Chapter 0038 Bills POV Serena tears the $ 10 million check I handed her into shreds , flinging them at my face as if they were mere scraps . The audacity ! Before I can muster a single word in response , she whirls around , dashes into her apartment , and slams the door with a resounding thud . Damn it ! She has a knack for pushing my buttons . If this was my house , Id have kicked the door open and walked straight in Trying to shake off my frustration , I end up knocking frantically on her door . Youre impossible , Serena ! I yell . Open up , or I swear Ill break this door down . Dont push me ! Go to hell , Bill ! Serena fires back with fury . Leave now or Im calling the cops and screaming for help . Am I being too aggressive ? She sounds scared of me . I take a deep breath and decide to leave . Ill talk to her later when my thoughts are clearer . Fine , Im going . Just dont cause a scene , I say . Ihead down the stairs and walk straight to my car . I really want to fix things with Serena , especially since I found out Doris might be after her . The check was meant as a peace offering . What else does Serena need from me ? ve saved her life . Shouldnt that be enough to make things right ? ) As I drive back home , Im constantly thinking about how to keep Serena safe from Doris . But Serena wont even speak to me . I cant warn her about the danger shes in with only a bit of proof . She just wouldnt take my word for iL Shes been with Calvin a lot , and I literally just saw him drop her off at her apartment . Were they planning to sleep together until they noticed me ? Imagining my ex wife wrapping her legs around my uncles waist makes me lose it . Im the one protecting her , not Calvin . Serena needs to realize that soon enough . I call Sarah immediately when I arrive home . Sarah , do you have any updates on the case ? Sarah replies , No new updates , unfortunately . The police havent found anything that links the accident to Doris yet . I grit my teeth in frustration . Then theyre not looking hard enough . Hey , boss . Just chill . We just need to wait for the court hearing in two weeks , Sarah tries to reassure me . I cant wait that long , Sarah . Serena might be in danger , I respond , my worry evident in my voice . Well , theres not much we can really do about it , Sarah says , her tone exasperated . I cant just sit here and do nothing . I need to find out for myself if Doris is really behind the accident . You know what , Sarah ? Find a good private detective , I say . Okay , that sounds easy enough , Sarah replies . But then I reconsider . Maybe just good isnt enough . No , scratch that . Find me a great private detective , the best in doing their damn job , I clarify with emphasis . Η Chapter 0038 +25 BORUS Got it , Sarah says . But whats your plan if it turns out youre right about Doris ? I pause , feeling the heaviness of Sarahs question . What am actually going to do if I find out Doris is behind this ? Finally , I just say , Lets not worry about that now , and hang up . Ive been turning Sarahs question over in my mind for days Could Doris really be capable of such a thing ? Pulled back from my daydream , I focus on whats happening around me . I look at the table , full of our brunch favorites . Theres a bunch of tasty things spread out : scrambled eggs with herbs , crispy bacon with a bit of maple syrup , warm croissants that smell amazing , and a colorful fruit salad with berries and mango . Mom and Aunt Claire are talking and laughing , their plates full of food , while I havent even started eating yet , lost in my own thoughts . Bill , are you okay ? Mom asks , her voice pulling me back to reality . You seem like youre not with us right now ? Yeah , Im okay , Mom , I reply , trying to sound reassuring , Just thinking about some work stuff , thats all . Mom gives me a puzzled look . Well , I sure hope Doris is helping you with that . She is , Mom . The companys doing fine , I say , managing a forced smile in hopes of easing her concerns . Speaking of Doris , Mom starts , and I can already tell where this is going shes about to meddle in my personal life again . Why dont I see her around anymore ? Are you still in good terms with her ? a Doris must have told Mom that Ive been keeping my distance . I let out a sigh . Okay , fine . I saw her a few nights ago in the office , scolding one of the janitors . She even tried to fire him . But thats not the real reason Im avoiding Doris . I cant let Mom know about my suspicions . Shes not one to keep secrets , Mom shakes her head in disbelief . I dont think she meant that ! she exclaims . She probably was just having a bad day . I dont know . Maybe thats the kind of woman she really is , I suggest . Mom gasps , her disapproval clear . William Alexander Richardson Jr ! she exclaims , visibly upset . She only uses . my full name when shes gearing up to scold me . Dont say that ! Doris is an educated woman … Unlike your ex- wife whos … well , crass … I immediately jump to Serenas defense . Well , Serenas smart and educated too , I point out firmly . In fact , she studied abroad just like Doris . 1 Mom furrows her brows , clearly not expecting my defense . Aunt Claire raises an eyebrow . I dont get why you always defend that woman . She caused nothing but trouble . That woman has a name , Mom . Its Serena , I say , my annoyance creeping into my voice . Now , I would appreciate it if youd call her by her name . I dont have the energy to argue with Mom right now . So , I excuse myself from the table , my food untouched . a I need to figure out what to do about this situation with Doris . I still cant believe my childhood friend turns out to be like this . Chapter 0039 Chapter 0039 In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.