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Chapter 31
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His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 32
Ethan's heart was racing against his chest as he made his way to the isolated address given in the ambiguous message. The late afternoon sun was low on the horizon and cast long shadows over the winded road. Since he got the text, he had tried running through each possibility in his head: who might have sent it and what they could know.Was it Ryan, wanting a bit more from him? Had Claire's cold feet turned on him? Or was it someone else, someone of whom he'd never thought?With every step down to the meeting place, his apprehension mounted: a secluded clearing off of some old seldom-used road. He pulled over, turned off the car, and stepped outside into the predawn chill. It was a very quiet place, save the leaves rustling in the soft breeze, and the intermittent chirping of a bird.Ethan looked at his wrist watch; the seconds ticked away, like some kind of time bomb in his brain, as he waited. Whoever had sent that message would be there in a moment. He needed to remain composed who
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 33
Sitting in his car, Ethan had his hands clutched onto the wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white. The meeting with Gabriel had unsettled him more than he cared to admit. He could feel the walls closing in, each alternative narrowing down to one desperate last course of action. If he didn't do something now, everything that he had worked for, every carefully laid plan would come crashing down.It wasn't that he needed to convince Gabriel or manipulate him. Gabriel was suspicious and wanted to believe he was right, and there was a door at which Ethan could find an entrance.Ethan's sharp intake of breath as the ideas began racing in his head in all directions. He was down to his last card, a risky one, where he would have to bluff a breakdown to appear at the end of his rope, finally confessing. But it would be a finely scripted lie, one that would clear him of guilt while casting blame upon those below him.It was a risk, but it was his only shot.Ethan dialed Gabriel's numb
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 34
Ethan sat in Gabriel's office, his heart pounding against the walls of his ribcage. Gabriel's face was as cold as stone, unreadable as he stared across at the secretary who sat opposite them. She was outright trembling, her eyes darting from Gabriel to Ethan and back again while the tension drew out every second into an eternity.Gabriel spoke first. "I want the truth," he said icily. "No more lies, no more games. You either come clean right now, or things are going to get a whole lot worse for you."The secretary swallowed hard as her hands fidgeted across her lap. "I-I didn't mean for any of this to happen," she stammered, her voice low, barely audible above a whisper. "It just got out of control.Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "Out of control? You hacked into the company's systems, framed Ethan, and almost brought this entire operation to its knees. That's not something that just 'gets out of control.".Tears began to well up in the girl's eyes as she struggled to speak. "It wasn't suppo
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 35
Bernice paced around her room, her heart racing in her chest. This confrontation with Rafael had shaken her, yet not defeated her. She knew she had to prove her innocence. She picked up her phone, her quivering hands dialing the number of the private investigator she hired weeks ago."Mr. Harrison, we need to meet," Bernice said, attempting to sound much firmer than she did on the inside. "Today, as soon as possible. I need you to present everything to Rafael."A moment's pause on the other end of the line, and then the gruff voice of the investigator came back, "I understand. Where shall we meet?Bernice's gaze stared out the window, a stream of thoughts running through her head. It had to be a place of neutrality, public but quiet enough for some serious talks. "The Green Café, downtown. In an hour.""Got it. I was just about to let you know, that have news concerning the investigation. I'll bring everything.”“Really? Good.” Excitement filled Bernice's heart, she would prove hersel
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 36
Rafael sat upright in the dimly lit café. His gaze was riveted on the file held between the fingers of the investigator. The tension was heavy, palpable almost to the extent that it nearly caused him to suffocate. Diagonally across from him, Bernice sat with her eyes darting from Rafael to the investigator as fingers tapped out a staccato rhythm on the table. Thick unresolved tension lay between them, silent as a storm just waiting to happen.He was a middle-aged man with gray temples and an ultra-serious look on his face. The investigator finally spoke after clearing his voice, "Mr. Fernández, months ago, Mrs. Bernice commissioned me to conduct some background research on you. Particularly, she wanted me to find out about your biological parents."Rafael's jaw was clamped, his mind a mile a minute. Not being able to envision why this woman would do such a thing behind his back. Rafael looks down at Bernice, her face rummaging just for an ounce of deception. All he saw, though, was a
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 37
