Chapter 21
Kylie’s phone went silent for a bit, and she figured Ethan was keeping her in the dark about something. It made her a little.
But then. Ethan’s voice came through, smooth and reassuring. “Kylie, it’s nothing major, just some minor issues. I’m handling it. Take it easy, and if you’re still not right, get to the hospital, okay?”
“Sure thing” Kylie responded, not pushing for details. She knew how Eilan operated. As the big brother, he’d always been the one to shield them from worry, dealing with everything on his own.
She checked her bank app, her eyes flicking over the balance. Lijn had transferred half the money for th restoration with the rest to comme later. Her account now showed little over 300 thousand dollars.
Ethan had been with a research company since college, but for some reason, his pay never reflected his worth. With a ten- year contract in place, leaving wasn’t an option without a hefty price tag.
In her previous life, Ethan’s career had been at a standstill before the accident. But this time, she was set on helping him out. The money she had wasn’t nearly enough.
As she pondered her next move, sleep claimed her once more.
Trevor stared at the ceiling, his mind buzzing with thoughts that kept sleep at bay. The tranquil nights he’d taken for granted back home were now just a memory.
Giving up on rest, he decided to grab a glass of water from the kitchen.
He passed by Kylie’s room, the sliver of light beneath her door catching his eye. He hesitated for a moment before knocking. softly. “Kylie, he whispered, but only silence answered him.
Worry creased his brow. Had her fever spiked again? He pushed open the door to see her lying motionless, her breaths so shallow he had to strain to hear them.
Approaching her bedside, he picked up the thermometer and checked her temperature. To his relief, it had dropped to a more manageable 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
He placed the thermometer back down and looked at Kylie, her face a picture of serenity.
If she’d played it cool and stuck to their agreement, he’d have considered a generous parting gift when their contract concluded.
But the way she’d been whispering Craig’s name, her eyes brimming with tears, told Trevor there was more to the story. Zach would unearth the truth soon enough.
Kylie stirred awake at the crack of dawn, feeling a bit off–kilter from her recent illness.
She reached for her phone and tapped out a quick message to Liam, her boss, to call in sick. Then, she dragged herself downstairs, craving a simple breakfast of milk
As she hit the bottom step, she spotted Trevor at the dining table, an unexpected sight. In front of him was a spread of simple food
“Grandma had these delivered, Trevor mentioned as Kylie joined him.
Kylie’s heart swelled with warmth at the thought of Noreen’s care. “She’s really looking out for me,” she said.
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And then she tapped out a grateful message on WhatsApp. [Thanks, Noreen. I’m on the mend. Once I’m all better, Ill come over and keep you company |
As Kylie sat down, she caught Trevor’s piercing gare on her. “Is everything alright?” she inquired.
His eyes were stern. “You’ve got a knack for winning Grandma over
It’s not about wimming her over. It’s about showing gratitude. She’s been there for me, and it’s only right to say thanks. Don’t you think acknowledging someone’s kindness is important!” Kylie retorted.
Trevor was momentarily speechless, clearly not anticipating her sharp retort. Kylie’s wit had certainly won Noreen’s heart, overshadowing his own presence.
The room fell silent, the only sound the gentle clatter of utensils. They ate in an uneasy quiet.
When Kylie made to clear the dishes. Trevor broke the silence. Tve got this.”
“Sure, appreciate it.‘ Kylie replied, not insisting on doing it herself.
In the years they’d lived under the same roof, Kylie had been there for Trevor when he was unwell. Despite the morning’s awkwardness, his care for her the day before had not gone unnoticed. For that, she was willing to let the tension slide.
Kylie woke up in her room, feeling refreshed after a long sleep. It was already late morning, and she felt a lot better, with her energy returning.
No sooner had she put her feet on the floor than her phone rang. It was her brother James. “Hey Kylie, Ethan said you’ve been under the weather. You doing okay now? Want me to come hang out with you!”
She replied. “I’m good, James. I took my meds last night, and I’m feeling a ton better this morning, Just slept it off, and now I’m thinking about going to see Mom at work..
James said. “Alright, was trying to seize the moment to show you that I’m just as good as Ethan, but I guess you’re not giving me the chance.”
Kylie laughed. “James, you’re great just the way you are.”
“Well, I don’t usually listen to compliments, but when my sister gives them, I’m all ears, James smiled.
They continued to chat for a bit before saying their goodbyes,
Kylie threw on some clothes, did a quick makeup job, and then drove to Amanda’s workplace. Amanda worked cleaning at a fancy hotel, the kind of place that had a five–star rating and a restaurant that was all over the foodie magazines.
The roads were clear, and Kylie made it to the hotel in no time.
Amanda, a mom of four and not big on fancy makeup or skincare, had a natural beauty that often had people thinking she and Kylie were more than just mother and daughter.
Amanda’s job didn’t pay the best, and with the rent and bills, money was tight. But they were a family that pulled together. With Ethan and James helping out since they started working, and Hoard being careful with his money, they were all about
the future.
Amanda had just started this job, and Kylie hadn’t visited her here yet. She knew Amanda had a lunch break coming up, so she grabbed some pizzas and headed over.
Kylie called Amanda from outside the hotel, but there was no answer. She checked her watch–almost lunchtime.
After a few more minutes and another attempt to call, still nothing.
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Chapter 21
Deciding something might be wrong, Kylie went inside and talked to the front desk. “Hi, my mom, Arnanda, works here as a cleaner. I wanted to catch her on her break. Could you call her for me?
The receptionist was about to agree when the hotel phone rang. After answering it, the receptionist’s face turned serious “There’s been an issue with your mom. You can follow me to see what’s happening”
