Chapter 182 It Had Been So Long Since He’d Seen Her Smile Like That
Whitney took small sipet bertra
“When you’ve stopped loving someone, there’s on reason in get upset,” she said simply.
Rachel studied her, a blot et tosity in her voice. “When lid you stop loving him?–
Rachel laughed bitters “I spent so much time thinking of you as competition, but it turns out you stopped caring apelago)
She paused, her gaze sharpening with interest “Let me pursa – it’s because you’ve fallender anmenne else. Tothat person Noel
Whitney’s hand tighten sder the table, her expression Tuning serious. “We’ren
Uscussing my personal life. ”
Rachel smirked lamelogh. “So, Enright oibendise, howelse would Noel kumwabent my poezijaney? The two of you must be closer than you’re letting on.”
Whitney remained calm, having anticipated Rachel might make this commection
“But your relationship doesn’t matter to me,” Rachel added. “All I care about is getting my money and leaving the country for good once this is over. I never want
Whutney pulled a bank card from her bag and slid it across the table toward Harbel
“There’s a million dollars on this card,” she said evenly. “Ihe next part of the plan works, I’ll give you the password right away. Once we reach the final goal, I‘ pay via the rest –
Rachel picked up the card, curiosity flickering inhereves, “What’s the next step?”
**Damian has a watch he always wears,” Whitney explained, her tone serious. “He never takes it off. I think the evidence we need is stored in that watch
Rachel frowned, the memory of seeing that watch fishing through her mind. “You’re right–he never takes it oft. How are we supposed to get it? It’s almost impossible
“We can’t take it outright,” Whitney replied, her voice calm but firm. ““We’ll have to steal it”
Later that evening, Whitney met her friends, Yvette and Helena, at Blue Night to celebrate Yvette landing a big new deal.
By the time Whitney arrived, Yvette had already ordered drinks.
“Look at me being thoughtful,” Yvette teased. “I know you’re still recovering and can’t drinks, so I got you juice instead.”
Whitney slid into the curved booth, the flashing club lights casting fleeting shadows across her face.
“You’re always so considerate,” Whitney replied with a soft smile. That’s why I need you to do me a favor!!
Yvette feigned offense, crossing her arms. “Do we really need to use words like “favor? just tell me what you need.”
“I’m looking to rent a place. Something affordable, even if it’s a bit outside the city
Yvette’s jaw dropped. “You sold your place at Coaska Heights? You spent so much time designing and furnishing that place–it was all yours. Why sell? Are you strepped for cash?
“It’s my moms.” Whitney said, her voice measured. “Her treatments are expensive. And after the falling out with my dad over Stella’s mess, I’ve decided to handle everything on my own I don’t want him holding antling over ine.
She wasn’t about to tell y
Yvette the whole truth–there was no need to drag her into the chaos
Yvette nodded solemnly, knowing how much Whitney cared about her mom. “That treatment must cost a fortune, bah?”
“It’s a bottomless pit,” Whitney admitted. “I can’t sect you to drain your savings for me,
Yvette”
Yvette’s exquession softened, and she reached across the table, grabbing Whitney’s hand. “You’re too proud for your own good, you know that? But fine, if you won’t take my money, you’re moving in with me My house is huge, and I could use the company. End of discussion
Whitney hesitated but eventually selected, Yvette wasn’t the kind of person you could argue with once she made up her mind.
Helens arrived shortly after, and the three women toasted to Yvette s success.
emillionaire!” Yvette joked, lifting her glass high
To my lawdirin.” Helena added with a grin. “One day, it’ll be the best in the city!”
Whitney felt their energy labing her spirits. She joined in the enthousiamm, laughing as she said, “And to me, the architect who will design a world–famous
Landmark!
Across the bar, a pair of eyes followed bet trery move.
“Look at them,” said Thomas, sipping his whiskey with a smith. “They look like they’re on tome kind of high
Noel, standing nearby, remained silent. His gaze stayed fixed on Whitney, her laughter lighting up her face under the pulsing lights.
It had been so long since he’d seen her smile like that–segmesine, so carefree.
