Chapter <b>34 </b>
<b>+ </b><b>80</b>%
Reba’s mind reeled. Mia Specter? Her ex–sister–inw? It didn’t make any sense. Miat had always been cruel but never openly hostile. How could she be connected to Alicia and Dr. Theodore?
“Are you sure?” Reba asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Cathy nodded. “I double–checked everything, Mia’s been in contact with both Alicia and Dr. Theodore for months. It looks like she’s the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Here, take a look,” she said, showing Reba some pictures on her phone screen. Mia and Doctor Theodore were seen speaking earnestly in a restaurant. The picture appeared normal to the naked eye, but Reba saw it as aplete exnation.
Reba felt a mix of anger and betrayal surge through her. “Why would Mia do this? What could she possibly gain? I know she and her mother hated me, but I never thought she would go that far.”
Cathy shrugged. “I’m not sure yet, but I’ll keep digging. There has to be a reason, and I’ll find it but, to be honest, I’m having trouble finding a thread connecting Nichs to Alicia or Theodore. I tried going to the hospital where he was diagnosed with gliostoma, but they keep all patients‘ medical data private, so I can’t do anything.”
“I know, it’s hard to y clean, but Cathy, as a friend, I want to hear from you. Do you think Nichs is involved with Alicia?” asked Reba, leaning her body to catch Cathy’s raw reaction.
Cathy cleared her throat. “Well<b>, </b>to be honest, I am not sure. I mean, after you told me about Nichs, I was skeptical because there were so many coincidences, and they <b>all </b>had to do with hospitals. Do you understand what I mean?”
<i>“</i>You think he faked his diagnosis?” Reba’s voice stuck in her throat.
Cathy shakes her head. “It was only an assumption, Becky, and we will always feel bad <i>if </i>it turns out to be incorrect. I mean, he’s dying, If we use him of charges that aren’t yet proven, it willpletely kill him,” she replied, trying <i>to </i>be wise.
Reba took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “You’re right. Now let’s talk about work! You said you got something for me?”
Cathy smiled widely. “Hell <b>yes</b><b>!</b>” “Are you familiar with Kelly rkson’s show?<b>” </b>
Reba snorted. “Is that even a question? Of course, I know! I mean, everyone is discussing it right now. Why? Don’t tell me-
+80<b>% </b>N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.
Cathy extended her hand, clutching Reba’s. “Yes, it is! You were asked to appear as a guest star! You were even asked to do Kelly’s makeup live!”
Reba covered her mouth in disbelief. She was one step closer to being popr. When all of Alicia’s sins were exposed, she was certain that others would learn about her because she was no longer Miss Nobody. She is Becky Blush–Off, the top influencer.
“Thanks, Cathy. I mean it.”
Reba’s joy faded as they parted ways, and she began to think about Mia’s
involvement. It added an extrayer ofplications to the problem. She needed to be more careful than ever before.
When she returned to the apartment, Nichs was waiting for her, his smile genuine. “How did the meeting go?”
“It was great. Cathy said Kelly rkson’s show wants me,” Reba replied, her mind still racing.
Nichs sensed her unease. “You okay? That should be good news, but why do you look unhappy?”
Reba looked up. She swiftly realized that she should only tell Nichs about work until she was certain that he had no involvement with Alicia. “Yeah, just a lot to process. You know, I’m a newbie!” She said it, forcing a smile. “I’m going to take a shower and clear my head.”
Nichs nodded. “Alright, take your time.”
As Reba stood under the hot water, she tried to piece everything together. Why would Mia team up with Alicia and Dr. Theodore? What was their endgame? And more importantly, how did Nichs fit into all of this?
“Nic, I’m craving Butterhalf Chocte Croissants, but the delivery service said they only serve dine–in for today, so I’m going toe down for a moment to buy them. The store is just <i>a </i>couple blocks away,” Reba grumbled as she towel–dried her hair.
“Okay, I’lle with you!” Nichs eximed joyfully.
