Moments later, a languid voice difted through the line. “That guy’s already been delivered to you. If you’re not enjoying the thrill of afzanmi vain hie yourself, then why are you calling me?”
Julian cast a sidelong glance at Matthew, lips pulling into a tight, sardonic smile. “Theodore, I know you’ve been dying to see me make a tool of my cr
“But still, thanks. If it weren’t for you, who knows how much longer I’d have kept playing the part of the cheated fool.
“Hannah, what’s wrong?”
Belinda rushed over the moment Hannah got home and locked herself in her room, crying inconsolably.
Hannah lifted her tear–streaked face, eyes swollen and bloodshot. “Mom… Julian’s breaking up with me!”
“What?!” Belinda stared at her, stunned.
“He gave me three days to pay back all the money I gave Dad. If I don’t, he says he’ll start charging interest.”
Belinda was visibly shaken. “But… how? Weren’t things fine between you two just a few days ago?”
Hannah couldn’t bring herself to admit that Julian had known her cheating with Matthew. Instead, she buried her face in her hands, sobbing harder. “Mom, what do we do now? Are we really going to…”
Before she could finish, a loud sneeze rang out from beyond the door.
Belinda’s face darkened instantly. She stormed over and flung the door open. “Who’s out there?”
Isaac rubbed his nose and muttered sheepishly, “It’s me, Mom.”
“What the hell are you doing outside your sister’s room?” she snapped.
Isaac scratched his belly and replied in a slow, clueless tone, “I’m just hungry… When’s dinner?”
“That’s all you ever think about!” Belinda scolded. “Completely useless!”
The sight of him instantly reminded her of Eliana, whom he was unusually close with. Annoyance flared in her chest, and without another word, she slammed the door shut.
Outside, Isaac exhaled shakily, one hand pressed against his pounding chest. Then he slipped back into his own room and dialed a number on his phone.
Her voice came through quickly. “Isaac?”
“Mission nearly failed. I almost got caught.”
“So that means… you got something?”
He grinned. “Yup. I overheard Hannah telling Mom/she just got dumped.”
“She did?”
“Uh–huh.”
“And… anything else?”
“That’s it,” Isaac replied, then added with childlike anticipation, “You promised me a burger.”
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Chapter 197
“I remember. But you’re still sick, so how about I plek you up next Saturday insteady
Ellana lowered her phone and sat in silence, thoughts swirling.
Was I just being paranoid?‘ she wondered.
Just then, the door opened, and Theodore stepped inside. She turned around instinctively and asked, “You seem… unusually pleased today
Theodore reached out and lightly tapped her nose, smiling. “Because your birthday’s almost here. And your gift is nearly ready.
After all, once Julian pulled out, Hudson’s company would fall apart before anyone could catch their breath.
Three days later, in the underground casino.
“Where’s the money?”
Hannah stood in front of Julian, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m still short… about 1.3 million dollars.”
No matter how run–down Burke Group looked from the outside, it still had a few hundred employees. Just covering this month’s payroll would be an enormous burden.
Julian narrowed his eyes. “A million three is no small number.”
“Darling,” Hannah stepped closer, trying to sound sincere, “I’m willing to do anything. Whatever you want me to be, just say the word.”
She was hoping he would take her back. But Julian’s eyes were cold.
“You like entertaining clients, don’t you? I’ve got something lined up for tonight.”
With a glance to one of his men, the order was silently issued.
Instantly, someone stepped behind Hannah and blindfolded her with a strip of black silk. A second later, her wrists were cuffed.
Panicked, she started to thrash. “W–what are you doing?!”
Julian’s tone was icy. “What time does the auction start?”
“Eight o’clock sharp, sir,” the man replied, glancing at Hannah with a smirk. “With a face like hers, she’ll sell for a fortune.”
Julian let out a faint laugh. “Call the Burke family. Let them know I’ve reserved a VIP seat for them. They should see for themselves what their daughter’s
worth.”
There was a moment of hesitation. “But sir… her sister is married to Theodore. If word gets out…”
“If anything happens, I’ll deal with it,” Julian said coolly, unconcerned.
He never cared for Theodore’s feelings. In fact, provoking him was half the fun.
And besides, it wasn’t like Hannah didn’t have this coming. She betrayed him, and now she was dodging a debt. As far as Julian was concerned, the Burke family had lost the right to make demands.
At the same time, in Russell Manor.
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Chapter 197
Eliana had just returned home hem work and was reaching for the doorknob when a large hand and danly envers INTO T
She instinctively reached up, touching the hand. “Theodore?”
A quiet hum of affirmation came from behind her.
She laughed. “What are you doing?”
Theodore replied, reciting something he’d clearly memorized, “I read that surprises work best when you start by covering the eyes
Eliana couldn’t help smiling.
Her face was small enough that Theodore could block her entire view with one hand.
With the other, he opened the door and guided her gently inside.
Once they came to a stop, he leaned close and whispered, “Ready, sweetheart?”
She nodded. “I’m ready.”
As he removed his hand, a large, beautifully decorated cake came into view.
Atop it were two tiny figurines, styled to look just like them, standing hand in hand.
Looking closer, she saw that the figurines‘ clasped hands held a platinum bracelet, delicately set with a sapphire that shimmered under the candlelight, mesmerizing and exquisite.
“What is this?” she breathed.
Theodore picked up the bracelet, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “It’s custom–made by a renowned jeweler. It’s called Vitae Cor.”
Lifting her wrist, he slipped the bracelet on with practiced care. “It means you belong to me..
Always.”
As he fastened the clasp, he leaned in and kissed the center of her forehead. “Happy birthday!”
Eliana bit her lip, her eyes brimming with emotion. ‘When did he become so good at this?‘ she wondered. ‘Vitae Cor… Is that his way of giving me his
heart?‘
Noticing the flush in her eyes, Theodore teased, “Getting emotionál? I wouldn’t mind
decided to show me how grateful you are tonight.”
She let out a breathy laugh and nudged him with her elbow. “God, you’re impossible.”
He chuckled. “Come on. Make a wish.”
She turned toward the cake, closed her eyes, and said softly, “I wish for everyone I love and who loves me to stay safe and well.”
Theodore’s brow lifted. The words rang a bell. “Didn’t you wish for the same thing last Christmas at the center?”
“They say sincerity moves the heavens,” she smiled. “If I keep wishing for the same thing, maybe the universe will hear me. I don’t ask for much.” And with that, she leaned forward and gently blew out the candles.
She had just reached for the knife to cut the cake when there was a knock at the door.
A voice called from outside. “Mr. and Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Burke is here. She says it’s urgent.”
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