Semua Bab The Bargain : Bab 211 - Bab 220

Racheal took another painkiller the next morning. It bothered her that this excruciating headache would return weeks after her attack. Well, it was not unlikely it would, what with the intense stress she was always in.“Racheal.” She turned to see Jade was looking at her. “I'm sorry. I zoned out.”Jade was holding up several veiled hats she had someone bring from her luxury shop.Racheal looked at them. It was not like they were attending a fashion show, but if she wanted to conceal her appearance from the public like she did yesterday, these were important. She picked the hat with the net veil that was least transparent. “You will not need sunglasses with that.” Jade commented as she dumped the rest on the couch. “Oh, I will. Steffan will be close.”Jade looked at her, and said nothing. Racheal realized she had been quiet about any Steffan-related topic since last night.She did not want to alienate her friend, but talking about him every minute of the day did not help her fo

Racheal smiled sadly. She had always been in danger since she arrived here. Thalia, Danna, Spencer, and even Zuri.“How do you know Zuri?” She asked, looking up at Delbert, suddenly remembering they had come to Chloe’s ball together.“She is French like my grandfather. Herself and...” He stopped.“Malorie. I know Malorie," She said. So he knew about that too.“Is Steffan keeping anything else? You don’t have to tell me what it is.” She stared up into his eyes, trying to find the truth.“No. I don’t think he is.” Delbert said simply.Racheal nodded.“You both were friends. Did you know Zuri would attack me?’” She asked.“Of course I didn’t,” Delbert said, stepping back. “I don’t even think she planned to initially.” He added more calmly. “She was always angry, but she would never hurt an innocent person.”“Well she did.” Racheal said, remembering the horrible night she had to spend in that shed, facing the gun, trying to stay awake and not move too much, so the gun would not go off.“

Racheal watched the man as she sat in his apartment. He was Steffan’s friend, and Zuri’s friend too. That unfortunate day,On Zuri’s plea, he had gone to Steffan’s apartment to check up on Malorie, since Zuri could not go herself after being banned from the place for creating a scene, because she tried to pull her stubborn sister away.He had gone there, confirmed she was OK, then went to the kitchen for a glass of water before leaving when the murderer had barged in with his men to shoot Malorie. He had stood in shock, only remembering to pull out his phone and record when the murderer leaned over the young woman to confirm she was dead, and then walked out, the murder weapon dangling from his hand.This was what Zuri had written in her email.Racheal looked at him now, the coward that had not been bold enough to tell his friend, or even Zuri, till recently, when she found him again, but he was asking for a huge sum for the evidence.“When Zuri planned to pay for this video, she t

Steffan flew up, shaking his head. “That cannot be true.”“I know it’s difficult to believe, but her sister would not lie on a suicide note. It’s all here. The dates and other details.” Racheal said, stretching her phone out to him. He didn't even look at it. He went to a wall and leaned his head against it. Racheal felt relief now that he had got a private room in this lounge. She could not even imagine how he was feeling. The knowledge that he could have helped out his girlfriend, but couldn’t was too much for anyone to bear.She sat quietly and watched him lean against the wall with his back to her. She thought about Malorie. That beautiful smiling face. That could very well have been her if she was of no consequence.She was the daughter of a president, of an equally important country, and they somehow managed to treat her this way. If she had been from a poorer family, they would definitely have treated her worse.Steffan finally turned around.“What will you do now?” She

Racheal heard a rap on the door as she applied her lipstick.“Jade.” She heard, as the lock turned.“Here.” Racheal called from the bedroom. She turned as she heard the wall to wall wooden bedroom door slide open. Jade inhaled and froze.“Caliente!” She exclaimed, looking at Racheal from head to toe. Racheal smiled.“Thank you.” When a woman calls you hot, you could bank on it that you actually are. They had no reason to lie.She turned back to the mirror to look at the soft peach-colored dress she had on. “It’s appropriate for dinner, right?”“Of course it is.” Jade drew close to admire her hair she had styled away from her face. “I was wondering how you would manage without your maids. You are managing just fine.Racheal laughed.“Ready?” She asked, looking at the beautiful black dress Jade had on.“Yes.” Jade responded, taking her hand. “You are stunning.”“Oh. Not as much as you.” Jade brushed the compliment aside in a good-humored way.Racheal shook her head. “You know that i