bChapter /bb1031 /b

    Halsey listened quietly to Zada’s whole story before finally saying, “So let me get this straight. The night you got into trouble, Sierra just happened to show up and save you. Then you find out she goes to Anteoch University as well, and you two be besties. Then, you introduced her to me. Kinda feels like a perfect little coincidence, don’t you think?b” /b

    Zada frowned. “What are you saying? You think Sierra saved me on purpose, just to get close?”

    Halsey raised her brows. “I didn’t say that.”

    Zada thought about it, then shook her head. “Come on. You’ve seen Sierra’s situation. Her dad’s a gambler who hits her, and her whole family leans on her to make money… She’s got it rough. I really think she’s just a sweet, unlucky girl. We shouldn’t overthink it.”

    Seeing how much Zada trusted Sierra, Halsey let it drop.

    For Zada, Sierra really had been a lifesaver, so of course, she was grateful.

    Halsey smiled. “Alright. No more talk about Sierra. Let’s get ready for ss.”

    Zada nodded. “Okay.b” /b

    Halsey pulled out her phone and opened Wendy’s chat. She typed, [Hey, I need a favor.]

    Ping!

    Wendy’s reply came fast. [What’s up?]

    [I need you to check someone out. He’s into gambling, is violent, and has a daughter named Sierra Fletcher. She’s a student at Anteoch University.]

    As she typed, Halsey opened her photos and pulled up the picture she had secretly snapped earlier.

    It was the big guy from this morning.

    She sent it. [This is him.]

    Wendy replied, [Got it. I’ll let you know as soon as I find something.]

    Halsey curved her lips into a smile. [Thanks!]

    Truth was, Halsey had been suspicious of Sierra from the start. She couldn’t exin it, but the girl just gave her ba /bbad vibe. And when Sierra asked to stay over, that gut feeling only grew stronger.

    Wendy worked fast. Halsey was sure she would have answers soon. She couldn’t wait bto /bfind out what Sierra’s real deal was.

    By the afternoon, sses were done. Halsey packed up her bag and walked outside.

    Sierra popped up right away. “Hey, Halsey!”

    “Hey. You all packed up?” Halsey asked.

    Sierra beamed, dragging a rolling suitcase behind her. “All set. I know I’m totally troubling you by staying at your ce. You and Mr. Lane are about to get married. I won’t be intruding, will I?”

    Halsey gave her a polite smile. “Of course not. Let’s head back.”

    “Okay.b” /bSierra nced around the parking lot, her eyes darting everywhere as she searched for Shaun’s car. “Is Mr. Lane picking us up today?”

    Halsey noticed every tiny expression and every nce of Sierra’s. Honestly, she didn’t even need Wendy’s report. Sierra’s intentions were written all over her face.

    Her eyes weren’t on friendship. They were on Shaun.

    Jealousy pinched at Halsey’s chest. It seemed that another girl had joined the line of admirers chasing

    after him.

    “Shaun’s swamped today,” Halsey said evenly. “He’s stuck at the office workingte. We’ll head back

    ourselves.”

    Sierra nodded. “Sure.”

    Half an hourter, Halsey led her into the house.

    The moment Sierra stepped inside, her jaw dropped. She spun in a slow circle, eyes wide.

    “Wow, this ce is insane! I knew this neighborhood was pricey, but this is pure luxury! Every single thing in here looks expensive.b” /b