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Novel Catalog
Chapter 77
Afterward, Matthew strode toward the car and pulled open the door to get in.
Noticing Veronica already seated in the front passenger seat, he immediately muttered, “Come to the back.”
“I’m perfectly fine here. Why should I move to the back?” Veronica retorted, her tone cold as she tossed her head, remaining in her seat.
Meanwhile, Thomas, who was driving, noticed Matthew’s darkening expression in the rearview mirror. He quickly chimed in, “The front passenger seat isn’t suitable for passengers.”
“Why?” Veronica asked, raising an eyebrow.
Thomas hesitated for a moment, scrambling for an excuse. “Well… there’s something wrong with the seat. I’ve been meaning to get it fixed, but I haven’t had the time.”
“Something wrong?” Veronica rocked back and forth in her seat, trying to find anything wrong, but the seat seemed perfectly fine. Yet, she could tell Thomas wasn’t joking.
With a sigh, she finally opened the door and moved to the back seat, sitting next to Matthew.
The car moved slowly as they headed toward the Twilight Club. The journey was silent, with Veronica staring out the window, not bothering to speak to Matthew, who, in turn, stayed quiet as well.
Suddenly, Thomas broke the silence.
“Miss Murphy, there’s a cell phone on the backseat armrest. Your bank card and SIM card have already been sorted. I picked them up for you this afternoon.”
Veronica’s face softened. She had applied for a reissue of her ID card the day the fire occurred, so now everything was in place. Thomas had also purchased a new phone and SIM card for her on his way back.
“Oh, you’re quick. Thanks!” Veronica smiled at Thomas, feeling a bit more at ease.
“You don’t need to thank me, Miss Murphy. It was all on Young Master Matthew’s instructions. You should thank him,” Thomas said with a smile.
Veronica’s smile faded as she picked up the phone and inserted the SIM card. She powered it on. The phone vibrated nonstop, dozens of messages flashing across the screen. She opened one from Xavier.
“Where are you right now? Reply to the message as soon as you see it.”
Then another one appeared. “Why didn’t you contact me when you were in trouble?”
“Answer the phone, Veronica. Hurry up!”
“Missed call from 170*********: Cody and the private investigator have been bribed by the Larsons. The Larson family has destroyed all the evidence.”
“Where are you right now?!”
Within seconds, Veronica had nearly thirty messages, some from Xavier, others from Cody, and even a few from Matthew. She didn’t expect this many.
Without hesitation, she dialed Xavier’s number.
Beeeep… beep…
The phone rang a few times before Xavier finally answered, his voice filled with concern. “Veronica? Where are you?!”
Veronica could hear the worry in his voice, and for a moment, she felt a wave of warmth toward him. “I’m back. I’m safe, don’t worry. Thanks for everything, Xavier.”
Matthew, who sat next to her, visibly tensed. His expression darkened as he observed her conversation.
Xavier’s voice, a bit strained, came through again. “Is Matthew the one who rescued you?”
Veronica, oblivious to Xavier’s subtle disappointment, nodded. “Yes, we just got back yesterday. Where are you now?”
“I’m still at Pierson Harbor, looking for you. I didn’t realize you were back. I’ll head back and be in Bloomstead by tomorrow.” Xavier’s voice was somber as he continued, “I’m just glad you’re safe, Veronica.”
Veronica’s heart warmed. Xavier had searched for her tirelessly, and despite his best efforts, he was still one step behind Matthew in her rescue. But there was no bitterness in his voice—only care and genuine concern.
“Thanks, Xavier. Come back soon. I’ll treat you to a meal,” she said, trying to lighten the mood.
“Sure, I’ll be there soon. Wait for me,” Xavier replied, and the conversation ended shortly after.
Veronica set her phone down, her gaze falling to the screen as she leaned back against her seat, her thoughts wandering. A deep sigh escaped her lips.
“What’s wrong? Do you sympathize with him?” Matthew’s voice cut through the silence, the words tinged with a touch of irritation.
Veronica didn’t even glance at him as she lazily responded, “What’s it to you?” She wasn’t in the mood to explain herself.
Matthew’s gaze turned icy. “Have you forgotten your identity so soon?”
Veronica’s brow furrowed slightly, realizing he was referring to his role as her godbrother. His words were meant to remind her that she needed to act in a way that reflected well on the Kings family.
She scoffed, “Were your language lessons taught by your physical education teacher? How can your comprehension be so weak? Grandma asked you to look after me, not restrict my life.”
A snort escaped her lips. “Besides, this is my personal business.”
“I’m not interested in your personal matters. But as Grandma’s god-granddaughter, you should know what’s appropriate and what isn’t. Don’t bring disrepute to the Kingses.” Matthew’s tone was sharp, and he leaned back, closing his eyes.
Veronica’s frustration boiled over. “Are you seriously saying that just because I’m friends with Xavier, I’m bringing disrepute to the Kings name?”
“Yes,” Matthew replied coldly, not flinching.
“Bullsh*t!” Veronica snapped, her anger flaring as the words slipped out.
Matthew’s eyes snapped open at her outburst, and he fixed her with a look of quiet fury. “Xavier has a bad reputation. You should stay away from him.”
“I won’t!” Veronica shot back, her voice a mixture of defiance and exasperation.
Her eyes locked with Matthew’s as she continued, her voice unwavering. “Just because the Kings family is powerful and rich, my friendship with Xavier is supposed to bring disrepute to your name? What about the business dealings between your family and him? How do you justify that?”
Matthew’s jaw tightened, and his gaze grew cold. “Those are two separate matters.”
