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If anything were to really happen to Erica and Jeremy, it would cause an earth–shattering commotion all across Seabrook.
“Ms. Russell, you really do have quite the imagination,” Sylvia replied, smiling lightly. “I wouldn’t gamble with my own life.”
“True,” Erica nodded, then pressed on, “So, what are you really after?”
Even Sylvia had to pause for a second–she just wasn’t used to people being this blunt.
Erica didn’t hesitate, acting as bold as ever. “You froze. That means you really do have an agenda,” Erica said, not letting Sylvia off the hook.
Sylvia opened her mouth to explain, but Erica cut her off, “Don’t try to explain. If you do, it’ll look like you’re hiding something. And if you’re hiding something, then it’s as good as true. So just tell us, what do you want?”
Sylvia could only stand there, at a loss for words. Honestly, she just wanted to dig up some info about the Jansen family.
“Ms. Russell, if you really don’t want me here, I won’t make trouble. I can just leave,” Sylvia said, playing along.
Erica didn’t miss a beat. “Great, hop out then.”
Jeremy pulled over to the side of the road, and without missing a step, Erica opened the door. She and Jeremy were in perfect sync, leaving Sylvia sitting there, awkwardly caught off guard.
Sylvia sighed, feeling drained. She was about to say something, but before she could, Jeremy had already floored the gas pedal, driving off before she could get a word in.
Sylvia could only stare, at a complete loss for words. She had never felt so frustrated in her entire life.
Meanwhile, now that Sylvia was gone, the atmosphere in the car lightened up right away.
Erica leaned on Stella’s arm, her voice soft and sweet. “Stella, you’re not mad at me for kicking her out, right?”
“No worries,” Stella said with a smile, shaking her head. She’d pretty much figured out what Sylvia’s real
intentions were.
Despite the chaotic things Sylvia had mentioned, a few casual comments about the case or the Jansen family made it clear that she was fishing for information.
“The Jansen family and Sylvia… Stella murmured thoughtfully. “If she’s really behind it, it’s not completely out of the question.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” Erica blinked, completely clueless.
Stella just said, “Erica, can you call Captain Lance for me? I need to talk to him.”
17:33 Sat, Oct 18
Chapter 115
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“Sure.” Erica nodded and quickly dialed Adam. He picked up right away, sounding surprised. “What’s up? Calling me this late?”
“It’s me, Stella,” she said.
“Ms. Spencer, go ahead. If you’d rather not talk on the phone, I’m actually at the hospital right now–1 can come find you,” Adam offered.
“Let’s wait a bit,” Stella said after a moment’s thought. “I’m on my way back to the hospital anyway
“Alright,” Adam replied.
Once the call ended, Erica leaned over, curious. “Hey Stella, what are you going to talk to Captain Lance
about?”
“You’ll see in a bit,” Stella said, keeping her answer vague.
By the time they reached the hospital, Jeremy had smoothly parked the car, helping Erica and Stella out. He slid back into the driver’s seat and said, “I’m not going in. If you need anything, just call me.”
He had Lumière Group to run–unlike Erica, he didn’t have all day to hang around.
“Got it,” Erica nodded. Stella added, “Jeremy, drive safe on your way home, okay?”
Once inside the hospital, Adam was already waiting outside the room with one of his officers, clearly having been there for a while.
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“Thanks,” Stella said, grateful.
When they’d gone, Stella leaned back on the bed, feeling exhausted. “Erica, try to get some sleep early.”
“Yeah,” Stella replied.
The lights in the hospital room dimmed, and the headlights from passing cars outside cut through the darkness. Footsteps echoed down the hall, but soon, they stopped right outside the door.
“Ms. Jansen.” Mark quickly opened the door, stepping aside to let Sylvia in. “Anything you need, Ms. Jansen, my family and I are at your service,” Mark said respectfully.
Sylvia sat by the bed, her long legs crossed, relaxed as ever. “There’s something I need you to do. Do it right, and your family will rise even higher. Your influence will grow. But if you mess this up, I’ll make sure your family is wiped out in Seabrook.”
Hearing the first part, Mark’s excitement was hard to hide. But the second part chilled him to the core. He hesitated, then asked cautiously, “Ms. Jansen, what exactly do you need me to do?”
Sylvia gave him a cold, dismissive smirk. “What do you think?”
Mark realized how foolish his question had been. He hadn’t truly committed to her yet, so of course she wouldn’t trust him.
“Make your choice–either climb to the top or sink into nothingness. It all depends on you,” Sylvia said, the threat clear in her words.
Mark wanted to agree immediately, but the risk of his entire family being destroyed made him hesitate.
Sylvia, meanwhile, wasn’t in a hurry. She was enjoying the power she held over him.
After a long pause, Mark finally spoke, determination in his voice. “Ms. Jansen, I’ll do it. From now on, our family is yours. Whoever you point at, we’ll go after, no questions asked.”
“And what if I told you to die for me?” Sylvia teased, her voice playful with a hint of danger.
Mark’s eyes flickered for a moment, but then his resolve firmed. “If that’s what you want, I won’t hesitate. Even if it costs me my life.”
17:34 Sat, Oct 18
Chapter 116

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