Chapter 3 The Blockade.
In the next moment, Chase clamped his hand over her mouth.
“Samantha, please stop talking!”
In love for a long time? Truly love each other, huh?
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It became clear this was not their first meeting; Chase had been secretly seeing Samantha for some time, effectively betraying Celia.
Regret flooded her for being so oblivious, for being blind and deaf to the signs all around her.
Samantha fought against Chase’s grip, pushing him away with such force that he stumbled towards Celia
Overcome with rage and without a clear target for it until now, Celia instinctively kicked him in the groin.
He doubled over in agony, his face twisted in pain as he clutched himself.
“You… You…” He gasped, unable to complete his sentence.
“Chase, are you okay?” Samantha rushed to his side, her face filled with concern as she helped him stand up.
“Chase, you cad! Remember this, I’m the one who dumped you!” Celia announced sharply.
After a pause, Celia fixed her gaze on Samantha, a slight smirk playing on her lips, her eyes brimming with scorn.
“A cad matched with a two–faced b*tch–what a perfect pair! I hope you two never have children, so you don’t bring any b’sirds into the world!”
With those final words, she turned elegantly and strode away in her high heels..
Samantha’s shrill voice followed her out. “Celia, you madwoman, what do you have to be so proud of? Let’s see how long you can keep up this act!”
As the door slammed shut behind her, tears cascaded down Celia’s cheeks.
From the ordeals of the previous night to the revelations of today, it was no wonder she felt utterly overwhelmed.
What had she done to deserve such a series of misfortunes all at once?
Even after everything, she still harboured guilt towards Chase
She had cherished her relationship with Chase for three years, consciously choosing to abstain from physical intimacy as she wanted to save herself for their wedding night, clinging to the traditional values she held dear.
“Celia, no matter who you fall in love with in the future, be careful not to give yourself away too quickly,” her mother counselled before she passed away.
*Some experiences are more precious and more memorable when saved for the wedding night!”
Those words frequently resonated in her mind.
Chase had once promised that they would introduce each other to their parents and formalise their engagement after her college graduation.
However, it was all a facade. Chase could not handle the solitude and had already embarked on a relationship with Samantha.
Worse still, Samantha knew of her relationship with Chase and yet continued to chase after him, her kindness and concern merely a veil for her true intentions–to usurp her place.
Reflecting on these thoughts, Celia could not help but shiver.
She realised that the world contained people who were both malicious and hypocritical.
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Chapter 3 The Blockade
Thankfully, she had followed her mother’s advice and was not deeply invested in her relationship with Chase
She had recognised the deceit early enough to move past:
Now, sitting in her car, Celia has managed to regain her emotional balance after the betrayal.
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The so–called love and friendship she had experienced now seemed repulsive and unworthy of her grief or longing
Her main focus was now on handling her father’s affairs and the family business.
With both of her parents gone, she had to be strong for her younger brother. Ian Durban, who depended on her due to his health condition.
Jan, I hope you haven’t received the sad news from home yet, she thought worriedly
“Ms. Sherman, hello! I am Celia Durban. Jan Durban’s sister, she said as she called the homeroom teacher of the boarding school where her brother was enrolled.
“Ms Durban, hello! Is everything okay?”
“I’m not sure if you’ve seen today’s news about our family, but I hope you can keep it from fan. You know he has a weak heart. Celia implored.
Her mother, Diane Walters, had passed away five years earlier from heart disease, a condition that Ian had inherited from a young age, leaving him physically frail
Concerned about the strain of travel, their father, Peter, had arranged for lan to stay at the school since middle school, allowing him to come home only once every two weeks.
“Okay. Don’t worry, Ms. Durban, I will definitely keep this news confidential, Ms. Sherman assured her.
After ending the call. Celia closed her eyes as tears slowly streamed down her cheeks.
She racked her brain, searching for someone who could assist her, but found no one
She blamed herself, regretting her decision to ignore her father’s advice and pursue a degree in journalism a field far removed from the practicalities of business management
Now, with crisis striking at home, as the eldest daughter of the Durbans, she felt utterly lost.
Just then, her phone rang again.
“Ms. Weekley, what’s wrong?” Celia answered promptly, recognising the call was from her housekeeper.
“Miss, where are you? Some people from the court have come to the house and are preparing to seal the gate. You need to come back quickly, Ms. Weekley’s voice conveyed urgency and anxiety.
“Okay. I’ll be there right away!” Celia hung up in a rush, her heart pounding.
Was she going to lose their home too?
Driving frantically. Celia arrived at the entrance of Durban’s villa to find two uniformed law enforcers waiting
After verifying their identities, they presented her with a notice to sign and proceeded to confiscate the red car she had just driven.
Due to her pleas, they allowed her only half an hour to gather her belongings from the house.
Half an hour later, Celia and Ms. Weekley emerged from the villa, each carrying a suitcase.
A few steps from the gate, Celia looked back to see the law enforcement officers securing the seal.
Tears filled her eyes, and beside her. Ms. Weekley discreetly wiped away a tear, her expression one of compassion.
“Miss, what are your plans now? Where will you go?” Ms. Weekley asked, concern evident in her voice.
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Chapter 3 The Blockade
Celia’s heart sank; the realisation hit her that she had nowhere to turn.
“I don’t know.”
“If you don’t mind, you can stay with me for now. I live alone, Ms. Weekley offered kindly.
“Thank you, Ms. Weekley!” Gratitude washed over Celia’s face.
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As dusk began to settle, Celia and Ms. Weekley were just stepping out of the community gate when a voice called out from behind.
“Celia!”
Turning around, Celia was confronted by the sight of Samantha’s face, which stirred a mix of distaste and anger in her.
