The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 29

After Ondine left, Zeke reported his findings to Seth.

“Sir, I looked into it. Yesterday afternoon, a woman named Chantal Henson went to Ms. Sterling’s mother’s hospital room. We don’t know what was said, but they ended up arguing outside the room. After Chantal left, Ms. Sterling’s mother’s condition worsened due to the emotional distress.”

He continued, “I also found out that Chantal’s uncle, Harley Jefferson, is the vice director of Meridian Hospital. She likely used him to get information on Ms. Sterling’s mother’s room and condition.”

Seth’s voice was cold. “Have someone investigate how Harley Jefferson got that position.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And I want a background check on Chantal Henson.”

“Already done. I’ve sent the file to your email.”

Zeke was always one step ahead. As soon as he saw the hospital’s security footage of the argument, he had started digging into Chantal’s background. She was the only daughter of the Henson family, who were in real estate. She had been studying abroad for the past three years and had only recently returned.

Seth glanced at the file in his email, then made a phone call.

…

After his call with Ondine, Ellis felt a growing unease. Something about her was off. Normally, if he stood her up like that, she would have been upset. Today, she was strangely calm. Her tone had been so cold, as if she didn't care at all. That wasn't right.

Ellis stared at his WhatsApp chat with Ondine, lost in thought. He had just texted her, “What are you up to? Have you eaten?”, but she hadn’t replied. A few minutes later, he sent another message: “I miss you, babe.”

Still no response. He watched the screen, hoping to see the “typing…” indicator appear, but nothing changed.

He set his phone down and went to the bathroom. When he returned, he saw two new message notifications on his WhatsApp icon. A surge of joy washed over him.

Ondine had finally replied! He snatched up his phone and opened the app.

But there were no new messages from “Babe.”

Just then, a friend called to ask him to hang out.

“I can’t,” Ellis said. “I’m spending time with Ondine.”

“Don’t tell me you’re actually falling for her,” his friend teased.

Ellis fell silent. The words “of course not” were stuck in his throat.

His friend laughed. “No way, you’re serious? You know your mom would never approve of her.”

Ellis didn't deny it. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”

“Ellis, as your friend, I’m telling you, if you really like this girl, you should come clean with her. She seems really good to you. No one’s going to be okay with you lying to them like this.”