The Heart System

Chapter 853: Chapter 853

Cora wasn’t answering my calls, and that was worrying. Now that I knew what had happened before, how Silk had rescued me, I couldn’t help but think of the worst.

Damn it, how could I have let her slip away?

I knew she was a crazy nutcase. Fuck, after catching her in my bedroom, masturbating to videos of me that she had secretly taken, I should’ve called the cops on her ass.

But then I wouldn’t have met Esme. And that would’ve left her alone, and I didn’t know what she would’ve done on her own. She was still... not there yet. She hadn’t reached that point in life where she could stand on her own two feet.

But, on the other hand, I really didn’t want to get killed by a psycho. "Damn it," I exhaled. "Where is she...?"

"She’s not answering?" Jasmine asked, turning down the volume on the TV.

"Yeah." I watched her settle onto the double couch. "My tenth time calling her today."

"Maybe she needs some space?" Kim asked, coming into the living room with a toothbrush in hand. "She’ll call you once she’s ready."

Right. They didn’t know that Cora had just outright killed me out of jealousy. Of course they wouldn’t be as worried as I was. I needed to solve this thing between the two sisters immediately, or I’d end up dead, six feet under. What a mess...

"Carrie is coming tomorrow," Nala said, leaving the master bedroom with her phone in hand. "I just talked to her."

"Great." Jasmine chuckled. "You two are going to be best friends."

"Oh, how great indeed." Kim exhaled. "I hope she won’t try to kidnap me again, huh?"

"Fingers crossed."

Kim smiled and began brushing her teeth.

"Did you apply makeup to your face?" Tessa asked, closing the fridge. "That’s sooo cringe."

"What, no?" I replied. "Why would I do that?"

"Did you?" Jasmine asked. "Lean forward a little."

I leaned forward, and Jasmine did the same from across the couch. She brushed her fingers over my face, scratching at my skin as if she were trying to remove some imaginary makeup I had supposedly applied.

When she was done, she looked at her fingers and nodded to herself.

"Damn. No makeup," she said. "You are glowing today, Mr. Marlowe."

"Botox?" Tessa asked. "I swear, you look different today."

"I’m just taking better care of myself," I said. "What’s so surprising about it? I just try to look my best when I’m around you girls."

"Ooh. I’m flattered." Tessa chuckled. "Welp, I’m also pooped to hell. Good night, girls."

"Night," the others replied.

"I’ll hit the hay, too." I got up from the couch. "It’s been a long day."

"Yeah... same." Jasmine nodded. "Long, long, looong day."

Yeah.

I just hoped that tomorrow I could finally end this thing with Cora and get on with our lives.

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The elevator doors opened, and Carrie stepped out with two men flanking her, probably her bodyguards. She walked directly toward my desk and gave me a weak nod. I returned it and got to my feet.

I didn’t want anyone else to know that Carrie and I were in a relationship, so I was going to keep this completely professional.

She was wearing a dark blue dress that hugged her figure nicely, with a fitted waist and a skirt that fell just above her knees. The neckline was modest enough for a business setting, but still low enough to show a hint of cleavage. Her long legs were left mostly uncovered, and the dark blue fabric contrasted beautifully with her pale skin. She looked elegant, confident, and far too attractive for someone I was supposed to be treating like a business associate.

"Ms. Beldenwary," I greeted her. "Welcome. Ms. Nolin is waiting for you in her office."

"Thank you." She gave me a small smile. "I’d like a cup of coffee while I talk to her."

"Sure, I can bring it in." I nodded. "Be right back."

"Thank you. I’ll be inside the office."

Carrie walked past my desk and headed into Nala’s office. Nala looked up from her chair, stood, and greeted her with a handshake.

The two bodyguards remained just outside the door, waiting. One of them pulled out his phone and started texting someone, while the other checked his watch before returning to his statue-like stance.

Jeez. These guys were serious.

I got up and headed to the break room, quickly preparing a coffee for Carrie. When I returned, I noticed the glass walls of Nala’s office had turned opaque. Nobody outside would be able to see what was happening inside. Guess they didn’t want anyone watching their conversation.

I opened the door and stepped inside. "Hey... oh."

I immediately closed the door behind me and locked it. God fucking damn. Kim was sitting across from Carrie. When did she even get here? And why was she here? I just hoped things wouldn’t get worse from here.

"So," Nala clapped her hands together. "Make it official, Carrie."

Carrie exhaled, looking defeated. "Kim, I’m sorry for everything I’ve done. I’m truly sorry."

I silently walked over to the table and placed the mug down. Then I took a step back and sat on the couch at the back of the office, watching the three of them.

"That’s... good." I nodded. "You thought you were doing the right thing for your son."

"Wow. Thanks." Kim glanced at me. "So I guess that justifies her kidnapping me?"

"You came willingly," Carrie pointed out, but she immediately raised her hands slightly. "But I made you come. I know. And I’m sorry."

"Alright," Nala cut in. "That’s what I wanted to hear. Now, let’s head to the meeting room, Carrie."

"That’s it?" I asked.

"Yep. I wanted Kim to be here." Nala looked at me. "You weren’t supposed to be here, but you butted in, so here we are."

"Wow, thanks." I smiled as I got to my feet. "Kim, wanna go on a break?"

"Sure." She stood up as well. "Come on."

"Hmm."

I followed them toward the door, still wondering how the hell I had somehow ended up in the middle of another one of Nala’s meetings.

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