Chapter 491
491
New York.
Today was Caitlin’s birthday, but she still showed up at the office like any normal day.
With the World Design Expo approaching, she was focused on preparing the VERA brand for competition.
Meanwhile, Sebastian was busy behind the scenes, planning her birthday celebration.
Nolan had promised to help organize the party, and true to his word, he showed up early to go over the details with Sebastian.
“The Royal European Symphony Orchestra has arrived in New York. They’re staying at a hotel for now–quietly. Everything will be a surprise tonight”
“Perfect,” Sebastian said, handing Nolan a draft of his setup plans. “Take a look. Tell me if I’m missing anything”
Nolan scanned the plans and couldn’t help but praise him.
2
“You really went all out. I can’t find a single flaw. But I do think there’s one more thing we could add.”
“What’s that?”
“How about we get Yates to do a dance number? The guy’s her number one fan. Let him shine a little–it’ll add to the fun.”
“I love it.”
Sebastian jotted the idea down and picked up his phone.
“Let me check if he’s free tonight.”
The call connected quickly.
“Hey, what’s up?” Yates answered.
“Where are you right now?”
“I’m at the hospital. Abel’s awake.”
Yates had rushed over after hearing the news. There were things he needed to ask–face to face.
“Alright, deal with that first. Call me when you’re done. I have something to discuss.”
“Got it.”
Yates hung up just as he reached the hospital room. He opened the door and saw Abel lying in the bed.
Abel turned his head at the sound of footsteps. His face lit up.
“Yates, you’re here!”
Yates stepped inside, his expression unreadable. In the past, he might’ve looked anxious, maybe even emotional.
But now? His heart had already gone cold.
“I came to see you,” he said, scanning the man wrapped in bandages, head swathed in gauze, arm in a full cast. “You must be in a lot of pain right now .”
“I’ll manage… Thanks for coming…”
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Abel tried to shift positions but grimaced at the pain.
The crash hadn’t left him a vegetable, but his body was a mess.
Yates pulled up a chair beside the bed, his voice calm and steady.
“The Racing Association’s tech team finished their investigation. The results are out. Turns out, the crash happened because someone tampered with my
car .”
“Tampered?” Abel’s eyes widened.
“Yeah. It was a small adjustment, almost unnoticeable. But at high speeds, it triggers a chain reaction–causing the car to lose control.
“That’s… insane…”
“Is it? Because I think you already knew.” Yates stared directly at him. “Didn’t you?”
“I didn’t…” Abel replied, his voice trembling slightly.
Yates let out a dry laugh.
“Abel, I thought no matter how many years passed, we’d still be friends real friends. But tell me… have you ever treated me like one?”
“Of course we’re friends! Why would you even ask that?” Abel looked genuinely confused.
“If we were, you wouldn’t have sabotaged my car behind my back. You wouldn’t have set me up like that.”
Yates‘ voice dropped, hard as ice.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
“Yates, wait. You think I did it? Me? Why would I-?”
“If it wasn’t you, who else?” Yates stood now, towering over the bed. “You going to deny it until the end?”
“Look at me! If I knew the car was faulty, why the hell would I drive it? I’d never risk my life like that!”
Abel tried to sit up in protest, but fell back down, groaning.
“Hmph. If Sebastian hadn’t suggested swapping cars, I would’ve been the one driving. I would’ve been the one who crashed.”
Yates closed his eyes for a second, disappointment weighing down his chest.
He opened them again, looking at Abel with a sharp gaze.
“Why, Abel? Why would you do this to me? When have I ever wronged you ? ”
“I didn’t… You must’ve heard some lies about me-‘
“Still denying it?” Yates cut him off.
”
He pulled out his phone and played the video of Viper’s confession.
When the video ended, Yates slowly put the phone away.
“Anything else to say? It wasn’t just the crash. You set me up at my premiere. You planted drugs, tried to ruin me . Why? What did I ever do to you ? We hadn’t even seen each other in years!”
Abel was silent.
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Yates‘ voice cracked slightly.
“ I’ve always been straightforward. Everyone says I’m too naïve, and they’re probably right. I’m the kind of guy who’ll 9 att in for my friends. questions asked.
“Maybe I’m clumsy, maybe I don’t even know when I’ve hurt someone. But do you remember how I even got into showbiz? I was there for goo along for your audition. And they picked me instead.
“I’ve never forgotten that. I’ve always felt grateful. Without you dragging me there that day, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
“So no matter how long it’s been, I’ve always seen you as my brother. My best friend.
“I don’t know when you started resenting me. But was that really why you came back? to get revenge?”
Abel said nothing.
And that silence said everything.
Yates blinked hard, trying to push down the lump in his throat.
“It’s over. We’re done.”
He turned to leave.
“I’ll be reporting everything to the police. Let the law handle you.”
Abel’s eyes widened in panic.
If Yates went to the authorities, it was over. Everything would be over.
“Yates! Wait! Please, let me explain-!”
Abel tried to sit up, lost his balance, and crashed to the floor.
He screamed in pain as his broken arm took the brunt of the fall.
But Yates didn’t look back .
What Abel had done would not go unpunished.
TIG HQ.
Caitlin had spent the entire day buried in her work. Her new designs were finished and already in the prototyping phase.
Her phone rang.
It was Zeke.
“Caitlin,” he said, voice calm. “I’ve made up my mind. Let’s do it. Let’s work together.”
A wave of relief swept over her.
“Good. I’ve been waiting for you
to
that.” say
“I won’t be able to make your birthday today,” he continued. “But I’m planning something in the next few days. If it works out… consider it my gift to you.”
“What are you planning?” Caitlin asked. “Do you want to hear my strategy first?”
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