The assistand der Asher through nearly every hotel and inn in Washington.
There was still no trace of Riley.
Asher helplessly pressed the ring to his lips, rubbing it continuously. Riley had no money and nowhere to gn–where could she
he assistant drove aimlessly: “Mr. Blackwell, we’ve checked everywhere possible. It’s getting dark. Do you still want to continue searching?”
“Keep looking.” Asher stared blankly at the passing scenery outside the window. “How can I not? What if she’s been deceived? What if she’s in danger or gets hurt?”
“But…”
The assistant hesitated: “Miss Sinclair is still waiting for you. She’s called me thirty times without an answer. If Miss Hawthorne has truly left and won’t return, why continue hurting Miss Sinclair?”
Asher’s brow furrowed, his eyes flashing with displeasure: “Since when do you tell me what to do? Riley is my girlfriend. We’ve been together for seven years. I love her, and I won’t let her leave me. What I feel for Nora is only pity and sympathy.”
“Is that so?” The assistant gave a bitter laugh, meeting Asher’s eyes through the rearview mirror with a resigned look.
“But in the years I’ve worked for you, I’ve watched your feelings for Miss Sinclair transform from hatred to favoritism. Mr. Blackwell, perhaps you haven’t noticed it yourself, but your feelings for Miss Sinclair have long surpassed those for Miss
Hawthorne.”
“You meticulously planned a fake bankruptcy, losing at least ten million in orders and clients, just to deceive Miss Hawthorne and get a heart transplant for Miss Sinclair.”
“To fulfill Miss Sinclair’s wishes, you had a car accident, When Miss Hawthorne was sent to the hospital, you didn’t even look at her, instead taking Miss Sinclair’s dog for a checkup.”
“In the two years since you pretended to go bankrupt, you never celebrated Miss Hawthorne’s birthday, claiming you had no money. But for Miss Sinclair’s birthday? You spent tens of millions to rent a castle, even air–shipping roses… Mr. Blackwell, don’t these actions speak to your true feelings?”
“If you stopped loving Miss Hawthorne long ago, why not break up with her honestly? Now that she’s left, why are you making such a show of looking for her? Have you considered what you’ll do if you find her? What if she learns the truth about your fake poverty and changed heart? I apologize for overstepping, but I must suggest… perhaps you should let her go.”
Asher opened his mouth but found himself speechless.
He hadn’t even realized how his heart had shifted toward Nora, causing him to hurt Riley in so many ways.
Had he truly fallen in love with Nora?
As soon as this thought surfaced, he violently pushed it away.
No. What he felt for Nora was only pity and sympathy.
Back when he and Vivian had driven Nora to desperation, she had stood on a rooftop: “I’ve already been to prison and paid
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Two Chances, One Bullet: How His “Next Life” Promise Failed
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Chapter 12
my dues. Why won’t you leave me alone? I have nothing left but this life. If you won’t forgive me, I’ll pay for it with my life today.”
The wind had scattered Nora’s tears as she gave them one final look before jumping.
She didn’t die but broke three ribs and a leg.
Lying in the hospital bed with hollow eyes, like a lifeless corpse, she had whispered: “The last eight thousand in my account was stolen by my heartless parents. My heart condition has reached its final stage. I won’t live another year. With no career and about to be sold to an old man by my parents to bear children… why not just kill me now? Give me a quick end and atone to your girlfriend and best friend.”
