Chapter 65 Whispers of Revenge
LIZZY
The message on my phone blurred as I stared at it, heat prickling the back of my neck. Unknown number. My heart thudded in my chest, each beat louder than the last.
I scanned the restaurant, my gaze darting over strangers’ faces, searching for anyone too interested, too close. Had someone followed me? Heard everything I said?
No. Impossible.
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and pulled my scarf tighter, shielding my face as I stepped out onto the street. The cold air bit at my skin, but I barely felt it.
“Not meeting up again,” I murmured under my breath, each word a promise. Whoever this is they won’t destroy my plan.
DAVID
The tension in the air snapped as the office door creaked open. My two bodyguards shuffled in, heads bowed, shoulders tight.
I closed my laptop, the sharp click of the lid echoing in the silence. “What is it?” I asked, my voice calm, though the rage simmered just beneath the surface.
They hesitated, glancing at each other like boys caught skipping school.
“We… lost her, sir,” one of them finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Of course, they lost her. Lizzy wasn’t just smart; she was a ghost, slipping through their fingers every time.
The papers on my desk went flying as I swiped them off in one furious motion.
“Useless,” I muttered. “Get out.”
They scrambled to leave, but I barely noticed. My mind raced. This wasn’t working. I needed someone who could think like her, outmaneuver her. Someone… cunning.
My fingers hovered over my phone before dialing. Janet.
The call connected on the first ring.
“Hello, brother,” she said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.
“When are you coming home?” I asked, keeping my tone even, though the command in my words was unmistakable.
“Why should I? I’m enjoying my life far away from your mess,” she said, a smirk practically audible through the line.
I exhaled slowly. She always did know how to push my buttons. “I need your help.”
A laugh burst from her. “Oh, now you need me? That’s rich.”
“Let’s make a deal,” I said, the words heavy on my tongue.
“Not interested,” she shot back. “This is boring. Goodbye.”
“Don’t you dare hang up,” I snapped.
A pause. Then, finally, she sighed. “Fine. What’s this about?”
“Lizzy,” I said. The silence on the other end stretched long.
“You mean your ex-fiancée?” she said, her voice suddenly sharp. “Why not just toss her in jail like you did with the Roys?”
“Will you help me or not?” I ground out.
“I shouldn’t, but… your wife seems nice. I’ll do it for her,” she said, a teasing edge creeping back into her tone.
“How do you know my wife?” I asked, my stomach tightening.
A low, mocking laugh. “Don’t underestimate me, brother. I’ll be there in two days. Oh, and a word of advice?”
“What?”
“Watch your back.” The line went dead.
Her warning hung in the air long after the call ended.
The buzz of a text interrupted my thoughts. Bella. Mom invited Jasper and me for dinner. We’ll be late.
Perfect. I had time.
I strode out of the office, barking orders to my assistant. “Cancel everything for today.”
The drive home was a blur of thoughts and plans. I barely registered the world outside until my driver spoke.
“We’re here, sir.”
I stepped out, the fresh air doing little to clear my head. My gaze swept over the front yard, and then Lizzy.
She stood there, a smile playing on her lips as if she owned the place.
“You’re welcome home, David,” she said, her voice syrupy sweet.
I didn’t respond. Didn’t even glance her way. She wasn’t worth it.
Instead, I headed straight to the third floor. I’d promised Bella a fresh start. Lizzy’s memories would be erased from this house, one room at a time.
Hours passed as I worked, sweat dripping down my brow. Each piece I moved, each corner I polished, brought me closer to something real. Something that was ours.
“Sir?” a maid’s voice broke through my focus. “Your drink.”
I took the glass, draining it in one gulp.
Then, the heat came. A slow burn that started in my chest and spread like wildfire. My knees buckled, and I grabbed at the doorframe, the world tilting around me.
A figure moved toward me, shadowed and hazy.
“Who…” My voice faltered as darkness crept in.