More Than A Favor

Chapter 96

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“Really? But who could it be?” Tessa asked, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity. “Your parents have been gone for years, and their old friends have long since moved on. They’ve never even mentioned your parents‘ names in ages. Why would anyone suddenly show up to pay respects?”

Her words struck a nerve.

The idea that people “move on” hit me harder than I expected. I hadn’t noticed their absence in conversations before, but Tessa’s blunt reminder left me feeling unsettled.

“Maybe someone made a mistake, Elaine?” Tessa suggested, trying to offer a logical explanation.

I glanced at the tombstone, its photo and name clear and unmistakable. How could anyone confuse this grave with another? Her words felt like something you’d tell a child to dismiss their worries.

“Maybe,” I agreed, not wanting to continue the conversation.

But I knew it wasn’t a mistake. It wasn’t the Mercer family, nor could it have been Mom and Dad’s old friends.

That bouquet of daisies was suspicious, and I intended to get to the bottom of it.

“Elaine, don’t overthink it. I’ll ask Ethan later if he knows anything or if anyone might have done this,” Tessa reassured me.

“Alright,” I replied.

Before hanging up, she reminded me again to make sure I attended Ethan’s birthday celebration.

Later, I took a photo of the bouquet and posted it on Instagram with the caption: “Whose remembrance could this be?”

Shortly after, Nora called me. I was surprised she had time to check social media in the middle of her busy day.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

After explaining the situation, I murmured, “I just can’t figure out who it could be. It’s so strange.”

Nora, however, had shifted her focus. “Are you seriously going to the Mercer estate? Isn’t that like walking straight into a trap?”

“Not going isn’t really an option,” I admitted. “But at the same time, I’m nervous about what Logan might try to pull.”

“Then you need someone with you,” she said firmly. “A man. Even if things go south, at least you’ll have someone by your side, and it might finally make Logan and the Mercer family back off.” After a pause, she asked, “Has Ashton contacted you?”

“He turned me down,” I said with a sigh.

her about Ashton’s insistence on being a real

knows–you might

out the window. “I’m just not in the

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< Chapter 96

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to pursue a relationship with me,

the issue further. Instead, she voiced her concern.

with you? Even if it doesn’t change

thought, I replied, “No, I still need to find a

said immediately. “Then say yes to Ashton already. It’s the obvious solution-”

any other men? Set me

unbelievable,” Nora said, stunned by my

option,” I argued. “No strings attached, no

flawless to me.

“I know a few guys, but they’re all serious professionals–doctors. They probably wouldn’t

what?” I

You could look for someone publicly, and it might

but it intrigued me. Maybe a blind date was worth considering.

meet my blind date. I was halfway through my second cup of coffee when he

a receding hairline.

“catfished,” his tardiness had left a

a real relationship. I just needed someone to

said politely

point. “I’m not here for a real date.

confused for a moment. “Rent a boyfriend?”

relationship right now, but I

and I worried I might have offended him. To ease the tension, I

must be pretty well–off,” he remarked, his tone laced

can negotiate a daily or monthly rate. What do you think

to pay?” he asked,

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