Until We Met Again ( Rowan and Johnson )
Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Though it was billed as a private clinic, as Karla arrived, the place seemed anything but Tucked amid the trees, a quaint little white villa came into sight, boasting a pure yet

opulent architectural grandeur. Inside, the decor screamed luxury, with immaculate white walls and floors cushioned by plush carpeting.

At the entrance, a full–body scanner greeted Karla. As she stepped through, a mechanical female voice announced her safe passage, giving her the eerie sensation of stepping into a high–tech fortress.

Once inside the elevator, Blake pressed for the top floor. In mere seconds, accompanied by a gentle ‘ding“, they arrived.

The elevator doors slid open to reveal a spacious lounge, complete with royal blue velvet. sofas and towering green plants beside floor–to–ceiling windows, exuding a cozy charm.

Blake led Karla through the lounge and then through an automatic sliding glass door before finally reaching Nicholas‘ room. The space was spacious, with only medical equipment and a single hospital bed. On the bed lay an elderly man, whom Karla immediately recognized as Nicholas.

Hearing their approach, Nicholas opened his eyes. Spotting Blake escorting a young. woman into the room, Nicholas paused, then shakily sat up, assisted by a nurse who quickly propped him with pillows for support

“Kid, what’s your name?” Nicholas‘ voice was a raspy whisper.

Karla replied, “Didn’t he tell you? My name is Karla.”

“If I’m not mistaken, Karla is your grandmother’s name, right? Did she send you to see me and give you a message to deliver?” Nicholas, despite his age, was not easily fooled. The young woman before him bore a striking resemblance to the one he had met years ago, but he doubted she was the same person.

“Grandpa, her name is indeed Karla,” Blake interjected, but Nicholas seemed to disregard him, probably considering him an accomplice.

“Blake, you once said you’d never forget what you’d tell me that night,” Karla said calmly. “So, I’m really curious why you didn’t take Joana away that night and let Landon get the jump on you?”

“Are these the questions your grandmother sent you to ask?” Nicholas furrowed his brows.

Karla didn’t answer him directly but continued, “You’ve probably seen that painting by now. It depicts an angel, modeled after my face.”

Nicholas was stunned, and Blake looked utterly baffled and confused.

Chapter 33

“Nicholas.” Karla addressed him by his first name, her face somber. “That night, I asked if you were sure. You said as long as Joana escaped the estate, you could get her out. I promised to ensure her safe departure. What happened? Why weren’t you there?”

“Who are you, exactly?” Nicholas stared at her, his expression one of terror.

Karla sighed. “The night of the banquet, the person you met was me. You don’t need to doubt that.”

Blake was dismissed by Nicholas. As Blake left, he kept looking back. It wasn’t until Blake was out of sight that Nicholas spoke to Karla. “Ms. Karla, who are you?”

“Frankly, for me, it was just half a month ago when we last met, so I remember everything we talked about back then,” Karla replied, deliberately holding back, unsure if he could be trusted.

Nicholas had seen many people in his lifetime, and Karla’s little ruse didn’t escape his notice. “Ms. Karla, did you come to me just to ask about that night?” Nicholas continued along her line of conversation.

Karla shook her head. “No, I wanted to ask about something else–about Rowan.”

Nicholas‘ eyes flickered at the mention, but he remained silent, his head lowered.