Chapter 100
Leanne’s childhood abduction had left her with a persistent sense of vulnerability that flared up at the slightest provocation, especially after bumping into Derek at the bar earlier that night.
“Sir, would you mind doing a U-turn at the next corner?” Leanne asked, her voice laced with a hint of urgency.
The taxi driver obliged, checking the rearview mirror to ensure they weren’t being followed before letting out a chuckle. “Guess I’ve watched too many thriller movies recently. Don’t worry, miss. It’s probably just a mistake.”
Leanne stayed silent, fixing her gaze on the mirror.
The black Mercedes that had been behind them didn’t reappear.
But for some reason, an uneasy feeling lingered, gnawing at her. Was she being overly paranoid?
It t wasn’t until she was back in the safety of her home that her tense nerves finally relaxed. At bedtime, as was her custom, she left a nightlight on.
She had inquired at a local lighting store about installing floor lamps like the ones in the bedrooms at Crystal Cove Villas, only to learn they required pre-installed wiring. Since she hadn’t been involved in the original house setup and retrofitting was too much trouble, she had to settle for a ready-made nightlight, which cast a small, harsh pool of light.
No word from Curtis. The next day at work, Leanne decided to call him.
Amid paperwork, Curtis picked up the phone to Leanne’s caller ID with an indifferent tone. “What a surprise! Dr. Castillo is calling the dead man.”
Leanne was speechless.
His sarcasm was thick in the air. He was clearly still nursing a grudge about their last
encounter.
Leanne cut to the chase, uninterested in his games. “Is the agreement ready?”
Curtis joked, “Signing contracts with your dead husband now, huh? What’s in it, a half-dead clause?”
“Curtis, are you out of your mind?” Leanne retorted, frustration creeping into her voice. “Your lawyer’s efficiency is wanting. It’s a simple agreement. Why is it taking so long?”
“It’s complicated enough,” Curtis responded. “Got to get the assets sorted.”
“It’s only the Crystal Cove Villas property, right? The rest of the assets aren’t being divided,
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Chapter 100
so there’s no need for an inventory.”
Curtis hummed through his nose, and Leanne could imagine his smug expression even through the phone. “You might not need to tally up since you don’t have assets. But I’ve got plenty.”
Leanne rolled her eyes, even though he couldn’t see. “How much longer will it take?” she
asked.
“Can’t you wait?” Curtis shot back. “If so, I can push them to expedite it.”
She wasn’t in a rush, but he should be, shouldn’t he? Without finalizing the divorce, his relationship with Suzan was hanging in limbo.
Leanne certainly didn’t want to remain awkwardly caught between them.
“Yeah. You better speed it up.”
Curtis paused, his pen sitting idle on the document, as he adjusted his tie loosely. “And what’s the urgency? Do explain.”
“I want it done this year. My psychic said a divorce next year would ruin my financial luck.” Curtis scoffed. “With your salary, what kind of financial luck could you possib
you possibly have? You’d be better off trusting me than some fortune-teller. Instead of dabbling in that mumbo jumbo, why not cozy up to me and pry some extra cash out? Wouldn’t that be easier?”
Leanne couldn’t believe his nerve.
“I don’t want any of your assets apart from the house in Crystal Cove Villas. I have no intention of taking anything else. Just get the agreement ready so we can go our separate ways without delays.”
Curtis’ tone soured. “What have I done to hold you back? Keeping you from replaceing your next fling?”
Leanne didn’t bother responding. She hung up, ending the call and his irritating remarks.
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