Chapter 1868
Bethany successfully made it back to Savrow with the help of Ms. Gold. Like a criminal on the run, Bethany took shelter in a small house on the outskirts of the city. She stayed close in the neighborhood to buy daily essentials, never wandering off too far.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
She could not opt for hotels and motels in case Justin's people would catch her the moment she showed up in the city.
Living in hiding only fueled Bethany's resentment. She was eager to get revenge and change her current circumstances.
That night, Bethany invited Zoe to meet at a quiet cafe in the suburbs.
Getting her order of coffee, Zoe took one whiff and pushed the cup away in disgust.
"What is this? Pee? Is this drinkable?"
Bethany drank without any qualms. "It's Luwak coffee."
"Yeah, right. I can tell if it's Luwak. This is just shit." Zoe took digs. "Ha. You're different, for sure, Ms. Salvador. You can even consume something so vile. You sure adapt well."
"It's interesting to experience the life of a commoner." Bethany took another sip with a blank face.
When Zoe's phone rang, she got up and took the call outside.
Hiding malice in her eyes, Bethany broke the skin of her finger with a bite and dropped her blood, which was tainted with HIV, into Zoe's coffee.
She stirred the coffee with a spoon and laughed to herself menacingly.
By then, Zoe had returned.
"I know I'm asking for a lot to have you drink this, Zoe." Bethany made a sad face and pleaded. "Just take one sip for me."
Zoe was pleased with the humble attitude of the former glorified heiress.
Since she was thirsty, she took a big gulp without questioning.
Bethany had to stop herself from smiling broadly. Still, she could not hold back the laughter in her mind.
"Let's just cut to the chase. Like you suggested before, I agree to a partnership." Zoe gracefully put down her cup and got to the point.
"But have you come up with any plans? After the last time, they would tighten the security around the dummy. Do you have a chance to get to her?"
"I heard that Ralph Thompson is pursuing Carrie."
Zoe sneered, "Since Bella, that bitch, is on board, your grandfather will agree to the marriage. Even your dad can't stop the wedding. Surely, they will go on dates if Ralph is into her. They will be out alone. I bet there will be opportunities to get to her then."
"Aren't you being too optimistic? The Thompsons are more than they appear. Bella's brothers are tough fighters." Wiser than before, Bethany had more tricks up her sleeve. "Ralph is a police officer. You're delusional to think you can kidnap someone under a police captain's nose."
"Just leave it to me. I have help." Zoe raised her brow, acting all high and mighty.
Bethany frowned. "Help? From who?"
Zoe curled her finger and gestured for Bethany to come closer before uttering, "From a mister."
Concerned about Ryan, Justin made time to visit him.
In the CEO's office of the Hoffman Group, Ryan put aside his paperwork and swallowed the pills from Dean.
"Why are you taking so many pills, Ryan? Has your stomach issue gotten worse?" Justin's brows were tied in a knot.
"I'm fine. I'll be better after taking my medications and resting."
Ryan was too drained to have a long conversation with his best buddy.
Justin looked worried. "Rest? Did you have any? Dean told me that you hadn't had much sleep in the last few days. You have been keeping busy at work. Are you trying to tire yourself to death?"
Ryan gave Dean the side eye.
Dean backed away with his head hung low, knowing he said too much to Justin.
"Yes, Mr. Salvador." Ryan smiled for once.
"Don't put yourself through this, Ryan. Your health matters more than anything. You have nothing without good health."
"I'm not torturing myself. I just can't
sleep." Ryan clutched his pen shakily, his eyes losing light. "Get me something, Justin. I have insomnia. I should be able to sleep with a bit of help get what you mean. I want to have a good night's rest too."
Justin balled his fists, his heart going out to Ryan.
He could not give him medicine, but reliance was a hard habit to kick.
Then came a knock on the door, and Yasmin entered the office in a hurry.
"Selena asked for a divorce from Liam yesterday, Mr. Hoffman. I sought Selena's divorce attorney, and with a bit of talking, I got the draft of their divorce papers. Take a look."
Yasmin handed Ryan a printed copy of the divorce papers. Justin got up and looked at the document with Ryan.
"Ha. Selena sure is asking for a lot. She wants to leave Liam with nothing at all." Ryan curled his lips.
Justin scanned the papers carefully
and said, "She is asking for a lot.
Liam is the type to cling to his wealth. He can't possibly agree to her terms. That's unless Selena has something on him. She has enough leverage on him to demand a lot for the divorce."
"Leverage?" Ryan fell into contemplation, and his eyes soon popped wide open. He grabbed Justin's arm. "Maybe she knows that my father's death is linked to Liam."