Chapter 192

A playful note still hung in Verena's voice, her teasing unrestrained. It took Isaac a moment to catch on, and he cleared his throat, hoping to mask his embarrassment.

Color rushed to his ears, but a small, involuntary smile gave him away.

Sensing his shyness, Verena decided to ease up and let the moment go.

"Fine, I'll stop teasing you, for now. But brace yourself, Katelyn's going to show up tomorrow. Be ready."

Instantly, Isaac's demeanor shifted. He replied, all trace of playfulness gone, "I'll have security on standby. Promise me you'll be carefual."

When noon arrived, Isaac exited the elevator and immediately spotted Katelyn waiting in the lobby. His gaze swept over her, impassive and quick.

Without acknowledging her, he allowed Jacob to push his wheelchair right toward the exit.

Katelyn, unwilling to be ignored, called out, "Isaac, I need to talk to you."

A single lift of Isaac's hand stopped his assistant.

He looked at Katelyn, his stare as cold as his tone."Katelyn. There's nothing left between us."

Stung by his words, Katelyn clenched her jaw. Years of friendship meant nothing to him now; he was casting her aside as if she were nobody.

It felt as if Verena stood at the root of it all. Would things have ended like this if she hadn't come along?

Not that it mattered anymore.

Verena wasn't going to end up with lsaac, not if she had no chance of having him herself.

Let them believe in their happy ending. Katelyn was eager to watch it unravel. Her fists tightened, knuckles pale, as she struggled to steady her trembling hands.

Wearing an expression full of remorse, she lowered her voice. "Isaac, I get it-you despise me for all the lies. I'm not here to hold on to you anymore.I understand you never loved me, and I've truly moved on."

A cold glint flickered in lsaac's eyes, a silent smirk forming beneath his calm exterior.

If she ever wanted a career, acting would have suited her well; such a shame she poured her talent into deception instead.

So,she was stalling for time?

He could play her game a little longer.

Relaxing in his chair, Isaac's words cut through the act. "Do you even buy your own story?"

White-knuckled, Katelyn dug her nails into her bag's strap, fighting to keep her anger in check. Forcing a shaky breath, she let her eyes glisten. "You can believe whatever you want. I have my ticket; I'll be gone tomorrow afternoon. Isaac, after everything we've been through, can't you have one last meal with me? Just a meal, nothing more. Think of it as saying goodbye. Once I leave, you won't ever have to see me again."

Inside, Katelyn nearly burst into laughter.

Their paths would never cross again, she'd see to that herself.

By the time she boarded her flight, Isaac and Verena would be nothing more than a memory.

As for her, a new Chapter was waiting, untouched by any of them. The rush of anticipation almost made her break character, a smile threatening to escape.

With a light rap of his knuckle on the armrest, Isaac angled his jaw slightly upward.

Eventually, he replied, voice devoid of warmth, "Out of respect for your parents, I'll give you this one meal."

Inside the restaurant, from her purse, Katelyn drew out a black card and pushed it across the table in Isaac's direction.

Isaac arched an eyebrow at the card. "And what exactly is this meant to imply?"

A soft, practiced smile played on Katelyn's lips."Think of it as compensation. It's meant for Verena,actually. I can't bring myself to face her directly, so l hope you'll give her this card. It's an apology for everything I've put her through."

With a steady hand, Isaac slid the card right back across the table. "I'll make sure my wife hears your apology. But there's no need for the rest."

·.·

At the same time, Verena set out to meet Kaia as they'd agreed.

Flagging down a cab, she soon arrived at a derelict factory far from the city center. Wild vines crawled over broken concrete, and shards of glass cracked beneath every step.

The place was silent, deserted-nobody in their right mind would come here by choice.

Still, the show must go on.

A quick scan of her surroundings confirmed Verena was alone with Kaia.

Turning sharply to Kaia, she spoke with urgency in her voice. "You told me Isaac was forced into a car.Where is he? Show me where he is!"

Nervous flickers ran through Kaia's eyes before Verena seized her arm. "Where's Isaac? Say it! Say..."Suddenly,a loud crack rang out.

A man dressed in black stepped out from the shadows and struck Verena from behind, knocking her unconscious.

Within seconds, more men emerged, moving in to tie her up tightly.

The leader reached for his phone and sent a message. "Miss Fuller, we have her."