Kneeling for a Second 267

Chapter 267 

Kayla turned to Valeria and said, “I believe in us. One day, this small office won’t be enough. By next year, we’ll be able to take over the entire floor.” 

On New Year’s Eve, Valeria got a message from Sebastian wishing her a happy New Year. 

ollowing New Year, he sent the same message. 

Scrolling back through her messages, she saw the one from four months ago where he wished Selena a happy birthday. 

In two years, all they had between them were four text messages. 

Every year on Selena’s birthday, Sebastian made sure to send her a gift. 

Her ninth birthday happened to fall on a Friday. 

November in Broburgh City was always a few degrees colder than Slate City because of its coastal climate. 

That afternoon, Valeria was at Etoile. She glanced at the clock to see that it was 2:00 pm. Only three hours were left until the buffet dinner reservation she had made at Isla Dining for Selena’s birthday. Just then, someone knocked on her office door. “Ms. Neal, Mr. Lancaster from Exice International is here. But Ms. Mendes is not in…” 

Valeria quickly called Kayla, who was stuck in traffic on her way back to Etoile. She had gone to the warehouse earlier that afternoon. 

Kayla said, “Stall him for me. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” 

Valeria then went to the reception room. She didn’t mind stepping in. After all, she was Etoile’s second–largest shareholder. The problem was Zion. 

He had been pursuing her for more than six months, and she felt absolutely nothing for him. 

And what was worse was the fact that he was also the Head of Investment Promotion for Exice International. 

Etoile had been operating for a year at Exice Plaza in the eastern and northern district, and business had been thriving. 

Most of Etoile’s revenue still came from online sales, but that year, Valeria and Kayla were planning to open a third store in Broburgh City. 

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to discuss bringing Etoile into Soltia’s Exice Plaza. 

“Greetings, Ms. Neal.” Zion rose to his feet, dressed in a dark pinstripe suit with a blue–and–white tie. At 37, he carried the kind of refined confidence that came with age. He was sharp, composed, and undeniably handsome. 

“Mr. Lancaster, sorry to keep you waiting.” Valeria smiled and motioned for her assistant to bring the tea. “This is the new batch of coffee beans from Lavin Coffee House. I’m not sure if it’s to your taste.” 

“If it‘. hing you enjoy, then I’ll be sure to try.” He took a sip, his expression one of approval. This is good.” 

11 

Shagos was scarred by war, with bullet holes riddling the walls, and the streets still carried the chaos of crossfire. 

The soldier frowned. “This is an active combat zone. If Tracy really went in there, we can’t get her out anytime soon. We’re working on a plan.” 

The little girl’s name was Tracy McKenzie. 

A female doctor’s face tightened with worry. “But she grew up in our hospital. She’s like family to us. Please, let us go in and bring her back.” 

Her name was Susan White. 

She turned toward the man standing behind her. “Dr. Grant, what should we do?” 

Another young doctor cut in. “Susan, calm down. We’ll figure this out.” 

Susan replied, “How can I calm down? Tracy was born in our hospital. I’ve watched her grow up for the past eight years–she’s like my own child. 

“I can’t just stand here. I have to get her.‘ 

11 

Sebastian’s expression darkened, his brow furrowed in deep thought. 

A sudden explosion thundered in the distance. The ground shook. Several officers pointed toward an entrance leading down to an underground shelter and instructed them to get cover immediately. 

He didn’t move right away. Instead, he took a map from one of the officers, his eyes scanning every 

line and mark. 

By the time night fell, the gunfire had gone silent. 

A dozen soldiers huddled in the underground shelter, the air thick with the coppery smell of blood. Sebastian and the others dug through the med kits for gauze, working quickly as they dressed wounds. While wrapping a soldier’s arm, Sebastian pressed for details. 

“It’s chaos in there,” one soldier said grimly. “Even if you go in, you might not find her. The shooting’s paused for now, but this area isn’t secure. The rebels could storm back at any time. To them, killing is a sport. They have no humanity.” 

“Dr. Grant, I’ve known you for three years. I respect you. However, you didn’t have to risk your 

your lives for her. Tracy’s parents were killed in this war. Maybe this is just her fate.” 

“No one gets to decide someone else’s fate.” Sebastian tightened the bandage on the man’s arm. 

Half an hour later, that unit of soldiers pulled out, leaving behind two bulletproof vests for Sebastian and his group as they departed.