Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 375

Julie had already been duped by Rowan once, and now, even clutching the flash drive in her hand, she felt uneasy.

Rowan rattled off a series of digits, then declared, “That’s my number. Take a gander at what’s on that drive, mull it over, and then ring me back. Tell me why Zenith thought I should have this little gem.”

As if she was some kind of prodigy who could memorize a phone number in one go.

“Hang on, let me jot it down in my phone.”

Julie reached into her purse to grab the mobile that Kleist had just returned to her, but Rowan, clearly impatient with her pace, snatched her bag and began to rummage for the phone. He didn’t find the phone, but his eyes landed on a full bottle of red spray...

Julie's hand shot out to grab it, but Rowan hoisted it high above her reach. Given the height difference, she didn’t stand a chance, so... she let it go.

Rowan sprayed the air, and instantly, the pungent scent of pepper filled the space.

Julie: “...”

“Pepper spray?” Rowan aimed the bottle at her.

Julie instinctively covered her eyes, fearing a direct hit, but he merely took a pen, scribbled his number on the bottle, tossed it back into her bag, and handed her the bag with a considerate remark, “Smart to have some self-defense. Not bad.”

Fuming, Julie snatched her bag back just as Kleist burst in, holding a glass of water and a white pill bottle.

He approached Rowan, offering both items: “Sir, it’s time.”

Rowan cast a chilly glance at Kleist, but ultimately accepted the water and medication before instructing, “Take Ms. Newell home.”

“...” How many times did she have to explain she wasn’t Patriot, she was Julie!

Julie shook her head: “No need, my car’s just outside.”

She felt a solo drive was safer than a ride with Kleist, who was just too cold for comfort.

It wasn't until Julie drove away from the Nine-one Shooting Grounds that she finally breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't expected to smoothly retrieve the flash drive from Rowan. He was a riddle wrapped in mystery, impossible to decipher as friend or foe.

And what percentage of his words were truth or lies?

Julie figured these complex issues that seemed to require a high IQ to untangle were better left to Kieran's analysis. Thinking of Kieran, she remembered the timed text she had sent him using a spare phone when she left the Hernandez estate.

The message was set to go out to Kieran three hours later, which hadn't elapsed yet, so it probably hadn't been sent. Now that she was out of danger, there was no need to worry Kieran. She set her GPS for Simpo Co. and reached for her phone to cancel the message.

Unexpectedly, the car that had been cruising smoothly ahead slammed on its brakes, startling Julie into dropping her phone and jerking the steering wheel to the left.

Despite her quick reflexes, the car couldn't avoid crashing into the black Cadillac ahead.

Thankfully, the road was wide and not too busy, so she managed to avoid skidding off into the nearby land, stopping safely without injury, just a scare.

The damage was done though; her headlights were smashed against the other car's rear end.

Julie massaged her forehead, accepting the bitter truth that driving just wasn't her forte. Every time she was behind the wheel, accidents seemed to follow. It looked like she'd have to steer clear of the driver's seat from now on.

The damage to the car ahead seemed lighter than hers, but since she was at fault, she got out to approach the black vehicle.

She tapped gently on the driver's side window. Suddenly, the back door swung open. Julie turned, a polite smile on her face, words on the tip of her tongue when three burly men leaped out. Before she could react, a heavy blow landed on the back of her head.

She crumpled to the ground, consciousness fading.

Through blurry vision, she saw a pair of shapely legs in black velvet heels—a beautiful woman stepping out of another car, heading her way...

Holding onto the last shred of her will, Julie couldn't make out the woman's face before darkness claimed her.

Camilla, in her elegant black velvet heels, nudged Julie's prone body to confirm she was out, then waved at Charles, “Take her away!”

Charles nodded, directing his men to drag Julie into the car.

***

At Simpo Co., Karl was briefing Kieran on the latest findings regarding Phoebe's whereabouts when Kieran's phone vibrated.

It was a message from Julie's spare phone. Kieran signaled Karl to stop talking.