Chapter 22 - A Desperate Plea in a Secret Citadel
I stared at my phone for a long moment after hanging up with Julian, my jaw clenched tight. Even when he couldn't help me, he had to make it about himself—had to insert himself into my life where he no longer belonged.
One hundred million yuan. The numbers seemed to float in the air before me, mocking me with their impossibility. Two days left to retrieve my mother's bracelet. The thought of Ivy discovering its existence and somehow wheedling Julian into buying it for her made my stomach churn.
There was only one option left.
With trembling fingers, I scrolled through my contacts until I found the number Butler Winslow had given me. I'd saved it after that surreal experience at the hospital, never thinking I'd actually use it. Taking a deep breath, I pressed the call button.
The phone rang exactly three times before a crisp, professional voice answered. "This is Winslow."
"Hello, Mr. Winslow. This is Hazel Ashworth. We met at—"
