Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 495

"How can you stop it?"

Karina, however, wasn't ready to drop the subject. She was completely indifferent to the increasingly sour expression on Faith's face.

"Enough!" Faith finally snapped, her brows furrowed. "Let's put an end to this. We'll handle whatever happens as it comes. What's the point of all this talk?"

I remained silent. Even if Faith liked me, she wouldn't side with me unconditionally on such a crucial issue.

My relationship with Russel was already a blatant insult to Neil. Yet, the Whitmore family didn't care about the talk of the town and continued to treat me as always.

Karina smiled at me. "Fine, we won't talk about it. I believe that you are a responsible person, Ms. Finch. If there's any conflict because of you, I'm sure you'll find a way to resolve it."

I didn't answer, only gave her a cool glance before continuing on my way.

On the way back, it was clear Faith was in a terrible mood. Her face was visibly gloomy, but she tried to reassure me, "Irene, I'm not blaming you. Just thinking about all this drama is exhausting."

"I understand, Faith." I managed a small smile. Even if Faith blamed me, she had every right to.

The prerequisite, of course, was that the Whitmore Co. issue was indeed Russel's doing.

After returning to the hotel, I immediately dialed Russel's number. It rang for a long while with no answer.

A sense of unease crept over me, making me restless. If Russel had simply had a falling out with Neil, I could console myself. But if it involved finance and business, I couldn't sit idly by.

Whitmore Co. and the Dawson Group were both prominent family enterprises and once business partners. If they turned against each other, the implications would be massive.

I sent a message to Russel: [Russel, where are you?]

About three minutes later, he called back.

"Where are you?" As soon as I answered, I asked directly.

"What's going on?" Russel countered. There was noise on his end, but it definitely wasn't hospital noise.

A surge of frustration welled up in me. "Are you still hiding from me? Did you quit your job? Are you back in Rosemont?"

Russel was silent for a few seconds, then responded with unnatural calmness, "Yes, I'm in Rosemont now. How did you know?"

"Karina told me." My heartbeat quickened uncontrollably. I wanted to confront Russel directly about whether he was behind the Whitmore Co. issue, but the words were stuck in my throat.

In the ensuing silence, Russel broached the subject himself. "You know about the problem with Whitmore Co., don't you?"

"Yes, just tell me honestly, did you do it?" I didn't want to beat around the bush.

Russel chuckled lightly. "Why would you suspect me? I just got back a few days ago and haven't had a chance to tell you."

"Stop laughing and answer my question seriously." My words came out in a rush, "Neil has already gone back. If the problem wasn't serious, he wouldn't have rushed back. What did you do to Whitmore Co.?"