>him </i>out <i>his </i><i>office</i>. For <i>the </i><i>past </i><i>several </i>weeks <i>his </i><i>father </i><i>grew </i><b>concerned </b><i>about </i>Josie possibly <i>telling </i><i>others </i>the truth <i>on </i><i>why </i><i>she </i><i>went </i>to <i>prison</i>. <i>Rubbing </i><i>his </i><i>temples</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>he </i><b>opened </b>up the recent <i>files </i>on <i>Lawrence </i><i>Tillman</i>.


    <i>Christian </i><i>had </i>been <i>tracking </i><i>Tillman </i>for months<i>; </i><i>however</i><i>, </i>he <i>always </i>seemed to <i>be </i>one <i>step </i><i>ahead </i><b><i>of </i></b><i>him</i><i>. It </i><i>was </i><i>almost </i><i>as </i><b><i>if </i></b><b><i>someone </i></b><i>was </i><i>keeping </i><i>him </i><i>updated </i><i>regarding </i><i>Christian¡¯s </i><i>ns</i>. <i>Every </i><i>time </i><i>he </i><i>would </i><i>get </i>close to his location<b><i>, </i></b><i>Tillman </i><i>would </i>move, <i>leaving </i><i>little </i>to no traces behind. The <i>entire </i><i>ordeal </i><i>was </i><i>stressing </i><i>Christian </i>out<i>. </i>It felt as <i>if </i><i>his </i><i>grip </i><i>on </i><i>control </i><i>was </i><i>slipping</i>. <i>To </i>make <i>matters </i><i>worse</i><i>, </i><i>things </i>at <i>home </i><i>was </i>bing <i>unbearable</i>.


    As <i>of </i><itely</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>seemed </i><i>Jamie </i><i>was </i><i>always </i><i>busy</i><i>. </i><i>He </i><i>knew </i><i>Jamie </i>never showed <i>much </i><i>interest </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><ipany</i><b>; </b><i>but </i><i>he¡¯d </i><i>hoped </i><i>that </i><i>he </i><i>would </i><i>at </i>least <i>participate</i>. <i>Afterall</i><i>, </i><i>Jamie </i><i>was </i>now <b><i>23 </i></b><i>years </i>old<i>. </i><i>It </i><i>was </i>time he started <i>pulling </i><i>his </i><i>weight </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>family </i><i>business</i><b>; </b><i>but </i><i>whenever </i><i>Christian </i><i>would </i><i>try </i><i>and </i><i>speak </i><i>with </i><i>him</i>, <i>it </i>seemed <i>he </i><i>was </i><i>only </i><i>interested </i><i>in </i><i>what </i>Vanessa <i>was </i><i>doing</i>. <i>It </i><i>was </i>like <i>she </i><i>was </i><i>bing </i><i>his </i><i>obsession</i>. <i>And </i>Vanessa<i>, </i>these <i>past </i><i>few </i>months <i>her </i><i>entire </i>demeaner <i>changed</i><i>. </i><i>She </i><i>went </i><i>from </i><i>being </i><i>this </i>carefree <i>bubbly </i><i>person </i>to <i>constantly </i><i>looking </i>nervous <i>always </i><i>staring </i>at <i>her </i><i>phone</i>. <i>He </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>sure </i><i>what </i>caused the <i>change </i><i>in </i><i>his </i><i>siblings</i>, <i>but </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>going </i>to <i>get </i>to the <i>bottom </i><i>of </i><i>it</i><i>. </i>


    <b><i>Jamie </i></b><b><i>walked </i></b><i>into </i><i>his </i><i>study </i><b><i>feeling </i></b><b><i>mentally </i></b><b><i>exhausted</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>These </i></b><b><i>past several </i></b><i>months </i><b><i>was </i></b><i>beginning </i><b>to </b><b><i>weigh </i></b><i>on </i><b><i>him</i></b>. <b>He </b><b><i>knew </i></b>it <b><i>would </i></b><i>only </i><b><i>be </i></b>a <b><i>matter </i></b><b>of </b><b><i>time </i></b><b><i>before </i></b><b><i>Christian </i></b><b><i>learned </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><i>truth </i><i>about </i><b><i>what </i></b><b><i>was </i></b>going <b><i>on </i></b><i>with </i><i>him </i>


    <b><i>and </i></b><b><i>Vanessa</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>The </i></b><b><i>day </i></b><b><i>Vanessa </i></b><b><i>met </i></b><i>with </i><b><i>Tillman</i></b><i>, </i><b><i>under </i></b><b><i>suspicion</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>followed</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>After </i></b><b><i>seeing </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>photos</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><i>Jamie </i><b><i>went </i></b><i>into </i><b><i>Christian¡¯s </i></b><b><i>study </i></b>to <b><i>lookup </i></b><i>who </i><b><i>Officer </i></b><i>Tillman </i><b><i>was</i></b>. <b><i>After </i></b><b><i>seeing </i></b><i>his </i><b><i>profile </i></b><b><i>picture</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Jamie </i></b><i>could </i><b><i>no </i></b><b>longer </b><b><i>deny </i></b><b>it</b><b>. </b><b><i>Vanessa </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>person </i></b><b><i>responsible </i></b><b>for </b><i>the </i><b><i>abuse </i></b><b><i>Josie </i></b><b><i>suffered </i></b><i>in </i><b><i>prison</i></b><i>. </i><b><i>That </i></b><b><i>night</i></b><b>, </b><b><i>after </i></b><b><i>Vanessa </i></b><b><i>came </i></b><b><i>home</i></b><b>, </b><b><i>Jamie </i></b><b><i>confronted </i></b><b><i>her</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


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    <b>18:00 Thu</b><b>, </b>Sep <b>25 </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>225 </b>

 Hunted 225

    <b>Chapter </b><b>225 </b>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>Vanessa</i><b>, </b>can I <b><i>speak </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b>you </b>for a moment?<b>¡± </b>


    :


    <b><i>Startled</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><i>Vanessa </i><b><i>slowly </i></b>nodded <i>as </i>she <b>followed </b><i>Jamie </i><b>to </b><i>his </i><b>room</b>.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><i>Um</i><i>, </i><b><i>big </i></b><b><i>brother</i></b>¡­did <b>you </b><i>just </i>call <b><i>me </i></b><b><i>Vanessa</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    45


    <b>51 </b>


    <b><i>Throughout </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><i>entire </i><b><i>life</i></b><b>, </b><i>Jamie </i><i>had </i><b><i>never </i></b><i>called </i><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>Vanessa</i></b>. It <i>was </i><b><i>always </i></b><i>eight </i><b><i>Ness </i></b>or <b><i>Nessie</i></b><b>; </b><i>but </i><b><i>never </i></b><b><i>Vanessa</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>knew </i></b><b><i>something </i></b><b><i>was </i></b>wrong <i>but </i><i>was </i><b>too </b><b><i>afraid </i></b><b>to </b><b><i>ask </i></b><i>what</i>. <b><i>As </i></b><b><i>soon </i></b>as <b><i>she </i></b><b><i>walked </i></b><b>into </b>his <b><i>room</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><i>Jamie </i><b><i>immediately </i></b><b><i>closed </i></b><i>his </i><b>door</b><b>. </b><b>For </b><b><i>several </i></b><i>minutes </i><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>both </i></b><b><i>stood </i></b><i>in </i><b><i>silence </i></b><i>causing </i><i>Vanessa </i><b>to </b><b><i>speak </i></b><b><i>first</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b>¡°</b><b><i>U</i></b>¨CUmm<b>¡­</b><b><i>did </i></b><b>you </b><i>want </i><i>something </i><i>Jamie</i><b><i>?</i></b><b>¡± </b>


    <b><i>Jamie </i></b><b><i>stared </i></b><b>a </b>few <i>moments </i><b><i>longer </i></b><b><i>before </i></b><b><i>speaking</i></b>.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Why¡¯d </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b>do </b><i>it </i><b><i>Vanessa</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b>¡°</b><b>Do </b><i>what</i>?¡±


    <b><i>Jamie¡¯s </i></b><b><i>eyes </i></b><b><i>darkened</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>The </i></b><b><ist </i></b><i>thing </i><i>he </i><b><i>needed </i></b><i>was </i><b>for </b><b><i>her </i></b><b>to </b><i>continue </i><b>to </b><i>lie </i><b>to </b><b><i>him</i></b><i>. </i>


    ¡°I¡¯m really not in the mood for your lies Ness¡­so just tell me why you did it!¡±


    <i>Jamie¡¯s </i>voice <i>began </i><i>to </i><i>raise </i><i>causing </i><i>Vanessa </i>to <i>step </i><i>back</i>. <i>Though </i><i>he¡¯d </i><i>never </i><i>been </i><i>with </i>her<b><i>, </i></b>she¡¯d <i>seen </i><i>what </i>Jamie <i>could </i><i>do </i><i>when </i><i>he </i><i>was </i><i>angry</i>.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Jame</i></b><b>, </b><i>you¡¯re scary </i>me. <i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>know </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯re-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><i>talking </i>about <i>this</i><i>!!</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <i>Jamie </i><i>threw </i>a stack <i>of </i><i>photos </i><i>at </i><i>Vanessa¡¯s </i>feet. As <i>she </i><i>picked </i><i>them </i><i>up </i><i>to </i><i>view</i><b><i>, </i></b><i>her face </i><i>began </i>to <i>pale</i>. <i>The </i><i>photos </i>were of <b><i>her </i></b>and <i>Tillman </i><i>from </i><i>their </i><i>meeting </i><i>that </i><i>day</i><i>. </i><i>Vanessa </i><i>began </i><i>to </i><i>breath </i><i>heavy </i>as she stumbled <i>backwards </i>onto <i>his </i><i>bed</i><i>. </i><i>Her </i>hands trembled as <i>she </i><i>stared </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>photos</i><b>. </b>


    ¡°W¨CWhere did <i>you </i><i>get-</i><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Are </i>you serious<i>! </i><i>You </i><i>think </i><i>THAT¡¯S </i><i>what¡¯s </i>important<i>! </i><i>Where </i><i>I </i><i>got </i>them <i>from</i>! <i>What </i><i>the </i><i>fuck </i><i>were </i>you doing with the man <i>that </i><i>tortured </i><i>Josie</i><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Jamie was fuming. <i>He </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>care </i>much <i>for </i><i>Josie </i>but <i>after </i>reading that report he¡¯d <i>felt </i>sorry <i>for </i>her. Afterall, <i>she </i>was only <i>in </i>that prison because <i>she </i>took <i>the </i><i>fall </i><i>for </i>Vanessa. <i>She </i>didn¡¯t deserve to be punished for it.


