Ago

Chapter 21

Early in the morning, Annie had everything set and headed to the airport to pick up Mira, who had finally decided to come to Betrico after being persuaded relentlessly.

As Annie walked through the living room, Yolanda quipped in a teasing tone

you’re all

dressed up. Where are you headed so early? Running off to find a replacement now that you know Jeremy’s interested in me?”

Since Yolanda believed Jeremy had a crush on her, she had become more bold and assertive. Her primary target for attacks was Jessica, occasionally dragging Annie into her tirades.

However, Annie was in a good mood today and didn’t engage with her usual bickering. Plus, she knew Yolanda’s bravado wouldn’t last long. With a light chuckle, she quipped, “Has Jeremy ever asked you out after sending flowers, Yolanda?”

Yolanda’s expression shifted, but she pretended to stay calm. “What do you mean? Jeremy’s super busy. He can’t always make time.”

“Just a friendly reminder, no biggie.” Annie shrugged, then walked away as if it was a passing

comment.

Yolanda’s face soured. Some time ago, she had phoned Jeremy, and while he didn’t deny sending flowers, he hadn’t followed up warmly. As Annie had pointed out, after the flowers were delivered, Jeremy hadn’t reached out to Yolanda. This realization left her feeling uneasy.

Her current audacity at the Sanders residence stemmed from her belief that Jeremy liked her. But if that wasn’t true… “That’s impossible! Why would he send roses to me and leave his name and number? He couldn’t possibly not know what roses symbolized. Annie must be just talking nonsense!‘ Yolanda reassured herself quietly.

“Is Annie trying to unsettle me on purpose?” Yolanda felt a surge of anger out of the blue and didn’t know how to release it. Just then, the home phone rang. She picked it up with an unwelcoming tone, ‘Hello?”

“Hi, is this the Sanders residence? Could you help me reach Annie, please?” Mira asked on the line.

Yolanda paused and inquired, “Who’s calling?”

“My name is Mira Shaw, Mira replied.

‘Mira Shaw… Annie was a Shaw before she changed her name. Yolanda smiled, “You’re Annie’s friend from the countryside, right?”

“Yes, could you please let Annie know I’ve arrived? My phone died, and I’m waiting outside a bookstore,” an anxious Mira replied.

A glint of mischief danced in Yolanda’s eyes. “No worries. I’m Annie’s cousin. If you’re her friend, you’re my friend too. Wait there, and I’ll come pick you up.”

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Annie arrived at the airport only to find out that Mira wasn’t answering her calls. The flight wasn’t delayed, and there were no missed messages. After searching round and round without finding Mira, she resorted to broadcasting a missing person notice, but still no luck. Just when she was about to call the police out of sheer frustration, Yolanda called over.

Annie answered it impatiently and heard a familiar voice on the other end. “Annie, do you have money? Could you spare some for me now? I’ll pay you back once I earn some.”

‘Mira? Why’s she calling me from Yolanda’s phone? Annie hurried out of the airport while asking, “What’s going on? How did you end up with Yolanda?”

“Can we talk about this later? Can you lend me some money now?” Mira asked in a strained tone. She felt bad for causing trouble for Annie once she came over.

Annie reassured her softly, “Relax, Mira. It’s all good. Just give me the location, and I’ll be there in a jiffy.”

Annie Knew Yolanda better than anyone. In the previous life, after Annie brought Mira back to the Sanders residence, Yolanda often bullied Mira. Annie remembered the first time she arranged a

had

birthday party for Mira only for Yolanda to ruin it. Yolanda had sliced through the dress Annic -prepared, and even though Mira fixed it expertly. Yolanda pulled up her skirt in front of everyone,

saying, “Country bumpkins like you are so thrifty–just stitch up your dress when it rips.”

Years later, the memory of Mira’s embarrassment still haunted Annie. What Yolanda saw as a harmless joke turned out to be a nightmare for Mira, who had eagerly awaited the celebration. Determined to keep Mira away from the Sanders family, this time, Annie had secured a place for her early on, ready to help her settle outside. Yet, things took a nosedive.

Yolanda Sanders, I just give you a few carefree days. You think I’m a pushover, huh? Annie scethed with anger.

On a bustling street, a vibrant red Beetle zipped past, leaving behind a trail of colorful glimmers.

Following close, a black Maybach cruised behind. Inside the car, Donald was munching on a lollipop, mumbling, “Check out that car up front, Mr. Hudson.”

“Hmm?” Jackson, lounging in the backseat with his arms crossed, lifted his eyelids lazily, his eyes revealing no emotion, aloof as ever.

Donald crunched the lollipop, impressed, “Gotta hand it to them, making a Beetle feel like a supercar on city streets. Aren’t they worried about being ticketed?”

Jackson glanced over casually. “See where they’re headed.”

Donald’s eyes lit up. “Oh man, sneaking through alleys to avoid surveillance? They’ve reignited my competitive spirit!”

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10. AUG 24

“Boring. Jackson uttered coldly, closing his eyes again.

“I know you’re unbeatable in a race, but what if this driver is a top–tier pro too? Pros sometimes blend in with regular folks,” Donald remarked. He tailed the red Beetle, looking for an opportunity to overtake. Yet, he never found one even after the car came to a stop. Initially feeling defeated, his eyes widened as he saw a figure descend from the vehicle. “Whoa, it’s a lady driver! Wait, she looks kinda familiar… It’s…”

“Annie Sanders,” Jackson spoke nonchalantly. ‘Seems every time I see her, there’s a surprise.

“Let’s go.” He adjusted his collar and got out of the car.

Puzzled by his boss’s decision, James asked, “Go where?”

To catch some action,” Jackson replied calmly, gazing at Annie’s destination. Judging by her driving speed and hurried steps, it was evident she was off to handle some trouble. Given the chance to join in, he couldn’t turn it down.