Chapter 90 Burden of Guilt
Ryan was stunned. As he thought it over, a wave of shame washed over him. When Stephen suddenly disappeared a year ago the entire Lockhart family was thrown into turmoil. Stephen’s former subordinates searched high and low but found no trace of him.
Given Stephen’s situation at the time, harming him would have been easy for anyone. with ill intentions. Later, Stephen reached out to Ryan, revealing his life over the past year. It was Abigail who had taken Stephen in and cared for him.
Abigail had done him a huge favor. Candace had also helped Stephen. Yet, Ryan had only focused on Candace and forgotten about Abigail.
He slapped himself on the face and muttered, “I was wrong.”
Justin said, “It’s no use talking to me about it. You need to apologize to Abigail. If she forgives you, things with Stephen should smooth out.”
“Got it,” Ryan said, ending the call abruptly.
Justin sighed. “Hey, I wasn’t finished…”
Looking at the disconnected call, he clicked his tongue. Ryan was really a fool.
Meanwhile, Abigail had returned to Maplewood Residence. The large, empty apartment felt cold and lonely. She sat on the sofa, staring blankly ahead, her heart sinking like she was falling into an abyss. The cold and darkness seemed to envelop her.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed. She checked and saw a transfer of five million dollars from Stephen.
She was stunned. Was Stephen really agreeing to her terms? He hadn’t been willing before, and she couldn’t understand what had changed.
The money was in her account, but she couldn’t find joy in it. This was her ransom. Receiving the five million dollars meant she had sold her life to Stephen, who would use it to protect Candace. She struggled to understand his intentions.
She truly pitied herself, wondering how her life had become so tragic.
Abigail took a deep breath and texted Eloise “Drinks?” she typed.
They headed to their favorite barbecue place and ordered a couple of their favorite skewers. Eloise looked at Abigail with concern and asked, “How are things?”
Chapter 9 Beden of Guilt
Abigail took a sip of beer and replied with a smile, “I’m a millionaire now.”
Eloise was taken aback. “Really? Tell me more.”
Abigail chuckled and shared the whole story. As Eloise listened, her fists clenched int
anger.
“Abbie, you’re worth more than anyone can pay! That scumbag thinks he can buy. your life with five million dollars? I’ve seen my share of bad people, but this sumbag takes the cake!”
Abigail nodded. “He truly is the worst.”
I
Eloise suggested, “Why don’t we just get away? I can take you abroad. I can’t do
much for you here, but overseas is my turf. Stephen will be too busy dealing with his own issues to come after you.”
Abigail sighed, leaning on her fingers. “Your turf is abroad, but why are you even here? Eloise, your situation isn’t much better than mine.”
Eloise fell silent for a moment before raising her glass. “Our lives may be tough, but we’re still best friends. Cheers to that!”
“Cheers!”
After finishing their drinks, Abigail was clearly tipsy. Her face was flushed, and she swayed as she walked.
“I’m fine!” she insisted. “I can drink more. Bring me another round of beer…”
Eloise was also a bit tipsy, yet she still managed to support Abigail. “Abbie, let’s head home and drink there.”
With that, she slapped the table to get the attention of the waiter. After settling the bill, she helped Abigail out of the bar.
As they reached the roadside to hail a cab, a group of burly men approached them.
“Hey, ladies, where are you headed? Let us give you a ride. Our cars are really comfortable!”