    ¡°Jamie¡­I¨CI didn¡¯t <i>know </i><i>he </i>was the one that-¡±


    <b>18:00 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Stop </i><i>lying </i>to me<i>!!!</i>¡±


    <b>51 </b>


    <i>Jamie </i>closed <i>his </i><i>eyes </i>and took a deep <i>sigh</i>¡­as he <i>reopened </i><i>them</i>, he <i>could </i>see the <i>tears </i><i>pouring </i>from Vanessa¡¯s <b><i>eyes </i></b>causing him to cool <i>his temper</i><i>. </i><i>He </i>took a <i>step </i><i>forward </i><i>while </i><i>speaking </i><i>in </i>a softer <i>tone</i><b><i>. </i></b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ness</i><b>¡­</b>I <i>need </i><i>you </i>to stop <i>lying </i>to <i>me</i>. I <i>already </i>heard <i>the </i>conversation <i>between </i><i>you </i>and <i>Tillman</i>¡­so <i>just </i><i>tell </i><b><i>me </i></b>why you


    <i>did </i><i>this</i>.¡±


    <i>Vanessa </i><i>dramatically </i><i>threw </i><i>herself </i>onto the <i>floor </i><i>at </i><i>Jamie¡¯s </i>feet <i>crying </i><i>hysterically</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>don¡¯t know!!! <i>Jamie</i><i>!! </i>I<i>¨C</i>I¡­.<i>I </i><i>just </i><i>wanted </i>to make her a <i>little </i><i>mad</i><i>! </i>I <i>didn¡¯t </i>know he <i>would </i>do <i>all </i><i>of </i>those <i>horrible </i><i>things</i>!!!¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Why </i><i>would </i><i>you </i><i>want </i>her to <i>be </i><i>upset</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Vanessa </i><i>continued </i>to sobbed<i>, </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I</i><i>¨C</i><i>I</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>scared</i><i>! </i>Scared <i>that </i><i>you </i><i>all </i><i>would </i><i>want </i>her over me once she <i>got </i><i>out</i><i>! </i>I <i>couldn¡¯t </i><i>lose </i><i>you</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    <i>Jamie </i>stared <i>at </i><i>Vanessa </i><i>with </i><i>strained </i>eyes. <i>This </i><i>entire </i><i>situation </i>was <i>spiraling </i>out of <i>control</i>. Vanessa being the <i>reason </i><i>for </i><i>Josie¡¯s </i><i>abuse </i>would <i>definitely </i>cause a <i>stir </i><i>in </i><i>the </i><i>family</i><i>. </i><i>Their </i><i>father </i><i>and </i><i>Christian </i><i>was </i><i>already </i>on edge and Josie <i>was </i><i>out </i><i>of </i><i>control</i>. <i>If </i><i>word </i><i>got </i><i>out </i><i>Vanessa </i><i>was </i><i>involved</i><i>, </i><i>she </i><i>would </i><i>most </i><i>definitely </i><i>reveal </i><i>the </i>truth <i>about </i>the <i>car </i>crash.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Vanessa</i><i>¡­</i>do you <i>realize </i><i>what </i><i>you¡¯ve </i><i>done</i><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>If </i></b><i>dad </i>or <i>Chris </i><i>finds </i>out-¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>No</i><i>!! </i><i>Jamie</i><i>!! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>going </i>to tell <i>them </i><i>are </i><i>you</i>??? <i>You </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>do </i><i>that</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Vanessa </i>stood <i>back </i><i>up </i>as <i>she </i><i>began </i><i>to </i><i>panic</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>was </i><i>no </i><i>telling </i><i>what </i><i>Christian</i><i>, </i>or <i>their </i><i>father </i><i>would </i><i>do</i>. She <i>had </i><i>to </i><i>convince </i><i>him </i><i>not </i><i>to </i><i>say </i><i>anything</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jame</i>¡­.<b><i>please</i></b><b><i>¡­.</i></b><i>I</i><i>¨C</i><i>I </i><i>know </i><i>what </i><i>I </i><i>did </i><i>was </i><i>wrong</i><i>! </i><i>I¡¯ll </i><i>make </i><i>it </i><i>up </i><i>to </i>Josie I promise<i>! </i><i>But </i>you can¡¯t tell <b>dad </b><b>or </b><i>Chris</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>Jamie¡¯s </i>brows <i>furrowed</i><i>. </i>Now <i>that </i><i>Christian </i><i>was </i><i>in </i><i>pursuit of </i><i>Tillman</i><i>, </i><i>he </i><i>knew </i><i>it </i>was <i>only </i>a matter <b>of </b>time before <i>he </i><i>found </i><i>him</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ness</i>¡­it¡¯s not <i>that </i><i>simple</i>. <i>Christian </i>is <i>already </i><i>tracking </i><i>him </i>down¡­<i>when </i><i>he </i>founds him-¡±


    ¡°He <i>won¡¯t</i><i>! </i>He <i>won¡¯t</i><i>! </i>I <i>gave </i><i>him </i>a <i>million </i><i>dors </i>to <i>leave </i><i>the </i><i>city</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>The </i>words blurted <i>out </i><i>faster </i><i>than she </i>realized <i>but </i><i>it </i><i>was </i>toote to take <i>anything </i><i>back</i>. Jamie¡¯s <i>eyes </i>widen in <i>shock</i>.


    ¡°You <i>what</i><i>! </i>Vanessa¡­.do <i>you </i>have <i>any </i>idea <i>what </i><i>you¡¯ve </i>done!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll <b>keep </b>him away so Chris can¡¯t find hi-¡±


    ¡°A million <i>dors </i>isn¡¯t <i>enough</i><i>! </i><i>Do </i><i>you </i>have <i>any </i>idea the resources we have! Especially Christian! <i>All </i>you¡¯ve <i>done </i><i>was </i>


    18:00 Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>


    Chapter 225 <fnab4e> Official source is find~novel</fnab4e>


    <i>created </i>a <i>paper </i><i>trail</i>!¡±


    :


    <i>Vanessa¡¯s </i><i>eyes widen </i><i>in </i>horror as <i>tears </i><i>poured </i><i>down </i><i>her </i><i>face</i>.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Jamie</i><i>!! </i><i>You </i><i>have </i><i>to </i><i>help </i>me! <i>Please</i><i>!! </i>I¡¯m <i>your </i><i>little </i><i>sister</i><b><i>!</i></b><i>¡± </i>


    <b>51 </b>


    That night, Jamie had Vanessa tell him everything she knew about Tillman. The next morning, he had his assistant meet with him giving him a debit card with another million dors along with an airline ticket and a key to a condo he owned in Bailer; a city located in the Northen Region.


    Now, four monthster¡­he was using every resource he could find to keep his brother off Tillman¡¯s track.


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 Hunted 226

    <b>Chapter </b><b>226 </b>


    Chapter 19: Elizabeth Bowen. <fnad0f> Chapters first released on f?ndnovel</fnad0f>


    The day Josie met Joshua Watson was the day she would finally begin putting her n to take the Taylors down into motion.


    ¡°Nice to finally meet you Ms. Josie <i>Taylor</i>.¡±


    Josie sat in shock as the heir of one of the most powerful familles in the entire region smiled at her. Even she knew who Joshua Watson of House Watson was. But what the hell he was doing in her brother¡¯s kitchen¡­that was the million dor question..


    ¡°U¨CUmm¡­nice to meet you as well Mr. Watson.¡±


    Josie nervously shook his hand while her eyes cut over to Marlon.


    <i>¡°</i>Is that ravioli?¡±


    Joshua¡¯s eyes nced over at the stove. The smell was already intoxicating; making his mouth water. Josie turned toward the food she¡¯d just prepared.


    ¡°It is. I made <i>homemade </i><i>chicken </i>and <i>cheese </i><i>stuffed </i><i>ravioli</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>That </i>sounds <i>delicious</i>¡­<i>do </i><i>you </i>mind <i>if </i><i>I </i><i>join </i><i>you </i><i>for </i><i>dinner?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s eyes darted back over to Marlon. He nodded at her gently indicating it would be fine. Smiling nervously<b>, </b>she nodded her head in agreement to Joshua.


