“Oh, right, yeah, they’re definitely different. Your ex has a starry sky as the profile picture, and this one has a little white rabbit,” Ivan replied, attempting to lighten the mood with a smile. “Guess I’m getting forgetful.”
He genuinely believed Whitney’s ex might be in the group, and she felt a wave of unease wash over her.
Whitney smiled faintly, her eyes darting down to the chat list. The starry sky avatar was now replaced by the white rabbit. She flipped her phone face down on the table, a sense of dread creeping in.
She was terrified that if she lingered in the chat any longer, she might inadvertently reveal something that could come back to haunt her.
Ivan sent a message: [Calvin, the three of us on the team are all in the group and have updated our contact info. If anyone has work questions, please ask and communicate more.]
Calvin replied promptly: [Got it, Mr. Walton. Just now we added Mr. Harris. Looking forward to working with everyone.]
“Mr. Harris?” Frank gasped, his eyes widening in surprise. “Boss, that rabbit avatar? It’s Mr. Harris. I didn’t expect him to come off so cold, but the avatar is pretty cute,” he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Ivan shrugged, pondering the oddity of Klein being in the group. “Yeah, maybe he’s cold on the outside but warm inside. Alright, from now on, watch your words in the group. Most people have notes and phone numbers attached. If needed, just call,” he advised, his tone serious.
Klein’s presence made Ivan especially cautious, a clear indication of how seriously the Harris Group was taking this merger.
For the next few months, this case would be the focal point of their work, and Whitney felt the pressure mounting.
*****
As the workday began to wind down, Whitney began her usual routine of packing up her belongings. However, she noticed Frank had other plans; he intended to stay late and work overtime.
She turned to him, a hint of regret in her voice. “I’ve got something to take care of today, so I’m heading out early,” she informed him, trying to mask her urgency.
“No worries, go ahead,” Frank replied, his focus already shifting back to his work.
Whitney had boasted about her plans that morning, and now she felt the weight of her words pressing down on her.
Though the elevator ride always made her feel a bit uneasy, she decided to take the stairs down from the 18th floor instead. After some contemplation, she figured it was for the best.
As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was Laura. “Whit, my car happens to be near your office,” she chirped cheerfully.
“I was going to bring this to you next time you came back, but since I’m passing by today, I thought I’d drop it off.”
Whitney raised an eyebrow slightly, curiosity piqued. “What is it?”
“Nothing much. I brought a gift from my last trip for you. You’re always avoiding going home and living alone. I thought you would like it,” Laura explained, her tone bright and inviting.
Whitney scoffed, shaking her head. “No thanks, Laura. You should save it for Tina instead.”
“I bought her gifts, too. Just come get it. I’m parked by Gosina Road, silver car. Waiting for you, Whit,” Laura insisted, her voice unwavering.
After hanging up, Whitney felt a twinge of annoyance as she made her way outside.
She spotted Laura’s car almost immediately.
“Whit, over here!” Laura waved eagerly, her enthusiasm palpable.
Whitney paused, thinking, ‘Is she being a little too enthusiastic today?’
As she approached, Laura quickly thrust the bag into her hands. “Whit, take a look at the instructions. If you’re not sure how to prepare it, just give me a call, and I’ll walk you through it,” she said, her kindness disarming Whitney.
Feeling unable to refuse, Whitney nodded. “Okay, thanks,” she replied, albeit reluctantly.
Just as Whitney took the bag, Laura leaned in closer. “Whit, you’ve got something on your face,” she said, raising a tissue, ready to wipe it away.
Whitney suddenly sensed something was amiss and tried to pull back, but Laura’s hand brushed lightly across her nose, leaving her momentarily disoriented.
A wave of dizziness washed over her; her legs felt like jelly.
“Whit, are you okay? Oh dear, is it your low blood sugar acting up again?” Laura asked, concern etched on her features.
With surprising ease, Laura gently but firmly ushered Whitney into the car.
Laura smiled slightly and instructed the driver, “Take us home.”
