, It was Conrad., He suddenly materialized, and my gut reaction was panic over Herschel. I sprang to my feet,

"What's wrong with Herschel?

", Conrad didn't glance at anyone else, just straight at me.

"He's fine.

" he replied, then he handed me his phone, adding,

"My mom wants to meet you.

" A wave of relief washed over me,

"Is Jacqueline okay?

",

"She must be; she sounded pretty urgent, asked me to find you ASAP so you could call her back,

" Conrad waved the phone in my direction again. Just as I reached out, Susie's voice floated from behind,

"Felicia, who's this guy?

", I caught my breath. Susie was already on edge thinking I had a fight with her brother, and with her head always buried in romance novels, learning that this was my ex would send her imagination into overdrive.,

"He's my... brother,

" The words felt cold as they left my mouth., I didn't dare look at Conrad's reaction. Instead, I turned to Susie with a smile,

"I'm just going to make a quick call, eat without me.

", Susie was still holding her spoon, halfway through eating her baked apple, her eyes locked onto Conrad with a mix of suspicion and caution., I didn't linger, just said to Conrad,

"Let's go.

",

"Felicia, I know he's your brother,

" Susie's words tightened my breath., I was facing Conrad and saw a shadow cross his face. Was he upset? Displeased?, But we had broken up, and his parents had clearly stated they wanted me as their goddaughter, which technically made him my 'second brother', right?,

"Yes, he's my brother,

" I confirmed to Susie, taking Conrad's phone and stepping out of the room., I dialed Jacqueline's number. As, soon as she picked up, she,

"Felicia, Why didn't Rad drop you off?

" FindNovel.net, recognized my voice, conte et,

"Jacqueline, I was with Ernest's sister,

" I explained, which was met with silence from her end., I knew Jacqueline and her family accepted Ernest but weren't thrilled, preferring I ended up with Conrad.,

"Jacqueline, what did you need?

" I guessed it was about Herschel's phone., But she hadn't mentioned it to Conrad, wanting to talk to me privately instead.,

"Rad isn't with you, right?

" Jacqueline's question confirmed my suspicion., I stepped further away from Conrad,

"Jacqueline, he can't hear us.

",

"Felicia, I saw Herschel's phone, it was that woman's call,

" Jacqueline sounded annoyed., That woman?! Her answer was vague.,

"Which woman?

",

"The young widow. I recognized her number because I warned her, before,

" Jacqueline said thr, teeth. , No wonder Jacqueline wanted me away from Conrad. But what did Haley want with Herschel?,

"She must've said something to upset Herschel, causing his, condition. Isn't it enough she, interfered between you and Rad?, Now she's targeting Helme, aiming to ruin the Wagner family?

" Jacqueline's voice rose in anger., I subtly glanced at Conrad, whispering to calm Jacqueline,

"Jacqueline, please, don't get worked up.

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