The private investigator had never expected Piper to play such a big game. The thought alone made him uneasy: "Ms. Walker, if we end up crossing the Lynette family-" Their influence in Craneville was not something he could afford to mess with if he wanted to keep breathing.
"You're having second thoughts now?"
Piper scoffed, "Too late for that. Just stick with me, and whatever you want, it's yours once this is over."
That was precisely what he had been waiting to hear: "The pay-"
"Triple it. Keep digging."
...
After setting the date for the pre-marital health check, Brittany surprisingly lost her urgency, settling into an almost eerie calm.
She made plans to meet Eltham at an upscale diner.
Eltham was pleasantly surprised: "Bri, this is the first time you've asked me out."
Brittany poured him a cup of coffee and pushed it across the table: "Eltham, have you thought this through, about tomorrow's health check?" "Of course."
Eltham was looking forward to it, assuming Brittany was worried about failing the check: "Bri, are you getting cold feet?"
Brittany wasn't nervous, "Eltham, I've been dishonest about something."
She didn't want things to escalate to a point of no return.
She wanted to come clean to Eltham.
With reporters planning to follow the pre-marital check-up, the news of her pregnancy would not only affect her but Eltham as well. Eltham, puzzled, looked at Brittany: "What are you talking about?"
Brittany met his gaze, her calmness surprising: "I actually-"
A sudden ring of the phone cut them off, and although Eltham was reluctant to answer,
It was the Queen's call.
"Sorry, Bri, I need to take this," Eltham interrupted Brittany, answering the phone and stepping aside.
Brittany watched his retreating figure, mouth opening but eventually saying nothing.
The diner's beef stew and apple juice filled her up as Eltham hurried back.
"Bri, I'm sorry, something came up, I have to go."
Eltham seemed regretful. Brittany had finally asked him out, and now he had to leave on official business, which was a shame. "Wait."
Brittany grabbed Eltham, "Eltham, can we not get engaged?"
The smile faded from Eltham's face, not get engaged?
There was a split-second flash of darkness in his eyes, but he soon regained his composure: "What nonsense are you talking about? Our engagement has been set for ages, how can we not go through with it?" "Alright, it's getting late. You should head home. See you tomorrow."
Eltham left in a hurry.
Brittany watched him go, sighing. She had given Eltham a chance, but why wouldn't he consider calling off the engagement?
...
Leaving the diner, Eltham got into his car, and his bodyguard whispered something to him.
Eltham's warmth was gone, replaced by a nearly dark ferocity: "Got it."
The black car sped off, disappearing into the night.
Brittany returned to the Lynette Mansion very late.
In the deep autumn, the dew was heavier.
The whole garden seemed to be shrouded in mist, obscuring the path she came by. Brittany had been unwell lately, losing the little weight she had gained, her chin sharpening, which made Yuri feel sorry for her. He draped his coat over Brittany's shoulders: "What's on your mind?"
"Nothing." Brittany shook her head, "Dad, why are you still up this late?"
"Can't sleep."
Yuri was genuinely worried about Brittany. He had wanted to send her away for a while, but Brittany refused.
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