Chapter 35: The Man Behind the Wheel
The atmosphere in the house felt heavy after Emily's call.
Lina sat on the edge of her bed, her hands still trembling slightly. Her heart hadn't calmed down since she hung up the phone.
She kept replaying Emily's words in her mind.
"Because you ruined everything."
Those words sent chills down her spine.
Adrian stood near the window, his expression dark and unreadable.
"She admitted it?" he asked again, his voice low.
Lina nodded slowly.
"She didn't say it directly… but it was clear."
Adrian clenched his jaw.
"That's enough."
Lina looked up.
"What do you mean?"
His eyes turned cold.
"We stop playing nice."
Her heart skipped slightly.
"You want to confront her?"
He shook his head.
"No."
He turned toward her.
"We find Marcus."
Lina's breathing slowed slightly.
"The driver…"
Adrian nodded.
"If he was involved, he's the key."
Lina hesitated.
"But what if he's dangerous?"
Adrian stepped closer.
"I won't let anything happen to you."
Her heart warmed slightly at his words.
But fear still lingered.
Because things were no longer simple.
Someone had tried to kill her.
And now—
She was getting closer to the truth.
—
Meanwhile…
Sophia stood quietly in the living room.
She had overheard everything again.
Her expression was thoughtful.
Marcus Hale.
She knew that name.
Very well.
Her phone buzzed.
She checked the message.
Her lips curved slightly.
"Found you."
She whispered softly.
Because she had just received Marcus's last known address.
Her eyes darkened slightly.
"This is getting interesting."
—
The next morning…
Adrian sat in his office.
Daniel sat across from him.
The tension between them was obvious.
Neither man liked the other.
But both cared about Lina.
So they were forced to cooperate.
"I tracked Marcus," Daniel said quietly.
Adrian looked at him.
"Where?"
Daniel slid a paper across the table.
"Old warehouse district."
Adrian frowned slightly.
"That place?"
Daniel nodded.
"He's been working there recently."
Adrian leaned back.
"This could be dangerous."
Daniel nodded.
"I know."
They both fell silent.
Then Daniel spoke again.
"I'm coming with you."
Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Why?"
Daniel answered calmly.
"Because Lina's involved."
The tension in the room grew heavier.
Adrian hesitated.
Then nodded slightly.
"Fine."
—
At home…
Lina paced nervously.
She couldn't stop worrying.
When Adrian entered, she rushed toward him.
"Did you find him?"
He nodded.
"Yes."
Her heart beat faster.
"You're going?"
He nodded again.
She grabbed his sleeve slightly.
"Be careful."
He looked at her.
"I will."
Their eyes met.
The air between them softened.
Then suddenly—
She hugged him.
Adrian froze.
But slowly—
He wrapped his arms around her.
Her heart raced.
"I don't like this…"
She whispered softly.
He gently stroked her hair.
"I'll come back."
She nodded slowly.
But she didn't let go immediately.
Because something inside her—
Was scared.
Scared of losing him.
—
Later…
Adrian and Daniel arrived at the warehouse district.
The area looked quiet.
Too quiet.
Adrian stepped out of the car.
Daniel followed.
"Stay alert," Adrian said quietly.
Daniel nodded.
They walked toward the warehouse.
The door was slightly open.
Adrian pushed it gently.
Inside—
It was dark.
Dust floated in the air.
Then—
A noise.
Both men froze.
"Who's there?" Adrian called.
Silence.
Then—
A man stepped out slowly.
Rough looking.
Unshaven.
Tired eyes.
Marcus.
Adrian recognized him immediately.
Marcus looked surprised.
"You…"
Adrian stepped forward.
"We need to talk."
Marcus looked nervous.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Daniel stepped closer.
"The accident."
Marcus's face paled slightly.
"I—"
Adrian's voice turned cold.
"You were hired to hit Lina."
Marcus looked terrified.
"I didn't—"
"Don't lie."
Marcus stepped back.
"I didn't mean to…"
The room fell silent.
Adrian's eyes darkened.
"So you admit it."
Marcus lowered his head.
"I was paid…"
Daniel stepped forward.
"By Emily?"
Marcus hesitated.
Then nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Adrian clenched his fists.
"Why?"
Marcus swallowed nervously.
"She said… just scare her…"
Adrian's eyes turned dangerous.
"But you hit her."
Marcus looked shaken.
"She swerved suddenly… I lost control…"
Silence filled the warehouse.
Daniel spoke quietly.
"Do you have proof?"
Marcus nodded slightly.
"My phone…"
He pulled it out.
Adrian grabbed it quickly.
There were messages.
From Emily.
Instructions.
Payment details.
Everything.
Adrian's expression darkened.
"This is enough."
Marcus looked relieved.
"Can I go now?"
Adrian looked at him coldly.
"No."
Marcus froze.
"You're coming with us."
—
Meanwhile…
Back at home…
Lina sat nervously.
Sophia watched her quietly.
"You're worried."
Lina nodded.
"I have a bad feeling."
Sophia smirked slightly.
"Relax… Adrian's not weak."
Lina sighed softly.
"I know… but still…"
Then—
Her phone rang.
Her heart skipped.
Adrian.
She answered quickly.
"Hello?"
"We found him."
Her chest tightened.
"And?"
"He admitted everything."
Her eyes widened.
"So it's true…"
Adrian nodded.
"Yes."
Lina sat down slowly.
Her mind spun.
Emily really tried to kill her.
Fear crept into her heart.
But also—
Anger.
For the first time—
She felt angry.
Very angry.
Because someone tried to take her life.
And now—
She wasn't going to stay silent anymore.
Her eyes slowly hardened.
"Adrian…"
"Yes?"
"I want to confront her."
Silence filled the line.
Then Adrian spoke softly.
"Are you sure?"
Her voice became steady.
"Yes."
Because now—
She wasn't just trying to remember her past.
She was ready—
To fight for it.