Bernice sat by the window, staring outside towards the gray sky as her heart was heavy with concern. It had been days since Rafael had walked out of the café, leaving her in stunned silence. Every passing hour he did not say a word was like a year to her. The only thing in her mind was that one café conversation, as it replayed in an endless loop in her brain; the look of betrayal in his eyes made her feel so full of guilt.With a soft sigh, she turned away from the window. She didn't know which direction to turn next. She'd made a mistake, a big one, and now she wasn't so certain Rafael ever would forgive her. Her phone lay black and silent on the table-a real reminder of the gap between them.She sat, wallowing in her despair when out of nowhere, her phone buzzed. Instantly, her heart did a leap, and she snatched it off, her breath catching in the middle of her throat as Rafael's name flashed across the screen. He had sent a message.**"Can we meet? Same place we first met.**The m
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 38
Having been at home, still caressing her psychological wounds from the huge weight of relief passed between Rafael's forgiveness and their reconciliation earlier that week, Bernice sat in the living room. Her mind rivaled suddenly what the future held for them. Then, she heard a gentle knock at the door and rose to open it. Opposite her stood a man with a big package.Delivery for Mrs. Bernice," he said, courtesy-smiling as he extended the package to her."Thank you," she said, taking the package and closing the door behind her. She set it down on the table, her heart racing with curiosity. Who could have sent her something?She unwrapped the package carefully and had been so shocked to see an evening gown in deep emerald green. It was fabulous, the sort of gown which would make every woman look and feel like a queen. As she took it out, a little note fell into her palm from between its folds.She reached for it, hands slightly shaking as she unfolded the note to read the words in Raf
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 39
Bernice wakes up with the soft morning sun peeking through the curtain. She is lying cozily in Rafael's arms. The thoughts of last night brought a soft smile onto her lips. Gently, she turns towards Rafael who is sleeping serenely, his breathing rhythm normal.As if to say he could feel her gaze upon him, Rafael stirred. His eyes fluttered open-his somewhat heavy eyes looked squarely at him. When finally he found her, a soft grin spread into his face."Morning, beautiful," Rafael whispered huskily from his sleep."Morning," Bernice replied softly, brushing the strand of hair off his forehead.Rafael leaned forward and pressed a light kiss on her lips, drawing backward far enough only to look into her eyes. "How are you feeling?" he asked with a genuinely curious note in his voice."Happy," Bernice admitted as her heart warmed up to the display of affection in his gaze."Ah, thank goodness," Rafael said, shifting onto his side to prop himself up on his elbow. "I thought, how about we s
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His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 108
Bernice grasped the wheel as if to hold it for dear life, the minute she pulled into Rafael's office parking lot. Today was supposed to be routine-quick, business-focused, in and out. Yet, for some reason, that old tension that always hung in the air where Rafael was concerned seemed to ratchet a notch higher today. She steeled herself and exhaled in an attempt to keep her cool through whatever new turn this meeting might take.She entered the office, heel to toe, clicking softly on shining marble floors, and prepared herself by silent rehearsals for yet another strained-for-civility professional encounter. But as she went into Rafael's office, what greeted her was not the now-familiar figure behind the large desk but the large, empty room: the leather chairs there, the mahogany desk stood as it ought. But without Rafael's presence, the room sounded silently unread, unfinished.Frowning around. Where was he? So engrossed in steeled words and curbed emotions, she was quite caught of
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 107
"Why are you being so hard, it doesn't have to be this way," Rafael was saying in a low tone as he relaxed back into his chair, the intensity pulling at her stomach. "We've shared… a lot more than just business, haven't we?"She met his gaze steadily, hiding the frustration bubbling just below the surface. "Rafael, please," she said calmly. "Why don't you get it and just stop making this harder than it already is."He huffed, his head tilting as if he was studying her. "You make it sound so cold. I'd hoped…” He let the silence hang a little too long."I'd hoped we might find a way back, somehow. Clear the air. If not now, then perhaps… over dinner?""I don't think that's such a good idea. I'd rather keep things professional," Bernice shot back.“Professional,” he repeated, a bite to his words as he leant forward almost scoffing. "Is that really the way you want to play this?"Bernice's fingers closed over the edge of the table. "It's how it needs to be, Rafael. You made your choices.
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 106
Alexander's head had whipped toward the hall the instant Ethan's cell phone had buzzed on the coffee table."Ah, I need to take this," Ethan muttered, snatching up his phone and moving toward the door. He turned back to Alexander, his brow furrowing briefly with suspicion. "Be right back."Take your time, Alexander said with a wave of his hand, even as he settled back into the couch in that same nod of the head, waited for the door to click shut behind Ethan before springing up himself in one swift second, his expression going from one of relaxation to one of focus in that same swift second.Here it was.Alexander padded down the narrow hall, his eyes flashing to either side into the rooms on both sides. Light of foot and keen-eyed, scanning for any sign that might hint at where the burner phone was. It would not be out in the open; Ethan was too careful for that. But a man could get sloppy when he thought he was safe, and Alexander had no intention of leaving without a closer look.
