Chapter 89

The landlady’s special treatment only cost her 200 bucks for the night,” the man said with a grin, tossing a wink in Tarquin’s direction.

“Excuse me?” Tarquin raised an eyebrow.

“Mrs. Thorne’s three sons, they’re the landlady’s darlings. She’d let them stay for free if not out of concern for Mrs. Thorne’s feelings, afraid that not charging her would cause undue worry.”

Tarquin eyed him skeptically. “…Really?”

“As true as the sky is blue. Don’t believe me? Go ask her yourself,” Lowell insisted with a chuckle.

Tarquin didn’t know this was all prearranged by Elliot, nor did he give it much thought before he probed further, “Did you figure out the connection between Zane and Elysia?”

“Got it. She and Zane’s wife, Winona, are besties from their college days, and Zane was the big man on campus, their senior. The trio’s quite tight–knit. Oh, and we dug up some dirt on Ms. Thorne too.

Turns out she’s lived in Jindale City before. Ms. Thorne is the adopted daughter of the Thorne family, not exactly the apple of their eye. But she’s a self–starter, academically brilliant. Blew her exams out of the water and got into Jindale University with flying colors. She was a star there too. Her professors and classmates all said she was a sweetheart–kind, helpful, and ambitious. If she hadn’t dropped out to get married, she would’ve had a bright future. After she married, though, rumors flew about her private life–allegations of an affair. Her husband caught her red–handed and divorced her, leaving her with nothing. Then she vanished, just like that, for six whole years. And then, the day her son wrecked your car, she pops back into the picture.”

Infidelity and left with nothing!

Tarquin’s thoughts suddenly turned to his own estranged wife, whom he’d never met.

But Elysia couldn’t be her; Elysia was already divorced, and his marriage was still technically intact.

Besides, their names didn’t match.

“What’s brought her back into town?” he asked.

“No idea.”

“Any y contact with Zane before she returned?”

Lowell shook his head. “There’s a few years there, a gap we can’t account for. But since her return, it doesn’t seem like she’s been in touch with Zane. We checked his phone, no calls to Ms. Thorne, not even a WhatsApp message until last night. Seems like their dinner at Jinpeach Restaurant was their first meet–up in years.”

Tarquin furrowed his brows. “So, there’s nothing shady about Zane and Elysia?”

09:48 Huh? What do you mean?”

Tarquin shot him a displeased glance.

Lowell quickly added, “Got it, got it. But I doubt it. Zane and his wife seem to have a good. thing going.

He’s known to be a devoted husband.”

Tarquin’s lips twitched, clearly wanting to change the subject. “Any connections between Zane and Gideon?*

“Nothing turned up. But Zane’s been trying to get close to you for business reasons. He showed up at Booker’s birthday bash last night, pulling strings to get your attention.”

A flicker of disdain crossed Tarquin’s eyes as he pondered.

Lowell continued, “You suspect Zane and Gideon might be in cahoots? Doesn’t seem likely. Combine their fortunes, and you won’t hit a billion. The last time our business was under siege, the player had tens of billions at their disposal. Zane’s just the son–in–law in the Newsom family–yeah, they’re loaded, and Winona’s a hotshot celebrity, but Zane’s assets are minimal. Right now, as the general manager of the Newsom Group, he’s more an errand boy than a power player. The real shot–caller is still Mr.

Newsom.”

Tarquin remained silent for a moment, then instructed, “See if there’s a project we could collaborate with Zane on. If there is, give him a shot.”

This opportunity was a consideration of Zane’s connection to Elysia. Although his suspicions of Elysia had lessened, he hadn’t entirely ruled her out.

09