Chapter 41
1 had mulled over these details the previous night as soon as I decided to ask Soren for help. I was willing to use my business as collateral if it meant he would believe my sincerity.
Soren didn’t even glance at the document. He simply raised his hand, dismissing it.
“It’s okay. You don’t need to use your company like that, and we don’t need a guarantor, either. Just return the amount at your convenience,” he said.
My jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Do you trust me that much? What if I avoid paying you back?”
He smiled. “I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t pay me back for something they owe, Miss Jokes. Would you like to be the first?”
Of course. I had forgotten this in my haste.
Taylor, this was Soren Kenway you were dealing with! No one would ever cross him, let alone not pay their debts
especially not if they still wanted to survive in Metropolis.
“No! No way, nuh–uh, I mean… I wouldn’t dream of it…” I trailed off, my cheeks burning.
withdrew the documents and added solemnly, “I promise to pay my debt as soon as I can.”
Michael knocked on the door and came inside. “Sir, Mr. Grant is here.”
He had more important matters than me, so I knew it was time. I stood. “Thank you for helping me, Mr. Kenway. I’ll take my leave now.”
He stood, too, and smiled as warmly as ever. “Don’t worry about rushing the commissions, alright? Focus on settling your personal business.”
I was touched. “Will do. Thank you.”
After leaving the Army Research Lab, I received a notification: 7,000,000 dollars had been transferred to my
account.
Soren’s likability and merits had never been higher in my eyes–even if he tried. Especially when compared to an asshole like Edward.
The auction took place in Holms, two hours away by car.
I worked overtime the day before to finish Lisbeth’s dress, slept for less than five hours, and then set off on the two–hour drive to Holms.
a
had only ever been to auctions with Edward. I was never there to bid on anything. It was just a sightseeing trip. But now, I was going alone. I had to be on my guard.
I took a seat, feeling the weight of fatigue starting to overwhelm me. Just as I was about to fall asleep, an usher removed the couch across the lane from me.
Confused, I watched as several people entered my peripheral vision.
And then–I heard a voice I knew all too well. I turned.
It was Edward and Maddison.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 41
Maddison was in a wheelchair. She looked even frailer than before.
It wasn’t surprising to see the two of them together, but Madison was clearly sick enough to rely on a wheelchair
now.
Seeing her here, knowing how difficult the journey must have been for her, was bewildering
She turned and saw me. She smiled and feigned shock. “You re here too?”
I pursed my lips.
“I didn’t know you’d risk dying here just to make sure you could rob me of the thing I wanted most,” I replied, sing–songing the words.
Maddison frowned as though she was hurt. “What’s that supposed to mean, Tay–Tay?”
She turned to Edward. “Is there a misunderstanding between us again, Eddy?”
He stared at me. “Please don’t misunderstand her intention, Taylor. She’s not here for the bracelet.”
“The bracelet?” Maddie asked aloud. “What bracelet? How do you know about something like that?”
Edward didn’t answer and simply helped Maddison into her seat with the usher’s assistance.
I turned away from them. I could hardly care less.
But anxiety began to pool within me. I was sure my money was enough to secure that bracelet, but with Maddison here, I suddenly felt much less certain.