“Ms. Weekley, you go back first. I have something to handle. Send me your address later, Celia quickly said to Ms. Weekley. who had already climbed into a taxi,
After closing the door for her, she watched the taxi pull away. Samantha had walked up to her by then.
“Samantha, what are you doing here? Are you here to cause more trouble? Celia asked, her voice firm and her gaze sharp as she stood resolute against the gusting wind.
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Chapter 4 Samantha Got the Necklace
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As Samantha’s laugh broke the tense air, her words followed. “Theard about the financial troubles and loss of lives. Since we’re friends, I wanted to offer my help
Los of I! Upon hearing this, Celia’s anger surged. Samantha was not here out of kindness but to revel in her misfortune.
“Say that again. I dare your Celia’s eyes blazed with fury, like an enraged cat.
“Am I wrong? You’re really in a tough spot now, Samantha retorted with arrogance:
Samantha felt a twisted sense of satisfaction seeing this woman, who was usually more attractive and capable than herself. looking so desolate
However, before she could savour the moment, Celia raised her hand to slap her. This time, however, Samantha was prepared and caught Celia’s arm, pushing it back with force
Celia stumbled backward, nearly losing her balance.
“Celia, do you think I’m weak? I haven’t forgotten that slap from earlier, Samantha threatened menacingly.
With that, she lunged forward, grabbing Celia’s long hair. Celia retaliated by kicking Samantha’s shin.
“Ah! Samantha cried out in pain as she lost balance in her high heels and released Celia’s hair.
Seizing the moment, Celia swung her handbag towards Samantha’s head, unleashing all her pent–up frustrations and grievances from the day
“Ah! Ah! Celia, you mad woman! Stop it! Samantha screamed, staggering backward, “Help! Help”
Her cries caught the attention of several men nearby, who rushed over.
“Celia Which one of you is Celia?“.
As Celia halted her actions and faced the newcomers, Samantha pointed her out.
Celia Durban, the daughter of Peter Durban, the CEO of Grand Vista Group She was hoping to gain some leverage
“She C from these men.
“Oh, it’s you. Your father owed a significant amount of money to our boss, and now that he’s passed away, shouldn’t you be responsible for settling his debts?”
A man with a dragon tattoo on his arm stepped forward, the others encircling Celia.
Her heart pounding. Celia instinctively took a step back. “What do you want in broad daylight”
“What do we want! You seem quite valuable. It looks like you could be worth a lot of money. What are you waiting for, bays?”
Celia backed away further, then swiftly pulled out pepper spray from her bag and sprayed it at the approaching men before turning to run
“She’s prepared Get her?”
The men covered their faces while stumbling forward.
Samantha observed the men pursuing Celia, a malicious grin spreading across her face.
If they caught her, Celia could face dire consequences, possibly even being sold or worse
This was precisely the scenario Samantha had envisioned, and she considered escalating her efforts even more
After she bent down to retrieve her broken high heels, Samantha limped towards her car
Just then, she spotted a shiny necklace on the ground She quickly picked it up, her heart pounding.
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Chapter 4 Samantha Got the Necklace
It was a then’s platinum necklace adorned with a hexagram pendam, exquisitely crafted though not appearing overly expensive
The intricate engravings suggested it was of significant importance
:
wned, recalling the metallic clink when Celia had struck her with the bag Could this be the same necklace!
Whose could it be? I definitely did not belong to Chase
Considering today events and Celia’s character, she would not have held onto any of his possessions.
Choosing to keep the necklace Samantha thought it might come in handy later
Raindrops pattered against the car window, with the wipers rhythmically moving back and forth, catching the reflections of
neon lights
In the back seat. Shane, looking weary, ved his eyes on the driver and asked. “Any updates on last night incident?”
The investigation continues Jim replied, glancing in the rearview mirror. “But we found out that Chase Ronald was also at the Care Hotel last night
urned icy
It appeared that he might be connected to this
Aher a brief pause
measured and deliberate voice broke the silence. “What about that woman!”
being followed, which led her to break into your room. However, her face was obscured by her long hair, so we couldn i get a clear view of her identity “Jim explained
Aher that, he paused to gather his thoughts.
“However we se idened the man following her as Frank Moore from Morning Glory Trading Company?
neering with him we need to End that
Shane massaged his temples and said his voice was low carrying a steely edge
Roger that
Just as he finished speaking a young woman burst out from a side alley, running directly towards the car.
Jim slammed on the brakes, barely avoiding hitting her
The frantic woman outside the car began pounding on the window, pleading for help as figures started to emerge from the
side street.
Jim go see what’s happening” Shane instructed with a hint of urgency in his tone
As Jim opened the car door to step outside. Celia shipped into the backseat from the other side
She appeared visibly shaken pale, with unkempt hair and soaked clothes, clutching a light–colored leather bag
She looked out of sorts.
Once seated, she felt a piercing gaze from beside her
The intensity of the stare made her shiver and when she looked up, she saw a striking detached man sitting next to her
There was something familiar about him.
However, she could not quite place i
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Chapter 4 Samantha Got the Necklace
“1–I’m sorry. Sirf 1 I didn’t mean to do this, Int they are after me
Shane’s brow furrowed, these words echoed omes he thought he had heard the pervious nigla. Her voice, too, lire a striking
here resemblance to that of the woman from then on
“Why are they after your be asked quietly, lus voice low and direct
“Celia began to answer but was interrupted by a sudden, loud sneeze. Avslie sneezed, she voluntarily leaned towards him, almost collapsing onto him in the process
With a wary and distant demeanour. Shane quickly extended a hand to steady her, maintaining a controlled distance as he gently guided her back to the side of the car
“Miss, get up”
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