Kimberly had obediently followed Asher’s advice these past few days, not venturing outside and working from home. Asher quickly discovered who was backing Feynman Port. The man’s name was Arno Jones, a powerful figure in London with connections in both legitimate business and criminal enterprises. He had influential protectors in high places. Jones secretly controlled dozens of companies, all registered under the names of unrelated individuals who served as legal scapegoats. While these businesses appeared legitimate on the surface, they were fronts for illegal operations.
Asher hung his coat on the rack as he explained, “My sources have confirmed that Jones met with Malfoy shortly after his return to London. It appears Jones is seeking Malfoy’s protection.”
“Malfoy has substantial influence in Russia with numerous business interests. Jones is clearly looking to establish international connections through him. Meanwhile, Malfoy has limited reach in London and needs a local partner. They’re perfectly matched—I suspect they’re already strategizing against me.”
Kimberly’s brow furrowed with concern. “How do you intend to handle this?”
“Don’t worry, Kimmy. I’ve already formulated a strategy. Malfoy won’t gain significant traction in London.”
“Right.” Kimberly remained visibly worried about Asher’s situation.
“Has anyone suspicious approached the apartment?” Asher asked. He had stationed several security personnel to guard the building around the clock, and they would certainly report any suspicious individuals immediately, but he still wanted to confirm with Kimberly personally.
Kimberly shook her head. “No one.”
“Good. Don’t trust any strangers, whatever they might claim.”
“I understand.”
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit hotel suite, Drake Ashcroft was lost in a moment of passion, repeatedly murmuring, “Kimberly… Kimberly…”
“Drake,” Sienna whispered.
The sound of a sharp slap cut through the air as Drake struck Sienna across the face.
“Shut up! I told you not to speak when we’re together like this!”
As long as she remained silent, he could pretend she was Kimberly. Sienna bit her lip, fighting back tears, feeling utterly humiliated. The couple’s themed suite was decorated with rose petals, the lighting creating an intimate atmosphere. In the dim light, Sienna’s features were indistinct, allowing Drake to imagine she was Kimberly.
Recently, Sienna had begun hopelessly imitating Kimberly. Her body type was similar to Kimberly’s, and their facial features had a slight resemblance. Initially, Drake had admitted that when he first became involved with Kimberly, he had seen traces of Sienna in her. When Sienna first met Kimberly, she had also commented on their resemblance. At the time, Sienna had made this observation simply to provoke Kimberly, suggesting she was merely a substitute. How ironic that the tables had turned. Now Sienna willingly played the role of Kimberly’s replacement, imitating her clothing style, makeup, hairstyle, and even wearing her signature perfume.
It seemed Drake’s devotion to Kimberly wasn’t as steadfast as he claimed. Or perhaps, like many men, he could separate physical desire from love. Though he insisted he couldn’t live without Kimberly, he had succumbed to Sienna’s persistent advances. Even though he called another woman’s name in intimate moments, Sienna no longer cared. As long as she could remain by Drake’s side, such humiliation seemed a small price to pay.
At Pan Peninsula, Kimberly received a call from Lucy Jenkins, her voice bubbling with excitement. “Kimberly, Teresa will be discharged from hospital tomorrow. I’m going to collect her—would you like to join us?”
“I’m afraid I can’t. I’m staying put for the time being.”
“Has something happened?” Lucy asked with concern.
Kimberly stood in the garden, idly pulling at the leaves of an evergreen plant. “Just a bit of a family situation. I need to keep a low profile for the next few days.”
Lucy, sensing it was a private matter, didn’t pry further. “Right, I understand. I’ll fetch her myself, then. Any message you’d like me to pass on to Teresa?”
Kimberly replied warmly, “Wish her well on her discharge and tell her to keep her spirits up. Do get her a small gift from me—I’ll transfer some funds to you shortly.”
Lucy quickly declined, “Oh no, that won’t be necessary. I still have plenty left from what you sent before.”
“Very well, then.”
That evening, Kimberly received a call from her father, Ronald Jordan.
“Kimberly, Lucy’s birthday is the day after tomorrow, Saturday. We’ve reserved a private room at a restaurant for the celebration. Do make sure you’re available to join us.”
Kimberly hesitated. She had promised Asher she wouldn’t leave the apartment. She wanted to attend her sister’s birthday celebration, but she couldn’t. There was no telling what a volatile character like Tom Malfoy might do. She couldn’t risk her safety.
“I’m terribly sorry, Dad. I have to travel out of town for work on Saturday.”
Ronald was taken aback by her refusal.
“What could possibly be more important? Can’t you reschedule? Or have a colleague cover for you? You know how attached Lucy is to you—she’ll be absolutely devastated if you’re not there for her birthday.”
Ronald sighed heavily. “Since the kidnapping incident, Lucy has been struggling psychologically. I’ve only recently managed to get her to see a therapist, and she’s just beginning to show improvement. The doctor says she needs family support and attention right now. Despite her mother being with her constantly, she keeps asking for her sister. Can’t you really make it home to see her?”
A wave of guilt washed over Kimberly. Lucy was her precious little sister. After Lucy’s kidnapping, Kimberly had suffered nightmares for several consecutive nights, unable to eat or sleep properly.
“I…” Kimberly wavered. Lucy hadn’t fully recovered psychologically. If she visited her sister, it would certainly help with her recovery, but thinking of the dangerous Tom Malfoy, Kimberly steeled herself to refuse.
“I’m terribly sorry, Dad, but I really can’t make it on Saturday.”
“Well, all right then,” Ronald replied, disappointment evident in his voice.
After ending the call, Kimberly stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, her expression forlorn. Why was Tom Malfoy targeting her specifically? She had never wronged him in any way. Was Asher right—was it simply because she was his only vulnerability? She wondered how long she would remain confined to this apartment.
Saturday. Kimberly was awakened by her ringing phone. The mobile vibrated rhythmically on her bedside table. After ringing for what seemed like ages and disconnecting automatically, it immediately began ringing again. Without opening her eyes, Kimberly fumbled on the bedside table, finally grasping her phone and groggily answering.
“Hello? Who is it?”
“It’s terrible, Ms. Jordan! Your father’s been in an accident!” It was Mrs. Wilson’s voice.
“Mrs. Wilson, what’s happened?”
A white BMW hastily pulled into the open-air car park outside the hospital. Kimberly flung open the door and ran toward the hospital entrance. Mrs. Wilson had told her that during Lucy’s birthday celebration, Ronald had suddenly lost his footing and fallen down a flight of stairs. He was now in critical condition. Upon hearing this news, Kimberly nearly fainted from shock. In moments of crisis involving loved ones, rational thinking often gives way to emotion.