Chapter 17
It was only when the 14–year–old girl Anne had adopted last year had seen videos of Ned announcing his love for Ingrid that Anne found out about Ned losing his memories.
She’d also learned that the people around Ned hadn’t dared to mention Angeline’s name to him during the two years Angeline was comatose. They’d even burned all photos of her.
Anne wasn’t educated. It wasn’t easy for her to come to Oceanford; all she wanted to do was bring a photo of Ned and Angeline together so she could help Angeline. She would never think of harming anyone, though. 1
“I know, Anne,” Angeline said soothingly. “Don’t be scared, okay? The police won’t accuse you of something you haven’t done. I’ll head to the hospital to check on how Ingrid’s doing. Then, I’ll think of a way to get you out.”
“Have I caused trouble for you, Angie?” Anne sobbed. “I’m sorry! I only wanted to help. I didn’t expect to cause trouble for you! I was afraid of the Emmersons harming you and finding your mother. I always make a mess of everything…”
“Don’t say that.” Angeline shook her head. She held Anne’s hand tightly. “Don’t be scared, Anne. I’m here for you.” 1
Zachary followed Angeline silently. When they were out of the police station, he said, Shouldn’t you tell the Lawson family about the Emmersons wanting to go on TV? At the very least… you should let Mr. Sean know.”
He was referring to Sean Lawson. When Zachary saw Angeline silently fiddling with her phone, he thought she was afraid the Lawsons would find out that Sean was still in contact with his biological family and be upset with him. (1
He said, “I know you’re worried that asking Mr. Sean for help will affect his future, but it’ll only be easier for people to find out about your relationship once the Emmersons go on TV! Now that Mr. Sean’s in charge of Lawson Global, his word is the only one that’ll stop the program from airing.‘
“The Family Search” had high viewership ratings; it was one of Oceanford TV’s best programs. Its host, Ian Taleman, was a popular talkshow host and comedian. He also came from a powerful family.
As a member of the Stone family, Zachary could invite Ian out for a chat, but it probably
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wouldn’t mean anything. Things were different for Sean, though.
As Zachary racked his brains trying to advise Angeline, the cab she’d hailed pulled up outside the police station. “Thanks for telling me about this; I’m not gonna trouble you any further.”
“Angeline!” Zachary got mad. He pressed a hand against the car door. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he said, “Are you cutting ties with me just because things have ended between you and Ned? Is it because I grew up with him?
“That’s unfair to me! Ned’s not the only man on this earth; do you know how happy I was when you two got divorced? I-”
“So?” Angeline’s cool, calm voice pulled Zachary out of his fit. His chest heaved. He knew he’d crossed the line.
Setting aside the fact that Angeline didn’t have feelings for him, there was the disparity between their family backgrounds, and the relationship between the Stone and Fletcher families… and even his relationship with Ned. What could he give Angeline?
Could he marry her? No.
What sort of identity could he give Angeline if they were to get together? A secret lover? Someone as proud as Angeline would never agree to that, even if she loved him. There was no chance now since she didn’t think of him that way in the first place.
“Excuse me, please.” Angeline opened the car door and got in, shutting the door without another word.
The hospital’s entrance was surrounded by paparazzi and Ingrid’s fans. Angeline had a mask on as she entered through a side entrance. She wanted to seek out Zachary’s sister, Vanessa Stone, to find out how Ingrid and Ned were doing.
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