Chapter 45

Matthew had never been a patient man, but today, he waited. He stayed in where he was hidden, watching them. His hands were shoved into his pockets, his face relaxed, and as usual, his eyes didn’t miss anything.

Allison's mum pulled up in her car, and a moment later, Allison got out of the backseat. She slammed the door shut behind her, her movements stiff, like she was holding back her frustration. Matthew smirked to himself, as for the few times he had watched her, she always looked like someone who had something to prove.

But then his attention shifted when the passenger door opened, and another girl got out.

His brows lifted slightly. Allison had a sister?

Interesting. How didn’t he notice?

The girl looked vaguely familiar, and after a few seconds, he realised why. That brat was the one who had helped Allison that day. The one who had shown up out of nowhere and taken her out. He had barely gotten a glimpse of her then, but now, seeing her in daylight, he could tell she was different from Allison. Where Allison carried herself with confidence and arrogance, her sister seemed quieter. More reserved.

She walked with a strange stiffness, like someone who wasn’t used to staying in such an environment. She was smiling, but she seemed so detached.

Years of instability, most likely. Maybe even grief. He had looked asked about the Andersons family and learned that they had lost a child before Allison was adopted, and the other girl must have been an only child for long.

Matthew tilted his head, studying her. She could be useful.

A smirk was on his lips. If she had a connection to Gabriella, this might be his best chance to lure her out.

Socialising with the stuff girl? That was a small price to pay for a peaceful nabbing.

He pulled out his phone and dialled Lucian’s number.

Lucian picked up immediately, skipping any greetings.

“Tell me you have good news."

Matthew chuckled, amused by his impatience.

“You were right.” He said smoothly. "I’ve seen Gabriella again.”

Lucian let out a pleased sound.

“Of course I was right. I always am.” His voice carried that self important tone that Matthew had always found irritating. "Where is she?"

"Close. Very close.” Matthew looked at Gabriella’s— no, Allison’s sister again. “I’m going to have to take a longer route to get her, though."

Lucian’s impatience was obvious even over the phone.

“I don’t care what route you take. Just get it done. I’m tired of waiting, so be as quick as you can be.”

Matthew’s smirk widened.

“Relax, Lucian. I’ll bring her back to you soon enough."

Lucian sighed.

"I’ll hold you to that. No mistakes, Matthew."

The call ended, and Matthew slid his phone back into his pocket, seeing that Allison and her sister were now out of sight.

Time to get to work.

************ ************ ************* ************* *************

Meanwhile, Sophia had no idea she was being watched.

She was too busy thinking about her conversation with Allison earlier. The way Allison had brushed her off still stung a little, though she told herself it didn’t.

She knew Allison wasn’t exactly the warmest person, but still Sophia had helped her. Was a simple thank you too much to ask for? But the way Paige had handled her… that, she enjoyed very much.

"You’re thinking too much again."

Sophia blinked and turned to see Caleb walking beside her, hands in his pockets, his ever present smirk in place.

"I’m not thinking too much.” She said, even though she absolutely was.

Caleb gave her a knowing look.

“You are. It’s written all over your face."

Sophia sighed.

“It’s nothing."

Caleb made a doubtful noise.

“Is this about Allison? Why do you want to be friends with her so bad? And for one, I’m on Paige’s side. Allison deserved it.”

Sophia chuckled.

“I know, I also thought she deserved it. But she just, I don’t like how she acted.”

Caleb let out a short laugh.

“You really expected her to change overnight?"

Sophia frowned.

“I don’t know. Maybe?"

"She’s always been that way.” Caleb pointed out. "Cold, distant, rude for no reason. Does that ring any bells?"

Sophia sighed.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. I just thought that after everything that happened…"

Caleb shrugged.

“Some people don’t change, Soph. Or maybe they just don’t know how to. It’s not your fault.”

Sophia knew he had a point, but it didn’t make her feel any better.

Paige suddenly walked up, joining them.

“Are we still going to the library, or are you two just going to stand here and mope about Allison all day?"

Sophia shot her a look.

“We’re not moping."

Paige snorted.

“Sure, and Caleb isn’t annoying. Let’s go."

As they walked, Sophia caught sight of a familiar face across the schoolyard. There was a guy standing near the parking lot, looking at them from where he stood.

She turned to walk away, feeling a shiver go up her spine.