Chapter 328 You Like Her
Adeline's grip on the phone tightened. "How'd you find out?"
Sebastian sighed on the other end. "So it's true... you went to Neon City with Jasper."
Adeline frowned but stayed silent.
"Adeline," Sebastian continued, sounding disappointed, "didn't we agree I'd go with you? I know you didn't want to bother me, but..." He paused, then added, "I'm heading to Neon City now. Just tell me where you're staying, and I'll come."
Adeline glanced at David, who shrugged and got out of the car, leaving her alone in the back seat.
"Sebastian," she began, taking a deep breath. "I'm here to visit a friend in the hospital. This isn't a vacation. Jasper's just a friend of my friend's too, that's why he's here. You really don't need to come. I might even be back tomorrow."
"But..." Sebastian interrupted, his voice strained. "Do you know how I found out you were with Jasper? Stella called me. She said you and Jasper were rekindling your old flame and asked if I wanted to team up with her. I refused, obviously. But she told me she's on her way to Neon City. I'm afraid she'll make a fuss about you and Jasper going to Neon City together."
He paused again, then added firmly, "I'm coming, Adeline. I need to be there. Maybe I can help."
Adeline hesitated. Stella had been too quiet lately, and Adeline had almost forgotten about the ticking time bomb she represented in Jasper's life. But then it struck her – Stella's arrival was perfect. Linda's tragedy was a direct result of the Quinn family's actions, and Stella was the one who had instigated it all. Linda's suffering was ultimately her doing. Now that Stella was following her to Neon City, it was time to settle the score.
"Sebastian," Adeline said, her voice firm. "I know you won't listen even if I tell you not to come. But..." she bit her lip, "if you really want to help, don't come to Neon City. Go abroad, to Bennett and Lauren's training camp. Look after them for me."
She couldn't forget Stella's casual mention of having people planted around Bennett and Lauren. As clever as the kids were, they were still just that – kids. They wouldn't stand a chance against overwhelming force. Even with Tim and Tom's protection, they were still just two honest men with nothing but brute strength. Only with Sebastian there would Adeline truly have peace of mind.
"Bennett and Lauren?" Sebastian asked, concern in his voice. "Are they in danger?"
"They might be," Adeline admitted. "You know how important they are to me. I'm not afraid of what Stella might do to me directly, but I can't bear the thought of her using them against me."
Silence stretched between them before Sebastian finally sighed. "Be careful, Adeline."
"I will," she promised.
"I'm booking a ticket now," he said. "How long do I need to stay with them?"
"Until I come get you," Adeline replied.
"Alright." Another beat of silence. "Stay safe in Neon City, Adeline."
"I will," she repeated, hanging up after a few more cautious words.
Leaning back, she closed her eyes, her mind racing. If it weren't for Linda's situation, she might not have considered taking revenge on Stella. But she understood Linda's pain was inflicted by Stella's hatred towards her. This time, she'd expose Stella for who she really was, let Jasper see her true colors. Linda's suffering wouldn't be in vain.
Sending Sebastian away was strategic. Linda's fate was a stark reminder of the stakes. If she failed, she didn't want to drag Sebastian down with her.
"Lost in thought?" David's voice startled her.
Opening her eyes, she smiled. "I heard you've been busy cleaning up after the Quinn family and Gabriel's remnants."
David chuckled. "What are you getting at?"
Adeline met his gaze, calm and collected. "I can help you."
David raised an eyebrow as he got back into the passenger seat. "And how do you propose to do that?"
By the time they finished discussing, it was almost eleven. Just as they wrapped up, David's phone rang. It was Linda. He put the call on speaker.
"David," Linda's weak, shaky voice came through. "Are you lying to me again? You said Adeline was here. Where is she? David, please, don't treat me like a fool anymore."
David glanced at Adeline, raising an eyebrow. "Go on, say something."
Adeline took a deep breath. "Linda?"
Silence. Then, Linda's frail voice erupted in joy. "Adeline! You really came!"
"I did," Adeline confirmed, smiling. "Something came up, that's why I'm late. But I'm downstairs at the hospital now. I'll be up soon."
Ending the call, she turned to David. "Lead the way."
David smirked. "I'm the boss of the most powerful gang in Neon City, and you're the second person, after Linda, who can talk to me like that."
Adeline smiled back. "Well, I'm benefiting from Linda's favor, after all, you're so smitten with her."
The smirk vanished from David's face. He shoved his hands in his pockets and headed towards the hospital entrance. "Don't be ridiculous."
Adeline followed, a knowing smile on her lips. She had seen David's dedication to Linda. His actions went far beyond fulfilling a past promise to Jasper.
They rode the elevator up in silence. As soon as the doors opened, Adeline saw Linda in a wheelchair, waiting anxiously.
"Adeline!" Linda cried, a faint blush coloring her pale cheeks, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "You really came!"
Adeline couldn't contain her emotions as she embraced her friend. "How are you feeling?"
"Not well," Linda admitted, blinking back tears. She grasped Adeline's hand tightly. "There's something I need to tell you. I remember what I wrote on that note I gave you..."
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