    <i>¡°</i><i>It </i>would be <i>my </i><i>pleasure </i>Mr. <i>Wat-</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>Josh<i>¡­</i>please call me Josh<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s eyes widen slightly as she smiled.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josh</i><i>. </i><i>Marlon</i><i>¡­</i><i>could </i><i>I </i><i>have </i><i>word </i><i>with </i><i>you </i><i>for </i>a <i>moment</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Josie pointed towards the breakfast room indicating for her cousin to follow. She had a million questions running through her mind. Marlon smiled lightly at Josie; he knew she was probably confused about what was going on.


    ¡°<i>Sure</i><i>. </i><i>Josh</i><i>, </i><i>you </i>can <i>make </i><i>yourself </i><i>at </i><i>home</i><i>. </i><i>We¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>right </i><i>back</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Joshua¡¯s lips curled into a mischievous smile. He knew she was probably confused as to why he was there. Originally, Joshua had no intentions of getting involved in whatever was going on between this Josie person and the Taylors. Now however, after meeting her, he¡¯d found himself deeply intrigued. The girl was most definitely interesting.


    <b>As </b>Joshua took his seat, Josie and Marlon went into the breakfast room. Gripping Marlon by the cor, Josie barked at him in a low but panicking tone.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>is </i><i>Joshua </i><i>Watson </i><i>doing </i><i>here </i><i>and </i><i>what </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>did </i><i>he </i><i>mean </i><i>by </i><i>¡®</i><i>finally</i>¡® <i>meeting </i>me?! <i>What </i><i>have </i><i>you </i><i>been </i><i>telling </i><i>him</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    <b>12:03 </b>Sun<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>28 </b>


    Josie¡¯s face was scowled as she tightened her grip on Marlon¡¯s cor. Marlon chuckled lightly as he pried Josie¡¯s fingers off his cor.


    <i>¡°</i>How do you expect me to answer your questions if I can¡¯t breathe?¡±


    Josie¡¯s eyes darkened: she was in no mood to y with her cousin.


    ¡°Marlon I really am going to choke you to <i>death </i>if you don¡¯t <i>tell </i>me what¡¯s going on!¡±


    Marlonughed a little louder.


    ¡°Rx Jojo¡­ brought him here for you.¡±


    ¡°What? What are you talking about?¡±


    Marlon tipped his chin towards the kitchen,


    ¡°You <i>said </i>you want to be one of the most powerful people <i>in </i><i>Bridgeton </i><i>right</i><i>? </i><i>Well</i><i>¡­</i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i>to need a sponsor.<i>¡± </i>


    F


    Josie eyebrows rxed, she understood what Marlon was indicating. In order for her to move up the high society food chain<b>, </b>she¡¯d have to be connected to someone with power. Still,


    <i>¡°</i><i>Yeah </i><i>but </i><i>Joshua </i><i>Watson</i>? <i>That¡¯s </i><i>just</i><i>¡­.</i><i>how </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>even </i><i>know </i><i>him</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>College</i><i>. </i><i>He </i><i>was </i><i>my </i><i>roommate</i><i>¡­</i><i>we¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>friends </i><i>ever </i><i>since</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s eyebrows furrowed as she recalled a time her cousinined about his roommate eating all of his cookies.


    ¡°<i>Wait</i><i>¡­</i><i>you </i><i>mean </i><i>HE </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>cookie </i><i>thief</i><i>!!!</i>¡±


    Before Marlon could answer, Joshua walked into the breakfast room. He¡¯d been listening on the other side of the door.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>resent </i><i>that</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i>I¡¯m not <i>mistaken </i>Ms. <i>Taylor</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>wrote </i><i>on </i><i>those </i><i>beautiful </i><i>stationaries </i><i>for </i><i>Marlon </i>to <i>share </i><i>with </i><i>his </i><i>roommate</i>.¡±


    Josie slightly blushed as Joshua smiled at her.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>supposed </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>true</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Marlon scuffed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>She </i><i>said </i><i>SHARE</i><i>¡­.</i><i>you </i><i>practically </i><i>ate </i><i>them </i>all!<i>¡± </i>


    All three of them broke out intoughter at Marlon¡¯s outburst. Josie¡¯s face suddenly became serious as she stared at Joshua.


    ¡°<i>Mr. </i><i>Wat-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i>Josh<i>.</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josh</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>assume </i><i>my </i><i>cousin </i><i>has </i><i>exined </i><i>my </i><i>situation </i><i>in </i><i>detail </i><i>to </i><i>you</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <b>12:03 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>28 </b>


    Joshua¡¯s gaze became intense. Realizing he wouldn¡¯t be able to simply walk away, he¡¯d decided to at least hear her out. Her work was worth that much, he told himself.


    ¡°He did. I have to say¡­your situation <i>is </i>unique, and your family <i>is </i><i>beyond </i><i>vile</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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 Hunted 227

    <b>Chapter </b><b>227 </b>


    Josie¡¯s eyes shifted. So Marlon really had told him everything.


    781


    ¡°That¡¯s putting it mildly. Josh¡­I know this isn¡¯t <i>the </i>ideal way to conduct business; <i>but </i>I can assure you¡­.if you help me¡­.I can be <i>of </i><i>an </i>asset


    te you.¡±


    joshua stared at Josie for several minutes before speaking. He could see the fire and determination in her eyes. Whatever happened to her over thesest four years had clearly harden her heart. He found himself wondering just HOW harden her heart truly <b>was</b>.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen your blueprints and sketches Josie¡­so <i>I </i><i>have </i>no <i>doubt </i><i>that </i><i>you </i>would <i>be </i>an asset<i>. </i>That¡¯s not my <i>concern</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°What is your concern.¡±


    <i>¡°</i>That my business and name will take a fall.¡±


    Josie nodded her head. She could understand that. She was seeking revenge. She wanted to tear her family apart¡­and on top of that¡­she was an ¡®ex¨Ccon¡®. Dealing with her would certainly be a risk the minute her name dropped.


    <i>¡°</i>And <i>if </i>I told you I <i>had </i><i>a </i><i>way </i>to <i>make </i><i>sure </i><i>your </i><i>name </i><i>and </i><ipany </i><i>would </i><i>remain </i><i>protected</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Joshua raised his eyebrow; curious as to what she had nned.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>might </i><i>be </i><i>willing </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>with </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s eyebrows furrowed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Mr. </i><i>Watson</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>can¡¯t </i><i>work </i><i>with </i>¡®<i>maybe</i><i>¡®</i>. For <i>understandable </i><i>reasons</i>, <i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>trust </i><i>anyone except </i><i>my </i><i>cousin</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>disclose </i><i>my </i><i>ns</i><i>, </i><i>intentions</i>, <i>or </i><i>work </i><i>with </i><i>someone </i><i>that </i><i>may </i><i>still </i><i>tell </i><i>me </i><i>no</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Joshua stared at Josie; never had he met someone so intense. Whatever her ns were, she was serious, and she was guarded.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>can </i><i>appreciate </i><i>your </i><i>reserve </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Taylor</i>, <i>but </i><i>surely </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>appreciate </i><i>that </i><i>I </i><i>wouldn¡¯t </i><i>go </i><i>into </i><i>business </i><i>with </i><i>someone </i><i>without </i>at <i>least </i><i>hearing </i>SOME <i>of </i><i>their </i>business <i>ns </i><i>and </i><i>proposals</i>. <i>Especially when </i><i>that </i><i>person </i><i>may </i><i>also </i><i>bring </i><i>mess </i><i>and </i><i>chaos</i>.¡±


    The air began to feel thick. Josie and Joshua stared at each other as if they were at an impasse. Each held valid reasons on why they were reluctant. Marlon suddenly raised his hand as if to cut into the conversation.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Might </i>I <i>make </i>a <i>suggestion </i><i>that </i><i>could </i><i>possibly </i><i>please </i><i>everyone</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Both Josie and Joshua turned to look at Marlon.


    ¡°<i>Why </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>we </i>do <i>this</i><i>¡­</i><i>Josie</i><i>, </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going </i>to <i>have </i>to <i>share </i><i>some </i>of <i>your </i><i>ns </i><i>in </i><i>regards </i><i>to </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>want </i><i>to </i>do <i>regarding </i><i>the </i><i>Taylors</i>. <i>BUT</i>¡­ <i>not </i><i>without </i><i>reassurance </i><i>that </i><i>Joshua </i><i>won¡¯t </i><i>either </i><i>steal </i><i>your </i><i>ns </i><i>or </i><i>work</i>¡­or <i>run </i><i>and </i><i>tell </i>the <i>Taylors</i><i>. </i><i>Does </i><i>that </i><i>cover </i><i>the </i><i>biggest </i><i>issues</i><i>?</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Josie and Joshua each looked at one another and back at Marlon. Nodding their heads in agreement, Marlon continued.


    ¡°<i>Then </i><i>lets </i><i>draw </i><i>up </i><i>a </i><i>contract</i>. <i>We¡¯ll </i><i>call </i><i>it </i>a <i>pre</i><i>¨C</i><i>arrangement </i><i>contract</i>. <i>That </i><i>way</i><i>, </i><i>there </i><i>will </i>be <i>legal </i><i>ramifications </i><i>should </i><i>either </i><i>party </i><i>default</i>.¡±


    12:03 <b>Sun</b><b>, </b>Sep 28


    Both Josie and Joshua agreed. A contract would be made between the two before she shared her overall ns.


    ¡°11onderful! Now, can we eat<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Everyoneughed at Marlon as they made their way back to the kitchen dining area. After making everyone¡¯s tes, Josie took a seaf between loshua and Mailon. Joshua¡¯s eyes widen as the aroma of the ravioli danced up his nose. Just as he was about to eat one of the raviolis, Josie suddenly grabbed his arm.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m sorry! I forgot to ask! The ravioli is stuffed with chicken breast, cream and cheddar <i>cheese</i>, bacon bits, and candied chestnuts. <i>Are </i>you allergic to any-¡°.


