The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 424

Oliver's words caught Suzie entirely off guard.

He hadn't reached out recently, nor had he been hanging out with Stella. Suzie had assumed that her unspoken rejection had hurt him too deeply, that the solid foundation of their friendship was irreparably fractured. She had genuinely feared they were heading down separate paths for good.

She never imagined that, in his total silence, he was still quietly pouring his heart into helping her.

A heavy wave of guilt washed over her, completely rendering her speechless.

Before she could find her voice, Oliver spoke again. "Once I get a solid lead, I'll fax the documents over to you. As for the media circus, I have connections who can bury the stories if you want. Just text me when you decide. Take care of yourself."

The line went dead.

Suzie stared blankly at the disconnected call for a long time before slowly locking her screen. She took a deep breath, forcing her complicated emotions back into a neat box, and looked up at Mia.

"Are all the files ready? You should probably start packing up your personal things. As for me..."

Suzie looked around the sleek, spacious office, a bittersweet smile touching her lips. "I don't think I really have anything to pack."

She had always been a minimalist. Aside from a backup pair of comfortable flats and her favorite water bottle, there was nothing tying her to this room.

Mia nodded, placing the final stack of neatly organized folders on the desk. She didn't know how to comfort Suzie about the viral photos, though she knew it wasn't the end of the world. Ultimately, it was just the loss of the quiet, private life Suzie valued so much.

***

Carrying a thick stack of documents, Suzie approached Hayden's office. Through the door, she could faintly hear Alice Quinn's voice.

"Did you just get back in town?" Suzie asked warmly as Alice guided her to sit down.

The moment they were seated, Alice pulled a beautifully wrapped little box from her designer handbag and pressed it into Suzie's hands. "Just landed. I brought this back for you."

Suzie accepted it with the same bright delight she always showed. "You always bring me the best gifts when you travel. Thank you so much."

Alice beamed back, the picture of radiant kindness.

From the side, Hayden finally chimed in. "I swear, every time you two get together, I become completely invisible."

He walked over and dropped into the armchair next to them, his tone light and teasing.