Chapter 655:

Dolores pouted, her expression clouded with satisfaction. “I personally attended that meeting. Why aren’t you satisfied? Is my brother more appealing than I am?”

Elyse crossed her arms, her distaste for Dolores palpable. Watching Dolores attempt to charm and flirt only intensified her scorn.

Catching the sneer on Elyse’s face, Dolores shifted her gaze, a flicker of recognition passing through her eyes, though she couldn’t quite place where she had seen Elyse before. Her focus quickly returned to Shaun.

With feigned innocence, Dolores blinked and inquired, “Is this your friend? She seems rather uncouth. Why associate with someone like her?”

Shaun glanced at Elyse, doubting she even considered him a friend. Her rudeness was understandable to him. He was relieved she hadn’t resorted to having Jayden tie them up and toss them into the sea.

Turning back to Dolores, Shaun said sternly, “First, answer my question. Where is Lowell? Why isn’t he here?”

Dolores swirled her wine, her smile undisturbed. “Since our family’s business hit a rough patch, my brother has taken the reins. He’s swamped, leaving early and returning late. He’s still at the office.”

Shaun’s brow furrowed with concern. “It’s important that he’s here. I have questions that need his attention.”

Dolores, intrigued, leaned closer. “What do you need from him? Perhaps I can assist you with your inquiries.”

Shaun spoke with grave seriousness. “He mentioned that Tracy was dead in the sea. How did he come by that information? And who first found the body?”

For a fleeting moment, Dolores’ expression wavered, but she quickly composed herself, continuing to smile. “My brother shared that with you? I had no idea. Inquire about it after we eat.”

Elyse’s brow furrowed, her voice firm. “No, don’t wait until after the meal. Ask him now.” She rose from her chair, her eyes piercingly cold as they locked on Dolores.

Maintaining her poised smile, Dolores responded, “Right now? Didn’t we gather here to share a meal? Can’t this wait until after we’ve eaten?”

She looked towards Shaun, confusion etched across her face.

Shaun stayed silent, his inaction tacit support for Elyse. Their primary reason for visiting Liverton wasn’t a casual meal with Dolores, but to unearth the facts surrounding Tracy’s death.

Dolores pressed further, her voice tinged with concern. “What’s the matter? Is your friend upset with me? It seems like she holds a grudge.”

Elyse’s expression was frosty. “It’s not that I’m upset with you—I utterly despise you. Want to know why? Because I was Tracy’s best friend. You may not recognize me, but you certainly knew Tracy, didn’t you?”

Dolores offered a tight smile. “Ah, so you were Tracy’s best friend. I apologize, I don’t recognize you.”

Jayden, who had remained quiet, rose and led Elyse to the door of the private room.

Shaun sighed, stood, and began to follow them.

Noticing his movement, Dolores quickly caught his wrist, trying to preserve her calm demeanor.

“They’re off to find Lowell. Are you going as well? Didn’t you invite me here to spend time together? I’m here now. Let’s have dinner. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other.”

Shaun looked at Dolores for a long moment before slowly responding, “The last time you visited Watscar, I told you clearly that I have never loved you. So, when you were unfaithful, I didn’t expose you because it didn’t matter.”

Dolores’ face lost color as she weakly attempted to defend herself. “Back then, I was too young and couldn’t resist the temptation. You were always so distant. It was bound to happen. But I’ve grown up now. I know who I truly love. Can’t you give me another chance?”

Shaun carefully removed Dolores’ hand, emphasizing each word. “I’ve never loved you. How could I possibly give you another chance? You should move on. You’re not lacking admirers, after all.”

With those final words, Shaun turned and left the room, not hearing the quiet words Dolores murmured after him. “Damn! Even that bitch’s death won’t change your mind.”

Shaun missed her words. He caught up with Elyse and Jayden quickly, and soon after, they were in the car, speeding towards Lowell’s company.

As it turned out, perhaps due to a tip-off from Dolores, Lowell himself was waiting to greet them upon their arrival.