Chapter 286

Hayden let out a soft hiss. I knew it wasn't pain, but sensitivity. Shivers ran down my spine. I could almost picture him trying to maintain composure. Honestly, I was becoming increasingly mischievous.

After stirring things up, I straightened, took a casual sip of my coffee, and left nonchalantly. Hayden seemed too stunned to react; he just sat there, likely trying to process what had happened.

Back in my office, I sat, placed my coffee cup on the desk, and rubbed my face, chuckling softly. I didn't know why I was laughing, but the feeling bubbled up—pure, genuine joy at my little prank. Like a child giggling after a successful mischief.

Just as I was enjoying this feeling, my phone buzzed with a message from Cole: a location pin. It was an address in an industrial park on the city's outskirts, for a company called NewWealth Capital.

Why would Cole send this? A mistake? Or a prank?

Before I could ponder, another message appeared: "[If you want to see my dad, come here.]"

Thorsten left Serenity Retreat? Was this real, or another game? I wasn't in the mood to guess, so I called him. He didn't let me speak. "If you don't believe it, then don't go."

"Didn't you tell me not to meet your dad? That he wouldn't tell me anything even if I did?" I reminded him.

And now he was sending me an address? It made no sense.

"Yeah, I did. But don't you want the truth?" Cole snorted. "If you're not interested, pretend you never saw the message."

Typical rich kid. Entitled and difficult.

I was about to retort when he added, "Oh, and I gave you the address. Whether you actually talk to my dad is up to you."

He hung up, leaving me speechless.

I sighed, spinning my phone. Should I go? Lindey had already explained everything, and Cole wasn't entirely wrong. If the car accident happened as I suspected, Thorsten would likely cover it up.

I stared at Cole's text, conflicted. Not going meant accepting my parents' accident as a tragic fluke. But was it? My parents had no other relatives; I'm their only family. If someone harmed them, and I didn't investigate, they wouldn't rest in peace. Even if it was my imagination, finding the truth would bring peace of mind.

I decided to go. Even if it was another one of Cole's games, I wouldn't know unless I went.

Stepping out of the office, I ran into the gossiping girls from the break room. They were leaving.

"Ms. Kay, are you heading out too?" one asked.

I nodded, and we entered the elevator.

"Ms. Kay, did you see Mr. Hart today?"

I recalled my earlier stunt. "Nope, why?"

"You didn't?" One squealed. "He was visiting every department! We saw him!"

"Huh?" I feigned surprise.

One girl pointed at her neck. "He had a hickey! Right here," the other added, pointing to her throat. "All purplish-red."