When Ernest's video call came through, I was sitting on the hotel's balcony, gazing out at the rain-soaked cityscape., Being in an unfamiliar city always had a way of nurturing a sense of melancholy., And the rain outside didn't help one bit., Bits and pieces of a conversation I'd overheard through the video were echoing in my ears, revealing why Conrad had asked if I knew who Ernest was. It also shed light on Jeremy's unusual behavior towards Ernest., Turns out, Ernest was one of the Collinses., Here I was, thinking he was just some broke guy, but in reality, he was a well-hidden scion of wealth and influence., But why would he hide his wealth? Was he acting like one of those undercover bosses from a book, worried I'd only be into him for his status?, The thought made me smile bitterly as I picked up my constantly buzzing phone and answered the call., Ernest's handsome face appeared on the screen,

"Licia, let me explain.

", He knew I'd seen the video call log and had heard everything.,

"Explain what?

" I asked, idly twirling my toes, pretending ignorance.,

"Licia, I didn't mean to deceive you or keep it from you,

" Ernest said earnestly., I traced circles on the window glass with my finger,

"Everyone has their reasons. You're free to keep your secrets.

",

"Licia...

",

"Ernest, you asked Conrad to look after me because you knew he'd be cautious around me if he wanted to collaborate with the Collins family, right? He wouldn't dare mess with me.

",

"That's not it.....

",

"And what kind of boyfriend asks his girlfriend's ex to take care of her?

" I murmured.,

"Licia...

",

"Ernest, remember what I told you? I said I hate being lied to,

" I spoke, the glass now filled with Ernest's name written over and over.,

"I know, I wanted to find the right moment to tell you, but it never seemed like the right time,

" Ernest explained, his voice tense.,

"Were you waiting to officially return to the Collins family before telling me? Or if I hadn't accidentally heard about it today, you might have never told me, huh?

", Ernest was silent on the other end,

"Honestly, I never thought about returning to the Collins family. That's why I didn't bring it up.

", I paused, wondering why he wouldn't, want to go back to the Collins, family. But I didn't ask, simply stating,

"Ernest, it's okay if you don't want to talk about it. Like you said, even though we're dating, we're still individuals.

" , My words twisted his meaning, but I couldn't help feeling upset., He was silent again before changing the subject,

"Can you see Jefferson?

", Considering it was about Jefferson, I let go of my irritation,

"No, Conrad said he's working on it.

",

"I'll have someone pick you up tomorrow to see him,

" Ernest's offer surprised me., But then I remembered his status and couldn't help but laugh,

"Looks like you're the one with real clout.

",

"Licia... there might be a conspiracy, around Jefferson's case. When you, see him tomorrow as his acting, attorney, make sure to ask him a, sw noveline, few key questions.

" Ernest's words made my already low spirits tense up. ,

"Like what?

",

"You need to get him to detail any recent issues with this guy named Deck, find out how Deck was uncooperative, and see if there's any evidence. Also, ask if Jefferson has been threatened or if someone's tried to bribe or use him.

", Ernest's words made me sense something,

"You suspect Deck's death was part of a conspiracy?

",

"It's a possibility. Jefferson was a strong contender for the championship. If something happened to him, it would open up opportunities for the other competitors,

" Ernest analyzed.,

"So, someone might have wanted him to throw a match, he refused, and they set him up,

" I shared my understanding., Ernest hummed in agreement,

"So when you see him, make sure he explains everything. It'll help us find the real culprit and clear his name.

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