Chapter 926



Had she not maintained her composure, she would have confronted Neal and given him a piece of her mind. Yet, impulsivity was not an option. Revealing herself now could jeopardize her entire plan to locate Brysen. If Neal caught even a glimpse of her now, her mission would be doomed, possibly putting her in grave danger.

Tightening her grip on her glass, Kallie forced herself to focus on Neal’s ongoing speech. Amidst the crowd, Neal radiated satisfaction, clearly enjoying the evening. He had indulged in quite a few drinks and was lavishing attention on the two women at his side.

Over the course of the evening, Neal unwittingly disclosed that he indeed held possession of all the money and items Kallie had sent Brysen over the years. He even let slip the name of the mental institution where Brysen was currently confined.

Neal stumbled out of the bar, his breath reeking of alcohol, with a woman draped over each arm. Kallie watched his carefree departure, her lips curling into a cold, disdainful smile.

As Neal neared his car, fumbling for his keys, Kallie pulled out her phone and dialed his number. Predictably, Neal froze, startled by the unexpected call. Gathering himself hastily, Neal answered, masking his unease with a cheerful tone.

“Miss Nixon! It’s late, what’s wrong? Is this about Brysen? I’m sorry, but she’s already asleep. I’ll check on her tomorrow and update you.”

Kallie asked lightly, “Oh? Asleep? Then why don’t you show me? I’ve been dreaming about Brysen a lot lately. I miss her.”

Neal faltered, grasping for an excuse. “Uh, maybe another day? Brysen wasn’t feeling great today and settling her down took forever. If she wakes up now, she might not sleep again.”

Kallie stifled a cold laugh. “Alright, if you insist.”

Neal didn’t realize Kallie was watching him from barely a hundred meters away, her sharp gaze catching every flicker of his panic and the lies he struggled to spin. Kallie once believed Neal to be a trustworthy man and had entrusted Brysen to his care. But now, the truth hit her like a storm. It had all been an elaborate facade, a masterfully woven charade of deceit crafted by him.

Neal exhaled in relief at Kallie’s silence and then cautiously asked, “So, uh, if there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now?”

Kallie suddenly burst into a sharp laugh, laced with fierceness. “Who said I was done? I haven’t finished just yet.”

“I’ve got some free time, so I figured I’d travel and visit Brysen. I’ll drop by your place tomorrow. I’m sure you and Brysen wouldn’t mind, would you?” Neal’s face drained of color, the shock sobering him up almost instantly.

“I… Miss Nixon,” he stammered, his voice frantic. “How about we reschedule? I’ve got plans… I need to visit my hometown. Moreover, Brysen might not even want to see you. She’s doing well now, but if she sees you and recalls those painful memories, it could make things even worse.”

Kallie’s laugh turned even colder, her voice cutting through the phone like a blade. “You’ve been hiding behind this excuse for years, and it’s starting to make me wonder what you’re really keeping from me. Furthermore, I’ve brought a top-notch psychologist with me this time. I’m seeing Brysen tomorrow, no matter what.”

Neal’s heart raced as sweat beaded on his forehead, his mind a chaotic mess of panic. But there was a small part of him that felt some relief. Fortunately, Kallie had given him a heads-up the night before. At least he had time to react and prepare. Otherwise, if Kallie had shown up unannounced, he would have been in serious trouble.

Sensing Kallie’s unwavering stance, Neal had no choice but to relent. If he refused again, it would only raise suspicion. So, he gritted his teeth and reluctantly agreed.

Once the call ended, frustration surged within Neal, and he nearly smashed his phone against the ground.

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