Secrets 312

Scarlett stirred the foam in her latte, watching it spiral into a tiny whirlpool beneath her fingertip.

“When I hypnotized Dora, I thought she was pitiful. If no one helps her, she’ll carry that label

for life.”

She wasn’t a saint. But looking at Dora, she couldn’t help but see her own shadow.

Back when the Joyner family had crushed and slandered her, if even one person had reached out a hand, maybe the pain wouldn’t have cut so deep.

Across the table, Jasper drummed his fingers softly against the wood, the rhythm steady. He lifted his gaze, eyes darker than the dusk outside, though not oppressive. “You want to take the case?”

Scarlett nodded. “Yes.”

“Why?” Original content can be found at find⦿novel.net

“Helping her… also helps me build a name.”

His fingers stilled.

He saw it in her eyes—the quiet defiance hidden beneath her calm, the same fire he had seen that day in the auditorium when she played on with broken strings.

A faint laugh escaped him, low but enough to silence the tension between her and Jack.

“Then take it,” he said simply. “Whatever you need, say the word.”

Jack whipped his head around, glaring. “You too? She’s-”

“She’s not reckless,” Jasper cut him off, gaze still fixed on Scarlett. “She knows what she’s doing.

He drew his phone from his pocket. As the screen lit up, a flash of coldness flickered in his eyes “Besides, some waters must be waded eventually.”

The phone rang before Jack could argue again. Jasper answered. After two short sentences, his brow tightened. “Understood.”

He ended the call, thumb brushing idly over the phone’s back. “The Fletcher family has trouble. I need to return to Jandale.”

Jack blinked. “So urgent? The old estate-

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Jasper didn’t elaborate, only nodded. “Old debts to settle.”

His shifted to Scarlett. “You’ll need to be in Jandale too, won’t you? Dora’s trial is there.”

gaze

Scarlett nodded. “Yes. The case files and key witnesses are all in Jandale.”

“Perfect.” Jasper stood, the hem of his dark coat brushing the chair as he moved. “We leave at

nine tomorrow.”

Jack opened his mouth again, but Jasper’s look silenced him. It carried quiet certainty: her choice is not up for debate.

Scarlett glanced between Jasper’s back and Jack’s sulky expression–and laughed softly.

Jack caught the light in her eyes and finally sighed, downing a swallow of bitter coffee. “Fine. If you’re both going, what can I do?”

After signing her contract with Jack, Scarlett prepared to leave for Jandale.

Sharon couldn’t hide her reluctance. This time apart, who knew what might change? Would they ever meet so easily again?

Scarlett hugged her with a smile. “Silly. Jandale isn’t that far from Trenwyn. If you can’t drive, there’s still the train.”

Sharon sniffled. “You’re so unromantic. I’m worried about you, that’s all.”

“I know,” Scarlett said softly. “I’ll be fine. We’ll stay in touch.”

Only then did Sharon release her, forcing a bright smile. “Safe travels.”

Scarlett climbed into the car. Jack was at the wheel, Jasper beside her. The air lightened the moment she joined them.

“Don’t worry,” she said, waving back. “We’ll keep in touch.”

Sharon waved hard, her smile radiant despite the sting in her chest.

The car rolled away.

Moments later, another car screeched to a halt. Colt leapt out, breathless, running forward- only for Sharon to stop him.

“They’re long gone. Why are you only showing up

now?”

The fire in his face faded, leaving only loneliness. “Something came up at the station.”

Sharon’s lips curved in a sharp, humorless smile. “Then there’s nothing you can do. Choose work over love, and this is what you get.”

Colt fell silent.

Sharon looked toward the car that had carried Scarlett away. Some people could balance both -work and love.

And those were the ones who deserved to keep her.

Jandale.

Leo had placed Rebecca in the villa district. It was his first time visiting since.

He studied her pale, worn face, his own expression hardening with irritation.

“I brought you here as a healer, not to sulk at me.”

“Starting today, you’ll stream again. I don’t care how you do it. Within a week, you’ll build heat and become the healer everyone online is talking about.”

Rebecca’s eyes were rimmed with red. Since learning the truth and returning, she had been little more than a walking shell.