Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 478

Owen, knowing full well that he wasn't the problem, didn't rush to reconnect with Cecilia after leaving Ascend Global. Cecilia had returned to her shop, and it wasn't certain she would cooperate with him even if he did seek her out.

Exhausted and drowsy, Owen decided to head back to his hotel to catch up on some sleep. He drove off into the afternoon, which passed without further incident.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the dark veil of night unfurled across the sky, another day drew to a close.

Darlene got the scoop from Lucinda that Keith had headed over to the Moore residence, so she didn't bother to tell Keith to wait for her outside the city limits.

When the dead of night had settled and everyone else was lost in slumber, Darlene, in disguise, silently slipped away from the opulent Bishop family estate.

Her motorcycle was parked in the lot of a nearby supermarket, standing by like a loyal steed. Mounting the bike, she zipped through the empty streets, grateful for the gossip that had led her to investigate Lucinda and, by extension, pinpoint the Moore residence.

The night was still, with few cars on the road, allowing Darlene to rev up and race against the quiet darkness. She had timed her departure perfectly, leaving at midnight, estimating her arrival at the Moore residence would be just after 1 AM. After collecting Keith's payment, she could race back home before dawn's first light, ensuring no one would be the wiser.

Her timing was impeccable, and just past 1 AM, she reached the sleepy village where the Moore family lived. The rural silence was profound, with each household locked in peaceful repose. Darlene rode along the village road, unnoticed even by the local dogs, too lazy to bark at the passing stranger.

Soon, she pulled to a stop. Near the Moore residence, at the village square intersection, a car was parked with its windows down, its occupant seemingly enjoying a cigarette.

The man spotted her approaching and waved—a signal from Keith.

Darlene revved her bike back to life and swiftly reached Keith's car.

No sooner had she parked than the village dogs began to bark. At first, it was just a few yelps, but it quickly grew into a chorus. Yet, even with the village dogs in an uproar, no one would stir to investigate, many not even registering the noise.

"Waiting for me, Keith?" Darlene asked with a low chuckle.

"Yeah," Keith muttered, snuffing out his cigarette and stepping out of the car.

"You're well-informed. Without exchanging contact details, you still found this place."

Darlene smiled slyly. "I've been keeping tabs on you."

Keith, who had smoked more out of boredom than habit, carried the scent of tobacco—a smell Darlene didn't care for. Fishing a stick of gum from her pocket, she handed it to him. "I'm not fond of the smell of smoke," she said.

"Sorry about that," Keith replied, accepting the gum. Chewing it, he asked, "You always carry gum with you?"

"I enjoy it from time to time, so I make it a point to have some on me when I'm out."

Darlene gazed toward the Moore residence and said, "That must be your sister's house, right?"

Keith nodded, looking back at the family home where everyone inside was likely dreaming. "Yeah, Lucy grew up here."

Darlene took in the surroundings. "Can't see much at night, but the air is so fresh. I bet it's beautiful in the daylight."

"Absolutely," Keith agreed. "The place is lush with greenery and the air is crisp. Follow this road deeper into the village, and it gets even better. There's a hill with a stream running at its base, untouched and naturally beautiful. The locals just grow some fruit trees at the foot of the hill."

Was this the same cold Keith she knew?

"Rode your motorcycle here? How will you transport all these boxes? Let me drive you," Keith offered, following his sister's advice.

In the quiet night, their breaths visible in the cool air, an unexpected camaraderie began to take shape under the watchful stars.

Darlene waved off the offer with a casual air, "Keith, I can't take your money. Just hand me a briefcase and we'll call it even. I helped you, sure, but it was nothing more than being at the right place at the right time. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill."

"But I want to give you a briefcase full of cash so you don't feel like you owe me one. Once you take the money, we're square," he insisted.

Keith studied her for a moment, then teased, "I thought you were all about the greenbacks? Isn't a single briefcase of cash a bit tame for your taste?"

"Just imagine lining up all these cases, popping them open one by one, and seeing stacks of cash. Now, that's living large," he chuckled.

Darlene laughed and shook her head, "I reckon a briefcase full is living large enough for me."

She bent down, scooped up a briefcase with ease, and plunked it down in front of her motorcycle. Swinging a leg over the bike, she slipped on her helmet and looked back at Keith, "I've got my pay, Keith. So long for now."

With that, she fired up the engine, and in no time, Darlene was a blur down the road.

She gunned it extra hard, half out of excitement and half in case Keith got any ideas about chasing her down.