Chapter 189

I spent the day walking with Olive around the city. I figured she’d enjoy seeing some sights after being cooped up in our little

apartment most days. It was nothing like the spacious home and large, open backyard she had with her mom.

I also longed for a few moments of peace, and feeding bread to the ducks with her seemed to accomplish exactly that. After a

quick meal and another long walk, we returned home with her ready to retreat to my room for a nap.

As I sank into the worn-out sofa, half—asleep, I picked up the remote control and turned on the television as some background

noise.

The news anchor’s voice filled the room, and my attention was instantly drawn to the screen. The headline flashed in bold letters:

“Affair Scandal Rocks Prominent Family”

I squinted at the television, my heart-pounding with trepidation. Stella’s face appeared on the screen. She was seated in an

elegant living room, her tearful eyes staring directly into the camera.

“What on earth?” I muttered to myself, my heart racing. I had no idea what could have brought Stella into the spotlight.

The news anchor began to narrate the story. Apparently, an anonymous source had leaked scandalous photos and information

about an alleged affair involving Stella, a prominent political figure, and a prominent businessperson. I watched in shock as the

photos emerged on the screen, depicting Stella in intimate situations with none other than Andy Hayes

As the images unfolded, my 1

raced to the thumb drive I had retrieved from Andy’s office. Those photos didn’t match the ones on the screen at

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all, though I’d made my own share of threats. Either way, it was perplexing.

*020% LJ 13:35

Evidently, Stella's PR team had gone into damage control mode. They issued a statement, denying the authenticity of the photos

and calling them “baseless fabrications.” The lawyer in me couldn’t help but analyze the situation.

The power of denial and deflection was a powerful tactic, especially when someone’s reputation was at stake. But the photos

seemed so real, and the media’s response was mixed. Some outlets were skeptical, while others chose to give Stella the benefit

of the doubt.

I watched in awe as Stella, looking disheveled and emotionally distraught, appeared on the screen. Her voice trembled as she

spoke to the media.

“I can’t believe someone would do this to our family,” she sobbed, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “Timothy and I were just on the

brink of a new beginning, a fresh start, and now someone is purposefully trying to tarnish our reputation before we can even

begin.”

Her words were delivered with such raw emotion that it was hard not to feel sympathy for her if you didn’t know the truth. Stella

was just as much of an actress as she was a model, and she knew how to work the media. Her heartfelt plea tugged at the

heartstrings of the public, and many people began to question the authenticity of the affair scandal.

But I couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in the pit of my stomach. I knew the truth about the thumb drive, and I had seen

the evidence. How had the photos of Stella ended up there, and who was behind this leak?

The news anchor continued to narrate the story, emphasizing Stella’s emotional state and her plea for understanding in the face

of the scandal. The cameras panned over a sea of reporters, each eager to ask their own questions.

To everyone’s shock, a lone reporter broke the scripted narrative. He asked a question that cut through the carefully constructed

image of Stella

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Chapter 189

Fitzgerald.

F8=020%

20% #13:39

“Ms. Fitzgerald,” the reporter inquired, “is it not a strange coincidence that this affair scandal has come to light so soon after the

passing of your fiancé’s mother? Could you clarify the timeline for us?”

The room fell silent as Stella stared at the reporter, her face contorted in shock. My own heart skipped a beat as his words

started to sink in.

Could

you please repeat that question?” Stella’s voice trembled as she spoke, and she appeared just as confused.

The reporter obliged, and his words hung heavy in the air. “Is it not a strange coincidence that this affair scandal has come to

light so soon after the death of Mrs. Hayes? Her death was declared this morning, and now that this has spilled out, it wouldn’t

look to good on your part.”

Stella hesitated, her composure faltering. The reporter had cast a shadow of doubt over the situation, and the media room

buzzed with whispers and speculation.

I tore my eyes away from the screen, my heart racing. I needed answers.

Without thinking, I rushed to the door and dashed down the hall to Timothy’s apartment. Panic set in, and I knocked incessantly,

calling his name. “Timothy! Timothy, are you there?” I yelled, my voice frantic.

But there was no response. The apartment remained silent, the shades drawn, and no sign of life behind the door.

I stepped back, my mind racing with worry. I couldn’t help but wonder if Timothy was aware of the news, and if he was okay. My

concern grew with

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Chapter 189

each passing second.

020% 13:35

Desperation pushed me to call Timothy, and my fingers shook as I dialed his number. The phone rang several times, but it

eventually went to

voicemail.

“Timothy, I began, my voice wavering with concern. “It’s Evie. I just saw the news, and I’m so sorry about your mother. Please,

call me when you get this. I’m here for you.”

I ended the call, my heart heavy with worry, and immediately dialed Penny. Maybe she had some insight into the situation.

Penny answered after a few rings, her voice laden with sadness. “Evie, I just heard about Mrs. Hayes. It’s terrible, and I can’t

believe this is happening. “I know,” I replied, my voice choked with emotion. “But have you spoken to Timothy? I’ve been trying to

reach him, and he’s not answering.” There was a pause on the other end of the line, and I could sense the concern in Penny’s

voice. “No, I haven't heard from him either. But I’m sure he’s just overwhelmed right now. Evie, he’ll reach out when he’s ready.”

I knew Penny was trying to comfort me, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. The timing of it all was too

intense, and the connection between Mrs. Hayes’ passing, the affair scandal, and Timothy’s unresponsiveness gnawed at my

mind.

I thanked Penny for her support and hung up, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over me. There was nothing I could do but

wait and hope that Timothy would reach out when he was ready.

I walked back to my apartment and plopped back down on the couch. I just couldn't sit idly by. I needed to keep myself occupied,

though I wasn’t sure

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Chapter 189

with what.

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20% 13:35

I glanced over at the clock on the wall, and sighed. It was still fairly early for dinner. Still, I needed to do something with my

hands. Anything.

After mustering up the strength, I got up to prepare some dinner. Hopefully, Aria would be home to push away the silence soon.

Until then, all I could

do was wait.

I just hoped Timothy was okay.