"The accident she mentioned... wasn't that the crash that killed my parents?, So, Ernest's dad was bribed to cause it?! That hit me like a ton of bricks., Trying to steady my pounding heart, I looked at Shirley And asked,

"Who's spreading these rumors, and is there any proof?

", She seemed oblivious to my agitation and shook her head lightly.

"No clue, just whispers here and there. People around him are scared stiff. If he finds out who's been talking, they're as good as dead.

"

"Can you dig around for more info?

" My question made her turn back to look at me., This time, she sensed something was off and gave a slight chuckle.

"Why are you so interested in this all of a sudden?

", I hesitated, but deciding to trust her with the truth, I confessed,

"Because the couple in that accident were my parents, and the driver... was my ex-boyfriend's father.

", Shirley's eyes widened in shock., I grabbed her arm,

"That's why I need to know if it's true. I need evidence.

", Her fake eyelashes fluttered.

"You want my help?

", I knew we weren't exactly friends; there was a time she wanted to be friends, and I had turned her down., Asking for her help at this point felt deeply ironic. But she resented Lord, and since she was one of his insiders, plus the one who'd mentioned the rumor, she might be able to track down the source more effectively., After all, there's no smoke without fire. If such a rumor existed, someone must know something., So, irony be damned. Even if it meant swallowing my pride or paying a price, I wouldn't hesitate.,

"Miss Travis, I hope you can help me.

", Shirley paused then smiled.

"We're not even friends. I could say no.

", Women can be petty, and she remembered how I'd rejected her friendship., But from her expression, it was clear she was only half-serious.,

"If you help me, we'll be friends,

" I countered, trying to play it cool., She laughed out loud.

"Is this how you ask for favors?

",

"It's not begging; it's asking for help,

" I clarified. Even though I was seeking her assistance, I refused to come off as desperate., In any relationship, even friendship, showing too much desperation puts you at a disadvantage., Shirley clearly saw some value in having me as a friend. So, if she helped me, I'd offer her the friendship she sought.,

"Typical of someone raised in the, །, Wagner family, always so confident. Alright 'll try. But just a try, and can't promise anything,

" Shirley agreed. , But her agreement didn't ease my anxiety; it heightened it. Lord had no known vendetta against my parents, so why target them? There had to be more to the story, a thought@dared not delve into. , After celebrating Nancy's birthday with Shirley, I asked her as we were leaving,

"What are you planning to do about the baby?

", She touched her still-flat belly.

"I'll fight for it.

", Knowing she wasn't ready to give up, I leaned in closer.

"My best, help, I might be able toneel.net, friend's an OB-GYN. If you need any, , Shirley nodded.

"Drive safe.

", She had her driver take me home., The rain hadn't let up all day., The streets were flooded in places, and the driver mentioned seeing videos of the flooding., My mind, preoccupied with thoughts of my parents' death, barely registered his words., When Susie Collins called, I was almost home.

"Hey, where are you?

",

"On my way back,

" I replied, my voice weary., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.