Chapter 38
Keith’s POV
The invitation to the city’s largest children’s fund banquet had arrived a week ago. It wasn’t the kind of event I typically attended, but I felt an obligation to show up, especially since Lily insisted on going.
The founder was supposed to express gratitude to all the donors, and there was something about this event that piqued my curiosity.
As Lily and I prepared to leave for the banquet, my phone buzzed with a call from Vincent, the detective assigned to Emily’s case. I answered quickly, eager for any update.
“Keith, we’ve got the results from the DNA test on the blood found in Emily’s house,” Vincent said, his tone serious. “It belongs to Black Snake, a well–known hitman. But here’s the twist–he’s already been found shot to death. We couldn’t trace the employer either, so we’re back to square one.”
I felt a cold chill run down my spine. “So, the person who hired him must have killed him to cover their tracks?”
“That’s our theory,” Vincent replied. “Whoever it is, they’re careful and close enough to know what we were up to. This person isn’t just an outsider, Keith. They’re close to Emily, maybe even someone she trusts.”
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I gripped the phone tighter, anger simmering beneath the surface. Someone close to Emily? That narrowed it down, and it made my blood boil to think that someone we knew could be responsible.
“Keep me updated, Vincent,” I said before hanging up. I glanced over at Lily, who was busy adjusting her dress in the mirror, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me.
We arrived at the banquet, and as soon as we stepped out of the car, a wave of reporters descended upon us, their cameras flashing like a strobe light, and voices shouting questions from all directions.
“Keith, is it true that you’re reconciling with Lily?” one reporter yelled, shoving a microphone toward my face.
“Is it over between you and Emily for good?” another one demanded, his voice laced with urgency.
“Lily, how do you feel about the rumors involving Emily and Keith?” a woman’s voice called out, sharp and probing.
The cacophony of questions grew louder, each one more invasive than the last. I could feel Lily tense beside me, her grip on my arm tightening. Her smile faltered, and I saw a flicker of discomfort in her eyes. The flashes of the cameras were relentless, capturing every hint of emotion on our faces.
“Are you and Emily still in contact, Keith? What does Lily think about. that?” one particularly persistent reporter pressed, stepping dangerously close.
Chapter 38
I could see the unease written all over Lily’s face, and without hesitation, I quickly ushered her inside, my arm protectively around her. The barrage of questions followed us until we were safely inside the venue, away from the prying eyes and relentless cameras.
Inside, the venue was lavish, with chandeliers casting a warm glow over the crowd. The atmosphere was lively, but I couldn’t shake the unease from Vincent’s call. The idea that someone close to Emily could be
behind the attacks made me feel sick.
As we made our way through the room, I noticed Seth, Tyler, and Nina already mingling with other guests. The event was well–organized, and I couldn’t help but wonder who the mysterious founder was. It was odd that someone with such a significant contribution would choose to remain.
anonymous.
Just as I was lost in thought, Lily’s grip on my arm tightened. “Keith, look over there,” she whispered, nodding toward a corner of the room.
I followed her gaze and felt a surge of jealousy rise in me. Frank was standing with Emily, the two of them engaged in what looked like a comfortable, intimate conversation.
The sight of them together sent a jolt of anger through me. Frank was clearly enjoying her company, and Emily seemed to be genuinely smiling, something I hadn’t seen in a long time.
Before I could process my emotions, Rosa, my secretary, sidled up to us, her expression smug. “It’s surprising to see Emily here,” Rosa sneered. “I suppose she only got an invitation because of you, Keith, or perhaps
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Chapter 38
because of the police investigation. She certainly doesn’t belong in a place like this.”
Lily joined in, her tone equally mocking. “It’s pathetic, really. She’s always trying to be something she’s not.”
My temper flared, but before I could say anything, Nina appeared, having overheard their comments. “Jealous much?” she shot back, her voice. sharp. “You two really have nothing better to do than tear down someone who’s been through hell?”
Rosa’s eyes narrowed. “Jealous? Of Emily? Please.”
“Yeah, jealous,” Nina replied, not backing down. “It’s obvious you’re threatened by her, Rosa. And Lily, you’re just bitter because Emily has something you never will–genuine strength.”
Lily’s face flushed with frustration, but before she could respond, Tyler gently placed a hand on Nina’s arm. “Nina, calm down. This isn’t helping,” he said softly.
Nina pulled her arm away, her voice sharp with hurt. “Helping? You’re supposed to have my back, Tyler. Instead, you’re standing here, siding with them while they tear Emily apart. How could you?”
The tension was thick in the air, and just as I was about to intervene, one of the event’s bodyguards approached. “Ma’am,” he said to Rosa, his tone firm, “I suggest you leave before this escalates further.”
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Rosa stiffened, her eyes flashing with frustration, but she knew better than to argue with security. She glanced at me with a cool, measured tone, muttering, “I hope you know what you’re doing, sir.”
I held her gaze, unfazed by her meaningless jealousy. “Rosa, leave now before you make this any worse for yourself.” I said, my tone firm.
Her lips pressed into a thin line, and with one last glare, she huffed and walked away, her frustration palpable in the way she stormed off.
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, grateful that the situation hadn’t escalated further.
As the lights dimmed, the blonde host, Purple, took the stage. She welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of the children’s fund, building up to the moment everyone had been waiting for–the reveal of the mysterious founder.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen,” Purple announced, her voice ringing through the hall, “please welcome to the stage the founder of the city’s largest children’s fund… Emily Donald!”
The air was sucked out of the room. My heart nearly stopped as the spotlight focused on Emily, who stood, looking just as stunned as everyone else. The room erupted in applause as she made her way to the stage. I could hardly believe what I was seeing. Emily–my Emily–was the founder?
