Chapter 99

Chapter 99
JACKSON’S POV
It was late afternoon, and I was parked in the shadows at the far end of the city park. My eyes kept darting to the side mirror, watching a figure walk steadily toward my car. From the way he carried himself, I could tell he was no ordinary guy, he looked like someone who took risky jobs and finished them without leaving a trace. Someone people hire when they want things done quietly and cleanly.
I've had to deal with men like him in the past. But these days, I mostly work through a private security company. I use their men and their cybersecurity, even though I sometimes question their loyalty. But when you have enemies like mine, trusting the system becomes more of a gamble than a safeguard.
I pressed the button beside the wheel to unlock the doors. He glanced around before slipping into the passenger seat. His black cap stayed low over his face until he finally lifted it, revealing long dark hair and sleek black glasses. Dressed in black from head to toe, he had the look of a harmless nerd, but his eyes gave him away, he was sharp, dangerous, and knew exactly what he was doing.
“I came across the news of Monica’s death,” he said bluntly. “I wouldn’t have bothered digging further, but I saw her. Twice.”
“Twice?” I echoed, raising a brow.
He placed five photos on the dashboard. I picked them up slowly, studying them one by one. My chest tightened. It was her. Monica. Alive. Again. What the hell was she playing at?
“She was at the airport. Then I saw her again, visiting someone at the prison yard,” he continued. “If you want me to keep tracking her, I’ll do it. But if not, I’m out. No more free information.”
He finally looked me in the eye. His calm confidence said he meant business. After looking through the evidence he had already sent and verifying their accuracy, I nodded. I needed him. And I had the money to pay for it.
“Find out who she visited in prison and why. I also need more clear photos, something that can confirm it’s really her and not just a lookalike.”
I gave him every bit of personal information he asked for to help him dig deeper. Then I wired part of the payment to the account he gave me. Once he left, I drove straight to my office. I wasn’t ready to go home yet, not looking like this. Not feeling like this.
As I stared at my office computer, trying to reply to emails and return missed calls, my mind kept drifting back to Vera. I had promised her peace, safety, and honesty. And yet, here I was again, dealing with secrets and lies.
I brought her into my complicated world. It wasn’t her fault. She didn’t deserve this kind of chaos.
No matter how much I tried to focus on company reports and sales progress, none of it took my mind off Vera, or Monica.
After work, I headed to the new house I bought in Uptown. Nobody knew about it yet. It was meant to be a surprise for Vera and the kids. Only Hannah knew, and that was by accident. She promised to organize a small rooftop party for her daughter on Children’s Day, which would also serve as the perfect time to reveal the house.
I don’t know how I’ve managed to keep it from Vera for this long. Maybe because I want to see her face light up when she sees it. I want to see her gasp, smile, and maybe even tear up. I want to give her a home she never expected. I want to give her the world.
When I pulled into the garage, I saw Vera talking to Max. I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Max gave me a small nod and walked off, but Vera pinched the bridge of her nose like she was holding back frustration. Her hands shook a little as she crossed them over her chest.
“You look worried. Is something wrong?” I asked, stepping closer.
She nodded stiffly. “Yeah… Malone went out when I was away. Max didn’t even notice he left. Now he’s back, locked up in his room. I was just asking Max if he noticed anything strange. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this. I thought Malone was starting to accept us.”
She was upset, her words were coated with confusion and pain. I couldn’t hold back anymore. I pulled her into my arms.
“It’ll be okay,” I whispered, rubbing her back. “Malone’s still trying to adjust. He’s not used to being loved. You love him, and he knows that. He just needs more time to believe he belongs here, not in his past.”
She rested her head on my shoulder, sighing deeply. For a moment, we just stood there. I could’ve stayed like that forever, but we still had things to talk about.
I led her toward the garden. I wanted us to talk outside before going inside the house.
“Well,” she said softly, clearing her throat. “I saw Dr. Halmes today. He says I’m okay as long as I don’t overwork myself or stress too much. Mentally or physically.”
I knew she was downplaying it. That’s what Vera did. She smiled through pain.
“Oh, and guess what?” she added. “Oscar landed a huge job offer in New York, but Hannah’s job here is holding them back. They had a big fight about it, looked like they were going to split.”
I raised my brow in surprise.
“She actually told me they were getting divorced. But Oscar came back with the kids and they made up. It was messy but sweet. I’m glad they always find a way to fix things.”
She paused and plucked a flower from the garden, admiring its soft petals.
“And you?” I asked. “How are you feeling?”
She looked up, her eyes meeting mine with surprising ease.
“I feel… okay. I’m trying not to think too much about Malone. That’s all. Physically and mentally, I’m good. And I won’t dwell on the negatives because I trust you. If you raised Tim to be such an adorable kid, then I know you’ll help Malone become better. And you’ll be amazing for our future children too.”
Her words hit deep. I held her close again and kissed her, softly but meaningfully.
I should have told her earlier, but I couldn’t keep hiding things. So, I told her everything, the man at the park, the pictures, and the possibility that Monica might be alive.
She stayed calm. “Are you sure those pictures aren’t old? Someone could be trying to scam you. Kenneth might be in prison, but he’s got people. This could be his plan to mess with your head.”
I nodded. “That’s why I want to investigate. I’m sending my men too. I need to make sure we’re safe. But just so you know, I’m not doing this because I care about her. Monica means nothing to me anymore. Even if she turns out to be innocent, I don’t care. I love you, Vera. Only you.”
And then I kissed her again, deep, intense, full of all the promises I intended to keep.