Chapter 18

Elena

I looked at Jax, genuinely surprised.

After three years in Riker's Island, he'd become so withdrawn. I honestly thought he'd prefer living alone rather than sharing space with me.

He must have noticed my questioning look because he took a breath and forced out a casual smile.

"Look, we're both broke right now. I've got a spare room. Might as well save where we can, right?"

I felt myself wavering. Money was tight, and if I couldn't make more, I had to spend less. It was that simple.

"Okay. Thanks, Jax."

Relief washed over his face, though something guilty flickered in his eyes. He covered it quickly, reaching out to ruffle my hair.

"Don't be weird about it. We're family."

Forty minutes later, I stood outside his place in the industrial district.

It was a corrugated metal shack—spacious enough at about 600 square feet, divided into two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. But the neighborhood was rough, and the conditions inside weren't much better.

My eyes stung.

Jax scratched his head, laughing it off like it was nothing.

"Hey, compared to when we were kids, this is a palace. At least the rain doesn't pour through the ceiling anymore. Come on, let me show you your new room."

He practically pushed me toward the back bedroom and threw the door open like he was revealing a prize.

He must have been planning this for a while. The small bedroom was decorated—new pink bedding, freshly washed rose-colored curtains, and little trinkets scattered around that screamed "girl's room."

I stood there, frozen. Something warm and overwhelming filled the hollow space in my chest.

I remembered what he'd told me years ago, back when he was thirteen or fourteen. His voice had still been boyish, but his tone was dead serious.

"I'm gonna make tons of money someday. Buy you a huge house."

He must have been thinking about that promise too, because his voice went soft.

"I can't afford the mansion yet. But this'll do for now, right?"

Before he finished speaking, I turned and threw my arms around him.

"Give me some time, Jax. My turn to buy you that house."

His body went rigid. I could feel the heat rising in his sun-darkened face.

He carefully squeezed my shoulder, then let go just as quickly.

"Deal. I'll hold you to that."

Adults can't stay sentimental for long. I started unpacking, setting up my ancient laptop on the desk by the window.

The thing was ten years old and slower than hell. I propped my chin in my hand, waiting for it to boot up, making small talk with Jax over my shoulder.

"By the way, how much is rent here? And all this stuff you bought—it must've cost something. You doing okay money-wise?"

Jax made a vague sound and didn't answer right away.

I turned to look at him. He finally smiled.

"The construction company provides housing. Barely costs anything. This stuff was cheap too. Don't worry, I had some savings."

My gut told me he was lying.

But I didn't push it. I just smiled back.

"Okay. But if you need money, tell me."

Chloe called right as I finished the first draft of my research paper.

I planned to submit it around the time I started at Anderson Biopharma. It would give me leverage.

The phone rang. I didn't check the caller ID before answering.

"Yeah?"

The voice on the other end was annoyingly cheerful.

"Elena! It's Chloe. Are you free? I'd love to meet up."

My good mood evaporated instantly.

I took a breath and kept my voice flat.

"Sorry, Chloe. I'm busy."

Even if I wasn't, I had zero interest in seeing her.

I thought that would be clear enough. But she actually laughed.

"Elena, lying isn't a good habit. You're obviously not busy right now."

The audacity made my jaw tighten.

"Who told you I'm not busy?"

She laughed again, this time with a condescending edge.

"Is it some big secret? Why pretend?"

I deflated like a punctured balloon.

Right. She was William's precious Chloe.

Finding out about my life was probably effortless for her.

William's cold, indifferent face flashed through my mind.

I had to face reality. If I didn't deal with Chloe now, even working at Theodore's company wouldn't give me peace.

"Fine. Where?"

An hour later, I showed up at the coffee shop wearing nothing but a touch of blush.

This time, Chloe didn't make me wait. She was already there and had ordered for me—an iced Americano, no sugar.

"William mentioned you can handle bitter things. See if this suits your taste."

She slid the dark liquid across the table with a smile that barely concealed the malice underneath.

I had no interest in coffee. I pulled out a notepad and pen, keeping my expression neutral.

"I'm sure you're a busy woman, Chloe. Let's not waste time. Regarding your defamation case, I have some questions. For this to move forward, I need complete honesty. Understood?"

I sounded like an actual lawyer—professional, detached. It seemed to catch her off guard.

She recovered quickly, covering her mouth with a delicate laugh.

"Of course. I'll cooperate fully."

I cleared my throat and spoke slowly, deliberately.

"Are you and William Holloway in a relationship? Yes or no?"

Chloe blinked, clearly not expecting such a direct question.

But she recovered fast.

"Is this the lawyer asking, or the wife?"

She didn't even have the decency to look embarrassed. She asked like it was a perfectly reasonable thing to say.

I kept my tone measured.

"The lawyer. Your answer determines my defense strategy."

I paused, letting a hint of sarcasm slip into my voice.

"Besides, Mrs. Holloway doesn't need to ask you anything. Those photos and recordings you leaked already said enough."

I didn't give her an inch. I threw her past actions right in her face.

I expected at least a flicker of shame. Instead, she just smiled.

"If it's the lawyer asking, then the answer is..."

"We're innocent."