    Before she could finish, Joshua stuffed one of the raviolis into his mouth. A satisfied smile appearing on his face as his eyes closed with


    satisfaction.


    ¡°Guess not¡­¡±


    Josie slightly smiled as she began to eat. Marlon¡¯s eyes narrowed at Joshua<b>; </b>his gazes at Josie didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Marlon was aware his cousin was extremely beautiful; add that to her brilliance and cooking skills¡­it would be hard for any man not to fall for her. He wondered if that also included Joshua.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have <i>my </i><i>legal </i><i>team </i><i>draft </i><i>a </i><i>contract</i><i>. </i><i>It¡¯ll </i><i>be </i><i>ready </i><i>by </i><i>next </i><i>week</i>. <i>Will </i><i>that </i>be <i>okay</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Joshua looked at Josie as he stuffed more ravioli into his mouth. Josie smiled lightly, nodding her in agreement; she responded.


    ¡°That¡¯s <i>actually </i><i>perfect</i><i>. </i><i>Just </i><i>one </i><i>thing</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Joshua looked back at Josie with a curious expression.


    ¡°Address the <i>contract </i><i>to </i><i>Elizabeth </i><i>Bowen</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Chapter Comments <fna802> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? ?ovelFind</fna802>


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 Hunted 228

    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>228 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>20</b><b>: </b>Therapeutic truth telling<b>. </b>


    A week after meeting Joshua Watson, Josie was on her way to her biweekly therapy session. The day before, Marlon tried to give her some tips on what a recovering alcoholic might say at therapy.


    ¡°I¡¯ve <i>been </i>watching <i>these </i>group session <i>videos </i>on YTV. I <i>got </i><i>a </i><i>list </i>of <i>things </i><i>you </i><i>should </i><i>say </i><i>at </i><i>your </i>next session.¡±


    Josie took the paper and began to read. As she continued down the list, she couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    <i>¡°</i><i>If </i><i>I </i><i>could </i>change one thing <i>about </i><i>myself</i><i>¡­</i><i>it </i><i>would </i>be to <i>stop </i><i>being </i><i>an </i><i>alcoholic</i>. I¡¯m <i>battling </i><i>the </i><i>urge </i>not to drink. The demon also know as <i>liquor </i><i>has </i>me consumed¡­¡±


    Josie began tough hysterically.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Marlon</i>¡­I am <i>not </i><i>saying </i><i>any </i>of <i>this</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>But </i><i>you </i><i>have </i>to <i>say </i><i>something </i><i>otherwise </i><i>they¡¯ll </i><i>find </i><i>you </i><i>in </i><i>contempt</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Smiling lightly, Josie patted Marlon¡¯s shoulder.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>know </i>I <i>have </i>to <i>talk </i><i>about </i><i>that </i><i>situation</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>just </i><i>going </i>to be as <i>honest </i><i>as </i>possible. <i>But </i><i>if </i><i>I </i><i>go </i><i>in </i>there <i>saying </i><i>this </i><i>shit</i>¡­ <i>Dr. </i><i>Woods </i><i>will </i><i>see </i><i>right </i><i>through </i><i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Marlon nodded in agreement; he figured she would know better than him.


    <b>As </b>Josie sat in the waiting area, she could see a younger man walking out of Dr. Woods office. For some reason, he seemed familiar to her. Like she¡¯d seem him before.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Must </i><i>be </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>her </i><i>patients</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    She thought to herself as she continued to scroll on her phone. The Taylors were going through life like normal. Shopping, g events, etc. It had been over three weeks since she moved out. Since then, she¡¯d been monitoring their activities. She knew Christian was probably going to have someone tailing her goes to her sessions, so she and Marlon decided it was best for her to go directly to his office on those days. Just as she was about to call him, Dr. Woods call her into her office for her appointment.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Ms. </i><i>Taylor</i><b><i>, </i></b><ie </i><i>on </i><i>in</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Evelyn smiled as Josie made her way into the office. She wasn¡¯t sure why, but it seemed like Dr. Woods had an empathetic look in her eyes. Josie figured she must have read about some of issues she faced while in prison.


    <i>¡®</i><i>Ha</i><i>. </i>She doesn¡¯t even <i>know </i>the <i>half </i><i>of </i><i>it</i><i>.</i><i>¡® </i>


    Josie thought to herself as she sat in her seat.


    The women sat in silence for a few moments before Evelyn spoke first.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Josie</i><i>¡­</i><i>I¡¯ve </i><i>been </i><i>trying </i>to <i>figure </i><i>out </i><i>the </i>best approach <i>to </i><i>this </i><i>very </i><i>unique </i>yet disturbing situation. I¡¯m sorry to say <b><i>that </i></b>I <b><i>haven¡¯t </i></b><b>been </b><b><i>able </i></b><b><i>to </i></be <i>up </i><i>with </i>a <i>clever </i><i>enough </i><i>tactic</i>¡­so <i>I </i><i>thought </i><i>perhaps </i>the <i>truth </i><i>would besuffice</i>.¡±


    :


    Josie¡¯s face frowned. She didn¡¯t understand what Dr. Woods was trying to say.


    ¡°Dr. Woods, I don¡¯t understand <i>what </i>you¡¯re talking <i>about</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    66


    Evelyn smiled gently. A week before their session, Georgia, Josie¡¯s probation officer called Evelyn frantically one night asking to meet her at local diner.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Alright </i>Gege, what <i>is </i>so important that <i>you </i>had to drag me out in <i>the </i><i>middle </i><i>of </i><i>the </i>night<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Georgia looked at Evelyn with a troubled expression as she slid a folder over to her. Confused, Evelyn picked up the folder and began reading to contents inside. The documents appeared to be about Josie¡¯s vehicr homicide case.


    ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t understand <i>what </i>you¡¯re <i>showing </i>me<i>. </i><i>Isn¡¯t </i><i>this </i><i>Josie </i><i>Taylor¡¯s </i><i>arrest </i><i>repor-</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Keep </i><i>reading</i>.¡±


    Georgia looked at Evelyn with a troubled expression. As Evelyn continued to read, Georgia watched as her expression began to change from confused to shocked.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Gege</i>¡­<i>what </i>is <i>this</i><i>?? </i><i>What </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>trying </i><i>to </i><i>say</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Georgia took a sip of her coffee.


    ¡°<i>The </i><i>car </i><i>crash </i><i>happened </i><i>at </i><i>approximately </i><i>4:18</i><i>pm </i><i>on </i><i>May </i><i>18th</i><i>, </i><i>2021. </i><i>I </i><i>found </i><i>out </i><i>the </i><i>car </i><i>was </i><i>registered </i><i>to </i><i>the </i><i>sister</i><i>¡­</i><i>Vanessa </i><i>Taylor</i>. <i>Josie </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>have </i><i>a </i><i>license </i><i>at </i><i>the </i><i>time</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>like </i><i>where </i><i>my </i><i>thoughts </i><i>were </i><i>going </i><i>so </i><i>I </i><i>did </i><i>a little </i><i>digging</i>¡­.<i>there¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>Josie </i><i>could </i><i>have </i>done that <i>ident</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Evelyn¡¯s eyes darted up at Georgia.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>the </i><i>hell </i><i>are </i><i>you </i><i>saying</i><i>? </i><i>Are </i><i>you </i><i>saying </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>framed</i><i>? </i><i>Gege</i><i>¡­</i><i>that </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i><i>make </i><i>any </i><i>sense</i>¡­. <i>have </i><i>let </i><i>their </i><i>daughter </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>jail </i><i>for </i>a crime <i>she </i><i>didn¡¯t </imit<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


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    <i>¡­</i><i>The </i><i>Taylors</i><i>¡­</i><i>there¡¯s </i><i>no </i><i>way </i><i>they </i><i>would </i>


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    <b>13:33 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>29 </b><b>N </b>


    ¡°Burn those who burned me!¡± <fn21fd> Th?s chapter is updated by Find?Novel</fn21fd>

 Hunted 229

    :


    166


    Evelyn took another sip of her coffee.


    ¡°Even if it meant taking the fall for <i>their </i>other daughter?¡± <fn313e> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find¡ïNovel</fn313e>


    Evelyn¡¯s eyes widen in shock. What kinda of family would trade on daughter for another!


    ¡°Gege¡­that¡¯s a stre-¡±


    ¡°I had one of my <i>P.I.¡¯s </i>look into the Taylors<i>. </i><i>I </i>didn¡¯t even <i>know </i><i>they </i><i>HAD </i>two daughters, up until that ident¡­I thought the only <i>daughter </i><i>was </i><i>the </i>Vanessa girl.¡±


    Georgia pulled out another envelop.


    ¡°<i>What¡¯s </i><i>this</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Evelyn scanned the documents. The records showed proof of the hospital¡¯s error that cause the two baby girls to be switched at birth. Evelyn could hardly believe what she was reading.


    ¡°<i>They </i><i>were </i><i>switched </i><i>at </i><i>birth</i><i>!! </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>believe</i><i>¡­</i>¡±


    ¡°<i>Yeah</i><i>¡­</i>and <i>Josie¡¯s </i><i>parents¡­</i>the ones <i>that </i><i>raised </i><i>her </i><i>up </i><i>until </i><i>she </i><i>was </i><i>eight</i><i>¡­</i><i>unfortunately </i><i>they </i><i>died </i><i>in </i><i>that </i><i>ne </i>crash from 2011. Looks like <i>the </i><i>Taylors </i><i>favored </i><i>the </i><i>one </i><i>they </i><i>raised </i>over <i>their </i><i>biological </i><i>daughter</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Evelyn took a swig of water, to shocked to speak. After sitting in silence for a few moments, she looked at Georgia with weary eyes.


