Still You Still Me Still Falling novel Chapter 132

Sheila's movements were agonizingly slow as she picked up her phone.

She caught herself wishing for a sudden earthquake—anything to get her out of making this call.

Since returning from abroad, her entire relationship with Tilly had existed through video calls.

The very first time Edmond's number had popped up with a FaceTime request, it had nearly given her a heart attack.

She hadn't answered.

Edmond had hung up and sent a terse text: *Tilly wants to see you. Pick up.*

When he called back, she finally answered.

Sure enough, Tilly's sweet little face had filled the screen.

Only then did Sheila let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

After that, she relaxed. Every time the phone rang, it was always the little girl on the other end.

What she didn't know was that Edmond was always right there, just out of frame.

All he had to do was glance up to see the woman on his screen.

He watched as she chatted with Tilly, teasing her, her voice soft and sweet, her smile radiant.

It was obvious she was happy and completely at ease.

And him? How long had it been since she had given him a smile that pure?

He was reduced to lurking in the background, stealing desperate glimpses of her face like a thief.

He only ever got to see her smile by using his own daughter as a shield.

Sheila was oblivious to the torment in his heart.

Right now, her mind was a chaotic mess.

An earthquake obviously wasn't going to happen.

Her only hope was that she would call, and Edmond wouldn't pick up.

Yes, he probably wouldn't even answer.

He hated her now. He thought she was a flighty, unfaithful woman. Why would he bother taking her call?

Feeling a sudden surge of confidence, she scrolled to Edmond's number and, under the expectant gazes of the two older men, pressed dial.

A cold, indifferent voice drifted from the speaker.

"What is it?"

Sheila's heart did a violent flip.

Clarence and Lanny looked like they were about to scream with joy, but neither dared make a sound. They frantically gestured for Sheila to say something.

She was completely thrown. She never expected him to actually pick up.

Spurred by the men's wild hand waving, she snapped out of her daze. "Mr. Halley."

"What made you decide to call me?"

Terrified he might say something inappropriate in front of her family, she rushed out her words. "I... I actually have a favor to ask you."

"You want a favor from me?" Edmond seemed to let out a dark chuckle. "What is it?"

Listening from the sidelines, Clarence suddenly felt a twinge of unease.

Why did this legendary, untouchable CEO sound... so completely unlike his reputation?

But the stakes were too high for him to overthink it right now. All his attention was zeroed in on Sheila, waiting to see what she would say.