Chapter 434
Atlas was probably surprised by my emotional outburst. He nodded and said, “Yes, that ‘Rory,’ who died in the plane crash with my parents, also had a snake tattoo.”
The news sent a shiver down my spine. “So you mean, the one who died in the crash wasn’t Rory? Then who was he?”
I couldn’t explain why I was so intrigued by Rory. Whenever his name came up, I felt an urge to dig deeper.
It was similar to the first time Grayson mentioned Lucille’s name, and I felt a sense of déja vu.
“This is the part I’ve always hesitated to make sense of, but one thing is certain. Rory didn’t have that tattoo!” Atlas said,
“Later, I managed to obtain the evidence from the investigation report.”
“Is this what made you suspect that your parents’ crash wasn’t just an accident?” I looked at Atlas. The awkwardness between us from earlier had dissipated, and I straightened up.
Atlas brushed aside the stray strands of hair caught in the breeze. His eyes were deep, and his voice was low. “I spent a whole decade looking for this evidence. That’s why I can’t afford to take it lightly. Do you understand?”
I met his gaze. This was a look shared only between us, devoid of any formality.
“Chloe, the situation here is far worse than you can imagine. I intended to protect the people who matter to me. That’s why I said I only have one request for you, and that is to trust me. Of course, some unforeseen events happened. It’s normal for you to misunderstand me.”
My face flushed involuntarily. He was blaming my willfulness.
“However, this time, they’ve crossed the line. I won’t let them off so easily!” His tone carried a chilling edge. “I won’t forgive them!”
I tentatively asked Atlas, “So, was the accident orchestrated by you, or did they do it?”
This was a question I had been wanting to clarify. There were too many unresolved mysteries surrounding this incident.
He held onto my hand, his gaze piercing. “Both.”
His response met my speculations. After all, I had pondered various possibilities during this time.
“Your performance at the time, outside my plan, added to the drama. It further convinced Celine of the crash’s authenticity. So, I had to keep the truth hidden from you, including our encounter at Quail Creek.” “Was that you at Quail Creek?” I was a little surprised. During that near-miss encounter, I had only suspected it was him based on his distinctive scent.
“But why didn’t I see you when I came out?” I asked, puzzled.
“I was in the car at the entrance.” Atlas looked at me, smiling slightly. “But at that moment, I couldn’t meet you. I couldn’t tell you I wasn’t in the emergency room. Also, you’ve just been to Pleca Park. You were within their line of sight! Everything you did was under their surveillance!”
“How did you leave Pleca Park then? Who was in Pleca Park?
“I was perplexed. At the surface, Pleca Park seemed unassuming, but it was practically a fortress.
“Don’t forget, Pleca Park is my home!” Atlas held my hand, squeezing it. “I’m free to come and go, of course!”
His answer widened my imagination.
Free to come and go? What did he mean?
“Was it you lying unconscious on the hospital bed?”
“What do you think?”
“Do you know how scared I was back then?” I was annoyed, but my voice carried a hint of coyness.
“Did you miss me?” He quirked a corner of his mouth and gently pinched my cheek. “Your words touched me deeply.”
I felt out of breath as he spoke. My words were completely spontaneous at the time, reflecting my true feelings. It was embarrassing.
“Who misses you? You’re as cold as ice!” I asked, “How come I saw no signs that you were moved? Didn’t you just
“Who misses you? You’re as cold as ice!” I asked, “How come I saw no signs that you were moved? Didn’t you just decisively walk away with the beautiful woman in your arms?”
“Have you ever considered how that set collapsed?” He looked at me, pulling me into his embrace with a gentle force. “You were quite jealous!”
For the first time in a while, we were alone like this. It was also the first time we interacted in such close quarters. It seemed our long-lost affection was rekindling.
The sound of waves crashing against the shore accompanied his fervent kiss, leaving me entranced and forgetting all my troubles.
Until the phone call from Lauren came, saying that Ivanna was in trouble.
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