The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 182

Before Owen could say a word, her voice cut through the air, cold and sharp in a way he’d never heard before. “I don’t want to hear it.”

She already understood what Owen was about to say. She just couldn’t stand hearing it from anyone else.

She needed to go face Franco herself, get the truth from him.

Her fingers fumbled on the screen, tapping again and again, before she finally managed to hang up.

“Petty, what happened?” Aaron’s voice broke the silence. He finally noticed how pale she was, her face nearly colorless. How could a single phone call leave her like this? What could Owen have possibly told her?

Petty tried to take a step, but it was like all the strength drained from her body at once. Her knees nearly gave out. Aaron caught her arm just in time, feeling her whole body shake beneath his grip.

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The White Estate

Jackson stepped out of the bedroom and closed the door quietly behind him. General ran up, tail wagging, and Jackson paused to scratch the dog’s head.

Evening was falling, lamps casting a golden glow around the house. Thin wisps of smoke drifted from the incense burner.

These days, Adelaide felt weaker every day. Even in her heated room, she clung to her hand warmer, trying to chase away the lingering chill.

The doctors had found nothing unusual, and the family physician had been there more than once. Everyone told her it was just old age catching up.

“I thought you didn’t care about Petty,” she said suddenly, her gaze cutting sideways to Franco standing at the window, his back to her. “Funny how quickly you made that announcement today.”

Franco didn’t turn, his voice neutral. “Jackson said you weren’t feeling well.” That was it. He was only here to see her, making it clear he wouldn’t be dragged into any other conversation.

Franco had lost his parents when he was seven. Adelaide was the one who’d raised him until he was eighteen and joined the army. If anyone knew Franco, it was her.

“So, what’s going on?” she pressed.

Franco finally turned from the window. He touched his hand to a bowl of porridge on the table, picked it up, and sat beside her bed. Quietly, he scooped up a spoonful, holding it out for her.

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