Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 490

Louis was ticked off by my blunt words, but it was evident there was a newfound wariness in his eyes. "Irene, are you really that dense? Have you forgotten how Neil used to treat you?"

He was trying to stoke my hatred for Neil, to reel me into his scheme against him.

But what I couldn't comprehend was why he believed I'd agree. All I wanted was to steer clear of Neil. Why on earth would I want to get into the mess?

"What happened in the past is in the past. I don't want to waste time dwelling on it. You've got the wrong person, Louis." I replied, maintaining my firm stance.

"Yes, the past is the past. But the pain Neil caused you isn't. Scars always remain," Louis persisted. "You and Neil don't share any children, just a bitter past. We should be the perfect team!"

Perfect team, my foot. This guy was clearly off his rocker.

I remained silent, and Louis's tone grew increasingly desperate.

"Do you really think I'm the only one out to get Neil? Even if you hold onto your old feelings and refuse to act against him, there will always be others who want to bring him down. You'll find out soon enough, just you wait."

Were there other people trying to get at Neil?

I was puzzled. What did Louis mean by "bring him down"? Would Neil's life be in danger?

Before I got a chance to clarify, Louis hung up.

When I tried calling back, his phone was switched off.

I was confident my threat held enough weight to make Louis think twice before messing with me.

...

"Ms. Finch, can we meet up for a chat? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

That afternoon, I received an unexpected call from Karina.

I checked the time; it was five o'clock. In a little while, after dinner, I could take the kids out for a walk. Besides, I had no desire to 'discuss' anything with Karina, let alone meet her in person.

Did Neil and Ryan spill the beans about everything after they left my place a few days ago?

If that were the case, it would make sense for Karina to seek me out. But if that was indeed the situation, I'd rather avoid her, fearing she might do something reckless.

"Sorry, now's not a good time," I declined flatly.

"Don't you want to discuss your children with me?" Karina's voice turned icy. "If Neil finds out they're his, he'll stop at nothing to take them from you. What will you have left then?"

My heart skipped a beat at her words.

How could Karina be so sure Serena and Brandon were Neil's children?

For a moment, I was thrown into confusion. This was something the Whitmore family would want to do, but why was Karina the one reaching out to me?

"Where are you?" I finally found my voice after a while.

"And if you do reveal this secret, who do you think should be more afraid, you or me?" I retorted.

"What do you mean?" Karina's eyes grew colder. "Are you not afraid the Whitmore family will take your children away? Given their resources, they're more than capable."

I smiled faintly. "Even if they take my kids away, they can't change the fact that I'm their mother. Besides, as you know, Ryan and Faith really like me. They won't stop me from seeing my children. On the other hand, once the Whitmore family has Serena and Brandon, you and Hiram won't be their favorites anymore. Especially you, you should know that better than anyone, right?"

My words hit a nerve. Karina's greatest leverage in the Whitmore family was Hiram, the grandson they so desperately wanted.

With Serena and Brandon in the picture, it would certainly shift the dynamics.

If the Whitmore family could snatch my children, couldn't they do the same with hers? Of course, they could. However, Hiram was old enough to protect his mother, and Ryan and Faith wouldn't be able to justify their actions.

Karina's eyes flashed a cold light. "Irene, it’s all your wishful thinking."

"Is it my wishful thinking or is it the harsh reality? Give it a shot, Karina. If I were to announce right now that I'm getting back together with Neil, and claim that the children are Neil’s, do you think you'd still have a place in this equation?" I kept my tone steady and calm, betting on the fact that Karina was more afraid than I was.

Her eyes had taken on a frantic, desperate edge, glaring at me as if she wanted to devour me whole.

I knew I had won the bet. How could Karina bear to lose her place in the prestigious Whitmore family?

Her mother, Gloria, had already travelled overseas and wouldn't be back anytime soon. Gloria would have to explain all this mess to her current husband. Karina’s biological father, Ethan Foster, was already behind bars, just like Bonnie.

"Do you get it now? You can't tell Neil about this. Not only that, but you'll have to find a way to prove my children aren't Neil's if anyone starts to suspect. Otherwise, it's your position with Hiram at stake, not mine." I had said everything that needed to be said. I picked up my bag, stood up, and looked down at Karina. "You're a smart woman, Karina. You should know what to do."