Chapter 241: An Old Flame
Everhart, a cigarette poised between his fingers, listened to Reese's sharp retort and responded with a sardonic laugh. "Darling, you used to trail after me, your presence as constant as my shadow. Now that you're a married woman, have you forgotten the bond we once shared?" Reese's face remained indifferent, her eyes glaring with hostility. "I suggest you stay on topic," she warned. "While I'm not particularly keen on causing a scene in public, I won't hesitate to show these women who've been ogling you just how humiliating you can be."Everhart's cold stare held a hint of amusement—a deceptive charm that could ensnare the unwary. Reese, however, was not so easily fooled. She saw past the facade to the underlying cruelty. Falling for his act was a surefire way to find a knife lodged in your back. She had learned that lesson the hard way. Unconvinced, Everhart, with a hint of amusement, tilted his chin up at Reese. "Why don't you give it a shot?"In a flash, Reese snatched up the knife and fork from the table, circling to Everhart's front. The sharp blade of the knife pressed against his throat, her eyes gleaming with a bloodthirsty light. "I'm not the naïve Reese you used to toy with. Choose your words wisely, or you might find that your antics aren't quite as forgiving."Everhart had to concede, there was a moment of genuine fear, but he quickly suppressed it. What truly stunned him was the transformation before his eyes. The girl who had risen from the ashes was unrecognizable, leaving him feeling like a stranger. The girl who had once been his shadow had not only matured, but she now belonged to another. That was an insult he couldn't Accept.How could the woman whom he desired be claimed by another man?Everhart raised his hands in surrender, "Alright, Reese, how about we lower the utensil, huh? If you harm me, you won't get the information you're after.""Don't call me Reese!" Her voice was firm, the sound of Everhart using her old pet name making her skin crawl. She remembered vividly how he had slowly gained her trust, only to betray her without a second thought. That betrayal had nearly cost her life and taught her the hardest lesson of not trusting anyone too easily. Everhart was always scheming, a master of deception. Without a keen eye, one would never know if he was being sincere or if it was just another one of his tricks. His gaze was always calculating, devoid of any genuine emotion, and the number of women he had used was countless. It was hard to believe that Reese, who was now so astute and detached, had once fallen for this man's manipulations and lies. Everhart conceded without much resistance, "Alright, Reese it is."Reese let him off the hook, returned to her seat. As she sat down, she noticed the numerous stares directed at them. Reese was not bothered by the onlookers; her focus was solely on herself. "So, what do you actually know about Malcolm?" she asked. She knew she couldn't fully trust Everhart, but any piece of information could prove useful. As long as Everhart was willing to be truthful, she had faith in his network of connections. Everhart raised an eyebrow in a teasing manner, "I could tell you, but first, I need to know if you've genuinely fallen for this guy?"Reese shot him a glare, "What's it to you? Just know that whoever I might fall for, it certainly wouldn’t be you.""Are you sure about that? Have you forgotten how you once fell head over heels for me?"With his reminder of the past, Everhart shattered the composed facadeReese usually maintained. Without a moment's hesitation, she grabbed her coffee and hurled it across Everhart's handsome face.
Onlookers observed the unfolding drama, their shock and intrigue poorly concealed."My God, that woman is fierce," one murmured, "She just hurled her coffee right in his face.""Such a waste, he's quite the looker," another chimed in, "I wouldn't have the heart to do that.""She seems tough though, that icy stare could cut through glass.""Perhaps he deserved it, and she's justifiably angry."Everhart, despite hearing the surrounding chatter, flashed Reese a mischievous wink. "Did you hear that? Be gentle.""With you? That's hardly necessary. Not going for the kill was generous enough on my part."Reese's patience was rapidly dwindling.Everhart, well-acquainted with Reese's volatile temperament, recognized her sharp retort as a sign she was nearing her breaking point."Alright, I'll talk," he conceded, "But don't treat me like this next time. You're investigating Malcolm's ties with the Harmony Alliance, aren't you? We've been at loggerheads with them for years, sworn enemies. Once you cross paths with the organization, death is the only way out."Reese was acutely aware of the gravity of the situation and was determined to uncover the truth. She couldn't idly stand by and watch things spiral out of control; by then, it might be too late.She was always mindful of the potential consequences of her actions. Without careful consideration, regret would be the only thing left when it was too late. In her world, taking preemptive measures were crucial, including the ruthless suppression of any emotions that might hinder her.Given the current circumstances, her relationship with Malcolm was not yet too entangled – there was still an escape route, a backdoor exit if needed.The thought of becoming more emotionally entangled filled her with dread.Reese kept her true emotions hidden, listening intently as Everhart continued."What else is there?" she asked, her voice steady."I haven't found much else, but whatever ties your husband has with the Harmony Alliance, they're more than just membership. It's likely deeper, and you need to be wary. Also, the group doesn't know about your marriage to Malcolm yet. If they discover his connection to the Harmony Alliance, you'll need to tread carefully."Everhart's demeanor shifted from his usual nonchalant attitude to a more serious tone, reflecting the gravity of their conversation.Upon hearing this, Reese's expression hardened.If Everhart's words held truth, the trouble they were in could potentially escalate far beyond what she had anticipated.Her greatest concern wasn't just Malcolm's hidden past, but the nature of his relationship with the Harmony Alliance.It was a rare sight for Everhart to see Reese so somber, her usual fiery demeanor replaced by a heavy silence. He mirrored her concern."Darling, don't tell me if you've fallen for this man," he said, his voice a blend of disbelief and worry.Reese shot him a piercing glare, "Everhart, when did you start caring? If we weren't here on business, we'd probably be at each other's throats already."
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