His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 34

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
**Chapter 34**

Yesenia didn’t hesitate for a moment; she dove straight into the conversation, taking full responsibility for her mistake.

“Of course, who could compete with you?” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with both regret and gratitude. “This is entirely my fault, Mr. Zamora. I am truly sorry for the oversight. I can’t express how thankful I am that you’re still willing to invest in the Wonder Group’s project despite this setback.”

Daron maintained his cool demeanor, his tone measured and detached. “Let the results speak for themselves,” he replied, his gaze unwavering.

“Yes, absolutely, Mr. Zamora,” Yesenia responded, her respect evident in her posture. “I assure you, Wonder Group will not disappoint you.”

A sense of disbelief washed over her; she had never imagined that Marina would actually secure Daron’s investment on her behalf. It felt surreal, like a dream she was reluctant to wake from.

Seizing the opportunity, Yesenia arranged a dinner, extending a warm invitation to Daron, who surprisingly accepted.

However, Daron had other engagements planned for the afternoon. As he made his way out, he shot Marina a quick glance, casually mentioning, “Garret left your car at the company.”

Yesenia had hoped to keep Marina around for a little girl talk, but upon hearing Daron’s words, she wisely ushered them both out, sensing the urgency.

Not long after they departed, Lavern arrived in his car, hot on their trail, determined to uncover the truth.

He had pulled every string he could muster to track down Daron’s vehicle, fueled by a mix of jealousy and anger.

Following his lead, he drove into Daron’s gated community, using a bit of influence to gain entry without a hitch.

In the passenger seat, Shawna’s eyes sparkled with excitement, barely able to contain her glee.

She marveled at the situation; she hadn’t had to lift a finger, and now Lavern was on the verge of catching Marina in the act.

Lavern navigated through the underground garage, his anticipation mounting as he searched for any sign of Daron’s car.

Finally, Shawna’s keen eyes spotted it first. “Over there, Lavern!” she exclaimed, pointing with urgency.

Lavern quickly parked, leaping out to confirm it was indeed the right vehicle, his eyes blazing with a mix of rage and determination.

He reviewed the security footage in his mind: Marina had entered with Daron over an hour ago.

He thought to himself, ‘A guy and a girl alone in a private setting—who knows what kind of shady dealings could be happening?’

The building management had bent some rules to let him in, but they had drawn the line at revealing Daron’s specific unit, fearing legal repercussions.

Carrie, who was in the backseat, hadn’t seen this betrayal coming; the idea of Marina actually cheating on Lavern shocked her to the core. She spat out venomously, “The car’s still parked here, so she hasn’t left. We’ll wait right here; I’d bet my life she’ll come down sooner or later.”

“Lavern,” she continued, her voice low and conspiratorial, “once you have the evidence against her, make her sign that deal. Keep her out of the company for good, and ensure she doesn’t touch a dime of your money.”

Shawna, sensing the tension, kept her mouth shut, playing the role of the silent observer. With Carrie leading the charge, she felt it wise to let her do the talking.

The trio settled into a dark corner of the parking lot, their car hidden from view as they staked out the area, waiting for Marina to appear.

However, as the hours dragged on into the evening, their patience began to wear thin, and frustration hung heavy in the air.

Lavern’s irritation bubbled just beneath the surface.

Shawna, feeling the pangs of hunger, refused to leave her post.

Carrie hunkered down in the back seat, her voice a constant stream of complaints, hurling insults at Marina as if it were a sport.

This time, Lavern didn’t defend her; he sat silently, a storm brewing in his eyes as he fixated on the elevator entrance, willing Marina to make an appearance.

Minutes later, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He snatched it up eagerly, but it wasn’t Marina on the line.

His expression soured as he recalled his plans for drinks with Hyman Hess and the guys that night.

Lavern nodded, determination in his voice. “I’m heading to the dinner right now. She’s not a fan of all that networking nonsense. I need to support her.”

Carrie, now on board, encouraged him, “You should. She’s a woman; she probably can’t handle it all on her own.”

Once the car exited the neighborhood, Lavern pulled over to the curb and turned to Carrie in the back seat. “Mom, drop Shawna off at home first. I won’t be stopping by the apartment for a while.”

Shawna’s eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling as she protested, “But I’ve been feeling under the weather lately. You can’t just leave me.”

Lavern’s gaze hardened, an intense pressure radiating from him. “If you’re not feeling well, have Mom take you to the doctor.”

Carrie quickly chimed in, “Lavern, relax; I’ll stay right by Shawna’s side. Nothing’s happening to that baby on my watch. Marina just scored a major win; it’s only fair you spend more time with her.”

Shawna bit her lip, realizing the situation had taken a turn for the worse. No amount of pleading would keep Lavern by her side. She had no choice but to suppress her feelings and endure.

As she stepped out of the car, she offered a caring reminder, “Don’t overdo it on the drinks.”

Lavern responded absentmindedly, his mind elsewhere. Before driving off, he added seriously, “Lay off calling me for a while. I’ll reach out when I’m free.”

Shawna’s eyes widened in shock, tears spilling down her cheeks.

Yet Lavern offered no comforting words; he simply revved the engine and drove away.

Carrie reveled in the glow of Lavern’s ascension to Sicester’s top dog. However, when she glanced over and saw Shawna weeping with a heartbroken expression, an ominous feeling crept in.

“What’s with the tears?” she snapped. “You’re jinxing all our good fortune.

“Marina’s paving the way for Lavern to hit it big in Sicester. Your job is to chill at home, have that baby, and raise it right. You chose this path, so own it; stop trying to sabotage Lavern and Marina’s relationship.”

Shawna’s face drained of color, her heart sinking at Carrie’s words. She never imagined that Carrie, once fiercely opposed to Marina, would switch sides so quickly.