It had been a long tsince Aurora last heard from Alison Walker. She hadn't expected Alison to call her, let alone to share something as startling as news about Genevieve.
"Genevieve's sentence has already been decided. Even if she's to be released early, her tinside was far too short for someone to get her out. It must've taken someone with real influence. Seems like Ivy has found herself a powerful backer," Aurora murmured.
"That's right. Funny thing is, I only found out because a friend of mine works there. We caught up yesterday, and she quietly mentioned it during our conversation," Alison replied.
"Do you know who got her out?" Aurora wasn't particularly worried about Ivy coming after her. She simply wanted to know who was behind it so she could prepare herself. "That, I don't know. All I heard is that it's someone from... the underworld. Someone with connections on both sides of the law. So... you get it. Getting someone out isn't exactly hard for a person like that," Alison said, leaving her words hanging in the air.
As someone who grew up in a wealthy family, Aurora understood all too well that not everything could withstand the light of scrutiny. It wasn't just the criminal world-many legitimate businesses weren't exactly clean.
The ties between government and business were undeniable, and the lines between crand authority were often blurred. Like the roots of a tree, everything seemed interconnected beneath the surface. On the outside, the tree might appear lush and thriving, but underground, darkness prevailed.
"Thank you for tellingthis. I'll be cautious," Aurora said sincerely.
"There's no need to thank me. You're a good person," Alison's voice carried an almost ethereal quality, distant and dreamlike.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThinking about how they'd first met, Aurora couldn't help but smile faintly. Alison Walker, who had once been so guarded, was now voluntarily warning her of potential danger.
"How are things on your end?" Aurora asked.
"Paul and I are getting married," Alison said suddenly.
It had only been a few months since they last saw each other, yet to Aurora, it felt like a lifethad passed. Now, things had taken such an unexpected turn.
"You're still young. Is it worth tying yourself down because of hatred?" Aurora sighed. She remembered when Paul and Alison were just casual lovers. Everything that had happened since had led to this moment, changing them both.
"Don't worry about me. I'm pregnant with his child now. I just want to give my baby a proper home," Alison said before quickly hanging up the phone.
The busy tone in her ear left Aurora feeling conflicted. Alison had once been consumed by revenge, and while she'd succeeded, everything had changed in the process.
The only other person Aurora knew who was so blinded by hatred was Ivy. She thought back to their last meeting when Ivy had begged her to save Genevieve.
Aurora had ignored her, and she knew it had likely broken Ivy's heart. No one understood the consuming power of hatred better than Aurora. It had fueled her own survival for so long, but now, it seemed Ivy had inherited that burden.
Aurora's thoughts were interrupted when she noticed something was off. "Mona, this isn't the way back," she said, snapping out of her reverie.
"From the moment I picked you up, there's been a car following us. I thought it was strange, so I decided to lose them first," Mona said calmly.
Aurora, lost in her thoughts, hadn't noticed anything unusual outside. But now, glancing back, she saw a black car trailing them. It looked suspiciously like the one she'd seen earlier when buying a hot drink.
Remembering Alison's warning, Aurora's expression darkened. "Mona, head toward the city center. The more traffic, the better." "Understood," Mona replied, already planning the sstrategy. The busier the roads, the harder it would be for anyone to follow them unnoticed.
It was rush hour, and the streets were congested. Mona skillfully merged from a side road into the main thoroughfare.
The car behind them seemed aware of their tactic, maintaining a steady distance. But Mona was experienced, weaving through the traffic until the black car was finally out of sight. With the roads so jammed, catching up would be nearly impossible.
If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Aurora scanned the area behind them and, seeing no sign of the car, sighed in relief. "Mona, pull over. I'll walk from here." "Alright. Be careful, Miss Montgomery," Mona said, her tone serious. The situation was unsettling-whoever was following them clearly had their sights set on Aurora.
"I will. You be careful too. Stay alert," Aurora instructed before quickly getting out of the car.
Several blocks away, in a car caught in the traffic jam, a pair of sharp, predatory eyes tracked Aurora's fleeting figure.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Mr. Raymond, should we continue following her?" "No. Let's head back," a man's low voice replied. "Understood." Aurora made her way to a nearby subway station, taking the train before switching to a taxi to get home. Only after stepping inside her house did she finally feel a sense of safety.
"Miss, you look so pale-like you've seen a ghost!" Mrs. Hill's voice startled her from behind, nearly making her jump out of her skin.
"Mrs. Hill, do you have to walk so silently? You scaredhalf to death!" "Miss, you've never been one to scare easily. What happened to you? You don't look well," Mrs. Hill asked with concern.
"It's nothing. The cold must be getting to me. Has Julian not cback yet?" Aurora glanced at the empty living room, feeling its silence more keenly than usual.
If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Mr. Bahas an engagement tonight, but he specifically called to make sure your favorite dishes were prepared. Dinner will be ready soon," Mrs. Hill said.
"Alright." Aurora went upstairs to change, mentally berating herself for being so shaken Julian had already told her he'd be out late tonight; she just hadn't remembered in her panic.
But those sharp eyes and the car that had followed her lingered in her mind. She couldn't shake the unease that gripped her.
Her phone buzzed suddenly, and a message popped up from anom unknown number. Initially, she thought it was another spam message. But when she opened it, her face turned pale again: "Miss Montgomery, my apologies for alarming you today." In the past, she might have dismissed it as a prank. But after seeing those eyes earlier, she couldn't ignore it.
"Who are you?" she quickly replied.
There was no response. Aurora's anxiety grew, her heart pounding in her chest. Alone in the house, with Julian away, her fear only deepened.
At that moment, all she wanted was the comfort of Julian's arms and the familiar warmth of his presence. "Julian, please chsoon," she whispered.
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