Chapter 4 Come See Me Tonight

The room fell noticeably tense as Jordyn's remark landed, leaving an awkward pressure behind.

Each sentence-the time and money invested in Roselyn's upbringing, coupled with Kevin's efforts in building connections for her in Zoinbury-settled Roselyn's shoulders like added weight, pressing her down from the inside.

With her jaw clenched, Roselyn said nothing, her lips drawn into a thin, stubborn line. That silence carried more defiance than any argument she could have voiced.

Breaking the tension, Stefan looked at Roselyn and queried in a flat tone, "Roselyn, may I ask why you decided to come back?"

Roselyn offered no reply. The truth was, her return had everything to do with what she had learned about her own origins.

Three years ago, she had stumbled upon a crucial clue, only for an unforeseen accident to force her overseas and sever the trail completely. Now that fragments of the truth had surfaced again, she refused to let them slip through her fingers a second time.

Lies had never come easily to Roselyn, and Stefan's question left her with nothing to offer in response.

A heavy, airless tension settled over the room, pressing down on everyone at the table.

Irritation sharpened Jordyn's features, and even Stefan's expression hardened into something stern.

At that moment, Kevin reached for the pitcher and poured himself a drink, his movements unhurried. With an even, almost casual tone, he spoke. "If Roselyn wants to stay in Radena, then let her. It's actually good news. At least it's convenient for us to look after her."

Clearly unhappy, Jordyn opened her mouth to argue-only for the shrill ring of Roselyn's phone to slice through the oppressive quiet.

Without glancing at the screen, Roselyn rose softly and murmured, "I need to step out for a moment and answer this call."

Moving quickly, she left the room as if eager to escape.

The instant Roselyn disappeared through the doorway, Jordyn slammed her cup down so hard that tea sloshed over the rim, splattering the polished table. Her glare snapped toward Kevin, sharp and unyielding. "Kevin, what exactly are you thinking? I'll be frank with you. Three years ago, your plans to get married were already destroyed because of Roselyn. Now, just as you're preparing to get engaged, she suddenly comes back from Zoinbury. If she interferes with your relationship with Sylvia, I'll make sure Beth knows-and I will not tolerate Roselyn any longer!"

Kevin set his own cup down with measured restraint and rose to his feet. The warmth in his eyes faded, replaced by a thin layer of frost. "Mom, what happened three years ago had nothing to do with Roselyn. She won't affect my relationship with Sylvia. You're reading far too much into this."

...

That unexpected call gave Roselyn a fleeting excuse to escape the suffocating tension inside, a narrow crack of air she clung to.

Stepping into the courtyard, she drew in a deep breath, the cool night air brushing her skin as she forced the ache and bitterness back down into her chest.

After steadying herself, she lifted the phone and answered quietly. "Hello... who's calling?"

A familiar, careless tone drifted through the line. "Come see me tonight."

The voice belonged to Wesley.

Her muscles tightened instantly, nerves snapping to attention. She hissed, "Didn't we already settle this? We're not supposed to see each other anymore!"

"Not see each other?" A soft, derisive chuckle followed. "Then tell me-how am I supposed to satisfy your desire then?"

Heat flared in her chest as she endured his shameless provocation, irritation coiling tight beneath her skin. Drawing a slow breath, she said firmly, "Wesley, knock it off. I can't deal with you right now. Don't call me again. If there's anything to say, we'll talk after I'm back in Zoinbury."

With her thumb hovering over the screen, she moved to end the call.

Without warning, Wesley's tone slid from lazy indifference into something dark and menacing. "Hang up, and I'll show up at the Warren estate right now-and I'll drag you out in person."

Shock flashed across Roselyn's face, her eyes widening as her pulse spiked. There was no question in her mind-Wesley never made empty threats. Reckless to the core and utterly unconcerned with consequences, Wesley was exactly the kind of man who would follow through.

Her fingers tightened around the phone as she demanded, "What do you want?"

Wesley drawled, "Nothing outrageous. Just do what I told you. Come see me tonight."

"Not happening!" Roselyn immediately shot back, the refusal leaving her lips without the slightest pause.

Having only just returned from abroad, she still hadn't visited Beth. The evening was meant for Beth alone, not sneaking out and disappearing overnight.

Realizing her answer had sounded too final, and wary of pushing him too far, she softened her tone and added quickly, "At least not today."

"Then tomorrow." Wesley pressed on, unbothered.

A dull ache throbbed at Roselyn's temples as she struggled to figure out how to handle him-just as a familiar voice broke in from behind her.

"Roselyn," Kevin asked evenly, though his gaze lingered, "who are you talking to on the phone?"