He Gave Me Hearing, Then Taught Me What Silence Really Means novel Chapter 147

Nelson rested his forehead against the crook of her neck, unnervingly quiet.

There was no violent outburst, no sadistic retaliation.

If it weren't for the shattered glass scattered across the floor, she could have easily believed nothing had happened tonight.

After several minutes, he abruptly slumped back against the sofa, throwing his arm over his eyes. "Get out. Everyone just get the hell out."

He radiated an aura of defeated, self-destructive madness.

Juniper knew better than to provoke him further. He felt like a rubber band stretched to its absolute limit, terrifyingly close to snapping.

She quietly stood up, grabbed her bag, and walked out.

Nelson remained completely alone in the dim booth, his arm still shielding his eyes.

His Adam's apple bobbed multiple times, his lips pressed into a bloodless line as fresh crimson trailed down his wrist.

The filthy, wretched thing thrashing violently inside his chest was tearing him apart; he genuinely wished it would just stop beating right now.

He despised it.

He loathed it more than anything.

Juniper's steps were heavy as she left the club.

Grand pillars framed the entrance, the decadent, golden aesthetics practically reeking of excessive wealth and sin.

Julian was standing by the pillars smoking. Seeing her emerge so quickly, he raised an eyebrow. "Color me surprised. He didn't actually do anything to you."

Given the state Nelson was in, with all rationality stripped away, it was a miracle he let her walk out unscathed.

Juniper's expression was icy. This man was Nelson's accomplice, the one who had tricked her into coming out tonight.

Sensing he was about to make her permanent hit list, Julian cut to the chase. "Haven't you noticed there's something seriously wrong with Nelson?"

"I have. He belongs in a psychiatric ward."

Catching her sarcasm, Julian's lip twitched. "I'm being serious. He's highly likely suffering from some severe psychological issues. You two need to sit down and communicate like adults. It's morbid to have blood drawn every time you interact."

Refusing to engage, Juniper turned on her heel and walked away.

Julian watched her walk away without a single backward glance and let out a soft "Tsk."

Juniper collapsed into bed the second she returned to the hotel, lacking the energy to process any of it.

Two dizzying days passed. The scandal was still trending, but the public's crosshairs had fully locked onto Yorke.

The shattered windows at the studio and The Willow Villa had been repaired; she could finally go back.

Her leg had also fully healed.

When she stepped back into the studio, the team's smiles were noticeably warmer and far more genuine.

Juniper walked straight up to Juno.

Juno was busy polishing jewelry; since it was all second-hand, everything had to be spotless before shipping.

Juniper addressed the room. "Thank you all for working so hard these past few days, and I'm sorry for dragging you into my mess. I'm ordering spicy crawfish this afternoon. Let me know what kind of boba you want, we're indulging today."

A collective cheer echoed through the room. "Thanks, June!"

Juniper smiled, looking down at Juno, who was still wearing her surgical mask. "Thank you."