Whitney pressed her fingertips into her palm, desperately trying to stay conscious. “What exactly do you want?” she demanded, her voice shaky.
“Don’t worry. I just want to make sure you behave yourself and stay home these last few days before the wedding,” Laura replied, her tone almost maternal.
“I told you. I’m not getting married,” Whitney snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface.
Laura’s smile softened, “Hey, the invitations are already sent out. Canceling isn’t an option. Enough. Just rest in your room for the next few days.”
Meanwhile, Carter stood outside the villa, glaring fiercely at the front gate. It was nearly eight o’clock, and impatience gnawed at him. ‘Where the hell is Whitney?’ he wondered, irritation flaring. ‘I knew it. She’s just pulling that push-pull act, trying to make me beg for forgiveness.’
“Carter, are you waiting for someone?” Emily asked softly, chewing on her lip, sensing his agitation.
“Nope, not waiting for anyone,” Carter replied, sliding his arm around her shoulders, trying to convey some sense of calm. “Let’s go upstairs and talk to Mom and Dad. We need to make it clear that the guy isn’t good enough for you.”
Emily hesitated, her brow furrowing. “But-“
Carter met her gaze, his tone gentle but firm. “But what? You really don’t want to clear things up with them?”
Emily could hear the hint of irritation in Carter’s voice, and she continued to play the pitiful role. “Carter, I don’t want you to have problems with Mom and Dad because of me.”
“You won’t. Grandpa never said anything about the Harris daughters being forced into arranged engagements. Lena doesn’t have to, and neither do you,” Carter reassured her, his words warming her heart.
“Thanks, Carter. You’re so good to me,” she smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude.
Carter nodded slightly, then snorted softly toward the gate. “Let’s head upstairs. Dad should be done with his call.”
******
Whitney stared silently at the locked door, the two servants standing guard by her window downstairs.
‘Is Laura really trying to imprison me?’ she thought, a mix of disbelief and frustration swirling within her.
In a moment of desperation, she texted Allison: [Babe, the witch at my place just locked me up. Guess she’s finally had enough of me trying to call off the engagement. She’s not messing around this time.
[Any chance you can send someone to bust me out? I need to talk to your grandpa face-to-face about breaking things off.]
She knew she had to speak to James directly about ending things.
Lena quickly responded: [What? Is she crazy? Hold on, I’ll find someone to come save you now.]
Whitney stood by the windowsill, her gaze fixed on the two bodyguards stationed outside. A storm of frustration brewed within her, darkening her features.
With a deep breath, she picked up her phone and dialed Samuel, her father. But to her dismay, he abruptly hung up on her, leaving her feeling even more isolated.
Refusing to concede defeat, Whitney quickly turned her attention to April and dialed her number. Unfortunately, the call went unanswered, echoing her growing sense of despair.
From the other side of the closed door, she could hear Tina’s voice, dripping with condescension. “Whit, stop making those pointless calls. Dad has already made it clear that he won’t let you out.”
Whitney’s heart raced with indignation as Tina continued, “What’s so special about Carter? Do you really believe that after breaking up with him, you’ll find a better Klein to marry? Trust me, you should be grateful instead of ending up with nothing.”
Whitney had long since given up wasting her breath on Tina’s mindless drivel. The incessant chatter had become tiresome, like a relentless buzzing in her ears.
When silence followed her lack of response, Tina smirked, convinced that Whitney had finally broken down in tears, and sauntered out of the room, reveling in her perceived victory.
‘It’s such a beautiful day,’ Tina mused, her thoughts drifting toward a gathering with friends. ‘Mom is right. Instead of ruining Whitney and Carter’s wedding, it’s far more satisfying to watch Whitney marry someone who doesn’t even care for her.’
Meanwhile, Carter had taken Emily to see Sabrina, hoping for some reassurance. But Sabrina, with her usual no-nonsense demeanor, had sent them away.
“Stop fretting over Emily and focus on your wedding in just three days,” she had instructed, her tone brooking no argument.
Emily turned to Carter, her face etched with concern. “Carter?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.