After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 69

Katniss, driven by sheer survival instinct, whipped out her phone and dialed a number from her contacts.

Desmond was the first name on her speed dial.

The phone buzzed, and Desmond paused, seeing Katniss's name flash on the screen.

Just as he was about to pick up, Lucas turned around and asked why he was lagging behind.

"Katniss is calling," Desmond said, showing Lucas the screen.

Lucas squinted at the name, "So, she's finally caving in and calling for mercy? Wasn't she all tough, wanting to ditch the Manners family, and now she's back to bugging you?" Desmond might've agreed with Lucas before.

But after their last rough conversation, Desmond wasn't so sure.

Lucas, though, snatched Desmond's phone, hung up, and turned it off.

"If she wants to beg, she better show some real effort. Don't go soft on her!" Lucas patted Desmond's shoulder, "Come on, today's deal is crucial. You've put in so much work, don't let it go to waste."

Lucas added, "Seal this deal, and your grandpa will see you differently. You'll have a say in your marriage with Clara."

Desmond hesitated for a moment, but hearing Clara's name, his expression softened, and he pocketed the phone.

Lucas was right. For his future with Clara, he had to nail this deal.

Katniss's call could wait.

bond and Lucas's network, Desmond's preparations

Desmond drove to her

quickly found his car, thanks to Desmond's

white, symbolizing purity and cleanliness, like an angel. She ran towards Desmond, "Desmond! I'm here, did you

passenger seat, looking at

out a dessert bag from the back seat, filled with her favorite treats, "Slow down, what

took the dessert bag, her eyes lighting up at

my favorite

you like!" Desmond glanced at the time

tried calling Katniss back, but

bite of the cake and shook her head, "No, you know Katniss doesn't like me much. I try to steer clear of her at school to avoid any drama." Desmond's eyes darkened with displeasure. "You shouldn't have

just want everyone to be happy and not fight because of me." Clara lowered her head sadly, looking like she blamed herself. Desmond's heart ached, and he

contract. This means I can join the company and talk to my grandpa about our marriage,"

stunned for a moment, then threw herself into Desmond's arms, whispering, "Desmond, there's no rush. I'll wait

senses with

who wore old, faded clothes and smelled like the cheapest laundry

her eyes shyly meeting

had liked for so long was in his arms. Desmond's Adam's apple bobbed, his eyes falling on her luscious lips, and

lips met, and his breathing grew

car's narrow space suddenly felt even more

boldly wrapped her arms around Desmond's neck, "I

heart raced, his strong arms tightening

classroom, Juniper looked around, noticing everyone had left, but there was no sign of Katniss. Unable to hold back, she asked someone if they had seen Katniss, only to be told she hadn't come to class at all. Juniper's face

phone. Could something have happened