The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 613

"I'm heading to Birchwood," Ronan said to Cordelia, urgency clear in his voice.

Cordelia had overheard his call with Emerson; something was definitely wrong at Edith Hills. She wanted to ask if it was serious, to tell him to be careful—especially after their recent spat—but her pride kept her silent. She let him leave without saying a word.

As she listened to the sounds of him leaving—the door closing, the car starting—she pressed her face against the cold window, watching until his car disappeared into the night. Anxiety gnawed at her. Years ago, Olen Evans had spiraled into madness after a tragedy on one of his properties. It felt like a cruel twist of fate that his son might face the same ordeal.

Emerson had hinted at media trouble—a scandal about Edith Hills ready to explode. The Birchwood Spotlight was about to publish a bombshell story, and it didn't sound like a small piece.

Cordelia paced the room all night, her mind racing with possibilities, but sleep eluded her.

Ronan arrived in Birchwood at two in the morning, finding Emerson still awake at his grandfather's house.

"What's the situation?" Ronan asked, stepping inside.

"Someone wrote an exposé. We've kept the press at bay, but Birchwood Spotlight is set to publish it. They've been careful—we usually don't let reporters get close. I don't know what's in the article. Normally, we could pay off smaller outlets, but not this one. Sam, the editor, is too proud. Spotlight's not swayed by money here. He says he's got a duty to the townsfolk," Emerson explained, disdain in his voice.

"Give me his number," Ronan demanded.

"Don't bother; he's turned his phone off. You'll have to show up at his door, which I've tried, only to be turned away. He's stubborn," said Emerson, shaking his head.

"Wait for the axe to fall, then?" Ronan said, frustration seeping through. "Does he have family? Any weak spots?"

"Forget it. I've tried everything. He's a loner," Emerson replied wearily.

"Ronan, I heard Sam's releasing an article at dawn? About Edith?" Petra's voice was laced with anxiety.

Ronan's brow furrowed. "How did you know?"

"Sam and I went to college together. He had a thing for me once. He's working on the layout now, getting ready to publish by morning. You knew about this?" Petra sounded even more anxious than Ronan felt.

"Yes. Can you stop him?" Ronan asked, sensing a plot within Petra's call.

"Edith Hills means a lot to you, right? I thought you'd have taken care of it. Let me see if he'll do me a favor. Just wait," Petra said before abruptly ending the call.

Ronan's fingers tapped against his phone, but his sense of urgency had waned. There was something about Petra's call that made him suspect this crisis might just be an opportunity in disguise.