Instead of dialing Juliana's number, Zeke cast Bailey a conflicted look.

“What other reason is there for her to be looking for me so urgently? Knowing her, she would never call me after her miscarriage unless she was threatened to do so.”

Bailey was taken aback.

He's right. Juliana should be calling me even during emergencies. Why did she call Zeke? Zeke is the last person she'll contact. After all, she's too ashamed to show her face to him ever since the incident that night. From my understanding of her, she shouldn't have called Zeke.

“What do you want to say? Why do you think she's calling me?”

Bailey narrowed her eyes as the wheel in her mind turned for an answer. After a short silence, she started, “I think she was threatened. That bunch of old geezers from the Hoffman family forced her to call and inform you that her miscarriage was her own doing and had nothing to do with them. They wanted to use using that excuse to appease your anger.”

Zeke clenched his fingers over his phone. His eyes were glacial.

“That bunch of old geezers have gone too far! They not only harmed a member of the Shurmer family with poison but were shameless enough to force the victim to carry the blame for them! What a joke!”

Bailey nodded in agreement. “It's funny, indeed, but also appalling. They must have threatened Julie with Huntley's life. When you return her call later, try not to reveal anything. Let those old geezers from the Hoffman family assume the coast is clear. We'll deal with them once we resolve the issue in Hallsbay.”

Zeke didn't respond to her suggestion. After a brief silence, he scrolled through his phone and tapped on the missed call.

Once the line connected, Juliana's hoarse voice came from the other end. “Mr. Shurmer? It's me. Are you free now? I would like to have a talk with you.”

Zeke furrowed his brows at Juliana's impassive tone.


Her current attitude toward me is a far cry from a month ago. I can discern she's intentionally distancing herself from me. I guess she has already let go of the yearning in her heart after going through numerous ordeals. The issue now isn't whether she can let it go but whether I allow it. I'm already caught in her web. Ever since the day she occupies a space in my heart, I have no intention of letting her escape from my side.

“Yeah. Go ahead. I'm listening.”

A dead silence stretched on for a long while. Only then did Juliana's choked voice ring out.

“I'm sure you know what happened that night, Mr. Shurmer. I apologize for that. I was too frivolous and naive hence the inappropriate deed. You must have been troubled over it. I spent the past few days in isolation, thinking over my actions and realizing my mistake. As repentance, I aborted the baby in my belly. If you're angry about my decision, please direct them at me and leave the rest of my family alone.”

Zeke pressed his lips into a thin line. His dark gaze swirled with fury.

It's just as we thought. It looks like that bunch of old geezers are done living and have a death wish. They touched my woman and even threatened her. Very well!

“You have an overactive imagination, Ms. Juliana. I have no recollection of that night, so don't take it to your heart. Since the baby is already gone, there's nothing we can do about it. Take good care of yourself, and don't make Bailey worry. The idea of revenge has never crossed my mind. After all, going against the Hoffman family requires a lot of time and money, and the outcome isn't worth it.”

“It seems I was too naive and childish for assuming you would feel even a bit of reluctance and cause trouble for the Hoffman family. The baby who passed is nothing significant to you, it seems. Whatever, then. There's nothing more to say after everything that has happened. Goodbye. Let's never meet again,” Juliana said after a long silence. Her tone was loaded with self-deprecation. “I hope you and Ms. Gourd will have a happy marriage.”

The line instantly disconnected at the heel of her blessing.

The crease between Zeke's brows deepened when he heard the beeping tone of the disconnected line.

“Did I sound too heartless? What should I do if she thinks about harming herself?”

Bailey shook her head. “The vultures in her family are tightening the noose around her neck. Your nonchalance will ease their anxiety. Julie can only be safe once they relax.”

“Let's hope so. I wish she can pull herself together and hold on until we rescue her.”

She will. That girl is tough. I'm sure she'll live on.

The next day, Bailey and Edmund traveled to the suburbs as promised.

Perhaps Yvette was overconfident in her abilities since she agreed without a second thought when Bailey suggested Edmund accompany her to pick up Justin and Veronique.

Maybe she presumed Bailey and Edmund wouldn't be able to escape once they were trapped.

Zeke didn't stay idle either as he led his men to arrest Sofie.

Meanwhile, Raiden silently waited in hiding for Bailey's next order.

Edmund arrived in the suburbs with Bailey. The tension in the car was suffocating.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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