Chapter 413


    Back when I was Conrad''s constant shadow, I''d always nudge him to mingle more, to knock off that aura of being untouchable. He had gotten somewhat better, but now, he''s back to standing out like a sore thumb.


    "Ever since you two split, Conrad''s been walking around with that gloomy face, like everyone owes him money or something," Jefferson grumbled toProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    me.


    I offered a faint smile, not really biting at his bait, instead, I tossed in my own request, "Jefferson, I need a favor."


    I knew he was swamped with the uing football finals, but he was the only one I could turn to.


    "Let''s hear it," Jefferson didn''t immediatelymit.


    I bit my lip, hesitating, "I need you to dig into the real cause behind my parents'' car ident."


    His eyebrows knitted in concern the moment Iid down my request, and as I shared my suspicions and the ident report with him, I added, "Jefferson, you''re the only one who can help me."


    "Felicia, what''s the point in digging all that up?" he challenged.


    I nced down at my feet, "I know it won''t bring my parents back, but I need closure. I need to face the truth about what happened to them."


    He was silent for a moment, then, "You sure you want to go down this rabbit hole? Consequences be damned?"


    "Yes, dig!" I was resolute.


    "Alright,"


    ," Jefferson finally agreed, and I could almost feel the weight lifting off my shoulders.


    "Jefferson, I''ll cover the costs," I offered, knowing well that he''d have to pull some strings and that there''s no such thing as a free lunch.


    "Sure," he responded without burdening me, but added, "We''ll settle it after everything''s done."


    When Jefferson and I returned to the party, the crowd was already buzzing with excitement. "Hey,e over here, you''re the man of the hour... And Felicia, ying favorites, huh? Always sticking close to Jefferson."


    "Jefferson''s got a soft spot for me," I joked, though it was partly true.


    Jefferson had always been on my side, especially regarding my issues.


    The room erupted into cheers andughter.


    "That''s our girl. Take good care of her, guys Jefferson chimed in, and someone threw in, "Hey Felicia, why not make it official and join our gang? Drop the formalities and be one of the bros?"


    The suggestion was ludicrous. Me, switching from Conrad''s girlfriend to just one of the guys?


    I was about to deflect the topic with a joke when a phone ringtone cut through the noise.


    I nced over to see Conrad, staring at his phone screen, not answering or hanging up.


    His action brought a sudden silence


    to the room, making the person who


    suggested I ''join the gang''


    awkwardly scratch his nose and


    backtrack, "Just kidding, Felicia. You


    looked so stressed." Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    As the person finished, Conrad''s phone stopped ringing, only for it to start again momentster, with him swiftly disconnecting each call.


    I had a hunch who might be calling him.


    Conrad''s expression was sour,


    perhaps due to my presence. Butet


    was here to seek Jefferson''s help, and having done that, it was time for me to leave.


    Just as I was about to say my goodbyes, my phone rang.


    Seeing the caller ID, I frowned at Conrad, catching his gaze on me.


    His attention had been on me all evening, especially noticeable when I mentioned Jefferson''s care for me. I saw his hands clench into fists. So, his moodiness was because of me.


    Haley''s name shed on my screen, calling me after Conrad had rejected her calls. The implication was clear.


    I nced at the others, still engaged in their conversation, and decided to answer, "Guys, give me a sec, I''ve got a call."


    Everyone''s attention shifted to me as I put the call on speaker andid my phone on the table in front of me—