Chapter 38
I snickered. “Did I ask? You should stop thinking so highly of yourself. You could shove that money into my hands and I’d smack it back in your face.
“Why? Because I don’t want to disgust myself or my mom with the money of a traitor.”
“How could you say something so heartless?” Edward demanded.
“Actions are stronger than words, boy. Heartless actions art way worse than heartless words.”
I ended the call right then and there. I was so mad.
But once the anger faded, anxiety crept in.
If Edward knew, what were the chances Maddie knew as well? And since that woman was crazy enough to take anything I held dear, she’d definitely try to bid on that bracelet, wouldn’t she?
No! I wouldn’t let that happen!
I needed to gather enough money.
However, the auction was in just two days. Where could I possibly find the funds?
I forced myself to calm down. My mother always said never to give in to panic. Only a calm mind could devise a plan.
I stared at the evening suit before me as an idea began to take shape.
Soren Kenway. He was the most powerful and wealthiest man I knew.
But we weren’t friends. Hell, we weren’t even in the same social circle or league. Would I be seen as insane if I asked him for a loan?
A fierce debate raged in my mind, but in the end, I decided to go for it.
What was the worst that could happen? Soren laughing at me and canceling the commissions?
And what was the best outcome? Securing enough money to reclaim my mother’s bracelet.
I didn’t have Soren’s contact number, so I’d need to approach Charles.
The next morning, I called Charles and informed him that Soren’s design was ready. I wanted to schedule an appointment to discuss feedback.
A few minutes later, the butler said, “Mr. Kenway has a prior engagement, but he said you’re welcome to meet him at his office.”
“Great! Um, where exactly is that?”
Everyone knew the Kenways were wealthy and powerful, but they were also incredibly private. Few knew what industry they were involved in, let alone the location of their headquarters.
“Do you have a pen and paper, Miss Jones?”
“Yes, I do.”
He recited the address, which I quickly wrote down.
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Chapter 38
“Go to the opposite side of this address, and you’ll see him Someone will meet you at the door,” he added.
“Thanks, Charles.”
1 entered the address into my phone and zoomed in on the map. But the location appeared as an empty plot.
Soren’s business really was a mystery.
I set off quickly.
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An hour later, following Charles‘ instructions, I looked for the “opposite” side of the address.
I was stunned.
A building now stood where the map had shown an empty plot. The words on the gate read: “Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory,”
No wonder the map had shown nothing–it was classified!
I hesitated, unsure whether to proceed.
Just then, a soldier approached me at the gate. “Miss Taylor Jones?”
I nodded, still processing what I was seeing. “Uh, right! You need my identification, right?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The soldier checked my ID and handed it back. “You may enter. The tallest building inside is where Mr. Kenway’s office is. His assistant is waiting for you.‘
“Thank you.”
The gate opened slowly. I drove through and scanned the area, looking for the tallest building.
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