Chapter 70: A web of secrets

I woke up to the enticing aroma of freshly cooked breakfast drifting from downstairs. Sean and I exchanged a sleepy glance before he stretched, yawned, and smiled lazily. “Smells like mom is really spoiling us again,” he murmured.

I nudged him playfully. “Then let’s not keep her waiting.” We bathed and got dressed quickly and rushed downstairs, where Karen was busy packing lunchboxes for us. She looked up with a bright smile.

“Good morning, my baby's! I packed your lunches, so you can just grab and go,” she said, sliding the boxes toward us.

“Mom, you didn’t have to,” Sean chuckled.

“I wanted to,” she insisted. “Besides, you two barely eat at work unless I force you.”

We exchanged amused looks, thanked her, and grabbed our bags. Connor was already waiting in the driveway, leaning casually against his car.

“Morning, lovebirds,” he teased.

“Morning,” we said in unison, and we looked at each other and chuckled. Sean dropped me off at the restaurant, leaning in for a quick but warm kiss on the cheek. “Have a great day, baby.” “You too,” I replied, waving as he drove off.

Inside, the restaurant was already buzzing. My staff greeted me, and we dove straight into the morning rush. Orders flew in nonstop, and trays moved like clockwork. But throughout the chaos, my mind kept drifting back to Cindy and the meeting I had wanted to have with her. After the lunch rush settled, I grabbed my bag and slipped out, telling my assistant I I would be back soon. When I arrived at the address Cindy had given, I knocked softly. A young lady opened the door, eyeing me curiously.

“Hi… I’m looking for Cindy.”

“She is not here right now,” she said. “But she should be back soon. You can wait inside, if you want.”

I hesitated, then nodded. “Sure, thank you.”

Inside, the house felt quiet, too quiet. A frail old lady sat on the couch, her eyes sharp despite her age. She stared at me like she was trying to read my soul.

I offered a polite smile. “Hello, Ma’am.”

She didn’t speak. She just watched me, her fingers tapping lightly on her blanket. A few minutes later, the front door opened and Cindy stepped in. When she saw me, she blinked in surprise.

“What’s going on?” she asked, wiping sweat from her forehead, clearly having rushed home.

“I am sorry,” I said quickly. “I didn’t mean to barge in. I just… needed to speak with you.”

She exhaled and nodded toward the couch. “Okay. Sit. What’s wrong?” We sat facing each other. Her hands were restless, picking at her sleeve, while twisting her fingers. “I just want to understand everything before we move forward,” I began carefully. “Cindy… how do you know Michael?” She swallowed, her voice coming out shaky. “Loiu is my husband. He and Michael were like brothers. But Michael… he betrayed him. And now Loiu wants revenge.”

A chill ran down my spine. “And you are telling me this because…?” “Because Loiu doesn’t want Michael hurting you,” she whispered. “Or Sean. Or Connor.” but most especially me. Her words hung in the air like smoke. “Cindy,” I said slowly, “do you understand that if Loium goes after Michael, he might... ”

“Lose his life?” she finished for me, her eyes glistening. “He knows and he is prepared.”

Silence settled over the room.

She looked away, blinking fast. “He wants us safe. He always tells me, ‘If anything happens to me, make sure you live your life. Don’t let Michael drag you down with us.’”

My chest tightened. “There are very few men willing to sacrifice like that.”

She gave a fragile smile. “I know.”

I took a breath. “Why was Loiu arrested in the first place?” Her expression changed instantly, it became guarded, or perhaps haunted. “For… unaliving some people.” The room felt colder.

“What happened?” I asked softly.

Her voice cracked. “My parents… They weren’t good people. They pushed him. They hurt me, Loiu just... he snapped. He was protecting me.”

I stared at her, stunned into silence.

And suddenly the old lady on the couch spoke, her voice raspy but firm. “He saved my granddaughter. He paid for it with his freedom.”

Cindy reached for her grandmother’s hand, squeezing it gently. I nodded slowly. “Okay. I understand.”

She looked at me hopefully. “So… are you still willing to work with us?”

“Yes,” I said, surprising even myself with how steady I sounded. “I will help however I can. And I will hire a caretaker for your grandmother, Someone good.”

Cindy’s eyes widened. “You would do that?”

“Yes.” Her tears spilled. “Thank you. You don’t know what this means to us.”

I stood to leave, and she walked me to the door. As I stepped outside, she said quietly:

“We are not your enemies. And Nancy’s parents they took her abroad. Far. They don’t want her mixed up in Michael’s mess.”

I clenched my jaw. “Of course they did,” I muttered, irritation bubbling. She winced. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” I sighed. “I will handle what’s left.”

I got into my car and drove straight to the park. The moment I sat on a bench, all the emotions I had been pushing aside washed over me, Fear, Confusion and Uncertainty.

What am I getting myself into?

I stared at the trees swaying gently in the wind and whispered, “How am I even going to explain this to Sean and Connor…?” I hope they understand, I don't want to be a nuisance or always worry people with my problems. I know Sean will refuse this offer so that's why I won't inform him at all. I really regret not dealing with Nancy sooner, I have a score to settle with her, oh before I forget I need to also sort this arena issue out before it gives me a headache and I don't want to lose my husband, but why is also so lovely and cute with those dimples and sexy dark features uurghh no wonder they are so crazy about him. I am already married to him but even I can't get enough of him.