    ¡°<i>How </i><i>do </i><i>you </i><i>know </i><i>she </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>driving</i><i>? </i><i>I </i><i>mean </i><i>this </i><i>just </i><i>proves-</i>¡±


    Georgia slid over herst piece of evidence. At the time of the ident, Josie was at the hospital with her grandmother. Evelyn¡¯s eyes widen more as she read the report along with security camera photos of Josie leaving Memorial Hospital.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i>understand<i>¡­</i><i>why </i><i>would </i><i>they </i>do <i>this </i><i>to </i>her<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Georgia slightly shook her head.


    ¡°<i>They </i><i>didn¡¯t </i><i>their </i><i>adoptive </i><i>daughter </i><i>to </i><i>go </i><i>to </i><i>jail</i>. <i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>sure </i><i>why </i><i>Josie </i>agreed <i>to </i><i>it</i><i>¡­</i><i>but </i><i>I </i><i>did </i><i>learn </i><i>the </i><i>grandmother </i><i>was </i><i>sick</i><i>. </i><i>Stage </i><i>three </i>cancer¡­<i>my </i><i>guess</i>¡­<i>they </i><i>offered </i>to <i>help </i>her <i>in </i><i>exchange </i><i>for </i><i>Josie </i><i>going </i><i>to </i><i>prison </i><i>in </i><i>ce </i><i>of </i><i>Vanessa</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Tears began to fall from Evelyn¡¯s eyes. How could a family do something this horrible to their own daughter. Evenly wasn¡¯t sure exactly what happened to Josie during the four years she was at the state prison, but after going over her report, she¡¯d concluded the girl was obviously being abused. To learn she shouldn¡¯t have even been there and went through something that horrific, her eyes darkened as <b>she </b>stared at a high school photo of Josie. So much life was in those beautiful eyes, and they destroyed it. Turning them into hollow shells of her former self.


    Georgia spoke next.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So</i><i>¡­.</i><i>I </i><i>was </i><i>thinking </i><i>about </i><i>calling </i><i>her </i>to my <i>office </i><i>and </i>letting her <i>know </i><i>what </i>I <i>found </i>out. I <i>n </i>on <i>taking </i><i>this </i><i>to </i>1PP<b><i>.</i></b>¡±


    Evelyn¡¯s eyes immediately darted up in panic.


    13:33 <b>Mon</b><b>, </b>Sep 29 N


    :


    <i>¡°</i>Gege¡­I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea!<i>¡± </i>


    :


    ¡°What!! <i>Surely </i>you don¡¯t think <i>I¡¯m </i>going to <i>stay </i><i>quiet </i><i>about </i><i>this</i><i>! </i><i>She </i>deserves justice and-<i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m not <i>saying </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>agree</i>! I¡¯m <i>saying</i>¡­.I don¡¯t <i>think </i><i>you </i><i>should </i><i>ambush </i><i>her</i><i>! </i><i>We </i>don¡¯t know <i>the </i><i>full </i>circumstances of everything.¡±


    Evelyn took a deep breath. This situation was moreplicated than Georgia was giving credit for.


    ¡°<i>Gege</i>¡­.the <i>Taylors </i>are a <i>powerful </i>family. So we <i>have </i>to make sure we don¡¯t end up putting <i>her </i><i>in </i>more danger. You <i>said </i>she requested to be moved from <i>that </i><i>home </i><i>because </i><i>she </i><i>was </i>concerned about her livelihood.<i>¡± </i>


    Georgia¡¯s face panicked, she had been so angry about what happened to Josie that she hadn¡¯t considered the possible fallout.


    <i>¡°</i>So¡­.<i>then </i><i>what </i><i>DO </i>we <i>do</i><i>?</i>¡±


    66


    ¡°<i>Let </i><i>me </i><i>talk </i><i>to </i><i>her </i><i>first</i>.¡±


    That night, Georgia and Evelyn came up with a n of action to help Josie clear her name and bring down the Taylors<b>. </b>


    **


    As Dr. Woods was about to answer Josie¡¯s question, Josie noticed a picture on Dr. Woods desk. Before she realized it, she was pointing at the young man in the photo.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>knew </i>I <i>saw </i><i>him </i><i>before</i><i>! </i><i>Who </i>is he??¡±


    Puzzled, Evelyn looked at the photo.


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i><i>my nephew </i><i>Adam </i><i>Richardson</i><i>, </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>an </i><i>attorney </i><i>for </i><i>one </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><irgest </i><i>firms </i><i>in </i><i>Bridgeton</i>.¡±


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 Hunted 230

    <b>Chapter </b><b>230 </b>


    66


    Chapter <b>21</b><b>: </b><b>Everybody¡¯s </b>got a <b>secret</b><b>. </b>


    The day after Josie met with her therapist, she had a meeting with her PO Georgia. It was then she learned they found out the truth about the Taylors.


    <i>¡°</i>I¡¯m sorry <i>Josie</i>.¡±


    Those were the first words Georgia said to her; confused, Josie nodded her head.


    ¡°Ms. <i>Georgia </i><i>there¡¯s </i>no reason to apologize-¡±


    ¡°<i>Yes </i><i>there </i><i>is</i><i>. </i>You were <i>trying </i>to tell me <i>that </i><i>day </i><i>when </i><i>you </i><i>came </i>to me <i>about </i><i>switching </i>locations and¡­I wasn¡¯t listening.¡±


    Josie¡¯s eyes widen; she didn¡¯t me Georgia for not knowing the truth. How could she. This wasn¡¯t exactly a usual situation.


    ¡°Ms. <i>Georgia</i><i>, </i><i>you </i>don¡¯t <i>have </i>to <i>apologize</i>. <i>While </i><i>I </i><i>appreciate </i><i>it</i>, the truth <i>of </i>the <i>matter </i><i>is</i><i>¡­.</i><i>this </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>your </i><i>fault</i>. My <i>fam</i>¡­.those people¡­..they <i>are </i><i>the </i><i>ones </i><i>that </i><i>did </i><i>this </i><i>to </i>me<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Georgia smiled lightly, regardless of who¡¯s fault this was¡­she knew she wanted to help Josie.


    ¡°<i>So</i><i>¡­</i><i>how </i><i>can </i><i>we </i><i>help </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie was stunned, she hadn¡¯t expected Georgia to say that.


    ¡°Um¡­I¡¯m not <i>sure </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>mean</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Georgia raised an eyebrow. She may not have understood everything that was going on, but she knew resolve when she saw it. Josie had resolve¡­she had determination¡­and she had hatred. Georgia recognized that look more than anything. She¡¯d seen it countless times with many of her other parolees. But there was something different about Josie than the others¡­in her¡­she also saw revenge.


    <i>¡°</i>Josie<i>¡­</i>I <i>want </i><i>you </i>to <i>know </i><i>you </i><i>have </i><i>both </i><i>my </i><i>and </i><i>Evelyn¡¯s </i><i>support</i><i>. </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>not </i><i>in </i><i>this </i><i>alone</i><i>¡­</i><i>let </i><i>us </i><i>help </i><i>you</i>.


    Now, four monthster¡­it was almost time for Josie to begin her take down of the Taylors.


    <i>¡°And </i><i>nobody </i><i>knows </i><i>where </i><i>he¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>these </i><i>past </i><i>four </i><i>months</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>No </i><i>ma¡¯am</i>. <i>It </i><i>seems </i>he¡¯s <i>been </i><i>moving </i><i>around</i><i>. </i><i>Four </i><i>months </i>ago he <i>quit </i><i>his </i><i>job </i>at <i>Bridgeton¡¯s </i>women <i>prison</i><i>. </i><i>Since </i><i>then</i>, <i>he¡¯s </i><i>been </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>move</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>see</i><i>. </i><i>Well</i><i>, </i><i>continue </i>to <i>try </i><i>and </i><i>track </i><i>him</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Yes </i><i>Ms. </i><i>Bowen</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Elizabeth Bowen sat the documents on Lawrence Tillman back onto her desk. For the past two months she had been trying to track him down with no luck. It was as if someone was making sure he couldn¡¯t be found, and she knew exactly who it had to be¡­.Christian.


    13:33 Mon, Sep 29 <b>N </b>


    <b>66 </b>


    Only he and Harlod had that type of power. She¡¯d suspected for a long time that Vanessa was the one behind her being bullied and abused during her four years in prison. Now it seemed they were trying to cover up her mess at her expense once again. A sudden knock on the door jolted her out of her thoughts.


    ¡°C¨CCome in.¡±


    Joshua walked through the door carrying a bouquet of flowers. For the past several months he and Josie had been working together with the openings of two restaurants and galleries. After they signed the contracts four months ago, Joshua exined his overall n to help Josie climb up the professionaldder. <fnc1ad> Chapters first released on findnovel</fnc1ad>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Just </i><i>so </i><i>I </i>understand, you want to be one of <i>the </i>most <i>sought </i>after designers In <i>Bridgeton </i><i>right</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    <i>¡°</i><i>That¡¯s </i><i>the </i><i>goal</i><i>. </i><i>I </i><i>need </i>to be <i>powerful </i><i>enough </i><i>for </i><i>them </i><i>to </i><i>want </i><i>to </i><i>work </i><i>with </i><i>me</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Josie learned before her release that Christian and Harlod were trying tond a huge real estate contract to build condos and townhomes throughout the Southern Region. One of thergest propertypanies was seeking a new real estate developmentalpany to work with. In the beginning of the new year, apetition was going to be held amongst multiplepanies throughout for a spot atnding the project.


