Chapter 128 I’ve Decided To Marry You
Renee’s voice was edged with concern as she dialed the hospital to check on Rosa’s condition. The grim news hit her hard: Rosa was still trapped in a coma, her mind retreating into the shadows to escape the haunting trauma of her ordeal. The doctors described it as a mental barricade–Rosa lacked the strength to awaken and confront the harsh light of reality.
This tragic revelation fed into Nixon and Sally’s suspicions, painting Renee as the mastermind of Rosa’s tragedy.
“Has Glenn confessed anything?” Renee’s tone was sharp as she spoke to Barr over the phone.
“No, nothing from him. He’s zipped his mouth shut and won’t reveal where he got his goods.”
A chill swept through Renee as she recalled the day she burst into Glenn’s room, an instinctive alarm ringing in her head. At her command, Barr had restrained Glenn for a thorough examination which revealed traces of U2 in his bloodstream.
“Torture him if you must, but keep him breathing. We need him talking, Barr. We can’t hold him long before his cronies start getting suspicious,” she ordered, her voice icy with resolve.
Meanwhile, William was piecing together the puzzle. It didn’t take long for him to discover that it was Barr who had snatched Glenn, and that Barr was acting under Renee’s orders. His investigation unveiled that Barr was not only a former elite special forces operative but had also served under Ryder.
“Where did Barr take him?” William pressed his assistant for answers.
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“I’m not certain,” the assistant admitted. “But there’s a rumor swirling around that Ms. Carter is seeking vengeance for her sister.”
“Her sister? Rosa?”
Since when were Renee and Rosa that close?
“Rosa is still in the hospital, unconscious. They say her injuries are severe. And Glenn himself is notorious for his cruel behavior towards women in bed.”
“Stay on top of this and keep me informed of any changes,” William instructed crisply.
Once he ended the call, his face settled into an icy mask of concern. He checked his watch, a swift, almost reflexive gesture, and then snatched up his coat and made for the door.
The rendezvous was set at a cozy little restaurant. Upon entering, William’s gaze was immediately drawn to a vibrant young woman by the window. Her hand shot up in an eager wave, while he crossed the distance with steady, deliberate strides.
“Mr. Mitchell, correct? Hi, I’m Laurie.” She greeted him with a radiant smile, her energy seemingly boundless.
“Hello, I’m William. I see that you’re indeed much younger than me,” he responded, extending a handshake.
Laurie’s grin widened, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Now, that’s hardly the right thing to say right now, is it? Especially since we’re about to be married,” she teased.
William’s brows knitted together in a frown. “You’re only 18, Laurie. Life has so much more to offer you than marriage at this stage.”
But Laurie shook her head, her smile unwavering yet thoughtful. “You see, Mr. Mitchell, that’s where you’re mistaken. My family’s expectations corner me into an arranged marriage sooner or later. If I must marry, I’d rather it
be now–and with someone I’ve chosen myself. When I saw your photo, I knew it had to be you.”
William’s eyebrows shot up, a mixture of surprise and disbelief coloring his features as Laurie’s words washed over him. What had gotten into the younger generation?
He couldn’t help but be swept back to the days of his own fiery youth, spent alongside Renee—a whirlwind whose spirit matched Laurie’s in its fierce tenacity.
“I’ve checked into your background,” Laurie declared with a disarming frankness that bordered on audacity. “Turns out you’ve been married before, and your ex–wife is gorgeous. Doesn’t bother me. I’m younger, and let’s be honest–I’m pretty good–looking too. Once we’re together, you won’t be able to resist falling for me. Love can blossom after marriage,
after all.”
With each word she uttered, the scenario stretched further into the realms of the ludicrous, pressing down on William like the beginnings of a formidable migraine.
Laurie pressed on, her voice firm, brooking no argument. “But there’s one thing I won’t tolerate. Once we’re married, you can’t meet with your ex- wife alone.” I’d rather not risk you guys stirring up any feelings from the
past.”
At that, William lifted his hand–a clear, though weary, signal for silence.
Laurie snapped her mouth shut, her expression morphing into one of cautious anticipation.
Heaving a sigh, William met her gaze, his voice steady yet tinged with an undeniable weight. “Before we continue this conversation, there’s one crucial fact you’ve overlooked–I’m still legally married. She isn’t my ex- wife yet.”
