Chapter 557
‘Something just doesn’t add up,’ Ross thought, a growing sense of unease gnawing at him.
Through his earpiece, one of his men reported, “Attention, the plane has landed. The targets are coming out. Everyone, get into position and keep eyes on them.”
His earpiece buzzed with chatter from his team. Meanwhile, the airport police were all set, ready to make arrests the second the targets appeared.
Ross silently listened to the updates, then pulled out his phone and called Danielle. Danielle, who had just finished her last piece of food, picked up.
Emma’s eyes briefly flicked over to her before she calmly continued eating her steak.
Ross asked softly, “Where are you, Danielle?”
Danielle didn’t bother to hide anything. “Out having dinner with Emma,” she replied, sending him her location on WhatsApp at the same time. “What about you? Have you eaten yet?”
Ross had long suffered from stomach issues, but after two years of Danielle’s attentive care, he’d fully recovered. However, if he started skipping meals or eating irregularly again, those old problems could easily flare up again.
Ross’ gaze turned solemn for a moment, but when he heard Danielle’s concern for him, his voice softened. “I’ve already eaten. After dinner, don’t wander around and let the driver take you straight home. Tomorrow, we’re going to the city hall to get our marriage license.”
“Tomorrow?” Danielle repeated, her voice full of surprise and delight.
“Dr. Shelly, you don’t want to?” he teased lightly.
“Of course I do!” Danielle’s face lit up with a bright smile. “I always thought this engagement ring was a little too small. It’s about time we upgraded to a bigger one.”
Ross chuckled indulgently. Come to think of it, Danielle’s shopping habits far surpassed even Shermaine’s. Danielle was a true shopaholic through and through.
The walk-in closet in the apartment was crammed with all kinds of luxury items she’d bought—dresses, shoes, jewellery—until it was practically bursting at the seams.
And that closet wasn’t small either; it spanned over 300 square feet. That alone said plenty about just how much she loved to shop. But for Ross, that wasn’t a problem at all, as he could easily afford all of her shopping sprees.
No matter how wildly Danielle spent, it barely put a dent in his fortune. She did buy a lot, but her annual spending was really just a drop in the bucket.
Honestly, Ross thought she could go even crazier if she wanted, and he didn’t mind at all. He replied indulgently, “Yeah. Tomorrow, we’ll get you a bigger ring.”
“Then come home early tonight, okay?” Danielle replied sweetly.
After they exchanged a few more words, they ended the call.
Just then, Emma got up to use the restroom. Seeing her leave, Danielle decided she might as well finish what she had to say and head home early, so she simply followed her.
Emma stood in front of the mirror, fixing her makeup. “So, Ms. Shelly, you and Ross are really getting married?”
Danielle smiled. “Yes,” she said, setting her phone on the counter. “Actually, another reason I came out tonight was to talk about your leg. If I could find the right specialists to help you recover, would you be open to therapy?”
Emma tightened her grip. “Are there really doctors that skilled in Wallington?”
“Of course, there are,” Danielle stated matter-of-factly. “You’re still so young. Once your leg heals, you can do so much more. There’s no need to spend the rest of your life confined to a wheelchair.”
Emma smirked. “And what if I said I don’t want it?”
Danielle’s smile vanished, her tone turning cold. “So what now? You plan on clinging to Ross for the rest of your life?”
Emma let out a soft laugh. “I always thought Ross would never let a woman get close to him. I’ve seen so many women throw themselves at him, only to be ruthlessly turned away, myself included. I never imagined he’d actually fall for you.
“Fine. If he loves you, then so be it. But I thought I would at least hold a place in his heart. But how could he go an entire year without visiting me even once?
“Every time I called, it went straight to voicemail. He owes me his life. How could he treat me so coldly?”
Danielle finally saw just how unhinged and obsessive Emma could be. She frowned, about to say something, when a dark figure suddenly appeared behind her. A hand clamped over her mouth and nose, forcing her to inhale a drugged scent. Her vision blurred, and she collapsed into unconsciousness.
Meanwhile, at the airport, the police and Ross’ men were already chasing Damon down. It didn’t take long before they had Damon and his crew surrounded and arrested.
Damon looked completely stunned. He hadn’t expected the police to close in on him the moment he stepped off the plane. He had no idea that the police knew about his whereabouts all along.
He cursed inwardly, ‘Since when did coming to Wallington for a business deal become this damn hard? Fuck this shit.’
His confusion vanished the moment Ross stepped forward. Damon froze for a second, then bellowed, “Cesar, you always ruin my plans!”
Cesar was the name Ross used while he was abroad. Damon was cursing under his breath when Ross turned to him, his face cold as he snapped, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Damon, still fuming, snapped back, “I should be the one asking you that! What the hell does it have to do with you if I come to Basterel? Why’d you show up with a whole army of cops to arrest me?”