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Chapter 34

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Rebecca’s mind reeled. Mia Specter? Her ex–sister–in–law? 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?” Rebecca 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 Rebecca 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 Rebecca saw it as a complete explanation.

Rebecca 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 replace it but, to be honest, I’m having trouble replaceing a thread connecting Nicholas to Alicia or Theodore. I tried going to the hospital where he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, but they keep all patients‘ medical data private, so I can’t do anything.”

“I know, it’s hard to play clean, but Cathy, as a friend, I want to hear from you. Do you think Nicholas is involved with Alicia?” asked Rebecca, leaning her body to catch Cathy’s raw reaction.

Cathy cleared her throat. “Well, to be honest, I am not sure. I mean, after you told me about Nicholas, I was skeptical because there were so many coincidences, and they all had to do with hospitals. Do you understand what I mean?”

“You think he faked his diagnosis?” Rebecca’s voice stuck in her throat.

Cathy shakes her head. “It was only an assumption, Becky, and we will always feel bad if it turns out to be incorrect. I mean, he’s dying, If we accuse him of charges that aren’t yet proven, it will completely kill him,” she replied, trying to be wise.

Rebecca 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 yes!” “Are you familiar with Kelly Clarkson’s show?”

11:36 Wed, Aug 14

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Rebecca snorted. “Is that even a question? Of course, I know! I mean, everyone is discussing it right now. Why? Don’t tell me-

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Cathy extended her hand, clutching Rebecca’s. “Yes, it is! You were asked to appear as a guest star! You were even asked to do Kelly’s makeup live!”

Rebecca covered her mouth in disbelief. She was one step closer to being popular. 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.”

Rebecca’s joy faded as they parted ways, and she began to think about Mia’s

involvement. It added an extra layer of complications to the problem. She needed to be more careful than ever before.

When she returned to the apartment, Nicholas was waiting for her, his smile genuine. “How did the meeting go?”

“It was great. Cathy said Kelly Clarkson’s show wants me,” Rebecca replied, her mind still racing.

Nicholas sensed her unease. “You okay? That should be good news, but why do you look unhappy?”

Rebecca looked up. She swiftly realized that she should only tell Nicholas 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.”

Nicholas nodded. “Alright, take your time.”

As Rebecca 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 Nicholas fit into all of this?

“Nic, I’m craving Butterhalf Chocolate Croissants, but the delivery service said they only serve dine–in for today, so I’m going to come down for a moment to buy them. The store is just a couple blocks away,” Rebecca grumbled as she towel–dried her hair.

“Okay, I’ll come with you!” Nicholas exclaimed joyfully.

Rebecca took a big breath. “Nic, I’m not underestimating you, but the queue will be very

Chapter 34

long, and I’m afraid your head will be hurt again,” she stated sincerely, despite her doubts about Nicholas‘ condition.

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Nicholas 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 Rebecca’s doubt.

Rebecca 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.

Nicholas smiled slightly. “Okay!”

Rebecca 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 glanced 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 chocolate croissants, I bought six for you. They limit purchases, so I couldn’t buy more.”

Rebecca 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.”

Rebecca was taken aback, even flattered, 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.

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“Okay, then I’ll queue with you,” Harvey said, taking a step forward and standing beside

Rebecca.

Rebecca scowled, “Are you crazy?”

Harvey shrugged his shoulders. “I am not sure, but I had the same thought. Perhaps I have lost my mind.”

Rebecca 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?” Rebecca 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 exclaimed, 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 Rebecca’s oversized sweater and touched her delicate skin.

Rebecca held her breath and had difficulty fighting back. She could scream and accuse 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. Rebecca’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 Rebecca’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. Rebecca nodded with a tightened throat.

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They did it right there, in the heart of bustling New York. Rebecca’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 Nicholas.