Faux Vows, True Desires

Owen, knowing full well that he wasn't the problem, didn't rush to reconnect with Cecilia after leaving Ascend Global. Cecilia had returned to her shop, and it wasn't certain she would cooperate with him even if he did seek her out.

Exhausted and drowsy, Owen decided to head back to his hotel to catch up on some sleep. He drove off into the afternoon, which passed without further incident.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the dark veil of night unfurled across the sky, another day drew to a close.

Darlene got the scoop from Lucinda that Keith had headed over to the Moore residence, so she didn't bother to tell Keith to wait for her outside the city limits.

When the dead of night had settled and everyone else was lost in slumber, Darlene, in disguise, silently slipped away from the opulent Bishop family estate.

Her motorcycle was parked in the lot of a nearby supermarket, standing by like a loyal steed. Mounting the bike, she zipped through the empty streets, grateful for the gossip that had led her to investigate Lucinda and, by extension, pinpoint the Moore residence.

The night was still, with few cars on the road, allowing Darlene to rev up and race against the quiet darkness. She had timed her departure perfectly, leaving at midnight, estimating her arrival at the Moore residence would be just after 1 AM. After collecting Keith's payment, she could race back home before dawn's first light, ensuring no one would be the wiser.

Her timing was impeccable, and just past 1 AM, she reached the sleepy village where the Moore family lived. The rural silence was profound, with each household locked in peaceful repose. Darlene rode along the village road, unnoticed even by the local dogs, too lazy to bark at the passing stranger.

Soon, she pulled to a stop. Near the Moore residence, at the village square intersection, a car was parked with its windows down, its occupant seemingly enjoying a cigarette.

The man spotted her approaching and waved—a signal from Keith.

Darlene revved her bike back to life and swiftly reached Keith's car.

No sooner had she parked than the village dogs began to bark. At first, it was just

a few yelps, but it quickly grew into a chorus. Yet, even with the village dogs in an uproar, no one would stir to investigate, many not even registering the noise.

"Waiting for me, Keith?" Darlene asked with a low chuckle.

Keith muttered, snuffing out his cigarette and

Without exchanging contact details, you still

been keeping tabs on

had smoked more out of boredom than habit, carried the scent of tobacco—a smell Darlene didn't care for. Fishing a

Chewing it, he asked, "You always

time, so I make it

residence and said, "That must be

nodded, looking back at the family home where everyone inside was likely dreaming. "Yeah, Lucy

took in the surroundings. "Can't see much at night, but the air is so

village, and it gets even better. There's a hill with a stream running at its base, untouched and naturally beautiful. The locals just grow some

Keith opened the rear door of the

cash?" Darlene asked cautiously,

How could I repay that with mere tens of thousands? My life is worth more than that." He locked eyes with her ve heard rumors of a high bounty

amused by

I should take up the contract

type of person, or you wouldn't have saved me in the

were the scion of the Blue family when

Keith chuckled knowingly.

much did you

million,

Darlene was speechless.

I've undersold myself. A few million makes my

the same cold Keith she

these boxes? Let me drive you," Keith offered, following