    The day Josie and Joshua signed their contracts; she promised him two things. One, she would allow him to use her designs for his new resort, and two¡­she would make sure Watts¨CCorp won thatpetition as Joshua informed her of his ns to expand thepany to other real estate developments.


    Now, four monthster their ns were moving into motion as Joshua was able tond her four major projects.


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>are </i><i>the </i><i>flowers </i><i>for</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Joshua smiled brightly as he sat in the chair at her desk.


    Chapter Comments


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 Hunted 231

    <b>Chapter </b><b>231 </b>


    :


    ¡°Congrattory¡­for <i>the </i>opening of <i>the </i>new art <i>gallery </i>in the art <i>district </i><i>downtown</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie smiled as she took the flowers.


    ¡°<i>Did </i>you see it?¡±


    ¡°I did<i>. </i><i>It </i>was beautiful¡­as usual.¡±


    66


    Josie blushed a little as she ced her flowers into the empty vase on her desk.


    ¡°Thank you. That one was actually <i>pretty </i>fun. <i>It¡¯s </i>good <i>the </i>owner <i>was </i><b>so </b>entric<i>.</i>¡±


    For the past several months, Josie had been working under the name Elizabeth Bowen. Herpany, Imperial Architecture and Designs was slowly bing a huge sess. After the signing of the contracts, Joshua helped her set up herpany while also keeping her true identity a secret. All the meetings up until this point was done through her personal assistant Emily Wright.


    She hired Emily right after she was wrongfully terminated from HT¨CCorp. Her father¡¯spany. Emily was one of HT¨CCorp¡¯s best assistants, but after pointing out several different errors Vanessa made on a proposal, Vanessa had her fired. With the exception of Marlon, Joshua, Evelyn, and Georgia¡­Emily was the only other person who knew the truth about Josie.


    Joshau handed Josie a stack of papers.


    ¡°What¡¯s <i>this</i>?¡±


    ¡°<i>My </i><i>uncle </i>is <i>trying </i><i>find </i><i>out who </i><i>you </i><i>really </i><i>are </i><i>and </i><i>where </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>located </i><i>so </i><i>he </i><i>can </i><i>poach </i><i>you</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Josie¡¯s eyes shot up at Joshua; she already knew about the power struggles happening at Watts¨CCorp. In a lot of ways, his grandfather sound a lot like her own father. Treating one child better than the other, giving him a sense of self satisfaction and indulgment. Josie could rte to the resentment.


    ¡°Is <i>that </i><i>right</i><i>¡­</i><i>hmm</i><i>¡­</i><i>should </i><i>I </i><i>be </i><i>worried</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Joshua smiled mischievously, this game of cat and mouse with his uncle was actually bringing excitement to him. The fact that he was already working with the prize made it all the more thrilling.


    ¡°<i>Not </i><i>at </i><i>all</i><i>. </i><i>Actually</i><i>, </i><i>I¡¯d </i><i>like </i>to <i>start </i><i>working </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><ipetition </i><i>for </i><i>Delgato </i><i>Real </i><i>Estate</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Have </i><i>you </i>


    <i>told </i>


    <i>your </i>


    <i>board </i><i>that </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>entering </i><i>the </i><ipetition </i><i>yet</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Joshua grinned.


    ¡°<i>Nah</i><i>¡­</i><i>we¡¯ll </i><i>keep </i><i>that </i>a secret <i>for </i><i>now</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Josie smiled lightly, she knew Joshua was having fun with all of this, but she couldn¡¯t afford to lose sight of her overall goal no matter much <i>¡®</i><i>fun</i>¡® this was<b>. </b>Before she could respond, Emily ran into the office with an excited expression on her face<b>. </b>


    ¡°<i>Ms. </i><i>Elizabeth</i><i>¡­</i>look <i>at </i><i>this</i>!¡±


    Josie stood as Emily handed her the letter. Her eyes began to widen as she read over the contents. Suddenly, a huge grin appeared on Josie¡¯s face. Confused, Joshua stood up.


    ¡°What <i>is </i>it?¡±


    Josie looked up at Joshua, her face filled with glee.


    ¡°Looks like the Taylors are interested in the services of <i>Elizabeth </i><i>Bowen</i>.¡±


    Like James, Christian had also been trying to find out who this <i>¡®</i>Elizabeth <i>Bowen</i>¡® was. He¡¯d saw the openings she¡¯d designed for those high¨Cend restaurants and galleries. Word was spreading that two more projects designed by her wasing out. He couldn¡¯t help but feel he¡¯d seen her work before; nheless, Christian felt that if HT was going to have a shot atnding that real estate contract by winning the contest, they would need this Elizabeth Bowen.


    ¡°<i>Dad</i>, <i>I </i>think <i>this </i>would <i>be </i><i>a </i><i>great </i>opportunity, <i>I </i><i>mean </i><i>her </i><i>work </i><i>is </i><i>exquisite</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Harold stared at the pictures from thetest opening, his brows furrowed.


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>admit, <i>her </i><i>work </i>is <i>definitely </i><i>unique</i>. <i>But </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>like </i><i>the </i><i>idea </i><i>of </i><i>going </i><i>into </i><i>business </i><i>with </i><i>someone </i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i>know. Besides<b>, </b>what about Nessa<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian¡¯s brows furrowed; he thought Vanessa was extremely talented, but he wasn¡¯t sure she was ready for that type ofpetition.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Do </i><i>you </i><i>think </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>ready</i><i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Harlod pondered that thought for a moment before finding apromise.


    ¡°<i>Find </i><i>out </i><i>what </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>Bowen </i><i>girl</i><i>¡­</i><i>if </i><i>she¡¯s </i><i>as good </i><i>as </i><i>many </i><i>ims</i>, <i>maybe </i><i>we </i><i>can </i>use <i>both </i><i>her </i><i>and </i><i>Vanessa</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian nodded, immediately sending his assistant on the task of finding Elizabeth Bowen. <fn7dd9> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n f?ndnovel</fn7dd9>


    Josie smiled at Emily.


    ¡°<i>Time </i><i>for </i><i>phase </i><i>two</i>.¡±


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 Hunted 232

    <b>Chapter </b><b>232 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>22</b><b>: </b><b>The </b>many lies of <b>Vanessa </b>Taylor.


    A <b>week </b>after Josie left the <b>estate</b><b>, </b>Vanessa began working at HT¨CCorp on the designing team. Christian felt this department would be great for her because of the amazing designs she¡¯d done over the years. She would constantly bring him blueprints and drawing of different architectural designs. Because of this<b>, </b>Harlod sent her to Allistar University, the top designing institute in Bridgeton.


    ¡°<i>Ms. </i><i>Vanessa</i><i>, </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Taylor </i><i>requested </i><i>for </i><i>you </i>toe to <i>his </i>office.<b>¡± </b>


    Vanessa <b>was </b>reading a text message from Jamie about Tillman when the secretary came into her office causing her to jump a little.


    <i>¡°</i>Jesus! <i>Don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>knock</i><i>! </i><i>How </i><i>dare </i><i>you </i><i>just </i><i>walk </i><i>into </i><i>my </i><b>office</b><b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    <i>¡°</i><i>Apologies </i><i>ma¡¯am</i><i>! </i>Mr. <i>Taylor requested </i>to <b>see </b>you<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa rolled her eyes and dismissed the secretary before heading to Christian¡¯s office. <b>Since </b>arriving in the designing department<b>, </b>many of the junior and senior interns and assistants had been on pins and needles. Vanessa was the Taylors precious heiress, and she wasted no time making sure she let everyone know it. She would constantly boss many of the employees <b>around </b>forcing them to do her tasks with threats of getting them fired if they didn¡¯t do <b>as </b>she said.


    At first<b>, </b>some of them resisted deciding to call her bluff. All that changed the day Emily Wright was fired because of a proposal Vanessa did. When Christian Taylor demanded to know who was responsible for such a disastrous proposal, Vanessa instantly med Emily. When Emily tried to exin it wasn¡¯t her and in fact Vanessa<b>, </b>several staff members bribed by Vanessa came forward saying they¡¯d witnessed Emily working on the proposal. After that, not only did Christian fire Emily, but he also made sure she couldn¡¯t find a job anywhere else in Bridgeton.


    After the firing, the employees quickly began sucking up to Vanessa, treating her like she was the queen of the department.


    ¡°<b><i>Hey </i></b><i>big </i>brother<i>!</i><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Vanessa bounced into Christian¡¯s office with a huge smile on her face. Motioning for her to sit, Christian was finishing up a call.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Well </i><i>there </i>has to be <i>something </i>on her. <i>See </i><i>if </i><i>you </i><i>can </i><i>find </i><i>out </i>who <i>her </i><i>assistant </i><i>is</i><i>. </i><i>People </i><i>have </i><i>already </i><i>worked </i>with <i>her </i>here in Bridgeton so <b>there¡¯s </b>no <b><i>reason </i></b><i>the </i><b><i>Taylors </i></b><b>can¡¯t </b><i>find </i>her.<i>¡± </i>


    Christian barked his orders to <b>his </b><b>assistant </b>and sat back into his chair.


