Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 498
“Let’s not talk about this now, shall we? Let’s not mix personal matters with business,” I sighed, Neil’s words leaving a sour taste
in my mouth.
“And when do you suggest we’talk about it, then?” Neil’s tone chilled as he mentioned Russel. “I’m just worried your judgement is
clouded, and you’ll agree to Russel’s unreasonable demands. I know him too well, understand?”
I wasn’t losing my mind, just feeling irritable.
Neil’s phone buzzed, a work-related call. After a brief conversation, he hung up and informed me, “I’ve got to head back to the
office. I’ll probably be staying in Rosemont for a while, sorting things out before heading to Eldoria. My mom’s heading there
earlier though, you can go with her if you want. She can help look after your kids.”
“Okay, you go ahead and get your work done,” I replied.
Neil nodded, got into his car, and drove off, leaving me standing alone. Only when his car disappeared from my view did I turn to
make my way upstairs.
Hannah was already up, fussing over some plants on the balcony, while Bailey was cooking breakfast in the kitchen, a simple yet
homey vibe.
“Where have you been this early, Ms. Finch? Hannah greeted me. From her spot on the balcony, she must’ve seen me talking
with Neil.
I gave a sheepish smile, “Just went out for a bit.”
She didn’t probe further, only reminding me that breakfast would be ready soon. I nodded and went to check on my kids, Serena
and Brandon. They were awake, but quiet, playing on their own.
Seeing them always stirred up feelings of regret deep inside me. I grew up with both parents in a happy family, showered with
their love. I wanted the same for my children: a full and complete family.
After playing with them for a while, I was summoned by Hannah for breakfast. She offered to watch the kids for me, so they
wouldn’t tumble off the bed.
Thanks,” I nodded and went to have breakfast.

Bailey was waiting for me at the table, a serious look on his face. I could tell he had something to say. True enough, halfway
through breakfast, he asked, “You met with Neil earlier, didn’t you?”
I paused, not denying it, “Yeah, he found out I was here and came to see me.”
“Have you forgotten how he treated you?” Bailey’s tone betrayed his disapproval. ‘You’ve wasted so much time and emotion on
him, and now with the problems at Whitmore Co., it’s his karma. You should cut ties with him. Your parents would be against it
too if they knew.”
I knew that. I wasn’t sure if my parents knew about the issues at Whitmore Co. If they did, they’d feel vindicated. But if they found
out I’d gone back to Rosemont and met with Neil, they’d be furious.
“I haven’t forgotten anything, Bailey. You’ve been with me long enough to know my personality. If Russel is causing trouble with
Neil because of me, I can’t just sit back and do nothing.” I replied evenly.
I trusted Bailey, so I wasn’t worried about him using this information against me.
He sighed heavily, “So what’s your plan?”
“I’m not really sure myself. I can’t even find Russel. I think I’ll have to pay a visit to the Dawson family today. Can you and
Hannah take care of Serena and Brandon for me?” I asked.
“Alright,” Bailey gave me a helpless look.
I had never been to the Dawson family in this life, but I had visited a few times in my past life, so I remembered the route.
When I arrived at the Dawson family home, I was stopped. Without an appointment, I wasn’t allowed to enter. Russel still wasn’t
answering his phone, so I had to wait at the gate.
After waiting for a while, I began to lose patience. Just as I was about to drive to the Dawson family company to find Russel, I
saw a car drive by. It wasn’t Russel.
Was it Karina?
I caught a glimpse of her profile through the half-opened car window. I was sure it was Karina. But why was she here? I thought
she had gone back to Eldoria.
My irritation evaporated, replaced with strong suspicion.

And Karina’s car was allowed to enter without any hindrance.
There were only two possibilities. First, she had contacted the Dawson family and received permission. Second, she had been
here before and was familiar to the security staff.
Either possibility was unacceptable to me.
I felt deceived. Russel had lied to me? He claimed he had no relation with Karina, no contact whatsoever. But in reality, Karina
could go directly to his house to see him!
I felt like a fool. My chest ached with frustration.
Just five minutes later, before I had time to recover from the shock, Russel’s car pulled up.
The car I was driving today was the one I often used before, so when he saw it, he immediately stopped.
The Russel I saw today, and Russel from my past life, seemed to overlap subtly.
He was dressed in a classy, tailored black suit. His hair was neatly combed back, revealing a smooth forehead. His eyebrows
and eyes were sharp and cold, with a hint of extra sharpness compared to before.
He walked over to my car and tapped on the window. I managed to keep my face expressionless as I rolled down the window,
“Russel.”
“How come you’re here?” Russel bent down to look at me, eyes narrowing slightly.
“Wasn’t it you who wanted me to fly back to Rosemont to talk? Now I’m here and you’re ignoring my calls. Are you playing
games with me?” I tried to keep my tone steady, but the underlying anger was palpable.
Russel circled around the car hood and slid into the passenger seat. I turned to face him, waiting for an explanation.
Instead, he evaded the topic and shot back, “Where are the kids, since you’re here?”
He seemed genuinely concerned about the children, which made me scoff. “You don’t need to worry about that, do you? How
many more secrets are you keeping from me, Russel? Can you just spill it out once and for all? I’m tired of being treated like a
fool.”

“What are you saying?” Russel furrowed his brows. “Do you think I’m messing with you?”
“Guess when I arrived here and how long I’ve been waiting? And guess who I just saw?” A sarcastic smile curled on my lips.
“Karina, who you swore had nothing to do with you, just waltzed through that front door unimpeded. Meanwhile, I’m stuck out
here. Care to explain?”