The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 515

They walked to the quietest corner at the very end of the hallway. Suzie looked out the window, keeping her voice gentle. "Ask whatever you want to ask."

Oliver didn't beat around the bush. "Did you go begging Jamie to save Stella? Is that what happened?"

Suzie was slightly taken aback. She thought he was going to ask about Hayden, or maybe Chester, but she certainly hadn't expected this.

"No, of course not," she explained warmly. "Those few days, I was running around trying to figure out a solution, just like you. The only person I explicitly asked for a favor was Chester. Honestly, neither of us contributed that much to getting Stella out—Chester was the one who played the most vital role."

"Suzie, you're not a liar..." Oliver looked down at her, his face taut with exhaustion and grim seriousness. "If you went to him to save Stella, did you stop to think about what he'd demand in return? Have you forgotten why you spent the last few years hiding from him?"

Suzie slowly tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. "Oliver... do you not trust me?"

His brow furrowed deeply. "Has it ever mattered whether I trust you or not? Stella gets out of trouble and instantly lands a general manager position at DC Entertainment. And then there's you and Hayden... how is he suddenly back with his ex? Suzie, exactly how much are you all keeping from me?"

His words were laced with heavy emotion—more specifically, hurt.

During those agonizing days, he hadn't eaten or slept, burning himself out trying to find a way to bail Stella out. He couldn't believe Suzie would secretly go behind his back to ask Jamie for help.

Yes, he didn't have the vast resources Jamie did, but he was still involved. He was still trying. At the very least, Suzie should have consulted him first.

And finding out Stella was working at DC Entertainment? He had only heard about it today.

A strong arm shot out, shoving hard against Oliver's chest and sending him stumbling backward.

Jamie's voice was frigid as it cut through the air. "If you have something to say, say it. Keep your hands off her."

Recovering his balance, Oliver's face twisted in pure rage. He lunged forward, throwing a vicious punch at Jamie's face.

But Jamie blocked it with lightning speed. In the blink of an eye, he grabbed Oliver's arm and twisted it sharply behind his back.

Oliver had never been a fighter. Jamie's brutal combat skills, however, were something Suzie had witnessed firsthand.