His Regret Arrived Three Days Late novel Chapter 105

"Do you know why Serena can't stay at her villa anymore?" Estelle asked Annika.

Annika remained silent.

"Because she provoked the wrong people," Estelle continued. "A group of them wants her dead. The fire at her villa the other night was proof of that."

A flicker of surprise crossed Annika's eyes. After a moment, she voiced the suspicion that had formed in her mind. "Was it those thugs from Eirlandia?"

"I don't know for sure," Estelle replied.

"She's so tainted that even bleach couldn't wash her clean, yet she still dreams of being Conrad's idealized first love. How delusional."

Annika had no desire to get involved in Serena's drama. "Estelle," she said impatiently, "is the whole reason you came here just to tell me that Conrad and Serena are trending on the gossip sites again?"

"Of course not," Estelle insisted. "I just wanted to warn you to be careful around Serena. That woman is full of schemes. If I have to pick a side, my loyalty is with you. After getting to know you, I think you're much kinder and easier to be around than she is."

*Great, now she's trying to flatter me,* Annika thought sarcastically. How could she possibly believe a word Estelle said?

"I'm not one to mince words, Estelle. I don't like you."

"Well then, thank you so much," Annika replied with a humorless smile. Not wanting to talk to Estelle any longer, she added, "Estelle, I need to rest. We can talk another time."

Seeing that Annika was kicking her out, Estelle's expression remained neutral. Her red lips parted to utter a single word: "Fine."

Annika walked straight upstairs. Estelle stood in the living room, watching until Annika's figure disappeared around the bend in the staircase. Then, she turned and walked outside, dialing Conrad's number as she went. The moment he picked up, she whined, "Conrad, you didn't come home all night, and Annika is furious. I came to visit her, and she actually threw me out!"

Her voice was thick with grievance. Conrad's brow tightened. "Don't go to Scent Haven unless you have a reason," he warned coldly.

"It was Mom! She saw the gossip about you and Serena and was worried, so she sent me to check on Annika. But she wouldn't even give me the time of day! I really don't want to get involved in your mess, you cheater."