Reba took a big breath. “Nic, I’m not underestimating you, but the queue will be very
long, and I’m afraid your head will be hurt again,” she stated sincerely, despite her doubts about Nichs‘ condition.
+80%
Nichs froze for a few moments before nockling gently. “Thank you, Becky. “I really appreciate your attention to me when no one else did,‘ she remarked, her eyes slightly. tearful, easing Reba’s doubt.
Reba waved her hand. “You don’t have to say that! You give me the chills like you’re going to die tomorrow! I will be back with croissants and vegetable juice! You’d better take a shower because we’re going to have a movie marathon tonight!” She cried, removing the towel from her head.
Nichs smiled slightly. “Okay!”
Reba dashed to her room, grabbed an oversized hoodie, and walked out of the apartment with her hair still half–damp.
She felt miserable as she nced at the crowded pavement, knowing that she couldn’t live a normal life like them.
“It’s your choice. You could have let go of what happened to you and moved on, but you decided to punish Alicia, so enjoy the process!” yelled a voice inside her head.
She took a long breath, unable to deny that the voice was correct. She scowled when she entered Butterhalf due to the long queue and stood at the back of the line, scrolling through her social media.
She was about to give up after waiting in line for five minutes and still not getting her croissant when someone touched her gently on the shoulder. “Double butter chocte croissants, I bought six for you. They limit purchases, so I couldn’t buy more.”
Reba turned, her body stiffening, as she saw Harvey standing in front of her. He looks extremely handsome in jeans and a dark turquoise turtleneck, which suits him perfectly. “Are you stalking me? For real? How did you happen to be here?”
Harvey took a deep breath. “You may not know, but ever since you bought me this croissant a few years ago, I’ve made it my favorite one.”
Reba was taken aback, even ttered, until she remembered that Harvey had never loved her during their three years of marriage until their divorce. “Don’t make up stories just because you’re worried about losing your toy. Take your croissants away; I don’t mind if I have to wait for an hour,” she murmured, not looking at Harvey at all.
<b>BUXI </b>
“Okay, then I’ll queue with you,” Harvey said, taking a step forward and standing beside
Reba.
Reba scowled, “Are you crazy?”
Harvey shrugged his shoulders. “I am not sure, but I had the same thought. Perhaps <b>I </b>have lost my mind.”
Reba shook her head. “Just because you have Specter behind your name doesn’t mean you can get everything you want,” she muttered, folding her arms across her chest.
“Okay, I don’t have time for this.” Harvey suddenly grabbed her hand and led her out of the store. “What are you doing?” Reba yelled, unable to stop him because Harvey’s body was much stronger than hers.
Harvey led her into a little alleyway between two stores and entrapped her in his arms.
“I know that look in your eyes, Becky, and I know you still want the same thing,” he eximed, frantically.
“Bulshit! You know nothing about me! Even if you’re right, it has nothing to do with you.” She hissed in anger. She could smell his signature perfume mixed with the aroma of the croissants he had dropped at her feet.
“Are you sure you didn’t miss this?” Harvey’s hand went under Reba’s oversized sweater and touched her delicate skin.
Reba held her breath and had difficulty fighting back. She could scream and use Harvey of rape, but she was fighting herself. Her body demanded Harvey more than anything else, as it always did.
The mountains of beer crates lined up in front made no one dare enter the narrow alley. Reba’s adrenaline was rushing, not only because of Harvey’s touch but also because they were in a public spot where they could be caught at any moment.
“Nobody can have you, Becky. “You are mine, right here and here…”
Harvey kissed every inch of Reba’s body, causing her eyes to close in resignation. She knew she should have shoved Harvey and run away, but she couldn’t help herself. With a gasp, she drew Harvey into a burning kiss on his lips.
“May I?” Harvey whispered. Reba nodded with a tightened throat.
@+<b>80</b>%
They did it right there, in the heart of bustling New York. Reba’s moans matched the
sound of horns and music from street performers. Meanwhile, her cell phone. continued to vibrate, and four unanswered calls came in from Nichs.