Chapter 25 Checkmate
Finished
But it was already too late. The glass first tipped over, then rolled off the table, shattering against the floor with a crisp, piercing sound.
Before Naomi could say anything, she heard the strange commotion through the phone. A soft clatter. followed by the sharp crack of breaking glass.
If Shane was truly entangled in passion with Shirley, would he really have shattered a glass at moment? Or was he trying to send her a signal?
such a
Naomi was just about to probe further, but the call abruptly ended. Though she and Shane had only officially confirmed their relationship that evening, she knew him well enough to sense that something was
off.
But what am I supposed to do now? Should I barge into his June uninvited to investigate?
Pacing her apartment restlessly, Naomi wrestled with indecision. In the end, unable to shake off her unease, she found herself standing in front of Shane’s door.
The building’s insulation was excellent. Behind the cold metal door, there wasn’t a single sound.
Naomi knew that even if she knocked, Shirley would never willingly open the door. Her eyes flickered with thought before a plan took shape.
She suddenly pounded on the door with force, her voice rising in urgency.
“Open the door! Fire! The building’s on fire! Get out, now!”
Sure enough, the simplest methods were often the most effective. Her cries rang through the hallway, prompting doors to swing open upstairs and downstairs as curious neighbors peeked out.
“What? A fire?”
“I don’t see any flames. Where is it?”
As murmurs of concern spread and more doors opened, Shane’s door finally creaked ajar.
“What? A fire? Where…” But the person who stumbled out was not Shane. It was Shirley. She was completely naked and her face was stricken with panic,
A stunned silence fell over the crowd before hushed whispers erupted.
7
“Who’s that woman? Why is she naked?”
“Isn’t this Professor Shane’s place? I’ve never seen her before!”
“Could she be one of those women trying to seduce him for status?”
Poining fingers, knowing smirks, and amused murmurs swirled around Shirley, their judgmental gazes branding her like searing iron
It was only then that Shirley realized there was no fire. She had fallen right into Naomi’s trap.
1/3
07:15 Sun, Apr 20.
Chapter 25 Checkmate
through clenched teeth, “Naomi Judd
Finished
But Naomi remained unfazed, flashing an easygoing stile as she turned to the neighbors. “I live upstairs, I heard strange noises coming from Professor Shane’s apartment, so I came down to check. Sorry for the disturbance, everyone.
With no fire to be seen, the neighbors gradually lost interest, retreating into their apartments one by one.
Soon, the hallway was empty again, leaving only Shirley, her face dark with humiliation, and Naomi, smirking with a knowing glint in her eyes,
“Well? Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
Before Shirley could respond, Naomi strode inside as if she owned the place.
Once the door shut behind them. Shirley finally snapped, jabbing a furious finger at Naomi’s face. “You conniving… So this is your true self, huh? Using such a despicable trick to get me to open the door…”
“Despicable?” Naomi arched a brow, her gaze chillingly sharp. “From the looks of it, you were the one doing something disgraceful in Shane’s home. Who’s really despicable here?”
“You” Shirley choked on her words, her eyes bulging with anger. “Shane and I have been engaged for years! Whatever happens between us is none of your business! Naomi, you’re just trying to climb up social ladder, coveting the Gibson family’s wealth!”
the
Naomi let out a soft laugh, her voice dripping with disdain. “Sorry to disappoint you, but my own wealth far exceeds Shane’s. I have no need to cover his fortune. Besides, if I were to tell your father and the rest of the Ross family what happened tonight, do you think they’d believe I was scheming for the Gibson family’s money or that you used underhanded means to trap Shane?*
Shirley’s mouth opened and closed, her usual eloquence failing her. Her only response was a weak, “Shane and I are in love! I wasn’t trying to seduce him!”
Naomi finally turned her gaze to the man lying on the sofa. Shane was barely conscious, his breath heavy and erratic. A thin blanket was haphazardly draped ove him as he clung to the last shreds of his self- control.
His voice was hoarse, struggling through the haze of the drug. I… Shirley drugged me… Naomi… call the police…”
Naomi’s heart clenched at the sight of him. She instinctively moved to pour him a glass of water, but before she could, his hand shot out, gripping her wrist tightly.
His fingers were hot, burning, as he struggled to keep his senses intact. I didn’t do anything with her…” he murmured, his voice trembling with effort. “I made a promise to you. I would never betray you…”
Shirley’s rage ignited at his words.
So it was true. He and Naomi were together now.
Naomi’s gaze darkened, a steely glint flashing in her eyes.
Well then,” she said slowly, her tone cold as ice. “It looks like the truth has finally come out.
