Chapter 31

Jenny POV:

As I scrolled through the comments on Annie's live video, my eyes landed on Alex's comment. "Good, she made that clear. I won't bother talking again."

His words stung, like a cold wind on a winter's night. I felt a pang of unhappiness, which only confused me further. Why should I care? Granny had hinted that I liked him, but I refused to believe it. And now, Annie wanted me to be her sister-in-law? The thought swirled in my head like a maze with no exit.

"Jenny, are you okay?" Aunt Cathy asked, her voice soft and concerned, as she tapped me gently on the shoulder.

I nodded, trying to shake off the turmoil. "I'm fine, Aunt Cathy."

Aunt Cathy's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you sure, dear?"

I nodded again, more firmly this time. "Yes, I'm sure."

The car came to a stop beside a towering tree, and we stepped out into the crisp forest air. The scent of pine and earth enveloped me as we began walking along the winding path. I pulled out my phone and snapped pictures of the vibrant foliage and the sunlight filtering through the trees.

As we walked, the silence between us grew comfortable, punctuated only by the rustling of leaves and chirping of birds.

After an hour, the trees parted, and Ember Mountain came into view. Its rugged peak stretched towards the sky, shrouded in a misty veil. The sight took my breath away, and for a moment, all my worries seemed to fade into the background.

Ember Mountain rose before us, its slopes a tapestry of emerald green and rusty red, with hints of amber where the sunlight danced through the trees. The air grew cooler as we approached, carrying the scent of damp earth and moss. A faint mist swirled around the peak, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape.

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Alex POV:

I sat in the conference meeting, my phone buzzing on the table. Seeing the caller ID, I frowned and abruptly dismissed the meeting. "I'm afraid we'll have to continue this later," I said, my tone firm but calm.

Once the room cleared, I picked up the call. "Hello, Dad," I said, my voice even.

"I need you to come home, Alex. We have something to discuss," he replied, his voice firm but with a hint of urgency.

"Okay," I said, already knowing that I had to obey.

I dialed another number, my mind racing with possibilities. "I need you to book a flight to Mexico and cancel all my meetings this week," I instructed my secretary.

"Yes, sir. Right away," she replied, her voice efficient.

I wondered what my father wanted to discuss. Had something happened?

Miss Lyla entered the conference room, her heels clicking on the floor. "Sir, here are the Rugard property documents," she said, handing me a folder.

I took it, scanning the contents. "You can leave now," I said, dismissing her.

Lydian POV:

I arrived in Flake Town, feeling a sense of satisfaction. I was finally going to show Jenny a taste of my wrath. I had prepared a document for her to sign, ensuring she'd stay away from Alex.

After hours of driving, we arrived at her house. I stepped out of the Lamborghini, gazing around at the modest neighborhood. I couldn't believe she lived here. I thought she was some rich girl, but it seemed she was poor.

I wondered how she'd managed to get into the party. She must have found a way in, typical for a poor girl.

I was still shocked why Alex preferred her to me. She must have fooled him, but no one could fool him for long. How did she do it? I had to ask her, so I could win Alex's heart.

I knocked on the gate, but got no response. A girl passing by stopped to approach me. "Miss, are you looking for the person living here?"

"Yes," I replied, my tone cold.

"They're not around. Maybe come tomorrow," she suggested.

"Okay. Thanks," I said, my voice dripping with insincerity.

"Welcome, Miss," she replied before leaving.

I instructed her, "Please tell Jenny that someone came to look for her, and she'll come tomorrow."

"I will surely do that," she said before walking away.

I got back into the Lamborghini, and it drove off, leaving me to my thoughts.