Chapter 24
to stay in the hospital for a few days to receive intensive care for the stab wound in my stomach and to monitor my children,
who are still in the numery
Today marks the second day of my hospitalization, and for some reason, there’s a strange quest in my room. I don’t remember having an appointment with a client, especially since my boutique hasn’t reopened yet
Is this woman one of Nathuris clients? But why would she be meeting him in a hospital? in my room, no less?
My gaze shifts to Nathan as he enters with Hazel. At first, Falmost didn’t recognize him–because night now, he looks like Cero. I still don’t understand why he had to come here with Hazel;
“Shaton” Hazel greets me enthusiastical
Cero told me you were attacked”
setting down a frat basket before approaching my bedside. “I was really shocked when
I glance at Nathan, who winks at me discreetly. That confirms my suspicion–no one knows his real identity except me. Not even Hazel, his superior. I can’t even imagine how he managed to get a job at her firm under a fake identity
“Is the case from yesterday still not over? I thought the news had died down in “Gothamist” she continues.
I sigh. “This is a different case. Someone deliberately burned down my boutique” I shift my gaze to Nathan “And I asked Cero to investigate
Hazel frowns “So? Wh
Connechan to yesterday’s case?“;
“The perpetrator is the same person the one spreading fake news, the one who set fire to my boutique, and…”.
Hazel winces when I show her the wound on my stomach, right next to my section stitches. Her expression turns homified, as if she
can’t fathom how I’ve endured all of this
I’m curious who the mastermind is behind all thes. She seems obsessed with making you suffer.”
I nod in agreement. To this day, I still don’t fully understand Grace’s motive, though I suspect it has something to do with Edgar. But I
Meeting her in person wouldn’t be a good idea–especially since Nathan has become even more possessive of me.
“I don’t know what I need to do yet, but I take a deep breath, avoiding Hazel’s expectant gaze “My boyfriend will take care of it.”
Hazel’s eyes widen in surprise, then sparkle with mischief You never told me you had a boyfriend. Sharon,” she teases.
I offer a small, awkward smile, suddenly embarrassed at the thought of explaining my relationship with Nathan–especially since he’s her subordinate, her favorite hacker
Before Hazel can pry further, Nathan interrupts, Hazel and I tum to look at him as he explains that he has some matters to attend to with the woman he brought earlier)
We nod, allowing him to leave with the woman, who wears a lanyard around her neck. She had interviewed me earlier about yesterday’s incident, so I assume she’s a journalist
Hazel, however, isn’t letting go of her previous question. “By the way, don’t you want to tell me who your boyfriend is?” she asks, ginning X
I simply shake my head, knowing that sooner or later, Nathan will reveal himself to Hazel. As himself, not as Cero.!!
And just as I predicted, it happens.
Nathan enters the room again–this time in casual attire, carrying a bouquet of lilies and a box of cake. He approaches me, while Hazel steps aside slightly. My cheeks heat up as Nathan kisses my forehead without warning, right in front of her.”
“Sorry I’m late. I had some things to take care of,” he says, placing the bouquet on my lap before opening the cake box, which releases an tresistible aroma “Mom sent this. She said you need to get better soon!
“Thanks, I murmur, smiling softly.
Hazel moves closer again, causing Nathan to glance at me questioningly. His acting is truly convincing
ake a deep breath. “Nathan, this is Hazel–my friend and the owner of the audit firm in DUMBO
Then I turn to Hazel. “My boyfriend, Nathan.”
Hazel extends her hand, introducing herself. Nathan does the same
I can’t help but chuckle internally as I watch the two most significant people in my life formally introduce themselves–again.
“Well, I should get back to the office, Hazel says after a moment.
“You don’t want to stay longer?“%
She shakes her head. “You need plenty of rest, Sharon. I’ll come back later when I can see the twins.“X
I nod, not stopping her. Besides, I need to discuss something important with Nathan about Grace
Once Hazel leaves, Hook at Nathan with a demanding gaze. “So, what do you plan to do with Grace?”
He sinks his hands into his pockets “What do you think I should do with her?”
won’t let you execute her secretly, torture her until she confesses, or anything like that.“%
He laughs, making me furrow my brows. He knows Im not entirely serious, yet I can’t ignore the slight tension between us
“Love, I’m just a mysterious hacker, not a ruthless mafia boss,” he says, amusement lacing his tone
“Yeah, I’m not so sure about that. You’re “too good at hiding your real identity, Nathan.”2
His laughter lingers as he gently ruffles my hair. That look in his eyes–it always has a way of calming me, no matter the
circumstances
“I bring this case to the media,” he finally says: 1 have all the evidence of her crimes. Il expose everything and let the police handle
it from there
Nathan shrugs, as if he doesn’t care whether the NYPD will have a hard time tracking her down based on just social media
I shake my head slightly. I know I can’t interfere, I don’t even know how Nathan plans to leak this information without my involvement as the victim.
But I trust him. He’s always reliable.
All I can do now is wait and see if Grace will be caught easily–or if she’ll flee after her face is plastered all over New York’s media, her reputation ruined.
Her modeling career will be destroyed, no doubt. But has she even considered the consequences of her actions?!
Nathan’s phone rings, and his expression changes the moment he answers. My chest lightens at his reaction. “What’s wrong?” I ask cautiously
Nathan hesitates to answer. But I’m impatient–I need to know what’s happening
“Nathan, what is it?” I press.
He exhales sharply. “All the data about Grace’s crimes it’s
I freeze, fear creeping up my spine
gone.”
I underestimated her. She managed to erase all the evidence Nathan had secretly gathered But how?
Is it possible… that she’s working with a hacker too?
