Chapter 21

Chapter 21 I left my parents‘ house at 6 AM. At this hour, my father usually went for a morning walk, and my mother prepared breakfast, but they were still asleep; they’d stayed up late. I left a note on the refrigerator.

After disguising myself, I took a taxi to Sherry’s. She opened the door, dark circles under her eyes.

“Is Julian Shaw even human?! He’s a beast! No, calling him a beast is too kind! And Rita and her mother–they’re than animals!”

Since receiving my call at dawn, learning about last night, she’d been furious, wanting to tear them apart.

While she raged, I remained unusually calm. Entering, I said, “Is there anything in the fridge? I’ll make breakfast.”

She was stunned....You have the appetite for breakfast?”

I took off my coat, pushing her onto the sofa. “Why waste time being hungry for those animals? We need to eat, to get the energy to deal with them.” I was about to remove my hand.

“Wait...” She held my wrist, staring at the deep, bloody marks, her face pale with horror.“They tied your hands during all that?

They didn’t give you a single chance to escape.”

“Yes,” I smiled. They didn’t give me a single chance.”

“Rita is vicious, but Julian...” She took a breath, choking up. “Even if he doesn’t love you anymore, they could have just separated. Why go to such extremes? Eight years, eight years! For a new lover he’s known for less than six months, he could be so cruel. I... I just don’t understand.”

“He’ll do anything to please his new lover.”

“But he was searching everywhere for you, acting like he cared!”

Cared? Hah...

“Do you know he’s announcing his engagement to Rita tonight?”

“What?!” She spun around, shocked.“They’re not even divorced yet! Wait...” A terrible thought crossed her mind.“Did he know you tricked him into signing the divorce papers?”

I pursed my lips.“I considered that possibility.”

She continued, “Did he set this up from the start? His mother kept you calm while he deliberately provoked you to finalize the divorce. Once the divorce and compensation agreements were signed, he’d be free, without paying anything.”

“If you refused, he’d use the video to blackmail you; to avoid it going public, you had to endure it. Then he and Rita could live happily ever after.”

“That man is terrifying...” I fell silent, lost in thought. Was it true? Recalling Julian’s actions and Rita’s words, some things didn’t quite add up.“Sherry, I need your help.”

Her mind was consumed with righteous fury.“Just tell me; I’ll do anything!”

7 pm, the Peninsula Hotel ballroom. Magnificent crystal chandeliers, soothing classical music, elegantly dressed guests mingled.

Tonight’s charity gala was Seraphine’s brainchild. Half of Chicago’s elite were present, especially the Crowes, who were in full force. Anyone could see something big was about to happen.

Rita, clinging to Julian’s arm, glanced at her phone. What was going on? They weren’t answering calls, sending no videos–what was happening? Had they failed? No way; they’d gone that far; and if they’d failed, she would have heard from them. Unless...

they’d killed her and were hiding? She scoffed. Boring. A dead woman was less fun; giving her AIDS, making her suffer, was more interesting.

-16 00 < Chapter 21 Weng Seraphine approached.“Rita, darling, let me introduce you to a few people.” She pulled Rita aside, whispering “Did it work? Did she sign the agreement?”

Rita replied, “Of course. I’ll bring it to you tomorrow.”

“Wonderful, Rita. You’re amazing.”

“Nothing special; just a little trick. It’s my pleasure to help.*

“Such a good girl. You’ll be calling me ‘Mom‘ soon.”

“Mom!” The two women laughed. Rita thought, well, that bitch is dead; the agreement doesn’t matter anymore.

Julian finished chatting with friends, stepping onto the balcony for some air. He lit a cigarette, picking up his phone to make a call. “She’s still at her parents‘ place? Didn’t leave the house? Okay, I understand.” Frowning, he hung up, finishing his cigarette before returning to the ballroom.

Julian, darling, help me choose. Mrs. Lin’s pink diamonds are beautiful; the design is unique; Mrs. Liu’s ring is nice too...” Rita showed him the auction catalog, chattering incessantly.

“They’re all nice.” Julian wasn’t interested, glancing at it dismissively. His gaze shifted, then returned. Those pink diamonds looked familiar...

“Let me see the catalog.”

“Sure.” Rita happily handed it to him. Julian turned to the pink diamond page. His brow furrowed; there was no mistake; they were the complete pink diamond set he’d custom–ordered in Italy for our anniversary–one–of–a–kind. How did they end up with Mrs. Lin? He thought of the empty drawers in the closet.

“We have the same taste! I love this set too. Mrs. Lin is too old for them.” Rita chattered, oblivious to his darkening expression.

Julian couldn’t confront Mrs. Lin here. He photographed the page, trying to send it to me–but he’d been blocked. He tried calling... also blocked. His unease grew. “Have fun; I need to leave.”

“What?!” Rita froze; seeing him leave, she quickly grabbed his arm. “You can’t leave; tonight is important.”

“What’s important?” Julian was puzzled.

Seraphine took the stage.“Before the auction, I have an announcement,” she said, exchanging glances with Mrs. Crowe. Then, in an excited tone, she continued, “My son, Julian Shaw, is engaged to Miss Caffrey; tonight, I’ll buy the most expensive piece of jewelry as a gift for my future daughter–in–law.”

The ballroom erupted in applause. All eyes were on Julian and Rita; congratulations echoed. The Crowes and Shaws were delighted. Rita was on the verge of tears... only Julian was stunned, his mind reeling. When had he agreed to an engagement with Rita? This was absurd!

At the entrance, a woman in a dark red silk gown, her long hair like flowing silk, her makeup intense and elegant, walked in. Tall and graceful, her trailing gown and dark red ribbons flowed like a bloody mist. Stunningly beautiful; all the other socialites paled in comparison. Beautifully... menacing.

“Olivia Frost!”