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 105
"Alexander, I have an update," Detective Marcus said, the sound of his voice crackling through the phone, the seriusness of his tone a prologue to the weight of the news he was about to deliver. "We figured out the phone used to contact the kidnappers."Alexander's hand tightened on the phone as he traversed the expanse of his study. "And?""It was a burner phone. Disposable. Untraceable beyond the initial purchase, but enough to confirm someone's trying hard to cover their tracks."Alexander exhaled low and narrowed his eyes. "So Ethan and Olivia think they can outsmart us. It only makes me sure they're hiding something."For a couple of seconds, Marcus didn't say another word, his voice low. "Be careful, Alexander. If they are in this, they are playing with fire already."Alexander's jaw clenched. "I know that, and that's just what makes me have to keep pushing. Thanks for the update, Marcus."As Alexander tucked the phone back into his pocket, he hung up the call. New determinatio
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 104
"Ethan," Alexander said, his tone silky, deliberate, as he sat down opposite him, easing his body into the leather chair with a casualness that didn't quite fit the discussion about to take place. "We don't get to sit down like this often. Thought it'd be nice to… change that."Ethan's eyes fluttered, shoulders guarded. "I didn't realize you were interested in spending time… outside of business."Alexander hunched his head forward and loosed a low husky laugh; the sound broke up in a relaxed clap of hands. "Business, business," he muttered wryly, flashing Ethan a sly smile. "Seems that's all I ever talk about these days. I figured you'd understand-the need to unwind a little."Ethan nodded shortly, eyes narrowed at Alexander guardedly. "I don't have many people I. trust, to put it mildly.”Alexander lifted an eyebrow; his face slackened just enough to show empathy. "Oh, I get that. I've heard enough about Rafael's dynamic relationships to understand loyalty is hard to come by around h
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 103
"Business, Rafael," Bernice's voice cut, keen as a knife, as she looked up from the table, her eyes like steel. "That's what we are here to discuss-the partnership. Nothing else."Rafael leaned back in his chair, one corner of his mouth tugging upwards in a smirk as his eyes lingered on her. "Oh, but Bernice," he said innocently, "you make it sound so. impersonal. We have history. Surely that entitles us to a bit of friendly conversation?"She didn't bat an eyelid. "This is a business meeting, not a reunion.”Rafael's head leaned in, but that smirk never faltered. "You always did know how to cut straight to the point." A soft clearing of a chuckle emitted from him at the rhythmic tap of his fingers against the table. "Can't deny that's something I missed about you."She bit back, choking down her urge to roll her eyes as her gaze fell onto the stack of documents in front of her. She was ready for this, knew all of Rafael's games. It didn't make a difference to being incensed over it.
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 102
"Tell me, Bernice," Rafael's tone was indolent, but his eyes flashed with something darker as he leaned back in his chair, never once looking away from her. "Are you really ready to work with me?"Bernice met his gaze, her eyes unflinching. "That depends. Are you?"A smirk played on his lips, his eyes masking their true expression. "You were always… amusing. I've missed that about you."She cocked her head to one side, undisturbed by his words. "I don't miss anything about you, Rafael."He chuckled low in his throat. "We'll see about that."Alexander stood across the room, his jaw clenched, while this all transpired. Every time Rafael so much as looked in Bernice's direction, his entire being bristled. He hadn't wanted her to agree to this, and every second she spent in Rafael's presence felt to him a willful and calculated attack on his own resolve.Bernice sailed through the conference in detached grace, her voice flat and professional, her face a mask of resolve. When Rafael ventur
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 101
"Rafael has agreed to the deal," Gabriel began, his voice cool, even, as he spoke to Alexander and then Bernice in the silence of the posh restaurant's private room. The next words to leave his lips, though, were laced with the weight of a complication neither could easily disregard. "On one condition—he wants to work directly with you, Bernice."Alexander's eyes narrowed and his hand tightened around the edge of the table. "Of course he does," he muttered, speaking low enough that his frustration did not escape.She sat silent, composed, her face unreadable. She had expected this move from Rafael; it was just the kind of strategic play she had anticipated. Rafael didn't want a simple business arrangement; he wanted an opportunity to draw her back into his orbit, to see if he could unsettle her."Is that all right with you, Ms. Bernice?" Gabriel asked as if he hadn't seen the clenching of Alexander's jaw or the way Bernice's fingers rested tautly upon her thighs.Alexander turned a s
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 100
Bernice shut the door of her hotel room, feeling this weird mix of triumph and something unsettling, like a ghost she thought she'd long since buried was whispering just behind her. She took a deep breath, leaning her head back against the door, replaying the events of the day in her mind-the meeting, Rafael's silent, searching gaze, and the way she had remained poised and unwavering. She'd hardly let herself look at him, hardly allow him to register as more than another face across the table.But of course, it wasn't that simple.She muttered to herself, as though the silence could be broken by firm resolve. "It doesn't matter anymore. None of it matters."But she knew it wasn't quite true. She could still remember the incredulous look that had crossed his face that night, the fire of his anger blazing in his eyes. And how he had cut her out of his life without a single question, without letting her explain what had happened. She didn't know today how that stranger had been in her
