The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 400

In the next moment, she could have sworn her heart just froze.

And right then, her phone rang, sharp and jarring in the quiet.

Petty flinched, the sudden noise yanking her from her thoughts. Her hands were shaking. She could feel her pulse pounding, her heart racing so fast it nearly lodged itself in her throat.

She glanced at the screen, staring at the caller ID, and finally, her nerves started to settle. She slid her finger across the screen and answered.

“Professor?”

Nash’s voice came through, low and steady. “Did you really quit the TV station?”

Petty knew there was no keeping this from him. Nash was bound to hear about it eventually.

She and Malvina had both studied under Nash. Malvina was already successful, and Petty had made her own mark in social news, earning plenty of respect in the industry. Her career was supposed to be on the rise. Then she just... quit.

Of course Nash would be upset.

Petty felt a wave of guilt. Even though she had her reasons, she couldn’t help but feel she’d let her mentor down.

Before she could speak, Nash let out a quiet sigh. “Let’s get together and talk. It’s almost dinner. Join me for a meal.”

“Okay,” she said softly.

When the call ended, Petty looked again at the word “Malcom” scribbled on the paper in front of her.

Was she overthinking everything? Maybe it really was all just a coincidence.

Or maybe Malcom was someone she already knew.

WeChat chimed with a new message. Nash had just sent her the address of the restaurant.

She stood up, pulled on her coat, and headed out. Inside the elevator, she texted Malcom. I have to step out for a bit. I’ll order some food from your favorite place and have it delivered.

It didn’t take long for Malcom to answer. I’m not home.

Staring at his reply, his name bounced around her thoughts again. Her fingertips hesitated, then she started typing.

The Cain family owned the place, and Petty had been there a few times before.

Inside a private dining room, the curtains were closed tight. A middle-aged man in a suit took off his mask, his eyes cool and distant as he looked across the table.

“Why did you ask me to meet you here?”

Nanette walked over gracefully, a gentle smile on her lips. “It’s your birthday, remember? Did you forget?”

Birthday?

The man’s gaze flicked to the cake and the bowl of longevity noodles.

For a moment he frowned, almost surprised. He’d spent so long pretending to be someone else that he’d forgotten his own birthday.

He gave a soft, rough laugh. “Men like me, the ones who’ve already died once… do we really need birthdays?”

“Don’t say that. Even if I’m the only one left in the world who knows you’re still here, I’ll always celebrate your birthday. Always.”