Chapter 145
23 Mar
3.54%
Chapter 145
The conference room buzzed with tension as we awaited the arrival of Timothy and Ste. Scarlett, our formidablewyer, sat at
the head of the table, her expression a mask of professionalism. | couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease, knowing that the
meeting thaty ahead would be a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over the estate.
As | sat there, my fingers tapping nervously against the polished wood, | couldn’t help but wonder how we hade to this point.
The revtions about the shady dealings of the Hayes family and the secrets surrounding the estate had shattered the illusion of
wealth and privilege that had once surrounded Timothy and Ste.
Ste had yet to arrive, and | took the opportunity to speak with Scarlett in hushed tones. My discovery about Andy, Ste’s
connection to him, had raised countless questions that demanded answers.
“Scarlett,” | began, my voice low, “I found out something about Andy. It seems he and Ste are more acquainted than meets the
eye.”
Scarlett’s
gaze locked onto mine, her sharp mind processing the implications of my words. “Go on,” she urged.
| leaned closer, my voice barely a whisper. “I saw them together, and it didn’t seem like a chance encounter. They looked... well
acquainted.”
Scarlett’s brow furrowed, and she leaned in, her voice equally hushed. “That''s interesting. Ste has been meeting privately with
Andy for a while now, even after she got together with Timothy.”
The pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into ce, and a growing sense of anger welled up within me. The idea that Ste
had maintained such a connection with Andy while she was with Timothy was unsettling. But my anger was not directed at
Timothy; it was aimed squarely at Ste and her questionable morals.
| could feel the anger building within me, a roiling storm of emotions that threatened to spill over. It was difficult to remain
composed in the face of such duplicity, and | struggled to control the rising tide of frustration.
Scarlett, always perceptive, noted the anger in my eyes and spoke softly. “Evie, | know this is infuriating, but remember why
we''re here. We''re fighting for justice, for what’s rightfully yours and Timothy’s.”
| blinked in surprise. What did Timothy have to do with this?
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| blinked in surprise. What did Timothy have to do with this?
Minutes felt like hours as we waited, and the tension only grew more palpable with each passing second. The door finally swung
open, and Timothy and Ste entered in a hasty fashion, an eerily sweet smell drifting off of them.
Ste, as always, wore a facade of confidence, but there was a frantic edge to her movements that betrayed herposure.
Timothy, on the other hand, seemed exasperated and overwhelmed, his frustration evident as he took his seat across from
Scarlett and me.
“Sorry, we''rete,” Timothy blurted out, rushing in after Ste.
The room crackled with unspoken anger and resentment as they settled in the
seats across from us.
Scarlett was the first to break the silence, her voice carrying the weight of authority. “Thank you for joining us. Finally.”
Ste offered a tight-lipped smile that failed to hide the tension in her shoulders. “Let’s get this over with.”
Timothy, on the other hand, remained silent, his eyes darting between the faces in the room before eventually resting on mine.
He caught my gaze and turned his attention to the far wall.
As Scarlett delved into the intricacies of the estate dispute, it became evident that neither side was willing to budge on the issue.
Ste clung to her im with tenacity, while Timothy appeared increasingly frustrated by the deadlock.
Eventually, Timothy spoke up, stunning everyone in the room. “Have you two considered splitting the estate? | mean, the ce is
so big that you could practically house five families in there.
Ste’s reaction was immediate, and her expression contorted into one of displeasure. “Split the estate? Timothy, that’s absurd!
I''ve put too much into this, and | won''t settle for less than what''s rightfully mine.”
Herwyer, nodded in agreement. “I have to echo Ste’s sentiments. Splitting the estate would not be in her best interest, given
her substantial contributions.”
Scarlett snorted. “Contributions?”
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“Look,” thewyer started, running a hand through his thinning hair, “We''ve been at this for far too long. | suggest we find a
resolution soon.”
I turned my attention to Ste, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “Ste, exin again why you’re so adamant about
retaining the estate? What is it that makes it so crucial to you?”Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.
Ste''s response was maddeningly vague, and she seemed to dance around the question. “The estate is a part of our future,
Evie. It’s where Timothy and | will build our family together.”
The mention of a future with Timothy stung, and | felt my resolve harden. “Ste, you’re wasting time and money on this dispute
when it could be better spent on your wedding. You''re jeopardizing your own happiness.”
The words hung in the air, and | could feel the tension in the group rising. Ste''s refusal to provide a concrete answer only
fueled my frustration. She was hiding something, and | was absolutely sure that Andy was involved.
Ste’s grip on Timothy tightened, and she shot me a withering re. “My happiness is not up for debate, Evie. I''ll do whatever it
takes to secure our future.”
As Ste clung to Timothy, | noticed him watching me, his expression strained. He seemed deep in thought, and | was curious to
hear what else he thought of the matter. Their fight in the apartment hallway still echoed in my mind, and he hadn’t seemed too
pleased with the idea of living with her.
| seized the opportunity to suggest a new approach. “Perhaps it would be beneficial for all of us this time around to actually visit
the estate and assess its assets before making any decisions. Seeing it firsthand might help use to a resolution.”
Timothy nodded in agreement, and Ste and Scarlett seemed to reluctantly concur. Perhaps if Ste actually saw the property
for herself, she’d question its significance. It was a small step forward in a battle that had grown increasingly convoluted.
“Alright then,” Ste’s attorney said. “We can visit the property tomorrow at noon. I''ll see you all then.”
As the others began to gather their belongings and make their way to the exit, Ste wasted no time in grabbing Timothy’s arm,
her grip possessive and determined.
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“Come on, Timothy,” she urged, her voiceced with urgency.
Timothy, however, hesitated. He nced around the room, his eyes meeting mine and lightly shook her off.
“Give me a moment, Ste,” he replied, his tone weary.
The room gradually emptied, with everyone making their way out, leaving only me and Timothy behind.
Finally, he spoke, his voice tinged with regret. “I’m sorry for getting you tangled up in all of this, Evie.”
| paused, meeting his gaze with a resolute expression. “Don’t be. | willingly epted this opportunity, Timothy.”
His body stiffened at that, and a soft “Huh,” escaped his lips. | tossed my bag over my shoulder and squeezed past him before
pausing in the doorway.
“And | don’t n on making things easy for you or Ste,” | added.
With that, | turned and left the room, leaving Timothy standing there, a stunned expression dawning over his entire face.
Business wasn’t meant to be personal, but my motivations had be exactly
that.
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