Chapter 350 Give Me an Answer Within Three Days

Chapter 350 Give Me an Answer Within Three Days
“Just because she never said it doesn’t mean she didn’t think it,” Laura pressed, unwilling to let it go. “Remember when you transferred me back from Alexander’s office? I told you she looked at me weird—like I’d stolen something that belonged to her. Don’t tell me you’ve never noticed the way Miss Jenny looks at you. That’s not just admiration.”
James sighed, exasperated. “Maybe you’re right. But even if someone does like me, what am I supposed to do about it? I can’t control that. I don’t go digging into your past to see who liked you—so why bring this up now? Don’t use writing as an excuse to talk about old flames.”
Laura gave him a wounded look, part sincere, part performance. “And what if I do want to dig? You see her every day. Feelings change over time. What if something’s grown between you two? Has she ever written you a love letter, emailed you, or sent any of those mysterious texts?”
“No!” James answered quickly, eager to cut off any misunderstanding. “We were just friends back then. She was more detail-oriented, so I asked her to help with the love letters. That’s all.”
Laura snorted. “But I assume you didn’t hand her your phone, did you?”
“Of course not.” He raised both hands like he was swearing an oath. “That’s private. Jenny and I were just pretending to date, not actually sharing everything.”
Laura leaned in. “Then tell me—did she ever look through your phone? She was your ‘girlfriend,’ wasn’t she?”
James frowned. “Only fake girlfriend. And no, I always kept my phone on me. Except maybe during basketball games—sometimes I’d ask her to watch my stuff. I mean, I guess she could’ve looked… but why would she? There was nothing between us.”
That was the opening Laura had been waiting for. Her eyes lit up. She grabbed his hand, her voice sharpening: “You’re sure she watched your stuff? Like, your phone and your clothes?”
“Yeah, she did—wait, what are you—” James flinched at her sudden grip. Her hand was ice cold. He blinked, genuinely concerned. “Laura, are you seriously treating Jenny like a romantic threat? It’s not that deep. If she liked me, she had three whole years to make a move while you were gone. Nothing happened. Why are we even talking about this? And why are your hands freezing?”
Laura withdrew her damp hand and forced a smile. “Of course it’s serious. Jenny’s always been single. I’ve never even seen her date. And me? I don’t share. If someone belongs to me, I want all of them—not just scraps left over after someone else takes a bite. If that’s too much to ask, I’d rather have nothing.”
James was stunned for a beat… then warmed by her intensity. He reached out, pulling her into a firm embrace. “I get it. You’ve grown smarter—clearing out threats before they even sprout.”
Laura nodded. “I nearly lost you once. Now that I have you back, I’m not letting anything go wrong again. I’ve given you everything. I can’t take it back. I won’t lose you.”
He held her closer, whispering, “You won’t. I’m yours—for life.”
Laura nestled into his chest, listening to his heartbeat, feeling like—for just a moment—she had the whole world in her arms.
But that moment passed. And so did the illusion of safety.
10:00 PM, Manhattan Hotel
Für Elise messaged her on the dot.
[When do you plan to act?]
Laura stared at the screen, helpless, then typed:
[Have you ever considered that things aren’t what they seem? Do you really believe James is capable of something that vile?]
The reply came fast.
[Will told me himself. Why would he lie? He didn’t hate James—he had no reason to make it up. He’s still suffering from what happened. Why would anyone fake that kind of pain?]
Laura sighed, trying one more time.
[But…]
She didn’t get to finish.
[You’re so hypocritical! You keep claiming you want justice, but when it’s James, suddenly you hesitate. If it were anyone else, you’d have followed through already.]
Laura sat frozen for a moment, then typed carefully:
[Maybe I am being selfish. But I need time—to get to the truth. Please, give me a few more days.]
[No. There’s nothing to investigate. I’m giving you three days—not to dig through the past, but to act. If you don’t, I’ll kill James myself.]
Panic surged.
[No! Please don’t hurt him. I really am investigating. I’ve already found something. I just need more time.]
Für Elise replied instantly.
[I know you’ve been questioning him about college. But you’re wasting your breath. James would never admit the truth. You wouldn’t either, if you were him. Would you?]
Laura’s blood ran cold.
[You’ve been listening to us? Where’s the bug? What did you install?]
[You think I’d tell you? I’m warning you—if you breathe a word of this to James, your parents will be the first to pay. And if that’s not enough, I’ll drag David, Michael, Grace—all of them—into this. You’ll watch them fall, one by one.]
Laura was drenched in sweat, hands shaking over the keyboard. But there was no reply coming anymore. Just silence.
Für Elise had signed off.
She stared blankly at the screen, adrenaline still crashing through her veins.
She had to tell James.
But how could she—if Für Elise was listening?