2026-09-18 03:45:57
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Chapter nineteenMark stared at him for a few seconds before leaning back in his seat. “How much money do you have on you?”Philip reached into his pocket and brought out his wallet. He opened it and counted the cash inside.“About two hundred dollars.” he replied Mark's eyebrows rose. “That's all?”Philip nodded slowly. “That's all I have.”Mark rubbed his forehead. “Jesus. You have got to be kidding me.” he said,staring at Philip.“I told you. They are trying to bleed me out.” Philip said again.“Who?” Mark asked Philip gave him a look. “Who else?”Mark sighed and picked up the file Philip had brought. “Elena?”“Her or her family. I don't know anymore. She might be doing this to make me realise I can't live without her.” Mark opened the first document and carefully examined it. His expression changed almost immediately.“What?” Philip asked “Nothing.” Mark replied, scanning the files in front of him. Philip frowned. “You just made a face.”“I didn't make any faces.”“You did.”
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Chapter eighteen Morning came faster than Philip had expected. He could barely sleep. The moment the first crow sounded, his eyes snapped open only to see that his bed was empty.“Elena?” he called out silently. Philip stretched as he got out of bed but then, the door opened.Elena walked in with a yeah containing some toast bread and a cup of tea. She slowly smiled while walking into the room. Philip tested his back and stared at her. “What is this?” he asked.“Can't I prepare your food anymore? The last time I checked, I am still your wife!” Elena replied.Philip rubbed his brows gently. “My wife?” he said “Yes. We didn't have the divorce, Philip. That still makes us a couple.” Elena replied. She walked over to his bedside, “We can't afford to be fighting right now. The company is in crisis.” she said without looking at him. Crisis?Philip wanted to ask what it was all about but he kept a sealed lips. “You are coming to the company today right?” Elena asked again.“I am no
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Chapter seventeen Philip stood outside the study for a moment, staring at the key in his palm.Elena had just handed it to him. She had practically invited him to search.That bothered him.If she had been suspicious, why would she make it so easy?Philip glanced over his shoulder toward the hallway before inserting the key into the lock.Click.The door opened. He stepped inside and quietly closed it behind him.Elena's study looked exactly as he remembered it. A large wooden desk stood near the window, several shelves filled with books covered the wall, and a cabinet sat in the far corner.Philip pulled out his phone.Mark had already sent him another message.“I'm connected. Don't touch anything unless I tell you to.”Philip frowned. “Connected to what?”The reply came quickly.“Her computer. Now stop asking questions and look at the cabinet beside the bookshelf.”Philip nodded and walked toward it.The lower drawer.He crouched down and pulled it open. There were several documen
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Chapter sixteen Philip sat quietly at the dinner table, watching Elena move food around her plate.It was strange.For the first time in weeks, they were sitting together like a normal married couple.Except nothing about the situation was normal. The three boys were sitting opposite him, eating quietly.The youngest kept looking at Philip every few seconds.Finally, he smiled.“Dad, are you staying with us now?” he asked Philip looked at him. He was not sure what he was supposed to say to Ethan. A part of him wanted to say no. He wanted to tell the boy that everything was complicated and that he shouldn't call him Dad anymore.But he remembered Mark's warning and he decided to play along.Philip forced a small smile. “For now. I am staying with my family.” The boy's face immediately brightened.“Really?”“Yes.” Philip replied.Ethan turned toward his brothers excitedly.“Dad is staying!”Ryan and Daniel simply smiled.Elena watched the entire exchange without saying a word.Philip
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Chapter fifteen Philip slowly lowered his phone and stared at Elena.For a few seconds, neither of them said anything.Elena remained at the end of the hallway with her arms folded across her chest. There was a faint smile on her lips, but her eyes were fixed on Philip.“Who were you talking to?” she asked again.Philip slipped his phone into his pocket. “Mark.”Elena arched her brows. “Mark?” “Yes.” Philip said again. “Do you remember him?” “What does he want?”Philip shrugged. “Nothing important. He is my friend and the last time I remember, I didn't ask you questions about everyone you talked to. Do I?” Elena took a few steps toward him. “It is my business when your cop friend comes back into your life. What does he want?” “You heard me the first time didn't you?” Philip said againShe stopped directly in front of him. “You have been acting strangely since you came back.”Philip gave a dry laugh.“Strangely?”“You barely looked at me when you walked through the door. You went s
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Chapter fourteen Philip opened his eyes slowly.For several seconds, he remained on the bed, staring at the ceiling while Mark's words kept playing inside his head.Go home.He hated the idea.After everything Elena had done, after all the lies, the humiliation, and the endless arguments, going back to that house felt like walking straight into a trap.But Mark was right about one thing. He couldn't fight the Hawkins family from the outside.Philip sat up and rubbed his face before reaching for his phone.He checked the time. It was already late afternoon.He had spent almost an hour doing nothing but thinking about his next move.Finally, he stood up."Fine," he muttered. "If they want me back home so badly, then I'll go."He packed the rest of his clothes into his suitcase and zipped it shut.Before leaving, his eyes moved around the motel room.It had only been his temporary escape, but even this small room had given him something he hadn't had in the Hawkins mansion.Peace.Phili
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