The Heart System Chapter 504

Sliding the glass door open, I stepped out onto the balcony.

Glass panels surrounded the area, blocking the snow from entering—yet the chill still seeped in, embracing me like a chilling alert.

With a slow breath out, I gazed at the snow-blanketed landscape while my phone kept vibrating in my grip.

Finally, I picked up.

"Hey, Char," I said, answering the call.

"Evan," she grumbled, obviously displeased at my voice. "What do you want?"

"Uh... how’s life?" I questioned, settling onto a sunbed. "Did you get comfortable in the spot we arranged for you?"

"Yes, we did," she answered. "It’s pretty distant from my job, but we’re coping. Why the call?"

"There’s this girl—Isabella. You know her?"

"Yeah," she replied. "She’s at my workplace. Why?"

"Well, a colleague, Melvin, is... let’s say he’s interested in her. He wants to get closer."

Charlotte released a soft sigh. "Isabella isn’t the type for that, Evan. She’s not like those girls."

"Good luck telling Melvin that," I replied, rubbing my face. "What do you know about her?"

"I’m not sharing a thing, Evan. Not after what went down."

"Please," I urged. "Listen, I’m truly sorry for it all. The kidnapping and everything. That wasn’t my plan."

"No kidding," she said tonelessly. "Not your intention, huh."

"Charlotte, I mean it. I’m sorry."

She let out a sigh. "Just shut up a moment. You’re getting on my nerves. What do you need?"

"What’s she into? Like, hobbies?"

"Music’s her thing. She plays drums and a little bass. Lives by herself. That’s about it."

"So music fan," I noted. "Any favorite band or such?"

"I don’t know. We don’t chat much. Just a coworker."

"Fair enough. Still useful. Thanks, Charlotte."

"Don’t call again."

"I can’t promise that," I said, smirking faintly. "Anyway, bye. And... sorry once more."

"Shove it up your ass, idiot."

She ended the call.

I stared at my phone briefly before pocketing it. At least I learned Isabella digs music. Melvin could use that to spark a talk. If he handles it well, it might lead somewhere.

Leaning back briefly, I shook my head. Here I was, acting as wingman. Before this system, I’d have scoffed at the idea.

Heading inside, I dropped into a seat at the table. The girls were already digging in, the soft tinkling of cutlery echoing softly. Days like these suited me. Time dragged lazily, everything simpler. It nearly erased worries like K from my mind.

"Earth to Evan," Nala called. "Pass the orange juice."

"Oh, yeah. Sorry." I passed it over. "Was just lost in thought."

"About what?"

"K," I admitted. "I mentioned it already."

Nala shook her head. "K..."

Kim leaned in a bit. "I thi—"

A knock at the door interrupted her. I looked up. Jasmine began rising, but I gestured her down.

"I’ll handle it."

She settled back as I approached the door. Peering through the peephole.

Eleanor.

Unlocking it, I swung the door wide. She appeared anxious. Hair disheveled, as if from restless sleep or none at all, clad in a rumpled t-shirt and baggy pants dragging low. Trouble was evident.

"Eleanor?" I queried.

"Evan," she whispered. "It’s... my brother."

"What’s up with him?" I asked, stepping out a touch while holding the door.

"He lost the cash," she confessed. "The money you gave. On horse racing."

"He gambled it away?" I pressed. "Horse racing?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Bet every bit."

I breathed out, shaking my head. "All of it... damn. Unreal."

"I warned him against it," she rushed. "Said to use it for this month’s debt, but he swore he’d win big. Now we’re broke once more."

"He never plans ahead, huh?" I remarked.

"Total idiot," she agreed. "But family, so I’m tied to him."

"Eleanor, confront him," I advised. "No more wasting cash like this. Who throws $2500 on a horse and thinks it’ll pay off?"

"I’ll try, but he ignores me."

I sighed. "Fine. Here’s another $2500, but really talk to him this time."

Her face brightened at once. "Evan... thank you. No clue how to repay you."

"Just speak to him. That’s payment enough. Stay put."

"Thank you. For real."

I nodded, returning inside to the master bedroom. Shutting the door, ensuring privacy, I accessed the Shop. Chose the $500 item, purchased five times, dropping credits to 28639.

Still, it seemed excessive. Way more than needed. I could skip work entirely, just farm credits and cash out as required.

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SHOP [Page 2]

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• Hypnotic Perfume (40c)

• Time Stop (90c)

• 500 Dollars (50c)

• 1 Ability Point (150c)

• 1 Mastery Point (160c)

• Desire Aura (100c)

• Reputation Point +30 (200c)

• Mastery Evolve (1500c)

• Random Skill (2000c)

──────────────────

Credits: 28639c

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Exiting the bedroom, I returned to the door. Eleanor glanced up eagerly as I passed the cash. Relief washed over her features.

"Thank you. I’ll repay you, promise."

"No need," I assured. "Just fix the situation."

"Thank you... oh... so much."

"We’re at breakfast," I noted. "Join us?"

She shook her head. "Nah, gotta go deal with him."

"Okay."

"Thanks again, Evan."

"No sweat," I said, giving her shoulder a light nudge. "Sort it out."

She nodded. "I will. Enjoy your day."

"You too."