    ¡°What was that <i>about</i><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Vanessa looked at Christian with a puzzled expression.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Elizabeth </i>Bowen,<i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa¡¯s <b>eyes </b>widen. She¡¯d heard about this Elizabeth Bowen person from office gossip. Everyone was ranting about how great <b>her </b>designs were. An instant feeling of envy crept into Vanessa.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>A</i></b>¨C<b><i>Are </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><i>thinking </i><i>about </i><i>hiring </i><b><i>her</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Christian nodded <b>yes </b><b>as </b><b>he </b><b>took </b><b>some </b>papers out of his desk.


    <b>1/3 </b>


    270


    Vanessa¡¯s eyes darkened as she began to panic. If Christian hired that Bowen person and brought her into thepany, it could jeopardize her chance of running the design department!


    <i>¡°</i>But <i>why</i><i>! </i>You don¡¯t need her<i>! </i><i>You¡¯ve </i>got me<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Christian looked up at his sister with a puzzled expression. It was true, Vanessa was fairly talented, buttely her work had been less than ster. If they were going to win the designingpetition and secure the Delgato contract he would need <b>designs </b><b>that </b>were not only beautiful but extremely unique.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Actually</i><i>, </i><i>that¡¯s </i><i>what </i>I wanted to talk to you


    Vanessa began to panic inwardly.


    about.<i>¡± </i><fn4fbd> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find[?]ovel</fn4fbd>


    <i>¡°</i>As <i>you </i>know, <i>after </i><i>the </i><i>new </i><i>year</i>, <i>Delgato </i><i>Developments </i><i>will </i>be hosting the designingpetition to pick apany to design and build their <i>new </i><i>condos </i>and <i>townhomes </i>in the southern <i>region</i><i>.</i>¡±


    Vanessa nodded, she¡¯d heard about thepetition from office gossip.


    ¡°<i>HT</i>¨C<i>Corp </i><i>will </i><i>be </i><i>entering </i><i>that </i><ipetition</i><i>. </i><i>Dad </i>really <i>wants </i><i>to </i>secure <i>that </i><i>contract</i><i>. </i>A <i>contract </i>this big will allow HT<i>¨C</i><i>Corp </i><i>to </i>go global<i>.</i>¡±


    Christian handed Vanessa a bunch of nk blueprint and sketching sheets. Confused, Vanessa stared at the sheets.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Chris</i><i>¡­</i><i>I </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>under-</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i><i>want </i><i>you </i>to create <i>some </i><i>new </i>designs for <i>condos </i><i>and </i><i>townhomes</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>What</i><i>! </i><i>Why</i><i>?</i>¡±


    Christian leaned on his desk.


    <i>¡°</i>Because dad would <i>rather </i><i>you </i>be <i>the </i><i>designer </i><i>for </i><i>this </i><ipetition </i>and <i>not </i><i>Elizabeth </i><i>Bowen</i>. <i>I </i>on <i>the </i><i>other </i><i>hand</i>¡­well I¡¯m not sure you¡¯re ready.<i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa¡¯s eyes widen, she couldn¡¯t believe what she was hearing. mming her hands on the desk she stood up in defense.


    ¡°<i>Why </i>not<i>!! </i><i>You¡¯ve </i><i>always </i>said <i>you </i><i>loved </i>my designs! <i>You </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>even </i><i>know </i><i>anything </i><i>about </i><i>this </i>Bowen-¡±


    ¡°<i>That¡¯s </i>precisely <i>why </i><i>I¡¯m </i>researching <i>her</i><i>. </i><i>And </i><i>yes</i>, I did <i>love </i><i>many </i><i>of </i><i>your </i><i>designs</i><i>¡­</i>but <itely</i><i>¡­</i><i>your </i>work <i>has </i>beenckluster at best.¡±


    Vanessa¡¯s eyes shifted in panic; she wasn¡¯t aware Christian noticed the changes in her work. Christian continued.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Look </i><i>Ness</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>would </i><i>love </i><i>nothing </i><i>more </i><i>than </i>to <i>have </i><i>you </i><i>be </i><i>the </i><i>one </i><i>to </i><i>win </i><i>the </i><i>contest </i><i>for </i>HT; but I need to see some better quality <i>of </i><i>work</i><i>.</i>¡±

 Hunted 233

    <b>Chapter </b><b>233 </b>


    Vanessa sank slowly into her chair, her mind going in a million directions as Christian continued.


    48


    ¡°If it makes you <i>feel </i><i>any </i>better, I know you can <i>do </i><i>it</i><i>. </i><i>I¡¯m </i><i>not </i><i>exactly </i><i>sure </i>what¡¯s been <i>keeping </i><i>you </i>upied¡­but now is the time to get serious. <i>If </i>you want to run the <i>design </i>department I need to know you¡¯re <i>capable</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa looked up at Christian, her perfect smile mask back on her face.


    ¡°<i>I </i>understand <i>big </i>brother<i>! </i><i>I </i>won¡¯t let <i>you </i>and <i>father </i><i>down</i><i>!</i>¡±


    Christian nodded in approval. As she hurried back to her office, Vanessa¡¯s mind began to race with panic. The reason she¡¯d been so preupied these past several months was because she had to help Jamie constantly move Tillman around. The pressure was starting to get to Jamie which meant it was getting to her. She couldn¡¯t afford for Christian to learn the truth.


    After getting back to her office, Vanessa quickly grabbed some sketches and blueprints that were in her desk. After scanning over the documents, Vanessa¡¯s <b>face </b>scrunched up. These designs weren¡¯t going to be good enough for Christian<b>. </b>Grabbing her keys, she decided to head home.


    ¡°If <i>my </i>brother asks, <i>tell </i><i>him </i><i>I </i>went <i>home </i>to <i>start </i><i>working </i><i>on </i><i>some </i>designs <i>for </i>the <ipetition</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa informed one of the interns and headed out of the building.


    When she arrived home, Vanessa made a b¨Cline straight to Josie¡¯s room. Closing the door quietly behind her <b>so </b>that her mother wouldn¡¯t hear, Vanessa began ransacking Josie¡¯s closet. Pulling out a box filled with binders and sketch books. As she scanned through the booklets. Vanessa¡¯s face began to fall. Many of these sketches she¡¯d already used and the ones she didn¡¯t they weren¡¯t condos or townhouses. Frustrated she threw the books into the closet.


    ¡°What the hell am I <i>going </i>to do <i>now</i><i>!!</i>¡±


    Vanessa felt like a building was crashing onto her head. All these years, no one in the family knew it was Josie¡¯s work that she had been passing on as her own. <i>One </i>day when Josie was visiting her nana, Vanessa went into her room; while going through her things, she found her booklets of designs and sketches. She ended up using many of those designs to <b>deceive </b>her family and school. Up until now, the sketches were her lifeline to sess<b>; </bnding her the cushy position of interim assistant manager in the designing department at HT. But now, she didn¡¯t know what she was going to do. Christian was already starting to notice to difference in her work. The past two months, many of the designs she¡¯d submitted had actually been created by her; nowhere near the technique or creativity of Josie.


    Vanessa fumed as she thought about how much more talented Josie was over her. That was the main reason she¡¯d decided to get rid of her four years ago. At the time, she knew the Taylors favored her over Josie, but if they started to notice her talents she wasn¡¯t sure how long that favor wouldst. In order to get rid of Josie, she¡¯d caused a car crash that took the life a young mother and staged it to look like she was intoxicated when it happened. She was banking on the Taylors forcing Josie to take the fall in her stead. Like dancing puppets, they¡¯d did exactly what she knew they would do. She used the next four years to secure her spot as the heiress of HT¨CCorp. Now, all of her hard work was being threatened because of some stupid Elizabeth Bowen!


    Needing some fresh air, Vanessa made her way to her favorite caf¨¦,


    **444444


    <i>¡°</i><b><i>Ms. </i></b><i>Wright</i><i>, </i><i>I </i><i>think </i><i>I </i>just <i>saw </i>the <i>woman </i><i>you </i>hired me <i>to </i>watch enter <i>the </i>cafe.¡±


    Emily smiled lightly. Looks like Josie <b>was </b>right; eventually Vanessa would show up at that caf¨¦. <fn8e34> Readplete version only at F¦Énd£Îovel</fn8e34>


    20:53 Thu, Oct <b>2 </b>


    ¡°Good. Now do what I told you to <i>do</i>.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    :


    ?


    43


    The woman stood up and began to walk towards Vanessa. As soon as Vanessa walked out of the line with her order, as instructed, the woman bumped into Vanessa causing her to spill her icedtte.


    ¡°Oh my gosh<i>!!! </i>I¡¯m so sorry<i>!!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°What the fuck! Are you blind<i>! </i>Why <i>don¡¯t </i><i>you </i><i>watch </i><i>where </i><i>you¡¯re </i><i>going</i><i>!!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa fumed as she grabbed her purse off the ground. The woman bowed apologizing over and over.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry! <i>I </i><i>wasn¡¯t </i><i>paying </i><i>attention</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Ugh! Obviously<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Apologizing one more time; the woman grabbed her bag and hurried out of the caf¨¦. Still irritated, Vanessa stalked back into <b>the </b>order line to purchase another icedtte.


    ¡°Stupid <i>bitch</i>. I should <i>have </i>made her <i>buy </i>me <i>another </i><itte</i>. <i>Ugh</i><i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    As Vanessa pulled her wallet out, a man tapped her on her shoulder.


    ¡°<i>Um</i>, excuse me miss.<i>¡± </i>


    Still upset, Vanessa instantly snapped at the man.


    <i>¡°</i>What is <i>it</i>!¡±


    Nervous, he handed Vanessa the folder.


