Chapter 78
“Courtney, just say somethi
Hayder’s voice was low, yet the intensity in his gaze was overwhelming
Courtney couldn’t meet his eyes. His gate was too much, too here as if it could strip away all her defenses.
“Noobinctions Then I take that as a yes Hayden leaned in, intending to kiss Courtney.
His lips hoverrid near hers, the closeness making her breath hitch. In South Weilans, every time he tried to kiss her, she’d slapped him so this time, be braced himsell for the same
Bat Hayden let Courtney go. His hands released her wins, no longer holding her captive. Instead, he leaned in slowly, his nose grazing her ear, has touch fember–behi
He was testing her
Courtney’s fingers kere trembling. She instinctively wanted to hit him, so the even raised her hand and clenched it into a fist. But in the end, her arm fell lampply to her side.
“Let go. The work shipped from Cominry’s lips, fast and shaky baut umumia
bly clear
She had spoken
Hayden was momentarily stool, his gare on Courticy growing even more intense. She had spoken–but not to yield. Her words were a rejection.
Courtney was resisting him, doing everything in
to push him away, to keep him at a distance.
ing in her power to p
Hayden chuckled bitterly, straightening up with a self–deprecating smile.
Without another word. Courtney turned her face away, seizing the moment to push him aside and dart into her bedroom.
Her breath came in short, uneven bursts, her heart pounding like a drum. Hugging her knees tightly, she buried her face, tears welling up as shame flooded through her
Courtney didn’t want to admit it but felt no better than Austin She was just as wretched.
Time passed in a blur before she heard the soft click of the front door closing. Courtney emerged from her hiding place, peeking into the empty living room. Hayden was gone.
On the dining table, a whiteboard sat with a simple message: “I cheated the pasta. Eat it while it’s wan
Courtney’s fingers tingled as she read the words. Even though she knew Hayden was an undercover operative, part of her still couldn’t fully trust him—or any man for that matter
Especially after the countless times she had left him behind, abandoning him to face life–or–death situations alone.
By all rights, Hayden should hate her. Yet he keeps coming back to her. That persistence weighed on her, suffocating her under its unspoken expectations
Courtney ate the pasta Hayden had left for her, tears streaming down her face as a memory surfaced
In South Weidan, Mark had told her, “Courtney, no matter how hard it seems, you have to move forward. Don’t look back.”
But she hadn’t. She had stood frozen in place, her feet rooted in a pool of Lance’s blood as his labored breaths faded into silence.
Courtney wondered. ‘How could I deserve someone like Mark, who had given his life to protect mer
(Courtney, Phoebe’s meningitis might cause permanent hearing loss. The message notification buzzed on her phone. Austin had forwarded the official diagnosis
Country’s hand trembled as she tapped to read it. Her lips curled into a bitter smile. She already knew what was coming–Austin would once again
Austin: (A child shouldn’t be without their mother.|
Of course. Austin said exactly what Courtney y expected.
Austin Courtney, let’s meet to talk about Vera. Tomorrow afternoon at the hospital. I know Vera was wrong this time, and the Lewis family has a solution to propose, Can we talk?||
When Courtney didn’t reply. Austin sent another message. ĮT’in begging you for the child’s sake. Phoebe is innocent]
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Chapter 78
Courtney (lai Kled bitterly as the leated
Ther
the ceiling
were preling away layers of her sind
Your child
cof guide for a moment, tralizing Tiose cold the sounded. It was as if her heart had locked itself away, encased in steel.
She felt a p
he wanted to ask. Tunt am I not innocent). And who would take responsibility for the Innocence
Courney, how can you say that?] Austin’s reply came noi tinged with disbelief
This time, he sent a voice message: “Courtney, yes, Vera was wrong, but she didn’t really. aean to hurt you. She’s already been punished for what the did. The Lewis family is willing to make amends. Whatever you want, they’ll agree to it. Just come to the lipital tomorrow. Ell help you negotiate the compet ation you deserve,
Sull Courtney
didn’t reply: Austin persisted Don’t let money become an issue. You need the money right now, and they’re offering it. You can
“‘Courtney”
Courtney took a deep breath and typed her reply. [I’ve already filed for divorce. All you need to do is sign the papers I sent you. Tell the Lewis family to return what belongs to me exactly as it was, and I’ll consider signing the settlement agreement.
All she wanted now was to cut her losses and survive. She needed a clean break, a definitive end to everything that had tied her to Austin.
It seemed Austin hadn’t expected such a direct response. Her demand was nothing like what Marilyn had painted for him.
At Henitairg General Hospital, Austin sat slumped in the garden, staring blankly at his phone screen.
Marilyn walked up, heels clicking softly on the stone p pathway, “Did she ask for anything specific? Try to steer her towards asking for money–an exact number would be best”
Austin sighed, rubbing his temples, “Courtney isn’t like you. She won’t ask for anything that doesn’t rightfully belong to her. She’s… different.”
Marilyn laughed. “Not like me? You mean not like us, right? Come on, Austin, Aren’t we the same? Don’t try to act like you’re better than me.”
Marilyn sat beside Austin and continued, “Tell Courtney that whatever marital assets or inheritance she’s entitled to, she’ll get intact and untouched. Ask her if she has any additional demands to make of the Lewis family. We need to channel her anger and make her feel justified in asking for more. When she comes to negotiate tomorrow, we want her to demand something outrageous.“
