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?

something was off. Louis hadn’t always been the majority shareholder of the studio. He had

up to.

sat there, gathering my thoughts, when

caller ID gave me

It was Kitty.

not doing well. Can you help me?” Kitty’s voice was urgent, laced with a hint of tears. Given her personality, she must be facing something truly distressing.

it’s not that I don’t want to help you, it’s that I can’t. You know 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

right

I was taken

1/3

10:18

know where I

her away. I hung up the phone and went to open the

enough, Kitty was standing at my doorstep, dragging along a suitcase. It had been a while since

sport short hair,

of weariness and helplessness. Upon spotting me, her eyes lit up momentarily before she let out a wry smile.

indeed be deduced from their

corpse. When I went out with Stella and the others, my mind

was with my parents and had Serena and Brandon, two adorable little ones. Although I no longer had love in my life, I was

my

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 room.

had even a shred of sympathy, she might