Falling in Love : I love you, Today and Forever
Chapter 793: Last chance

Chapter 793: Last chance

Preston was sitting absentmindedly in his chair as he recalled his conversation with Noah. For the first time in his life, he felt relieved. He didn’t have to keep anything a secret, anything but...

Preston’s eyes flashed with hatred when he thought of the incident that made him turn against Jared. Jared was the man he despised the most. If only he had the ability to kill him, if only he was courageous enough to face him, if only... he thought as he recalled Ivy’s injured face.

Preston felt miserable. Even though he had no hand in her incident, he felt equally responsible. He couldn’t stop the guilt from consuming him, especially when he realized he could have prevented the mishap from happening.

Preston kicked his leg in frustration, gaining Ryder’s attention instantly.

"Are you alright?" Ryder questioned, and Preston shook his head in reply.

"I feel horrible. I just..."

Ryder didn’t say anything, and Preston didn’t expect him to as well. He was still surprised that his friends were even speaking to him, considering how he had kept his secret from them and had more or less betrayed them.

Preston didn’t have to second guess anything. He knew that Valerie knew about his secret, and she must have alerted Ryder and Maggie as well. Their reactions, however, surprised him. They were oddly calm and tolerant of him. They spoke to him as if he was still their friend, and nothing had changed between them, and it was due to this that he felt all the more guilty.

He was waiting for them to go berserk, to demand an explanation from him, and even break ties with him. But the reality was something else.

"Ryder, Preston, in my office now," Valerie ordered.

The men didn’t know when she had arrived and if she had heard Preston’s momentary outburst. She just glanced at Preston for a moment before she turned around on her heels and returned to her office.

Preston blinked twice before he glanced at Ryder, who held a similar expression to his. Staring at each other for a second, they shot up from their seats before they followed Valerie back to her office. Maggie was already waiting for them, and she nodded at them curtly as the men made their way inside.

Valerie leaned against her table while the three stood before her, waiting for her to start speaking.

"We’ve got news that Jared is in Morocco right now and he’ll be moving to Malta soon." Valerie’s eyes moved to Maggie for a second who nodded at her immediately.

"But..." She returned her gaze to the three of them. "There will be a change in his plans soon, and he’ll be returning to the country."

"How are you so sure, Val?" Ryder popped the question immediately, and Valerie smiled at him, expecting one of them to ask.

"Ivy has gained consciousness."

This explained everything. Considering Jared’s mentality, he was bound to return to accomplish his goals since he failed badly this time. And when he did, they’d capture him for good. However, unlike previously when Valerie wanted the law to handle him and give him the death sentence, this time, she wanted Ivy to handle him. She’d be the one to kill him.

The plan was already prepared, and the weapons were ready. They were just waiting for the prey to take the bait, and as for the bait... Her eyes flickered toward Preston, who raised his brows inquiringly when their gazes met.

It was as if she was conveying a silent message to him. But Preston couldn’t comprehend it.

"That’s awesome news." Ryder was delighted. Even though he was not close to Ivy, since she was Maggie’s good friend, he considered himself her friend as well.

"It definitely is," Valerie acknowledged.

"What is the plan, Deputy?" Preston finally questioned, his mind still fixed on the lingering gaze she had given him a moment ago.

"I told you already. We’re going to catch Jared when he returns to the country." Valerie explained. "But before that, Jared has to return first. And..." She stopped all of a sudden, gaining the men’s curiosity.

"And?" Ryder probed.

"And to do so, he first needs to know that Ivy is awake."

Preston understood everything instantly. He discerned the meaning behind her gaze as well as what was expected of him.

"But how am I to spread the news to him? I don’t know how to contact him at all." Preston explained the problem. But all he got in return was Valerie’s smile.

"You don’t have to worry about that. You’ll not be calling him; Jared will call you himself." Valerie stated with such conviction that Preston had no choice but to believe her.

"And mind you, it’ll be before he goes to Malta." She added.

’That means in the next two days.’ Preston mentally prepared himself for the call. But he could still not understand why Jared would call him himself. How?

"Deputy, Aria told me that Ivy will be moved to Noah’s mansion tomorrow evening," Maggie informed, and Valerie nodded at her in understanding. "And once she is moved, no one is allowed to visit her, not even us. So, I was thinking of visiting her today." She stated her wish and looked at her expectantly.

"That’s good. Let’s all visit her together. We don’t know when we’ll be able to meet her after tomorrow." Valerie sighed, and her shoulders sagged lightly.

"Yes, Deputy. I’ll send Aria a message. There must be a lot of people going to meet Ivy." Maggie was quick, and she sent the message immediately.

"Good. I’ll meet you guys after lunch." Valerie nodded at the three and watched them make their way towards the door.

"And Preston?" Valerie stopped him just when he was about to open the door. We’re all relying on you this time. Please don’t mess up the plan."

Preston understood the meaning behind her words. This was the last chance he had to prove himself. If he messed it up this time, then there was no saving him. None at all.