Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 453

“Dad, Mom’s gonna be mad if she finds out about this.”

Just as I was about to get into my car, I heard Hiram’s voice ring out behind me, directed at Neil.

I turned around to see Hiram earnestly speaking to Neil. “Mom’s gonna get jealous; you can’t be helping other women out of their problems.”

Where did this little rascal get all these notions?

“How did you manage to leave the house by yourself? Don’t your grandparents find it odd that you’re missing?” Neil returned with a question that effectively silenced Hiram.

Hiram’s eyes spun around in his head, but he didn’t say a word.

“I’m heading out,” I announced to Neil, then got into my car and drove off.

My mood was soured, mostly due to those two blind salesmen who had managed to irritate me. As for Neil and Hiram’s conversation, I didn’t really pay much mind to it.

Once I got home, I checked on Serena and Brandon before turning my attention to researching the photography studio. The information was easy to find, including some of the studio’s sneaky practices. They had been exposed by local media before, but it hadn’t caused much of a stir, likely because someone had managed to suppress the news.

This made things easier.

I continued digging into the studio owner’s background. To my surprise, a familiar name appeared. Louis Aldridge?

I momentarily blanked out. It had been a while since I’d heard that name. I didn’t know many people in Eldoria and rarely went out. Bonnie had been locked up, and I had sent Malinda back home with a sum of money. As for where Louis was, I had never paid much attention.

Was he still with Whitmore Co.? I had warned Neil before. Had he taken my advice to heart?

Louis hadn’t always been the majority shareholder of the

thoughts were in disarray. I couldn’t figure out what Louis was up

sat there, gathering my thoughts, when my phone rang.

gave me

It was Kitty.

urgent, laced with a hint of tears. Given her personality, she must be facing something truly

the situation with Karina and I, and I can’t ask Neil for help.” I hardened my heart and chose to refuse. If it was a simple favor, maybe I would’ve reconsidered. But not when it involves Karina.

should meet up first. I’m right outside your house,” Kitty added.

I was

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know where I was

I hung up the phone and went to open the

my doorstep, dragging along a suitcase. It had been a while

sport short hair,

have lost her energy, revealing a look of weariness and helplessness. Upon spotting me, her eyes lit up momentarily before she

can indeed be

years of obsession with Neil, I was practically a walking corpse. When I went out with Stella and the

longer had love in my life, I was filled with happiness. My days were simple and pure,

my complexion

suitcase and invited her in. While we weren’t close friends, she had spoken up for me on a few occasions and had always been supportive. Kitty entered the yard but didn’t go into the living

bad idea. If Karina had even a shred of