Chapter 52 Shadows at the Window

Finished

When Yunice still didn’t answer, Quinton’s voice turned colder, his patience wearing thin. “Maybe you don’t know who you’re dealing with, but I don’t give up on things easily–especially not those medical notes. If you can rewrite them from memory. name your price–whatever you want.”

Yunice didn’t flinch. “I can’t.”

“Ms. Yunice said you have an exceptional memory,” he shot back. “You just don’t want to

Yunice let out a bbreath/b. Of course. Elsie always finds a way to make my life harder.

“She lied. I’ve got a terrible memory. I’m mentally ill,” she said tly, her eyes drifting toward the window, brows slightly

furrowed.

She thought she’d heard something earlier. Now, seeing the window shift slightly, she was sure something–or someone out there.

She set the phone down and moved toward the window quietly, missing Quinton’s final threat as the call cut off.

At the window, Yunice stood still as she watched a thin wire slip through the gap, hooking thetch band /btwisting until it snapped free.

curity cameras were installed on the outside wall.

The window wasn’trge–just meant for venttion so no security

Yunice had no idea bwho /bwas trying to break in.

Click The lock gave way. A secondter, the window was shoved open from the outside.

Paul had one foot on the sill, both hands gripping the frame. He froze, startled by Yunice standing right there.

But he recovered quickly and started to climb in

bYunice /bbmoved /bfaster. She shoved against bhim/b. “Get out!”

bPaul /bfrowned and nced over his shoulder, then bsaid/b, “Someone’sing. You really want them to see me climbing. through your window?”

Yunice’s face tightened. bPaul /bbwas /bthe one breaking the rules, but somehow she was the one getting cornered.

Because everyone knew how things worked in the Saunders family–no matter who messed up, the me alwaysnded on

I’m serious, someone’sing!” Paul whispered, urgency creeping into bhis /bbvoice/b.

Yunice clenched her teeth, then stepped baside/b.

Paul climbed in and shut the window behind him.

Outude, Elie had followed and was pressed bagainst /bthe wall, eavesdropping.

Inside, neither of them noticed. Yunice sat bback /bat her desk with a cold expression and nced at her phone. Quinton had already hung up.

Paul nced around, taking in the familiar setup of her room. He quietly drew in a breathb. /b

bThat /bfaint scent lingering in bthe /bair–hers–was both distant and bfamiliar/b. It reminded Paul of something he hadn’t felt in at long time

It wasn’t sweet or particrly pleasant. More like herbs band /bbold /bwood, with that bsharp /bmedicinal edge. He used toin.

4:15 PM d

Chapter 52 Shadows at the Window

#Finished

He shook off the bthought/b, slid one hand into his pocket, and walked over with practiced cool. Thanks for bnot /bthrowing me

under the bus with Owen earlier.”

Yunice looked up at him.

Even when he apologized, he did it like he was doing her a bfavor/b–head up, chin lifted, looking bdown /bon her the whole time

Paul had been with plenty of women over the years, but Yunice had only ever seen him let his guard down for one–Elsie.

When Elsie was mad, he’d crouch in front of her. looking up just to meet her eyes–desperate for even a flicker of her

attention

When she smiled, he lit up like it was the only thing that mattered. His eyes never left her–they followed her like she was the

center of his world.

He bwas /bthe ssic spoiled rich boy, through and through. And yet, he must really love Elsie–bbecause /bhe actually changed for

her.

Sometimes. Yunice had to admit it. Some people are just made to be loved, no matter how selfish or mean they are, even when they don’t

deserve it.

Paul shifted ufortably when Yunice didn’t respond. his eyesnding on the scar across her face. His expression twisted

guilt mixed with unease.

“That scar… He hesitated, clearly ufortable, then blurted out, “If it ends up permanent… I’ll take responsibility. I’ll take care of you.

Yunice blinked, stunned for a second–bthen /blooked at him with bnothing /bbut contempt.

Paul kept his chin up, still trying to y it cool. “What? Why are you looking at me like that? I’m only ever going to marry Elsie,” he bsaid/b, then added casually. “But I can still take care of you. Make sure you’refortable–you wouldn’t have to worry about a thing.”

e your mistress?” Yunice shot back.

“So you want me to be

Paul frowned. “bYou /bseriously think you canpete with Elsie? You really think-

“Paul, are you really this cluelessb!/b” Yunice cut him off, her voice ice cold. “I don’t want you. Isn’t that obvious? I hope you and Elsie stay tangled up forever–just keep me out of it.

Paul stared at her, stunned. He didn’t speak for a long moment before his expression twisted into anger.

“You don’t want me? What, you want Wyatt now?”

“Not your business.” Yunice’s voice bwas /bcold

b“/bbOh/b, drop the act, bPaul /bsnapped, straightening up as his frustration spilled over. “This whole thing was just to get my attention, bwasn’t /bit? You let me hurt you so I’d feel guilty. You covered for me so I’d start thinking about you again. Don’t tell me it wasn’t all a setup to make me show up. And now that I’m here, you’re acting innocent? Like you’re above it all? Please.”

bSend /bGifts