Chapter 487
487
Yates racked his brain. Abel had shown up again at his movie premiere—they hadn’t seen each other in years, yet it felt like they picked up right when they left off.
But that same night, Yates was arrested for possession and nearly ended up in prison.
Could Abel have been behind that, too?
Caitlin explained patiently, “You were arrested that night
So tell me who could’ve planted that stuff or you?”
“It was my assistant, Jake. He was manipulated by Viper–he tried to drag me down with him,” Yates said. That was all he knew.
“No, that’s not all.” Caitlin’s gaze turned sharp. “I’ve said it before–why did Viper choose you? Why target you, of all people? I suspected something was off then. And now Sebastian has finally uncovered the truth.”
She looked toward Sebastian.
Sebastian had been silent this whole time. He finally drew a deep breath. “Viper’s awake. He admitted everything–it was a setup. Someone paid him to frame you.”
“Who?” Yates asked, though deep down he already feared the answer.
“Abel.”
The name hit Yates like a truck. He stumbled back two steps, eyes wide with shock.
Sebastian handed him a phone and showed him a video of Viper’s confession. Yates watched in silence, then clutched his chest, his eyes reddening.
“Abel… why? Why would he do this to me?”
That was the one question he couldn’t wrap his head around. The more he thought about it, the more it hurt.
He’d treated Abel like a brother–genuinely, sincerely. And Abel had stabbed him in the back.
“We may never get a full answer unless he tells you himself,” Caitlin said. “But I’m guessing something happened between you two in the past that you overlooked.
“When someone goes that far to hurt someone else, there’s usually deep resentment behind it. Nothing happens without a reason–not love, not hate.
“Sebastian and I just want you to wake up and see the truth. He’s never been your friend. Real brothers don’t betray each other like that.”
Her words stung, but Yates nodded with misty eyes. “I understand now.”
With Caitlin and Sebastian’s support, Yates gave up on
going to the hospital.
If Abel survived, Yates would confront him personally and demand an explanation.
Abel was rushed to the hospital. Zora showed up under the guise of concern, but what she really wanted was to know: was he dead or alive?
Just last night, they’d shared a bed. Now, he was hovering between life and death.
The whole situation felt surreal.
She couldn’t shake the thought–had Sebastian found out about Abel’s plan? Could the crash have been intentional ?
Still, she didn’t want to expose her connection to Abel. Otherwise, she could’ve called the police and pushed for an investigation.
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But no –better to stay out of it.
At the ER desk, she learned Abel was still in critical care. With nothing else to do, she headed upstairs to check on her brother’s rooms want can prett into her mother, exiting the hallway.
Zora peeked in. “Where’s Zeke?”
“He left,” Ximena said, visibly flustered.
“Left? Where did he go?” Zora asked sharply.
“S Country. You should go home–I’m on my way to speak with Caitlin.”
“Why her again? Mom, are you serious?
treat her better than your own daughter now. Who do you even think your child is?”
Zora yanked at her mother’s sleeve, seething with resentment.
“Caitlin is sharp. I need her help. You, as my daughter, should be more understanding–not make trouble. Go manage the company property.”
Ximena didn’t wait for a response. She quickly walked off.
Zora glared at her mother’s retreating figure, fuming. Now even her own family was siding with Caitlin.
Caitlin, just you wait.
You’re going to learn exactly who you’re messing with.
On the way back into the city, Caitlin got a call from Ximena, informing her that Zeke had returned to S Country.
“What? He went back?” Caitlin asked, startled.
“Yes. I went to the hospital to see him , but the nurse said he’d been discharged. I called him, and all he said was he’s flying home. Caitlin, what should we do? I’m worried he’s still not fully recovered!”
Caitlin guessed the reason immediately–Zeke was likely heading home to dig into the truth about his identity.
“Don’t worry. He knows what he’s doing. I’ll try to reach him.”
After ending the call, Caitlin dialed Zeke’s number, but it didn’t connect. He was probably still on the plane.
She sent him two texts anyway–he’d see them once he landed/
Sebastian took Caitlin out for lunch before heading back to work. Just as he was about to drop her off at home, she got a call from Hayden.
“The Fixer’s here. He says he has something important to talk to me about.”
“What could he possibly want?” Sebastian scoffed. “Probably just looking for an excuse to see you.”
Caitlin smiled. “And if he is?”
Sebastian stood with her as they left the restaurant. “Then I’m coming with you.”
He didn’t care how noble Hayden claimed to be The man wasn’t blood anymore, and Sebastian wasn’t about to let a one time with his wife.
They arrived at Hayden’s hotel suite.
uality bachelor get one–on-
Hayden greeted them both, and when he saw Sebastian tagging along, he grinned, “You too ? Can’t I get even a second alone with Caitlin ? ”
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“ She’s my wife. What are you trying to be alone for?”
Sebastian pulled Caitlin into the room with his arm around her.
Hayden chuckled. “Damn. Caitlin, he’s got you on a tight leash. Don’t you ever get a moment of freedom?”
“She’s got plenty. What I give her isn’t a leash–it’s love and security.
You wouldn’t understand. You’re just a lonely dog.”
“Ouch,” Hayden winced. “You’re impossible to joke with.”
The two men traded a few barbs, and Caitlin laughed before turning serious.
“So? What’s this important thing you came here to talk about?”
“The old Yuncey estate is already under renovation,” Hayden said. “The Fragrance & Dye Studio will be finished soon, too. While sorting through my father’s belongings, I found something I think you should see.”
“What is it?” Caitlin asked, intrigued.
Hayden reached into his bag and pulled out a sealed manila envelope.
AD