Old Dreams No Return (Serena) novel Chapter 131

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Chapter109.

The next morning.

I awoke once again to the sterile confines of the hospital, the familiar dread now replaced by a chilling numbness.

My hand rested on my flat stomach, a stark reminder of the profound emptiness within.

In my heart, I confessed, “Baby, there is no pain in heaven. It was never meant to be between us. I’m so sorry. Don’t wait for me in the next life. Mommy

is so, so sorry.”

Just then, the door creaked open, and Carlie stepped inside.

The sight of her, her presence a quiet reassurance, allowed me to draw a steadying breath. The tight knot of anxiety in my chest began to loosen.

What was meant for you would find you, and what wasn’t couldn’t be forced.

She gently patted my hand, her eyes red-rimmed.”Kay, don’t grieve for someone like him. He’s not worth it. Someday, you’ll meet someone who truly deserves you, someone you can build a future with-a child of your own.”

I met her gaze, a newfound resolve hardening my voice.”Thank you, Carlie. I hear you. I won’t be that naive girl anymore. I’m reclaiming who I really am-strong, unapologetic, living for myself and no one else.”

Carlie’s nod was fierce.”That’s the Kaylie I know-the daughter your mother would be so proud of. Speaking of which, here’s Leland’s medical report.

He wasn’t sick at all!”

I took the document Carlie offered, my eyes scanning the perfectly normal health indicators. The suspicion that Caitlyn had plotted him faded.

The truth dawned, cold and sharp: his supposed care for me had always been a calculated move, a means to an end.

A brittle smile touched my lips.”Alright. Today, after Allen and Caitlyn sign that cooperation agreement, my revenge will begin. I won’t change for anyone, ever again.”

Carlie’s eyes glinted with shared determination.”Good. Do what you must. I’ll back you every step of the way. Besides, Denise just confirmed. Caitlyn, Allen, and Leland are huddled over the deal right now. It’s time to settle the score.”

I nodded, the anger simmering beneath my skin. How could I have endured this torment for so long? How could I have clung to hope for Leland, given

him chance after chance?

But it wasn’t too late.

At that moment, my phone buzzed. Allen’s voice came through the line.”Is this Ms. Perez? Allen here. I understand from Ms. Hoffman that you’re unwell and hospitalized. Consequently, I’ve reviewed both of our reports and have drafted a revised plan. Mr. Pearson is present, and we’re on the verge of signing with them. Unless you object, we’ll proceed.”

A faint, cold smile touched my lips.”No objections.”

Allen’s tone remained impeccably polite, as if we were mere acquaintances. “Excellent. Perhaps our paths will cross again under better circumstances.*

I ended the call with a curt nod. Seconds later, his new report landed in my inbox. The strategy was clear; if the Leslie Group’s stock took a nosedive, they’d lose the capital for the Mississippi Development Project, triggering a breach of contract and a hefty penalty. Unable to pay, they’d forfeit the company to the Zenith Group.