Me Novel 40

? Views, Released on March 12, 2025

Chapter 40

My eyes remained widened as I didn’t return his kiss.

He must have noticed how stiff I was being because be cleared his throat after putting away desesor Tony for mean to, you just looked too good, I couldn’t hold back‘

I stared at him dumbfounded,

“I’m sorry if it was too sudden, should we set boundaries with

I pulled away from him and got to my feet. “Yeah, I better go get changed

As I entered my room, I pressed my hand to my lips, trying to suppress the odd mix the past, I would have hit someone for being so forward, but now, I found myself woour of bow

of stone saing node me in

d

To distract myself, I rummaged through my clothes, trying to take my mind off everyting, I knew I was supposed to may here and keep things simple, but my thoughts were everywhere.

A knock came at the door, I flinched, “come in?” and Max peeked his head in Im sorry about detrudevoted overwhelmed,” he said gently,

I shook my head. “It’s fine,” I muttered, still unsure of what I was feeling

He stepped inside, his hands in his pockets.

“Are you sure?” He raised a doubtful brow.

“Yes,” I shrugged, breeching the distance between us, “you’re right, it’s a step if we’re going to date for rea”

He opened his mouth to speak but his attention suddenly shifted behind me. His face tightened, and I turned to see what had captured his gaze.

A figure stood just at the doorway, his mom. She immediately took a step back, disappearing so quickly it felt like she hadn’t been there at all.

“I’ll go talk to her,” I said, feeling awkward but wanting to smooth things over.

I found her in the kitchen, tidying up unnecessarily. “Hey, I’m sorry you had to see that, I said softly.

“No, no, no,” she said quickly, turning toward me with an unexpected smile. “You have no idea how happy I am I just come to grab some cookies for Helen.”

“Yeah, you should do that,” I said, watching her carefully wondering if she really didn’t find it weird that he had just been in

my room.

She paused, then added, “I really hope that you don’t feel pressured in any way, and that things work out for you just the way you want. I would love you as an addition to this family, and that’s all that really matters.”

Her words left me momentarily speechless, but I managed a smile and nodded.

Well that wasn’t what I expected.

I smiled, heading back upstairs to get clean and changed.

The customs investigator sat across from me, their demeanor serious yet calm.

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Chapter 40

“We’ve hired a very intensive private investigator,” they began. “Whoever is behind this is incredibly skilled at covering their tracks. They’ve left no traces so far, but we’re deepening our questioning and narrowing in on a few figures.”

I nodded, though my nerves were barely contained. “Okay… The entire Devon family is definitely on top of my list,” I admitted hesitantly, swallowing hard. “Especially Ella.”

The investigator scribbled something in their notepad before looking up at me. “Apart from them, can you dig further into your past? Is there anyone from your history who might want this?”

I sighed, feeling the frustration bubble up. “We’ve already been through this. I’ve told you everything I can think of. It’s not like I’m holding back anything!”

He raised a hand to stop me. “No, ma’am. I need you to answer every single question again. I work differently. My approach is planned and calculated, so your answers no matter how small, are crucial. Please, just give me some time.”

After a long pause, I exhaled deeply. “Alright,” I said reluctantly. “I don’t think there’s anyone. The only people I could imagine would be Neil’s family… or my stepmother. But I haven’t had any contact with her in ages. No calls, no messages, nothing.”

The investigator leaned forward slightly. “No one else? No strained relationships? Business rivals? Anyone close to you who might have changed over time?”

“I don’t have anyone close to me besides Max, my daughter, and Riele,” I said flatly. “We’re together all the time. And as for business, there’s nothing. No fights, no rivalries. I just want this nightmare to stop.”

The investigator nodded thoughtfully, taking more notes. “We’re working towards the end of this, ma’am. We’ll gather all details, retrace every step, and analyze footage of every event you’ve attended. Our goal is to make sure everything is resolved.”

He closed their notepad and gave me a small but reassuring smile. “For now, you have nothing to worry about. Just try to enjoy the rest of your day. We’re handling this.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, though my nerves were still simmering under the surface. “Thank you so much,” I said sincerely.

The investigator nodded as he stood to leave, their steps purposeful. I watched him go, hoping hs words weren’t just empty promises. For now, all I could do was wait.

Night came faster than I thoyght, and we all sat in the living room, the television casting a warm glow over the space.

Plates of food were scattered around as we munched and laughed at a lighthearted comedy.

“You know,” I said, glancing over at Max, “maybe this lifestyle isn’t so bad after all.”

“Of course it isn’t,” he said with a grin. “Told you.”

The moment felt calm and perfect, until he grabbed the remote and switched to the news.

The broadcaster’s voice boomed through the room. “Sparks fly, and hearts are broken as the famous Neil Devon announces his marriage to his long–time partner, Ella Stanley. The couple is set to tie the knot in what many are calling the wedding of the year. Everyone is eager to see what this power duo will bring to the table from now on.”