Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 375

Julie had already been duped by Rowan once, and now, even clutching the flash drive in her hand, she felt uneasy.

Rowan rattled off a series of digits, then declared, “That’s my number. Take a gander at what’s on that drive, mull it over, and then ring me back. Tell me why Zenith thought I should have this little gem.”

As if she was some kind of prodigy who could memorize a phone number in one go.

“Hang on, let me jot it down in my phone.”

Julie reached into her purse to grab the mobile that Kleist had just returned to her, but Rowan, clearly impatient with her pace, snatched her bag and began to rummage for the phone. He didn’t find the phone, but his eyes landed on a full bottle of red spray...

Julie's hand shot out to grab it, but Rowan hoisted it high above her reach. Given the height difference, she didn’t stand a chance, so... she let it go.

Rowan sprayed the air, and instantly, the pungent scent of pepper filled the space.

Julie: “...”

“Pepper spray?” Rowan aimed the bottle at her.

Julie instinctively covered her eyes, fearing a direct hit, but he merely took a pen, scribbled his number on the bottle, tossed it back into her bag, and handed her the bag with a considerate remark, “Smart to have some self-defense. Not bad.”

Fuming, Julie snatched her bag back just as Kleist burst in, holding a glass of water and a white pill bottle.

He approached Rowan, offering both items: “Sir, it’s time.”

Rowan cast a chilly glance at Kleist, but ultimately accepted the water and medication before instructing, “Take Ms. Newell home.”

“...” How many times did she have to explain she wasn’t Patriot, she was Julie!

Julie shook her head: “No need, my car’s just outside.”

She felt a solo drive was safer than a ride with Kleist, who was just too cold for comfort.

It wasn't until Julie drove away from the Nine-one Shooting Grounds that she finally breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't expected to smoothly retrieve the flash drive from Rowan. He was a riddle wrapped in mystery, impossible to decipher as friend or foe.

And what percentage of his words were truth or lies?

Julie figured these complex issues that seemed to require a high IQ to untangle were better left to Kieran's analysis. Thinking of Kieran, she remembered the timed text she had sent him using a spare phone when she left the Hernandez estate.

The message was set to go out to Kieran three hours later, which hadn't elapsed yet, so it probably hadn't been sent. Now that she was out of danger, there was no need to worry Kieran. She set her GPS for Simpo Co. and reached for her phone to cancel the message.

Unexpectedly, the car that had been cruising smoothly ahead slammed on its brakes, startling Julie into dropping her phone and jerking the steering wheel to the left.

Despite her quick reflexes, the car couldn't avoid crashing into the black Cadillac ahead.

Thankfully, the road was wide and not too busy, so she managed to avoid skidding off into the nearby land, stopping safely without injury, just a scare.

The damage was done though; her headlights were smashed against the other car's rear end.

Julie massaged her forehead, accepting the bitter truth that driving just wasn't her forte. Every time she was behind the wheel, accidents seemed to follow. It looked like she'd have to steer clear of the driver's seat from now on.

The damage to the car ahead seemed lighter than hers, but since she was at fault, she got out to approach the black vehicle.

She tapped gently on the driver's side window. Suddenly, the back door swung open. Julie turned, a polite smile on her face, words on the tip of her tongue when three burly men leaped out. Before she could react, a heavy blow landed on the back of her head.

She crumpled to the ground, consciousness fading.

Through blurry vision, she saw a pair of shapely legs in black velvet heels—a beautiful woman stepping out of another car, heading her way...

Holding onto the last shred of her will, Julie couldn't make out the woman's face before darkness claimed her.

Camilla, in her elegant black velvet heels, nudged Julie's prone body to confirm she was out, then waved at Charles, “Take her away!”

Charles nodded, directing his men to drag Julie into the car.

***

At Simpo Co., Karl was briefing Kieran on the latest findings regarding Phoebe's whereabouts when Kieran's phone vibrated.

It was a message from Julie's spare phone. Kieran signaled Karl to stop talking.

She held a champagne-colored cigarette between her fingers, sitting gracefully on the edge of the bed. Lucian, bound tightly to a wrought iron chair, couldn’t move an inch.

Number Five entered, nodding respectfully to Camilla, “Miss, everything is arranged.”

“Mhm,” Camilla responded lazily, her legs crossed elegantly.

Number Five presented a white USB drive, handing it to Camilla, “This fell out of Julie’s clothing during the... wardrobe change.”

“Oh?” Camilla's smooth fingers pinched the tiny USB, examining it closely.

Lucian’s eyes widened at the sight of the familiar white USB, a terrible premonition rising within him. It wasn’t just the USB that alarmed him, but also the words that had just escaped Number Five's lips...

“Wardrobe change? What do you mean?” Lucian’s gaze darkened as he stared at Camilla.

With a sly smile, Camilla waved Number Five away, “You may leave us.”

Once the door closed, Camilla approached Lucian. She had learned from the last encounter and, instead of facing him, wrapped her arm around his neck from behind, scoffing, “Funny, you and Kieran could pass for brothers. But why is it that the only man I want is him?”

“Maybe because… you’re despicable!” Lucian's voice was hoarse, but he held his ground.

Camilla laughed, not offended in the slightest, “What a shame. The woman your brother loves so dearly is about to become nothing but a tramp.”

“What have you done to Joyce?!” The rage in Lucian’s voice was palpable, even as he struggled against his restraints.

Her smile widened as she patted Lucian’s cheek, “Zenith, dear, whatever I plan to do pales in comparison to what you’ve done to her. Have you forgotten that it was you who tore their family apart?”

Yes, he had amnesia, forgotten who he was, and all his thoughts had been implanted by Camilla.

“I’ll give you a piece of advice: drop your petty tricks!” Lucian’s voice was as cold as ice, “If you want to kill her, then let me tell you something, Zenith would rather cling to a corpse, a pile of bones, than give you a second glance. You’ll never win against a dead man! If you want to defile her, then Zenith will only cherish Joyce more. You’re doomed to lose to her, Camilla. In this life, you’ll never evoke more than a flicker of emotion from Zenith. Your life will be nothing but a pitiful, worthless tragedy!”

Hearing Lucian’s words, Camilla's laughter turned even more sinister. Her gaze piercing Lucian, she sneered, “Yes, I can’t compete with a dead man, nor do I have the ability to invoke his pity like that whore Julie. So…”

She paused, then continued with a cold laugh, “What if it’s not about dirtying her body, but tainting her heart? Hahaha… Lucian, I’ll tell you this, if Camilla can’t find happiness, then no one else will have it better than me!”