Just as the thought crossed my mind, my phone buzzed to life., It was like awkwardness had thrown open its doors, and I was the guest of honor. Talk about cringe-central., Allen's face twisted into a mocking smile.

"Really, girl? You're that wary of me? If you don't trust me, why even bother with me in the first place?

", I was at a loss for words., Stepping back, Allen declared,

"Let's just pretend we never knew each other.

", With that, he hopped into his car and sped off, leaving me in a swirl of dust and confusion., His mood had flipped faster than a page in a book. Just ten minutes ago, he was all confessions and intentions of pursuit. And now, over a single phone call, he was out of my life., Maybe it's for the best. At least now I wouldn't have to worry about him actually making a move., As Allen disappeared into the distance, my gaze shifted back to the firmly shut gates of the sanatorium. Who could Lord be meeting that's so important?, Could it be Herschel?, Hesitating for a moment, I pulled out my phone to call Jacqueline.,

"Felicia, I was just about to call you,

" she beat me to the punch., I went straight to the point,

"Jacqueline, did you need something?

",

"I'm inviting you out for lunch at Urban Harvest, our usual spot. Be there by eleven,

" she said, not giving me a chance to decline., I didn't resist but asked,

"Is Herschel going too?

",

"No, he left the house today. Won't be back till the afternoon,

" Jacqueline shared without hesitation., Out for the whole day?, Ever since Herschel handed his company over to Conrad Wagner, he's nearly cut off all social ties.,

"Is he traveling far?

" I probed further.,

"Not at all. Just meeting an old friend for their usual chess and tea,

" she replied., Holding the phone tighter, it seemed my guess was right. Herschel was indeed the important guest Lord had mentioned., Their relationship must be quite close. I didn't want to overthink it, but the contract my father left behind made it hard not to.

"Felicia, did you need something from Herschel?

" Jacqueline inquired, snapping me back to reality.,

"No, I thought it was a family lunch,

" I replied.,

"A family gathering? Not since you left,

" she scoffed, clearly not blaming me, but the implication was there., I knew she didn't mean to guilt-trip me, and I wasn't about to apologize for something I wasn't at fault for.,

"Felicia, you have to come. I've missed you so much, and there's so much to catch up on,

" Jacqueline sighed heavily., Hearing that, how could I refuse? She would undoubtedly want to discuss Conrad and Haley Perez's latest drama, and as the ex, it wasn't my place to say much., But the idea of playing the emotional dumpster didn't appeal to me either.,

"Jacqueline, I might not make it,

" I tried to decline.,

"Are you trying to cut ties with me completely, Felicia? Ever since you left, I haven't had a good night's sleep or a decent meal. Can't you, just for today, be my daughter and join me for lunch?

" Jacqueline played the guilt card., How could I say no after that? I reluctantly agreed,

"Jacqueline, I'll try to make it.

",

"Felicia, I'll be waiting,

" she said, effectively sealing my fate., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.