99 There Was Still a Wall


    After everything quieted down behind the door, Tess felt her racing heart begin to calm.


    She made herself slow down her restless thoughts, trying to figure out what had just happened.


    What was that? We barely even know each other.


    Confusion clouded her eyes, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Abel had some hidden motive.


    How could a soon-to-be-divorced single mom like me, juggling a child, be enough to make a young man with a special background do… what exactly? Be La’s “stepdad”?


    The idea sent a chill creeping over her skin.


    If it was just a one-time thing, maybe it was because of her looks.


    She knew her face was striking, with a cool, elegant beauty, but Abel didn’t seem like the kind of guy who cared about looks. Plus, a year in prison and the hard days under the sun trying to survive had worn her down, even leaving a scar.


    Thinking about the past made Tess a little down as she fell silent.


    Biting her lip, she found herself judging the man waiting outside the door.


    “I’ll check on the golden retriever’s condition again. Here’s my contact info.”


    His voice came once more, and Tess’s ears caught a faint sound.


    She found a soft silk handkerchief slid under the door.


    Tess focused on it and saw some numbers written in light blue ink.


    After that, the footsteps faded away.


    Tess stayed frozen in ce, only bending down to pick up the handkerchief after a few breaths, gripping it tightly in her hand.


    Since getting out of prison, she had dreamed of a simple, peaceful life.


    But disaster after disaster left her scared, and she couldn’t help butin.


    Who’s pulling the strings behind all this? Who doesn’t want me or La to have an easy life?


    Tess bit her lip again, her eyes shing with sharp determination.


    She carefully folded the handkerchief and tucked it into her suitcase, then bent down and scooped La into her arms.


    She walked straight to the front desk, ready to pay Edith the breach-of-contract fee, but Edith waved her off. “Business has been busytely. You don’t need to pay me.”


    Edith patted her chest, clearly signaling that money was not an issue at all.


    Tess couldn’t help but smile but insisted on paying anyway.


    After everything that had happened, she had to admit one thing-being near Finn was the safest ce for her.


    She could handle danger on her own, but she wouldn’t let anything happen to La.


    That thought sharpened the fire in Tess’s eyes.


    She nced once at her suitcase.


    If I find out who’s behind all this, I’ll never let them get away with it.


    In the end, Tess handed over half the breach fee. Seeing how determined she was, Edith reluctantly epted.


    Only then did Tess smile with satisfaction, carrying La as she left.


    Watching her slim figure disappear, Edith clenched the wad of cash, feeling a strange mix of emotions. <fn58fa> Original content can be found at ?ovelFind</fn58fa>


    She was kind to Tess partly because Finn was paying her, but she wasn’t lying about everything.


    Tess did remind Edith of her own daughter, who had long since left home.


    Edith sighed and called Zane.


    Not long after Tess left, a stretched Lincoln pulled up beside her.


    The window rolled down, revealing Zane’s respectful face.


    “Mrs. Lock, are you heading back to Evermount Vi?”


    Tess tightened her grip on the suitcase handle.


    She wasn’t naive.


    She had just stepped out when Zane’s car showed up.


    She nced back at theplex. Did Finn n all this?


    But then again…


    Maybe it’s just a coincidence. I agreed to stay for a while anyway.


    Lowering her gaze, Tess loosened her hold on the handle.


    “Yeah. Please take care of it.”


    Zane quickly opened the door and called the driver to put her luggage in the trunk.


    The ride was smooth and quiet. La’s eyelids fluttered sleepily, her eyes half-closed.


    Zane sat cautiously in the front passenger seat, sneaking nces at Tess from the corner of his eye.


    It almost feels unreal.


    A few months ago, Mr. Lock and I went to the prison to pick Mrs. Lock up, but we came back empty-handed.


    Now, after everything, we’re finally bringing her back.


    Zane opened his mouth to speak, but when he saw Tess’s calm profile and lowered gaze, he held back.


    By the time they arrived at Evermount Vi, dusk was settling in.


    Checking her phone, Tess breathed out quietly.


    It’s still early. Finn should still be at the office.


    Even though she’d agreed toe back, there was still a wall between her and Finn she couldn’t cross.


    But when she pushed open the door, she was met by a broad chest d in a ck suit.


    “The staff has already cleaned your rooms,” Finn said, taking the suitcase from Zane without hesitation.


    Tess stiffened a little.


    She gave Finn a strange look.


    Isn’t he supposed to be at the office at this hour?


    Finn noticed her suspicion but said nothing. Instead, he walked calmly into the living room, his tall figure steady andposed.