    ¡°I¨CIs this yours? I found it over <i>there </i>on <i>the </i><i>ground</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa looked in the direction the man pointed too and then at the folder. Realizing the folder wasn¡¯t hers, she figured the woman must¡¯ve dropped it. Just as she was about to tell the man no, she noticed to the blueprints hanging out. Her eyes instantly widen


    <i>¡°</i>Yes<i>! </i>Yes this is mine<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa snatched the folder from the man and hurried out of the line and cafe. As she quickly made her way to her car, she opened the folder. Vanessa could hardly believe her eyes and her luck. Inside the folder was blueprints and sketches of houses and condos, but more importantly¡­the designs were good!


    <i>¡°</i><i>I </i>can¡¯t <i>believe </i><i>it</i><i>! </i><i>Maybe </i>she was <i>going </i><i>to </i>enter thepetition<i>?</i><i>¡± </i>


    Nervously looking around the parking lot to make sure that woman didn¡¯t return, Vanessa quickly got into her car and left.


    <b>As </b>she drove off, the woman walked out from behind a pr with her phone to her ear,


    <b>20:53 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Oct </b>2


    <b><i>¡°</i></b>It¡¯s done ma¡¯am. <b><i>She </i></b>took <i>the </i>folder with <i>the </i>sketches<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Chapter </b>Comments


    R


    Visitor


    7 days ago


    Knew it Vanessa is a fraud..This is no surprise to me


    4

 Hunted 234

    <b>Chapter </b><b>234 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>23</b><b>: </b>When devious nse together.


    Vanessa walked proudly into HT¨C<b>Corp </b>holding <b>a </b>folder in her hand. The contents were filled with different blueprints and designs for houses, townhomes, and condos<b>. </b><b>Each </b>design had a unique re that she was sure would catch her brother¡¯s attention. After <b>bumping </b><b>into </b>that buffoon of a woman at <b>that </b>caf¨¦, Vanessa told herself these documents were owed to her <b>as </b>payback <b>for </b>spilling hertte<b>. </b>


    <b>As </b>she grew closer to his <b>office</b><b>, </b>Vanessa <b>could </b>hear Christian speaking with someone on the phone.


    <i>¡°</i><i>So </i>do you <i>have </i>a <i>location </i>for <i>him </i>or not<i>??</i>¡±


    <i>¡°</i><i>The </i>rebelle Inn¡­<i>that¡¯s </i><i>where </i>he is now<i>? </i><i>Or </i>where <i>he </i><i>was</i><b>?</b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    Vanessa¡¯s heart instantly fell<b>; </b>The rebelle Inn is where Tillman had been staying. Vanessa began to panic<b>; </b>how the hell did he <b>find </b>him <b>so </b>fast! Jamie had someone create a fake name, ID, and new social number for Tillman to make hiding him easier. But no matter what<b>, </b><b>it </b>seemed Christian¡¯s resources were better! Pulling out her cell, she immediately texted Jamie.


    <b><i>[</i></b><i>Jamie </i>I <i>thought </i><b>you </b><i>said </i><b><i>the new </i></b>ID <i>would </i><b><i>stop </i></b><b><i>Chris </i></b><i>from </i><i>finding </i><b><i>Tillman</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <b>[</b><b><i>What </i></b><b><i>the hell </i></b><b><i>are </i></b><b>you </b><i>talking </i><b><i>about</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>TILLMAN! </i></b><b><i>Christian¡¯s </i></b><b><i>men </i></b><b><i>located </i></b><b><i>him </i></b><i>at </i><b><i>rebelle¡¯s</i></b><b><i>! </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>thought </i></b><b>you </b><i>said </i><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>wouldn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><i>found </i><i>with </i><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>new </i></b><b><i>ID</i></b><b>!</b><b><i>] </i></b><fnd273> Get full chapters from f¦É?dn¦Ïvel</fnd273>


    Jamie stared at his phone with an irritated expression. It was bing extremely costly as well as exhausting to continuously hide Tillman. Christian¡¯s team was extremely efficient, it would only be a matter of time before they actually found him or before Christian would notice the paper trail. To make matters worse, Vanessa was bing extremely demanding as if this whole entire thing WASN¡¯T her <b>fault</b><b>! </b>Jamie found himself wondering if this was how Josie felt when she went to prison in ce of Vanessa.


    <b>[</b><b><i>Hello</i></b><b>!! </b>Are <b>you there</b><b><i>?] </i></b>


    Jamie knew they only had one other choice<b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>Vanessa</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b><b>we¡¯re </b>going to <b><i>have </i></b>to tell <b>Christian</b><b>.</b><b>] </b>


    <b>Vanessa¡¯s </b>eyes darkened <b>as </b>she read thetest text from Jamie. Was he out <b>of </b>his fucking mind! How could she tell Christian <b>the </b><b>truth </b><i>NOW</i>! Vanessa became agitated; how hard could it be to hide someone! Taking several deep breaths <b>as </b><b>if </b><b>to </b><bpose </b><b>herself</b><b>; </b><b>Vanessa¡¯s </b>innocent mask slipped back on as she texted her <b>response</b><b>. </b>


    <b>[</b>Jamie<i>¡­</i><i>I </i><b><i>think </i></b><b><i>you¡¯re </i></b><b><i>right</i></b><b><i>! </i></b><b><i>We </i></b><i>should </i><b><i>definitely </i></b>tell <i>Chris</i><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Maybe </i></b>he cane <i>up </i><b>with </b>a <i>better </i><b><i>n </i></b><b>to </b><i>hide </i>Tillman<i>. </i><i>I </i><i>should </i><b>never </b>


    20:53 Thu, <b>Oct </b><b>2 </b>


    <b>have </b><i>put </i>this <b><i>type </i></b><b>of </b>pressure <b>on </b><b>you </b>in the <i>first </i>ce<b>.</b><b><i>] </i></b>


    43


    D


    Jamie stared at the message for several minutes before responding. Because he was the younger brother, no one truly expected anything great from him. He¡¯d spent his entire life living in Christian¡¯s shadow. The only person that ever made him feel like he wasn¡¯t just the second rated brother was Vanessa; and now she was starting to lose her faith in him too.


    <b>[</b><b><i>That </i></b><b>won¡¯t </b>be necessary<b>¡­.</b>I¡¯ll <b>figure </b>something <i>out</i>.<b>] </b>


    A devious grinned spread across Vanessa¡¯s face. She knew throwing Christian in Jamie¡¯s face would make him reconsider. She¡¯d known for a long time that Jamie was inferior to Christian. Over the years<b>, </b>she¡¯d used his inferiority to her advantage.


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>Whatever </i></b><i>you </i><b><i>think </i></b>is <b><i>best </i></b>big <b><i>brother</i></b><b>! </b><b>I </b><b><i>trust </i></b><b>you</b><b>! </b><b>I¡¯m </b><i>about </i><b>to </b>head into <b><i>Chris</i></b>¡® office <b>to </b><i>show </i><b><i>him </i></b><b><i>my </i></b><b><itest </i></b><i>sketches</i><i>.</i><b><i>] </i></b>


    [<b>good </b><i>luck</i><i>! </i><b>I </b>know <b><i>they¡¯re </i></b><i>beautiful</i><i>! </i><i>Don¡¯t </i>worry <i>about </i><i>Tillman</i><i>, </i>I¡¯ll <i>take </i><b>care </b><b>of </b><b><i>everything</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b>] </b>


    [ I <b><i>love </i></b>you<i>!!!</i><b><i>] </i></b>


    <b><i>[</i></b><b><i>Love </i></b><i>you </i><b>too </b><i>little </i><i>sister</i><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>] </i></b>


    Vanessa turned eagerly towards Christian¡¯s office; it was time to solidify her role as heiress and head of the Designing department.


    Knock. Knock.


    Vanessa gently knocked on Christian¡¯s door just as he was finishing up his call.


    <i>¡°</i><i>Come </i><i>in</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>Hey </i>big brother¡­got a <i>minute</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa poked her head through the door sporting her shy and most innocent look.


    ¡°Of <i>course</i><i>. </i><i>Come </i><i>on </i><i>in</i><i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Vanessa took a seat at Christian¡¯s desk as she feigned nervousness while holding two of the six sketches she¡¯d stolen from the girl at the <b>caf¨¦</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°<i>What </i><i>can </i>I <i>do </i><i>you </i>


    <i>Ness</i><b>?</b>¡±


    As if afraid of what he might say; Vanessa slid the folder gently onto his desk<b>. </b>


    <b>20:53 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Oct </b><b>2 </b>


    ¡°Well¡­as you know I <i>left </i>work <i>early </i>yesterday so <i>that </i>I could <i>try </i>and brainstorm.¡±


    Christian¡¯s brows furrowed, after Vanessa left his office the day before; he¡¯d found himself feeling guilty. Perhaps he had been too hard <b>on </b>her. She¡¯d worked so hard over the past four years trying to prove herself and the <b>first </b>thing he did was throw some phantom designer in her face. He¡¯d nned on apologizing that evening, but he when he got home she wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°Ness¡­about <i>yesterday</i><i>; </i>1-¡±


    <i>¡°</i>No! <i>Chris</i><i>! </i><i>I </i>don¡¯t <i>want </i>you to <i>apologize</i><i>! </i><i>You¡¯re </i><i>right</i>! I <i>haven¡¯t </i><i>been </i><i>giving </i>my <i>best</i><i>. </i><i>My </i>work hasn¡¯t been what it used to be.<i>¡± </i>


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