Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 427

There had always been friction between Neil and Russel. Their relationship had shifted from childhood friends to sworn enemies over the past couple of years. So, I had anticipated their conversation wouldn’t be all sunshine and rainbows.

Russel had likely suggested Neil to recognize his current status and stop meddling in his affairs.

“Do you really think I believe those kids are yours?” Neil’s face appeared icy cold on the surveillance footage.

“I showed you the DNA test results. Do you want me to detail out how she and I conceived these kids?” Russel, being Neil’s long-time friend, knew exactly where to poke to bring out the pain.

The mere thought of such a scene was unbearable for Neil. The fact that he had managed to keep his distance for this long was nothing short of a miracle.

Russel’s words, however, were undoubtedly stirring up those unbearable thoughts in Neil.

Then Neil punched Russel in a fit of rage. Russel didn’t retaliate. When I stepped out, Neil was preparing for another round.

I turned off the surveillance footage, my mind in turmoil.

I hadn’t expected Russel to use this matter to provoke Neil. His actions not only shocked me but also left me disappointed.

“Stella, you go ahead and eat. I have to step out for a bit,” I told Stella as I got up. “Can you ask Norah to watch the kids? I’ll be back soon.”

Stella nodded. She was too preoccupied to meddle in my affairs.

I went straight to Russel’s place. He wasn’t working that evening and seemed surprised to see me. I rarely ever visited him on my own accord. My visits were usually at the behest of my parents.

Russel’s home was as simple and cozy as ever. The aroma of a freshly cooked meal wafted through the air. Stella was at my place today so he hadn’t joined us for dinner.

“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be with Stella?” Russel’s voice had lost its initial cold indifference and had now become tender. His hair shimmered softly under the lamp light. It was always in perfect condition. I always thought it was because he was a doctor and knew how to take care of himself.

But I wasn’t in the mood to appreciate these things now. The man standing before me had a perfect exterior and an ability to sway hearts with his act. However, his inner darkness and obsession were just like the man I had known in my past life, unchanged.

I sat down on the sofa, “Russel, can you tell me what you said to provoke Neil?”

“I didn’t say anything. Just asked him to stop bothering you. Didn’t I explain that to you?” Russel poured me a glass of water and sat across from me. He wore a gray t-shirt and matching trousers, appearing refined and gentle. His icy demeanor had completely melted away, replaced by a gentle warmth.

“Really?” I gave Russel one last chance.

“Yes, really.” Russel hesitated for a moment, but his answer remained the same,

I felt a pang of disappointment. He hadn’t truly opened up to me. He hadn’t been completely honest.

I couldn’t exactly pinpoint my emotions at the moment. I was both prepared and distraught.

Russel seemed to have noticed my discomfort. His eyes squinted a little, “What’s wrong? You seem upset.”

I took a deep breath and replied, “I saw the surveillance footage, the one at the front gate. I heard your entire conversation with Neil. Russel, why did you say those things?”

As my words fell, the smile on Russel’s face froze. His lips tightened, hinting at a coldness.

It was as if my words had struck a nerve.

“Because I know Neil too well.” Finally, Russel spoke again, “If he doesn’t believe the DNA test I showed him, he’ll definitely seek the truth. Only if he feels disgusted and repulsed by the very thought of it, will he stop.”

“Is that the only reason?” I asked with a cold smile.

“Yes, you know I understand Neil as well as you do, if not more.” There was a flash of cunning in Russel’s eyes.

I, of course, knew that. But I couldn’t bring myself to trust Russel fully. His explanation made it seem like he was doing all of this for me and the kids. How could I blame him?

Russel’s gaze shifted from me to the water glass on the table. His long eyelashes fluttered like a delicate fan, enhancing his refined features.

His expression seemed somewhat wronged and a bit uneasy.

My already complex emotions became even more tangled. I didn’t feel like staying there any longer. Without another word, I got up and left.

Then I heard Russel call out from behind, “Irene!”

But Tignored him. When I got back home, I was still upset,

To make matters worse, a more troublesome situation awaited me at home.

Mitch had called Stella, and the two were now having a heated argument.

Stella was on the balcony in the living room. Norah had taken the kids to the bedroom to avoid scaring them.

“Mitch, you bastard! We’re getting a divorce!” Stella yelled, her voice filled with despair and anger. It made my heart clench.

“Get lost! All of you, just get lost! I’m telling you, I want the kids. If you dare to take them away from me, I’ll burn your whole family down, believe it or

not?”

Chapter 42I

Stella was crying hard, her voice trembling as she spoke.

I took the phone from her, “Mitch, what are you trying to do? Be straight!”

Mitch paused for a moment, seemingly taken aback by the sudden change of speaker. When he recognized my voice, he tried to control his emotions, “Irene, this has nothing to do with you. This is between me and Stella. Don’t interfere!”

“What gives you the right? I tell ya, Stella is family to me. I have every right to be involved in anything concerning her. Out with it, what’s your next move? Didn’t spend those few hours reflecting, did ya? Already conjuring up another scheme to piss Stella off, huh?” My words were laced with rising anger; my mood was already sour. “Why don’t you just do us all a favor and drop dead, you piece of trash!”

“Watch your mouth when you talk to me!” Mitch warned, his voice seething with barely contained rage.

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It was the first time I’ve heard this threatening tone from him.

That’s when Neil’s icy voice came from Mitch’s end, “Mind your manners.”

I wasn’t sure if he was telling me to be polite or telling Mitch to be less confrontational. But at that moment, I was at the end of my tether.