Chapter 52
Anna’s POV:
In the days that followed, I didn’t see Blake again. My life became a routine of shuttling between the police station and EcoMarine Group.
I declined all other social invitations that would waste my time. I threw myself completely into the case, for myself.
determined to get justice
Then one day, my phone rang with my mother’s name on the screen. This hadn’t happened when I was in custody or after I was
released.
“Anna,” Lillian’s voice came through, “I heard about what happened from Blake. It’s all a misunderstanding. I don’t want to see you wasting your energy on this. Claire will be released sooner or later.”
“Mom,” I asked in disbelief, “there’s evidence of what happened. How can you still call it a misunderstanding?”
A heavy silence settled between us before Lillian spoke up again. “When the outcome is clear, what’s the point of arguing? I’m reaching out because Blake still cares about you. He asked me to try and talk some sense into you, but I know how you are–you won’t budge until you hit rock bottom. Honestly, has anything you’ve stubbornly chased ever worked out for you? You’ve loved Blake for so long, and now here you are, facing each other in court.
“Mom!” I exclaimed, my emotions boiling over. I felt utterly helpless. Even my own family wasn’t supporting me. “What are you trying to say?”
Lillian’s demand came directly, “Drop the charges!”
The moment I opened my email, I knew Blake had won again.
Every piece of evidence had been tampered with, every witness silenced. Kate Coleman–Claire’s friend with divorced parents and zero family support–had suddenly taken all the blame.
Tyler Hodges, who’d clearly been working with Claire, now claimed he’d only ever contacted Kate, never Claire.
I scrolled through the files, anger burning in my chest. How convenient that Kate would take the fall. How perfect that Tyler suddenly “remembered” differently. The evidence had been right there, and now it was gone–vanished like it never existed.
My thoughts drifted to Seth’s retreating back at the detention center days ago. He’d helped me, then disappeared. Why?
I hesitated before sending him a message: [Need to talk. Can we meet?]
Instead of replying with a text, my phone lit up with a video call request from Seth. I steadied myself before answering.
In the video call, Seth’s hair had been styled differently. It was his leisure time, and he wore a black hoodie.
His fluffy short hair looked almost unreal under the neon lights–a Seth quite different from what I remembered. He had diamond studs in his ears, and his narrow eyes were slightly reddened from drinking. His lips looked unusually bright a
“If this is about your case, don’t bother,” he said immediately, not bothering with hello. “I’m not discussing it.”
“I wanted to thank you,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “And after that, we can go back to never speaking again, as you suggested.”
He snorted. “Thank me? For what exactly?”
1/2
Chapter 52
“You know what,”
‘If you’re really grateful, come thank me in person. His lips corted to that familiar mocking with Crown Club. If your bats
I’ll be there in an hour,” I said, ending the call before he could resp
I stared at my closet, settling on casual clothes–dark jeans and a fitted blazer, in the error, my newly short hair still started me.
The Crown Club was buzzing when I arrived. A waitress led me to a private room, and I took a deep breath before packing, the don
open.
The moment I pushed open the door to the private room, men and women suddenly burst into laughter. As I was trying to figure out what was happening, my eyes unexpectedly met Blake’s narrow, cold gazet
کا
Seth jumped up excitedly, pointing at me. I won! Blake, see? I told you Anna would definitely show up?
Blake raised his glass elegantly, taking a small sip. ‘Ill cover all expenses tonight. Everyone just have a good time!
My chest tightened painfully. They were betting on me.
A thousand thoughts of walking away flashed through my mind, but that would be too cowardly. I’ve never been one to retreat.
I stepped fully into the room and grabbed an empty glass and poured myself a generous whiskey.
“I’ll put this on Mr. Wright’s tab too, then,” I said, not looking at Blake.
Blake didn’t respond, just raised his eyes to look at me.
I raised my glass toward Seth. “A few days ago, I was in an unfortunate situation, and thanks to Mr. Price here, I was able to get out of it quickly. I came here specifically to thank you. Our families have deep connections, we’ve known each other since childhood, so I won’t get too sentimental.”
I downed the whiskey in one go and smashed the glass on the floor. The room went silent.
“I’ve finished mine. Do as you please.” I said, then paused. “Whether you accept my thanks or not, I’ve said it. And as I mentioned before, let’s never cross paths again!*
Seth’s face contorted with anger. He grabbed his glass and smashed it too. “Anna, what the hell do you mean!”
I looked him directly in the eyes. “Nothing special. I just don’t want to play with you anymore.”
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