Shadows Drift Beyond Memory by Xarin Vale novel Chapter 22

When I got home, Dad sat on the couch smoking with an ashtray overflowing with butts beside him.

“Sutton, the Chases called.”

Dad’s voice was rough.

“They’re pulling their investment. Unless you get on your knees and apologize to that Jade girl, and transfer the Malibu villa to Holden as compensation.”

Mom sat beside him, dabbing her eyes.

“What kind of nonsense is this! Who does that Jade think she is? Some driver’s daughter who thinks she’s royalty because Linda took her in? And now she wants our villa?”

I sat down and poured myself water.

“Dad, how much does the company need?”

“Three hundred million.”

“If Holden goes to prison, will his assets be frozen?”

Dad looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“Dad, we’re not giving them the villa, and I’m definitely not apologizing.”

I pulled out a printed copy of the relevant laws.

“This is extortion. Demanding property worth this much–ten years minimum.”

Dad sighed heavily.

“Sutton, this isn’t the time for legal lectures.”

“In business, it’s a different story. The Chases are powerful–we can’t cross them.”

Just then, my backup phone buzzed with an Instagram DM from Jade.

A photo.

In it, she wore my pajamas while lying on Holden’s bed. Holden was shirtless, smoking.

Caption: “Hey Sutton, Holden says I look better in your PJs. You’re too uptight, like some school principal. Holden can’t even get it up for you.”

Then a voice message in Jade’s syrupy tone.

“Sutton, don’t be mad. Holden’s just stressed out, so I’m helping him relax. Guys need sex to release, you know? Since you are not here, I guess

I’ll have to.”

I saved the images and bookmarked the voice message.

“According to the rule, cheating while engaged is grounds for breaking the contract.”

sinan nranorty and business deals are tied to this engagement, if it falls through because of someone’s fault, that person pays damages.

Chapter 3

Immediate reply: “HAHAHAHA! Psycho!”

“All you do is recite laws? No wonder Holden doesn’t want you!”

I didn’t get angry.

I was just waiting–waiting for them to get more reckless.

The next morning, Holden’s group chat exploded with messages.

Leo: “@Sutton, come hang out! Holden says if you come, he’ll forget about yesterday.”

Attached was a location pin to a private estate in the suburbs.

“Pool party. Dress light.”

Jade added: “Sutton, you HAVE to come. I’ve got a special surprise for you. Let’s have drinks and clear up these misunderstandings, girl to girl.”

I stared at that location pin.

Private property, pool, dress light.

I replied: “Sure.”

I changed into athletic wear and grabbed my bag with pepper spray, body cam, and emergency hammer inside.

Dad tried to stop me. “Sutton, don’t go. That’s a trap.”

“Dad, trust me. I’m getting evidence that’ll bury them all.”

“That three hundred million? I’ll make them give it back–each penny.”

I walked out the door into bright sunshine.

Perfect day for justice.

♡ (0)