Chapter 501
Chapter 501
I couldn’t believe it when Russel finally backed off, but then Neil suddenly began to hit back. His
counterattack was fierce, which even stunned Stella Wallace and our group chat.
Stella: Is Neil out of his mind?
Alicia: Not just him. Russel too. They’re both bats in the belfry.
Barbara: Is it really about Rena?
She tagged me in the chat, asking me to weigh in.
I avoided the question, pretending not to see it and let them continue their heated discussion.
My phone rang, interrupting my reading of the group chat. It was Faith Whitmore.
We hadn’t been in touch lately. Neil had said she was returning to Eldoria because Hiram was still
there, but did they not know that Karina Aaron was already here? So, it was likely that Hiram was here
too.
“Irene, could we meet?” Faith asked anxiously as soon as I picked up.
“Sure, where are you now?” I replied.
“I’m at Sterling Estates. Do you have the kids with you? I can come to you if that’s easier. Faith, ever
considerate, offered. gave her the Sands family’s address.
About half an hour later, Faith was at our doorstep. The children were already asleep, so I left them in
Hannah’s care and hurried outside.
Faith was waiting under a tree, looking worried. As soon as she saw me, she moved forward to meet
me, “Irene, I wouldn’t have disturbed you if it wasn’t urgent.”
I had a hunch why Faith had come. It was likely about Neil and Russel.
As expected, she wanted me to mediate between Neil and Russel. Although this put me in a tight spot,
I was probably the only one whose words they’d heed.
“I’ve talked to Russel. He should cool down a bit, but Neil…” I frowned. I knew Neil too well. He was the
sort to hold a grudge. With Russel stabbing him in the back, Neil would undoubtedly want to retaliate.
“You’ve spoken to him? Did he ask for anything unreasonable?” Faith asked, worried.
“No, don’t worry. Neil mentioned you were going back to Eldoria. Is that true?” I changed the subject.
But Faith clung to another point, “Did you also meet with Neil?”
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Faith gave a resigned smile, “Neil sought you out, didn’t he? Irene, my husband and I chose you
because we know Neil still has feelings for you. He made a wrong choice back then, and it was too late
to fix it.”
I had no response, I just stood there in silence.
Faith added, “With this huge mess, my husband had to go back to Springvale to sort some matters. But
because of Hiram, I have to stay in Eldoria. I’m worried Karina might stir up trouble.”
“Karina…” I hesitated, should I tell Faith that Karina was already in Rosemont?
“What’s the matter?” Faith asked, perplexed when I stopped mid-sentence.
Just as was about to continue, Faith’s phone rang. It was Hiram.
I could faintly hear Hiram asking Faith to stay here longer and help his dad. It seemed that he was
aware of his dad’s situation.
Faith was surprised at Hiram’s maturity, “Alright, as long as you behave and eat properly, grandma
won’t worry. Where’s your mom?”
I didn’t hear Hiram’s response, but Faith looked a bit displeased. She didn’t say much, just reminded
him to ask Karina for help with his homework when she got home from work.
The call ended soon after.
It became clear to me that Hiram must have been trying to delay Faith’s return to Eldoria to keep her
from finding out that Karina was no longer there. He was just a pawn in Karina’s game.
“Hiram asked me to stay and help his father, so I guess I’ll be here a while longer.” Faith smiled at me.
“Neil was caught off guard at first, but he’s had time to recover. I’m sure he can handle this.” I smiled
back, then cautiously asked, “Where’s Karina? Isn’t she with Hiram?”
“She’s at work!” Faith said, clearly still annoyed. “Every time I think about how she pacified Hiram with
coke last time, I get angry. It’s terrible for his health!”
I fell silent, deciding not to tell Faith about Karina’s whereabouts until I figured out why Dylan was
looking for her. As Faith was about to leave, she pleaded with me, “Irene, please talk to Neil. His father
can’t get through to him, so it’s up to you!”
“Alright.” I nodded.
Before I reached out to Neil, he sought me out.
Hannah and I had taken Serena and Brandon out for a walk and returned home after dark. We were
both taken aback to see Neil waiting at the entrance of our apartment building.
“Ms. Finch, I’ll take the kids upstairs. You two can talk.” Hannah, who had always been somewhat
intimidated by Neil, hurried the kids into the elevator and left us alone.
Neil watched as Hannah strode away, a frown creasing his forehead. “What’s her problem? Doesn’t
she recognize me?”
“Of course, she does,” I explained patiently, “It’s just that she finds you… challenging to be around. She
probably didn’t want to exchange pleasantries.”
“What do you mean ‘challenging’?” Neil seemed taken aback by this, turning to me. “Do you find me
challenging too?”
Was he kidding? Among those who knew Neil, how many found him pleasant company?
He was like a sword forged from ice, cold and sharp, inflicting wounds upon those who dared to
approach. Apart from me, who had been unrequitedly in love with him for a decade, and a few like-
minded friends like Mitch, most people chose to maintain a strictly professional relationship with Neil,
afraid to cross any boundaries.
I didn’t feel like answering such a pointless question. Remembering the task Faith had entrusted me
with, I asked, “Now that Russel has backed off, what’s your next move? Planning to continue this fight
to the death?”
At the mention of serious business, Neil’s expression hardened. He snorted disdainfully, “What else?
Whatever he dishes out, I’ll return twofold. Otherwise, I won’t sleep at night.”
