Chapter 149

Chapter 149

“God, you’ve got a way with words that could topple a saint, let alone someone as tender-hearted as Mrs. Richardson.” Jake had seen it all day after day, and he was bursting to speak his mind. Once he started, he found it hard to stop.

“Guys like us, we must be a bit more open-minded, think bigger picture, you know? Bend a little and give in. It’s not the end of the world. What’s more important, pride or your loved one? If she’s gone, who’ll suffer? You. So, if you miss her, say it. If you want to make things right, say that, too. It’s as easy as opening your mouth. What’s so hard about that?” “You think you’ve got me all figured out?” Curtis swept a disinterested glance his way. “Who told you I want to make up with her?”

Under his breath, Jake muttered, “If you don’t want to make up with her, why do you keep hanging around her place?”

A BMW 7 Series zipped past them in the next lane, prompting Curtis to command, “Pull

over.”

Jake did as instructed and pulled over by the curb, watching Curtis scrutinize the rearview mirror with an unreadable expression.

“Turn around. Let’s go back.”

As Jake turned the car back toward Golden Grove Manors, he noticed the BMW parked outside Leanne’s apartment building.

He didn’t recognize the car and looked questioningly at Curtis, who had lowered the window and was staring at a brightly lit, amber-tinted window on one of the upper floors, his face chilled by the brisk wind, expressionless.

Leanne opened her door to find Jeremy holding a box for her. “A buddy of mine shipped over a few boxes of strawberries. Selina tasted them and swore they’re incredibly sweet, so she made me promise to bring some over for you to try.”

“You came all this way to bring this to me?” There was a slight pressure in Leanne’s voice “You shouldn’t have gone through the trouble.”

Jeremy didn’t mention waiting for her in the hospital parking lot nor seeing her leave with Curtis.

He smiled and said, “She’s always thinking of you whenever she gets something good. She kept nagging me about it all day. I was in the area for work anyway, so it was on my way.”

Whether it was convenient, Leanne knew there was a reason he’d gone out of his way to bring her strawberries.

1/2

11:28

Chapter 149

Just then, Jeremy noticed the screwdriver in her hand. “What are you working on?”

“The water heater stopped working. The service center said they couldn’t send anyone until tomorrow. They suggested it might be the socket and told me to check if there’s

power.”

“Why didn’t you call maintenance? You can’t mess with electrical stuff on your own. It’s dangerous.”

Leanne felt a little embarrassed, “Because last time…”

She’d been scared before, and calling for an electrician so late made her uneasy. She

could make do without most things until the morning, but no hot water meant no shower.

don’t mind, I can check it for you,” Jeremy offered.

“If you

Meanwhile, Curtis sat in his Bentley, which hadn’t moved an inch from the shadow of a tree. He kept checking his watch, his frown turning into a scowl.

Confused, Jake ventured, “What are we waiting for so late at night?”

No sooner had he asked than Curtis’ demeanor turned colder.

Without a word, he got out of the car, his tall figure striding purposefully into the brightly lit lobby, his presence darkening the air around him.

When Leanne heard the doorbell and saw Curtis standing outside, she was shocked. “What, you haven’t left yet?”

Curtis managed to mask his emotions well, revealing nothing abnormal as he casually said, “Just need to use the bathroom.”

Checking her phone, Leanne frowned, “Shouldn’t you be home by now? Why come all the way here to use my bathroom?”

“What, is your place off-limits?” Curtis’ tone was faintly mocking.

Leanne was skeptical, finding his behavior strange.

At that moment, Jeremy walked out of the kitchen. His jacket was off, sleeves rolled up, wearing slippers, a picture of a man at ease in his own home after a long day at work.

“Curtis?” Jeremy was equally taken aback upon seeing him.

The façade Curtis had been maintaining crumbled in the bright lights. His face darker by the second.

grew

“Why can’t I come up here for a coffee while he can?”

11:28