Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 123 Annies fingers shook as she held onto her phone , her eyes skimming the message over and over .

This was the third email in less than one week .

I will be expecting my money in one weeks time .

If not , Alexander will know about your dirty , kinky side ! She clufched harder , her knuckles turning white as she wrestled her rage .

The audacity ! Each passing second felt like a ticking clock , with her running out of time .

If she did not do sotnething soon , all that she had fought for would crumble .

Annie clenched her jaw as her mind ran with the many possibilities .

She had no idea where this coward was hiding .

The email was so far untraceable , routed through multiple servers in different countries .

Whoever was behind such routing was smart , too smart .

But Annie just couldnt afford to lose this battle , not after everything .

Taking a deep breath , she started typing on her phone , her fingers moving with a deliberate steadiness she wasnt feeling inside .

Where should I put the money ? she sent , swallowing hard as she hit send .

Her throat was dry , and her heart pounded against her ribs like a war drum .

The reply came almost instantly : I will send you the location once the time is due .

Annie let out a sharp , resigned breath .

She had expected this .

Of course , the blackmailer wouldnt give her any concrete information just yet .

But she had tried , if only to confirm it .

The anger that had been simmering just below the surface of her calm exterior began to boil over .

Her hands shook from both fear and anger .

Angry at herself for not seeing this coming .

She thought about Alexander .

She couldnt let him find out .

She let out a sharp intake of breath as she dialed the number of her private investigator .

It rang a couple of times before the now familiar voice answered .

Hello ? the man on the other end said cautiously .

Annie didnt waste a second .

I need results .

Have you found out where the email originated from ? Im still working on it , the investigator replied , his tone strained .

Annies nails bit into her palm as she tightened her grip on the phone .

Her voice turned cold and venomous now .

Youre running out of time .

Three days , thats all you have to find the source of that email .

If not .

She allowed herself a stop , to let it sink in .

You wouldnt like what happens next .

The line went dead , and Annie seized the moment to twist the knife .

Your daughter just turned three , didnt she ? she added , her voice low and dangerous .

Wait- the investigator began , and a note of panic seeped into his tone , but Annie didnt give him the chance to finish .

She hung abruptly , her finger hovering over the screen for a moment before she tossed the phone onto the couch .

Annie ran a hand through her hair , pacing the room with clenched fists .

She had always prided herself on staying ten steps ahead , but now she was playing catch up in a game she hadnt even realized shed been drawn into .

AAAAA Jaden stepped into his dimly lit apartment , letting out a tired sigh as he dropped his keys on the counter .

He reached for the light switch , and the room was suddenly bathed in light .

His heart almost stopped as his gaze fell upon Jake , who sat confidently on his couch .

Jakes arms sprawled arrogantly across the armrests , his legs crossed , and his piercing glare carried the weight of a thousand accusations .

It felt like a gun had been pointed at Jaden , the tension in the air suffocating 1/2 18:06 Tue , Dec 31 Chapter 123 This made Jaden instinetively take a step backward , shock momentarily gripping him before he forced himself to recover .

He straightened his back , trying to mask his unease , and returned Jakes cold stare with a glare of his own .

What the hell are you doing in my apartment ? Jaden demanded , his voice even despite the anger bubbling beneath the surface .

He walked toward the fridge , yanked it open , and grabbed a bottle of water .

Twisting off the cap , he took a long sip , using the action to gather his thoughts .

Jake didnt flinch .

Im here to give you one last warning , he said his tone oozing superiority .

Jaden gave a jaded laugh and leaned into the counter .

A warning Why waste your time tailing me when you could use your precious time into securing your would be empire ? He had another sip , refusing to let Jake see any hint of weakness .

For family sake , Jake said slow and deliberate .

I try to give you a chance .

Dont make me regret it .

Save your sermons for someone who actually cares , Jaden fired back , his voice cold .

Perhaps your brothers will appreciate all that effort .

Jakes face turned darker , the gaze capable of piercing through steel .

You will regret going against me , Jaden .

Jaden slammed the bottle down on the counter , the sound echoing through the apartment .

He had heard enough .

Then do it , he said , stepping closer to Jake , his own anger finally breaking through .

Tell the world what I did if youre so confident your precious company can survive the fallout .

Go ahead and tell them who I really am .

Jake was now standing , his tall stature exuding anger , his voice was even and cold , almost menacing .

Leave Emma Black alone , he ordered .

Jaden clenched his fists , his jaw tightly shut while he struggled to keep composure .

Thats not something you can order me to do , he replied in a low tone but firmly .

Jake reached into his pocket and pulled out a photograph , flinging it onto the coffee table .

Jadens eyes flicked to the image , and his breath hitched in his throat .

It was a reminder of his past one he had tried desperately to bury .

His throat hardened , and he swallowed , feeling the weight of Jakes unrelenting gaze .

You dont deserve to be happy when Im not , Jake hissed , his voice laced with venom .

He leaned in closer , their faces just inches apart .

You dont , Jaden .

Jadens composure almost cracked .

I didnt do it intentionally , he whispered .

He broke eye contact , unable to bear the intensity of Jakes gaze , and turned toward his bedroom .

Jaden slammed the door behind him , leaning against it as his breathing grew uneven .

He stared at the floor as the memories washed over him like a tidal wave .

He wasnt proud of what transpired , but it really wasnt his fault .

He hadnt meant for things to turn out the way they had , but it didnt change the fact that they had .

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