Chapter 66
Myra turned around, watching as the car’s rear lights faded into the distance. The path down the hill wound its way out of sight, carrying with it the warmth that had lingered in the car. Slowly, it disappeared around the corner, and a sudden wave of panic gripped Myra, a feeling as though something precious was slipping through her fingers.
She placed her hand over her chest and took a few deep breaths to steady herself. “I am married,” she reminded herself. “Even if Sean doesn’t love me, I shouldn’t stoop so low as to cheat on him. I won’t embarrass him, and besides, Tony is too complicated and captivating—he’s not someone I can afford to get entangled with.”
Turning her gaze away from the path ahead, Myra forced herself to look back and walked slowly toward the Chase Residence. But as she walked, the weight of her emotions became overwhelming. She felt a sudden flush of exhaustion and a bitter laugh escaped her lips. “All I did was attend a banquet, and now I’ve lost my husband and almost cheated on him.”
Without warning, Myra broke into a run, but stumbled and fell hard onto the stone path. The sharp pain in her knee made her wince, but she ignored it, quickly getting to her feet and dashing toward the door. Once inside, she locked it behind her and collapsed against it, letting out a shaky breath.
In the dim light of the living room, Myra’s eyes fell on Sean, lying sideways on the couch. His face was blurred in the yellow glow of the single wall-mounted light. He appeared to be sleeping soundly—or was he?
A sense of disbelief crept over Myra as she watched him. Is Sean really back? Why didn’t he go to Lyla?
Her heart thudded in her chest as she carefully approached him. She could smell the stench of alcohol and tobacco on him. How much did he drink?
Tentatively, she reached out and patted him gently. “Sean, go upstairs and sleep. You’ll catch a cold if you sleep here,” she whispered, her voice hoarse. Deep down, she couldn’t understand why she still cared so much for him.
In the next moment, Sean’s mumbled words froze her in place. “Why did you come back… Why?” His voice was laced with pain, and his face contorted as he rolled to the other side. “Didn’t you tell me you were with me for my money? Didn’t you say the other man was better than me? Why did you come back, then? Why did you say all those things that made me misunderstand?”
The words hit Myra like a slap. She was paralyzed as she watched him, feeling the sting of his resentment.
He’s still thinking about Lyla, she realized. He still cares about her, even after all that’s happened. He’s scared to admit he has feelings for me, so he clings to his hatred for her.
Myra’s heart sank, and she clenched her fists in frustration. Her gaze fell on Sean’s face, and she spoke through gritted teeth, “You make me realize that no matter how hard I try, you will never even look at me. If that’s the case, I’ll let you go, Sean Chase.”
With those words, Myra turned and walked away, heading upstairs without a second glance. Her heart felt heavy with the weight of everything she had just said and done.
Meanwhile, the scene shifted to the hotel where the banquet had been held. A waitress hurried toward Tony’s private room, her footsteps quick but cautious. When she opened the door, her expression faltered at what she saw inside. Before she could back out, a voice stopped her.
“Why are you leaving, beauty? I don’t remember giving you permission to enter,” Elliot said, his voice playful yet stern. His sharp gaze fixed on the woman as he blocked her way.
The waitress had been tasked with delivering a message to Tony, but as she noticed Elliot’s stern demeanor, she tried to leave, not wanting to get into trouble. However, Elliot wasn’t so easily fooled.
“What’s the message you’re carrying for Tony?” he asked, narrowing his eyes. “Who is it from? I’ll convey it for you.”
She hesitated, clearly guilty. After a moment, she sighed. “It’s from Miss Lyla Fisher. She’s looking for Director Hart and wants to speak with him. She’s invited him to Room 1024.”
Elliot’s eyes lit up with realization. He had been investigating the incident involving Myra and the drugged champagne. The puzzle pieces clicked into place. The waitress had been the one who had given Myra the champagne that contained the drug meant for Tony.
With a wry smile, Elliot dismissed the waitress. “You’ve done your part, now leave. I’ll handle this from here.”
After she left, Elliot immediately sent a message to Lyla, letting her know that everything was in motion. He hoped the night would unfold as she had planned.
Meanwhile, Tony, already on his way back, received a call from Elliot. He listened intently as Elliot explained the situation, including the drugged champagne and Lyla’s manipulations.
When Elliot teased Tony about Lyla, Tony’s expression turned cold. “Lyla left the hotel with Sean earlier today,” he muttered darkly. “And Myra… She’s still with him. That woman might be in another man’s bed as we speak.”