Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 495

“How can you stop it?”

Karina, however, wasn’t ready to drop the subject. She was completely indifferent to the increasingly sour expression on Faith’s face.

“Enough!” Faith finally snapped, her brows furrowed. “Let’s put an end to this. We’ll handle whatever happens as it comes. What’s the point of all this talk?”

I remained silent. Even if Faith liked me, she wouldn’t side with me unconditionally on such a crucial issue.

My relationship with Russel was already a blatant insult to Neil. Yet, the Whitmore family didn’t care about the talk of the town and continued to treat me as always.

Karina smiled at me. “Fine, we won’t talk about it. I believe that you are a responsible person, Ms. Finch. If there’s any conflict because of you, I’m sure you’ll find a way to resolve it.”

I didn’t answer, only gave her a cool glance before continuing on my way.

On the way back, it was clear Faith was in a terrible mood. Her face was visibly gloomy, but she tried to reassure me, “Irene, I’m not blaming you. Just thinking about all this drama is exhausting.”

“I understand, Faith.” I managed a small smile. Even if Faith blamed me, she had every right to.

The prerequisite, of course, was that the Whitmore Co. issue was indeed Russel’s doing.

After returning to the hotel, I immediately dialed Russel’s number. It rang for a long while with no answer.

A sense of unease crept over me, making me restless. If Russel had simply had a falling out with Neil, I could console myself. But if it involved finance and business, I couldn’t sit idly by.

prominent family enterprises and once business partners. If they turned against each other, the implications

message to Russel: [Russel, where are you?]

three minutes later, he called

As soon as I answered, I asked directly.

going on?” Russel countered. There was noise on his end, but it definitely wasn’t

surge of frustration welled up in me. “Are you still hiding from me? Did you quit your job? Are you back in Rosemont?”

responded with unnatural calmness, “Yes, I’m in Rosemont now.

directly about whether he was behind the Whitmore Co. issue, but the words were stuck

ensuing silence, Russel broached the subject himself. “You know about

honestly, did you do it?” I didn’t want to beat around the

“Why would you suspect me? I just got back a few days ago and haven’t had a

question seriously.” My words came out in a rush, “Neil has already gone back. If the problem wasn’t serious, he wouldn’t have

voice suddenly chilled. “So, are you worried about him

defeated. “I’m worried about both of you. If you think I’m still in love with him,

I’ve ever wanted is simple – you. Even if you still have Neil in your heart, I’m willing to take time to replace him. But you won’t give me that chance, will you?” Russel’s voice was as cold as a stranger’s, devoid of warmth

was full of frustration and anger, but I couldn’t vent it out.

was confronting Russel, but now I was tongue-tied because I hadn’t managed to keep my distance from him. Perhaps my initial thought of using him

these three words. I didn’t know

apology. Either marry me or stay out of my

these options

pleaded with him, “Russel,

you in Rosemont.” With that, Russel hung