Chapter 477 The Gift
Nicholas leaned against the doorway, looking tense. "How long's Bella been in there?"
Brian glanced at his watch. "An hour and eight minutes."
Nicholas frowned. "What's she up to?"
"Just chillin' with Mr. Austin Reynolds, watching a movie and chatting." Brian had been keeping an eye on Bella and thought she seemed pretty cool. Every time she showed up, Austin's mood got a boost.
"Mr. Reynolds," Brian said cautiously, "Could we be wrong about her? Maybe Ms. Swan isn't one of Cassidy's spies. She seems to genuinely care about Mr. Austin Reynolds."
Nicholas's voice dropped, getting serious. "You really think that? Brian, remember the last time you trusted the wrong person? Almost lost your sight because of it. Don't forget how it felt when that knife sliced your face."
Brian's face hardened, fists clenching. That knife was a memory he couldn't shake.
He lowered his head. "Got it. I was too trusting."
Nicholas nodded. "Come with me to the balcony."
On the third-floor balcony, Nicholas had done a thorough sweep for bugs. This was Cassidy's turf, and she'd tried all sorts of ways to spy on him and Austin. He'd found and removed several devices but was always on edge, thinking there might be more. He'd checked the balcony meticulously to make sure it was clean.
"Keep tabs on Bella and log the time she spends here. And listen, besides Bella, don't let Cassidy or Desiree into the bedroom, no matter what excuse they come up with."
Brian nodded firmly. "Got it. Desiree's tried a bunch of times to get in, but I've blocked her every time. But I think Cindy's been bought off by Desiree."
Last night, Austin had suddenly felt dizzy, and the doctor who checked on him was Cindy.
Cindy had been with the Reynolds family for years and had been Austin's doctor for two. She was originally Xavier's person, but with Xavier in the hospital, Cindy had become the go-to doctor for the Reynolds family.
Nicholas squinted. "People love money. Cassidy probably offered her a sweet deal. It's no shock Cindy took the bait."
He wasn't surprised Cindy had been bribed, just smirked cynically.
But Cindy being compromised made things tricky.
Still, it wasn't game over.
Everyone in Vachilit knew Austin didn't have much time left.
Nicholas gripped the railing tightly.
Right now, Cassidy had the Reynolds Group in a chokehold.
When Xavier died, Cassidy would openly take control. When Austin died, the whole Reynolds Group would be hers.
And Nicholas? He'd be left with nothing.
Brian looked at Nicholas, knowing the weight of the world was on his shoulders. They were in a tight spot, and all they could do was bide their time and think of a way out. They didn't have the firepower to take on Cassidy.
Unless a miracle happened, such as Xavier suddenly got better or Austin made a miraculous recovery.
But that was just wishful thinking.
Bella got home and headed to her bedroom. She opened a velvet box and found a triangular-cut amethyst crystal inside. It was polished to perfection, clear as water, and glowing.
She knew right away it was a top-notch piece.
She put the pendant around her neck. Her neck was long and slender, and with the pendant, her skin seemed to glow, giving her a subtle, enchanting charm.
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