Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 427

There had always been friction between Neil and Russel. Their relationship had shifted from childhood friends to sworn enemies over the past couple of years. So, I had anticipated their conversation wouldn’t be all sunshine and rainbows.

Russel had likely suggested Neil to recognize his current status and stop meddling in his affairs.

“Do you really think I believe those kids are yours?” Neil’s face appeared icy cold on the surveillance footage.

“I showed you the DNA test results. Do you want me to detail out how she and I conceived these kids?” Russel, being Neil’s long-time friend, knew exactly where to poke to bring out the pain.

The mere thought of such a scene was unbearable for Neil. The fact that he had managed to keep his distance for this long was nothing short of a miracle.

Russel’s words, however, were undoubtedly stirring up those unbearable thoughts in Neil.

Then Neil punched Russel in a fit of rage. Russel didn’t retaliate. When I stepped out, Neil was preparing for another round.

I turned off the surveillance footage, my mind in turmoil.

I hadn’t expected Russel to use this matter to provoke Neil. His actions not only shocked me but also left me disappointed.

“Stella, you go ahead and eat. I have to step out for a bit,” I told Stella as I got up. “Can you ask Norah to watch the kids? I’ll be back soon.”

Stella nodded. She was too preoccupied to meddle in my affairs.

I went straight to Russel’s place. He wasn’t working that evening and seemed surprised to see me. I rarely ever visited him on my own accord. My visits were usually at the behest of my parents.

Russel’s home was as simple and cozy as ever. The aroma of a freshly cooked meal wafted through the air. Stella was at my place today so he hadn’t joined us for dinner.

voice had lost its initial cold indifference and had now become tender. His hair shimmered softly under the

wasn’t in the mood to appreciate these things now. The man standing before me had a perfect exterior and an ability to sway hearts with his act. However, his inner darkness and obsession were just like the man I had known

down on the sofa, “Russel, can you tell

didn’t say anything. Just asked him to stop bothering you. Didn’t I explain that to you?” Russel poured me a glass of water and sat across from me. He wore a gray t-shirt and matching trousers, appearing refined and gentle. His icy demeanor

Russel

a moment, but his answer

opened

exactly pinpoint my emotions at the moment. I was both prepared and distraught.

to have noticed my discomfort. His eyes squinted a little, “What’s wrong?

and replied, “I saw the surveillance footage, the one at the front gate. I heard your entire conversation with Neil.

my words fell, the smile on Russel’s face

as if my words

too well.” Finally, Russel spoke again, “If he doesn’t believe the DNA test I showed him, he’ll definitely seek the truth. Only if he

that the only reason?” I asked with a cold

I understand Neil as well as you do, if not more.” There was a flash of

But I couldn’t bring myself to trust Russel fully. His explanation made it seem like he was doing all of this for me and

water glass on the table. His long eyelashes fluttered like a delicate fan,

expression seemed somewhat wronged and a

emotions became even more tangled. I didn’t feel like staying there any longer. Without another word, I got up and left.

I heard Russel call out from behind, “Irene!”

When I got back home, I was

matters worse, a more troublesome

two were now