Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring Novel

Chapter 70 盘 54 % Pulling himself free , his hand gripped the length of his throbbing desire .

He closed his eyes and let his head fall back , the image of Emma flooding his mind .

Her smile , her laugh , the way she moved it all played on an endless loop in his head .

His hand moved rhythmically , seeking relief from the torment , but it wasnt enough .

No matter how much he tried , the pleasure was hollow , a poor substitute for what he truly craved .

He wanted her .

Needed her .

No one else could make him feel whole no one else could d fill the void she had left behind .

Just as he was beginning to lose himself in the sensation , the shrill ring of his office phone jolted him back to reality .

Damn it , he hissed , cursing under his breath as he reached for the phone , his frustration reaching a boiling point , He answered with a terse , What ? his voice rough and uneven , bis emotions barely contained .

Sir , its Kevin , came the steady reply .

Ive got the details on the man you asked about Alexander straightened , his breathing still heavy .

He tucked himself away , composing himself as best as he could .

Il call you back .

he said curtly before slamming the receiver down .

Annie stormed into the apartment , her heels clicking sharply against the tiled floor .

Her face was twisted with rage , her eyes .

blazing as though fueled by a fire she could no longer contain .

She looked every bit the demon she had been accused of being , her fury barely held in check .

The scene at the store played on a loop in her mind , tormenting her .

She had seen the way Alexander looked at Emma , his gaze lingering , soft , filled with something Annie hadnt seen directed at her in a long time , if ever .

It was maddening .

The humiliation of it all churned in her gut , the memory of how even the store staff had seemed to notice his distraction .

She wiped at the tears streaking her cheeks , her hand trembling with the effort .

Annie was not one to cry ; she hated the vulnerability it exposed .

But she had wielded tears as a weapon for years , a means to pull Alexander back into her orbit whenever she felt him drifting .

Now , her usual tricks seemed useless .

He hadnt even spared her a glance , let alone the comfort she once expected .

Her frustration boiled over as she grabbed a wine glass the counter and hurled it at the wall .

The shattering sound was satisfying but fleeting , the shards glittering on the floor like the pieces of her crumbling facade .

She clenched her fists , her nails digging into her palms as her mind raced .

What had happened in the store wasnt just an insult ; it was a warning .

A message that she could no longer ignore .

Emma was a threat no , more than a threat .

She was the embodiment of everything Annie had fought so hard to keep .

Alexander was hers .

He always had been , and she wasnt about to lose him now .

As she stewed in her anger , her phone vibrated insistently in her purse .

The shrill ringtone grated against her frayed nerves .

Snatching the device , she didnt bother to check the caller ID before answering .

What ? she snapped , her voice sharp with irritation A rasping , sinister voice replied , the sound sending a shiver down her spine .

At last , youve decided to pick up my call .

Her heart skipped a beat as she pulled the phone away to check the screen .

The name glowing on the display made her blood boil even more .

She clenched her jaw , wishing shed ignored the call altogether .

What the hell do you want ? Annie growled , masking the unease that pricked at her insides .

She wouldnt give this man the satisfaction of seeing her fear .

We have no more business .

Do not call me again .

1/2 21.17 Tue , Dec 17 Chapter 70 Dont be so hasty , the man replied , his tone mocking .

Our business isnt over until I say it is .

Π Annic scoffed , though the sound came out more strained than he intended .

I paid you what we agreed on .

Whatever yout think youre owed , youre wrong Perhaps , the man said slowly , the menace in his voice chilling .

But a woman came to see me a few days ago .

Shes offering ten times what you paid me .

Ten times ..

Her blood ran cold .

The room seemed to tilt , her grip on the phone tightening .

What woman ? she demanded , her voice trembling despite her efforts to sound commanding Thats for me to know , he said , a grin evident in his voice .

She wants me to testify .

Against you .

Annies mind raced , her thoughts spiraling .

Testify ? Against her ? Who would dare ? Dont you even think about it , she hissed , though fear gnawed at her insides .

She tried to piece it together .

It couldnt be Emma Emma didnt have the resources to offer that kind of money .

None of the parents of the innocent children involved were wealthy either .

You dont scare me , the man sneered , breaking into her thoughts .

If you want me to stay quiet , I suggest you reconsider my price .

Annies lips curled in disgust .

Youre greedy , and youre a fool if you think Ill give you another dime .

She is a fake .

And dont ever call me again .

Without waiting for a response , she ended the call , throwing the phone onto the couch as if it burned her .

Her breaths came in shallow bursts , her hands trembling as she pressed them to her temples .

Although Adam Henshel has sounded certain , there was no way it was possible and with this reassuring thought , Annie calmed herself down and poured herself a wine .

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