Chapter 235: The Seeds of Strife
“Mr. Tartt, Malcolm said sternly but it held an undertone of disappointment. “I have always expected nothing but the truth from you. You are like family to me, and you know how much Reese means to me. Do you comprehend what I’m trying to say?“Mr. Tartt, however, continued to evade the accusations, his defense shrouded in ambiguity. “How could it possibly be me? Sir, you must believe me. Why would I leave such self–incriminating evidence in my room? It’s akin to planting evidence against myself!““Enough!” Reese’s patience had worn thin. She abruptly left the room, her footsteps echoing as she ascended the stairs to her room. She was a whirlwind of emotions, unsure of how to process or handle the situation Malcolm, too, was left in a state of turmoil. A revelation had just been made, one that he had been completely oblivious toddenly, the sound of his phone ringing broke the silence. Glancing at the display, he saw an unfamiliar number. “Hello, who is Quis? Malcolm inquired with a cautious tone.“It’s me,” a woman’s voice responded. It was vaguely familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it.“May I know whos speaking? Malcolm pressed, his patience wearing thin. He had no time for cryptic calls from unknown numbers. “Don’t you remember me?” The surprise in the woman’s voice was evident. After a moment of silence, she finally revealed herself. Tm Dahlia!” “Goodbye,” Malcolm responded curtly, not interested in entertaining any further conversation with her. Wait, don’t hang up. It’s about Reese?” Dahlia’s word’s stopped him just as he was about to end the call. The mention of Rese’s name made him hesitate. “What do you want now?” Malcolm’s voice was laced with anger. Im warning you, stop whatever you’re planning, or you ll regret it!” “No, I’ve got a secret about Reese. Wanna hear it?” Dahlia’s voice was filled with confidence.A silence fell on the other end of the line. After a pause, Malcolm responded firmly, “Meet me at Serendipity Café tomorrow at three. He had made his decision. Regardless of the reason, he needed to meet this woman. Once he had spoken, he ended the call. The incessant beeping of the disconnection tone brought Dahlia back to reality. His voice was so charming, but damn, he only had eyes for Reese! Why should it be that way? She thought Indignantly. It should all be hers!As tomorrow approached, she grew bore convinced: the secret would kick Reese out of Malcolm’s world for good!Meanwhile, Reese was laying on her bed, deep in thought. Something was definitely off about Mr. Tartt. But where to start?Suddenly, she picked up her phone and dialed a number.“Hey, Reese, what’s up? Calvin’s familiar voice came through.“Let’s meet tomorrow. Bring your gear, and let’s pick a spot,” Reese got straight to the point. She and Calvin didn’t need to beat around the bushes All right, I’ll text you once I’m there; you can follow, Calvin responded promptly, already formulating a plan.After hanging up, Reese gazed out the window, her emotions were in disarray. Time passed by as the darkness gradually fell. Reese sat still, a sudden fear of the impending results gripped her. No, she couldn’t lose her nerve, Reese shook her head. She had to stay resolute!Malcolm stood outside the door, hesitating, dinner in hand, reluctant to enter. After a long pause, he knocked gently and said softly, “Reese, you should eat something. No response came, as Reese had fallen asleep. Malcolm knocked again, stubbornly. but it was like dropping a stone into the ocean Inside, Reese listened to the knock after knock. She didn’t get up.The next afternoon at Serendipity Café.Malcolm walked in and immediately saw a familiar face smiling at him the woman was stirring her coffee. He gave Dahlia a look of repugnance and disdain and then proceeded to sit across from her.
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“Speak your mind. What is it that you desire? Malcolm demanded, his impatience evident as he initiated the conversation. Let’s not be hasty,” Dahlia replied, taking a leisurely sip from her coffee. I’ve been told the coffee here is quite delightful. I took the liberty of ordering one for you.” She signaled at the waiter, shortly after, a cop of coffee was placed before Malcolm. ‘Do give it a try,” Dahlia suggested, with her casual demeanor as though she was merely there to share a cup of coffee with Malcolm. If one could overlook the storm brewing on Malcolm’s face, the scene might have been quite pleasant.“What sort of game are you playing?” Malcolm questioned, suspecting that this woman was not as innocent as she appeared. No games, just catching up. It’s been a while, and I’ve missed you,” Dahlia confessed, making no attempt to conceal her intense interest in him Malcolm, however, was not swayed. He abruptly rose from his seat, preparing to make his exit. “Wait!” Dahlias voice was laced with panic as Malcolm stood. This was not going according to her carefully laid plan. ‘Are you not curious as to why Reese chose to marry you?” Dahlia taunted, a smile swept across her lips as she watched Malcolm’s retreating figure.At her words, Malcolm hesitated, then slowly reclaimed his seat.Just as she had predicted, Malcolm still cared about this matter, Dahlia thought to herself.“Speak, Malcolm commanded in a harsh tone. He didn’t even glance at the cup of coffee on the table. In his mind, that every second spent in this woman’s company was a waste of time.Dahlia, however, was in no rush. She took another sip of her coffee, her voice slow and deliberate, knowing she had Malcolm’s full attention. “Actually, it concerns Reese’s grandmother’s death connected to the Flynn family.““Is that so?” A flicker of surprise crossed Malcolm’s eyes, but he quickly concealed it. “Yes, she married you to investigate her grandmother’s death,” Dahlia stated bluntly.Across the room, Reese listened in silence.Calvin, who had chosen this location by chance, considered himself fortunate to have stumbled upon such a scene. Reese, however, remained impassive, her expression unchanged. So what? I desire Reese, the person only her! Malcolm declared, leaving no room for argument.“You!” Surprise flickered in Dahlia’s eyes. “Aren’t you afraid Reese will seek revenge?” Dahlia pressed.“I don’t know whether her grandmother’s death has anything to do with the Flynn family, but I will make things right with Reese. You dont need to worry. Even if the Flynn family is involved, I will take responsibility for what I must. It’s not your place to meddle! You’re nothing compared to Reese, not even one in a thousand one in
million!” Malcolm’s
is anger was palpable; he could not tolerate people bringing up this subject. Behind him, even Reese is she had not anticipated hearing these words, it was beyond her expectations. “You!” Dahlia was seething, her thick layer of make–up failing to hide the anger that colored her face. Malcolm, Reese has been lying to you about so much more! Dahlia was pushed to her limit.“Well, I’d gladly be deceived by Reese for a lifetime! Malcolm retorted coldly.“Malcolm, you’re going to regret this!” Dahlia warned, her voice filled with anger.Suddenly, applause erupted from behind, “Oh Dahlia, I never imagined you’d still be the same!” Reese walked up boldly. “Who are you to meddle in my business? Reese shot back sharply.
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Fall in Love with the Dominant Billionaire
