Chapter 430
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Sebastian didn’t speak, but his silence was enough for Nolan to take the hint. He turned and barked at his sister, “Mr. Vanderbilt is letting you
off this time. Now get the hell out of here! Don’t you dare show your face in front of him again. You hear me?
“I hear you…”
Jillian sobbed, nodding desperately.
“Then move it”
With that final shout, Jillian scrambled away like her life depended on it.
Once she was gone, Nolan turned back. “Thanks for giving me birthday is coming up soon?
one chance. To make it up to you, I’ve got an idea. Didn’t you say Caitlin’s
“Well, how about this–I’ll take care of the venue, book the Royal Philharmonic from Europe to perform, and throw her an unforgettable birthday party. Total surprise. What do you think?”
Sebastian rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He’d been racking his brain for a special way to celebrate Caitlin’s birthday, but hadn’t come up with anything concrete yet. This idea actually sounded pretty good.
“Alright. Let’s do it.”
The murderous chill in Sebastian’s eyes finally faded, Nolan let out a breath of relief. His foolish little sister had nearly ruined a lifelong friendship.
At XEG Headquarters.
The car pulled up outside the building. Caitlin told Zinnia and Xavi to wait downstairs while she went up to see Ximena alone
Which, naturally, left Xavi with a rare chance to be alone with Zinnia.
He kept sneaking glances at her. Zinnia was quiet, elegant, and stunning just looking at her made him feel inexplicably calm. Maybe it was because she was older than him, giving off that dependable big –sister energy
And God knows, he was a sucker for that type.
Trying to keep his nerves in check, Xavi struggled to come up with something to say.
Alter a long pause, he finally blurted, “Zinnia, do you have any hobbies?”
“No hobbles.”
Zinnia turned her calm gaze on him.
…Wow,” Xavi thought, caught off guard. That was probably the most unique answer he’d ever heard. No hobbies? Seriously?
“Okay, then… what do you usually spend most of your time doing?”
“Killing people.”
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Xavi sucked in a breath.
Talk about a conversation killer.
An awkward silence fell. The air between them chilled.
“I–I’m gonna step out for a second. Be right back!”
Xavi bailed.
Inside the CEO’s Office
Caitlin walked in slowly. Ximena looked up from her desk and stood.
“No wonder my eye’s been twitching all morning–it’s you.”
“I thought I’d drop in. How have things been while I was gone?”
Caitlin kept her tone casual
“Whether I’ve been well or not hardly matters,” Ximena said, lips curling. “But I did hear you returned to the Yuncey Family and took over Yun’s Fragrance & Dye Studio. Not bad, Caitlin. You really know how to make a comeback,”
“Thanks ”
“Take a seat.”
Caitlin sat down, and Ximena asked, “So, what brings you to me today?“”
“ I came to advise you to turn yourself in.”
Caitlin didn’t beat around the bush. Ximena snorted.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you seriously accusing me of killing Teresa ? ”
“It’s not just what I think. Knox already confessed. He said someone blackmailed him with evidence of his wife’s murder and forced him to kill Teresa, We’ve got solid proof. You really think you can keep playing dumb?”
Ximena’s eyes flickered, but her expression remained composed.
“I don’t even know Knox. I never told him to do anything. You must have the wrong person.”
Caitlin played part of the hypnosis recording–Knok’s voice admitted that a woman had coerced him into murder. No name, but Caitlin was certain there was no one else with both the motive and means like Ximena .
Still, she needed to go for the kill
“Well, if it wasn’t you, then there’s nothing more to say.
Caitlin stood and casually added, “Oh, by the way–I ran into Zeke on my flight back.”
Ximena’s brow twitched.
“I still feel guilty. He got hurt saving me, and now his injuries haven’t even healed properly. He passed out on the plane… ”
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Ximena’s grip Lightened on her clothes.
had him taken to the hospital. The doctor says he needs time to recover. I think you used to know him, right? Back when you were with Shadow Moon Pavilion
“ Zorro was really hard on him. And he lost his mom when he was just a kid. It’s sad, really.”
Caitlin sighed and turned to leave. “Anyway, I won’t take up more of your time.”
After she left, Ximena sat frozen, hands trembling.
The thought of Zeke injured and alone tore through her like a blade. Her eyes filled with tears she didn’t even notice. Guilt gripped her like a
vice.
As Caitlin exited XEG, she ran into Zora, who was just arriving.
The air between them instantly crackled with tension,
“Caitlin? What are you doing here?” Zora snapped, blocking her path.
“I came to see Ximena. Just a chat.”
“You were pestering my mother again, weren’t you? What did you say to her?”
Zora was practically seething.
“Nothing much. Don’t get so worked up.”
Caitlin brushed past, but Zora suddenly shouted, “Wait”
Caitlin paused. “Something else, Miss Harris?”
“You’ve heard about the upcoming Design Expo, haven’t you? You’re Kayla, the designer behind VERA. I’m a designer too. I represent XEG
“How about we compete? Let’s see who wins the gold at the Design Expo.”
Zora had no intention of letting Caitlin off the hook so easily,
“A design lace–off?” Caitlin asked, “And what happens to the loser?”
“The loser publicly quits the industry. No more designing–ever.”
Zora’s voice was cold and sharp, like she’d just signed a contract in blood.
This wasn’t a talent contest like before. This was her turf–design. And she was ready to crush Caitlin once and for all
Caitlin didn’t reply right away. Their eyes locked.
Zora sneered. “What? Silent now? Afraid to go head–to– head with me?”
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