The Heart System Chapter 580

Outside, the rain had intensified, pattering insistently against the glass. The rhythmic sound enveloped the apartment, yet my mind was a storm of its own. My chest still felt constricted from earlier events. Infiltrating a property, planting surveillance equipment, evading security measures… these weren't actions one could simply dismiss.

I shifted slightly in my seat, massaging my neck.

"Delilah tried reaching you, by the way," Jasmine remarked, her fingers still flying across the keyboard. "Your phone wasn't going through?"

"Ah, I was with Cora," I responded. "We were somewhere with really spotty signal."

"Mm."

"What did she want?"

Jasmine gave a slight shrug, fully engrossed in her task. "She didn't elaborate much. Just asked about your whereabouts."

"I probably should give her a call," I said to myself, retrieving my phone.

"Yep," Kim added, distracted.

I rose and moved towards the balcony door, pausing before it to gaze out at the darkened cityscape. Raindrops traced fleeting paths down the windowpane, distorting the distant city lights. I initiated a call to Delilah and waited.

After a few moments, the call was disconnected.

A subtle frown touched my lips as I lowered the phone. "She rejected the call."

"Did you upset her?" Kim inquired, briefly lifting her gaze. "Bad boy Evan."

"Bad boy Evy," Jasmine chimed in with a soft laugh.

Kim nodded. "That suits you better."

Disregarding their teasing, I attempted to call again, rationalizing it might have been an accidental rejection, perhaps her phone was buried deep in her pocket.

The ringing tone began.

Then, another rejection.

I stared at the display for a beat. This felt uncharacteristic of Delilah; she wasn't the type to simply ignore my calls. A sense of unease began to creep in. Turning back towards the table, I prepared to sit, when my phone suddenly vibrated with an incoming call.

Delilah.

I answered instantly. "Hey, Delilah."

"Hey," she replied, her voice slightly winded. "Oh my gosh… you kept interrupting this ridiculous gym video I was watching."

A small sigh escaped me, a measure of tension releasing. "Seriously? It’s spreading like a bug now."

She let out a light laugh between breaths. "It really is."

"Sorry I missed your calls," I said. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm alright," she responded. "I was just getting worried. It kept going straight to voicemail."

"Yeah, terrible reception. My apologies."

"How's everything on your end?" she inquired.

"Same old, same old," I replied, casting a glance towards the other women. "How's Ivy doing?"

A brief silence followed on her end.

"Well… that’s actually why I rang," Delilah stated, her tone shifting subtly. "She went out for drinks this morning."

I furrowed my brow. "Morning? Drinking?"

"Yeah," she sighed. "I think she just needs some space… or perhaps something else. I'm not entirely sure."

"Right…" I murmured. "That sounds tough."

"I didn't want to burden you with this," she added quickly. "Sorry, Evy."

"It's alright," I assured her. "Let me know when she surfaces, okay?"

"Will do."

Another short pause ensued.

"Bye… and I love you," she said softly.

"Love you too," I reciprocated.

The call ended, and I released another breath, sinking back into my chair.

Damn. Ivy was truly hitting a low point. Daytime drinking wasn't a good indicator. When I first met her, she seemed composed, at least outwardly. Now, it felt like everything beneath the surface was crumbling. And honestly, I couldn't fault her. Chase had done a number on her.

"What's up?" Jasmine asked, finally looking away from her screen.

"Ivy," I stated. "She's started drinking. In the morning."

Kim let out a low whistle and shut her laptop. "That's not ideal."

"Yeah," I agreed grimly. "Far from ideal."

At that precise moment, Minne entered, balancing plates carefully in both hands. Wisps of steam rose from the food, perfuming the room with an inviting, comforting aroma.

"I'll give you a hand," I offered, rising from my seat.

Before she could respond, I stepped forward and leaned in, planting a gentle kiss on her lips. She paused for a fraction of a second before her cheeks flushed crimson, her gaze dropping demurely.

Kim suppressed a chuckle.

I took one of the laden plates from Minne and placed it on the table near Jasmine's laptop.

Then, I reached for the laptop itself and lifted it clear.

"Hey!" Jasmine made a grab for it, but her reflexes were too slow.

"We're eating now," I declared. "You're like a child glued to a screen."

"At least let me save my progress," she protested.

"Later."

I walked over and set the laptop on the lone sofa, well out of her reach, before returning to the makeshift dining area.

"Fine," she grumbled, leaning back in her chair.

Minne continued bringing out the remaining dishes, arranging them meticulously on the table. The meal was simple yet hearty, featuring warm dishes and fresh ingredients, all presented with evident care.

I resumed my seat, finally allowing myself to truly unwind.

For this moment, at least, peace prevailed.

But tomorrow... that was when the real action would commence.

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It was nearing midnight when my phone suddenly rang. Jasmine and I were on the verge of sleep. She was occupied in the bathroom, while I was stretched out lazily beneath the covers, idly browsing news on my phone. If Delilah was calling this late, it had to indicate something significant.

"Delilah?" I answered.

"Evan... I’m becoming quite worried," she stammered, her voice laced with anxiety. "Ivy isn’t answering her phone and she hasn’t returned home yet."

I immediately sat up straighter. "She hasn't?"

"No." Delilah's tone grew frantic. "Oh my goodness, what if something has befallen her? What if someone like Chase... Evan, I'm at a loss."

"Alright, alright, take a deep breath," I reassured her, sliding my legs off the bed. "Where did she go drinking tonight?"

"I haven't the faintest," Delilah admitted. "Her watch is here, so I'm unable to track her location via the app either."

Just then, Jasmine emerged from the bathroom... and holy hell, she was... breathtaking.

She was adorned in a minuscule, sheer black babydoll lingerie set that offered little to the imagination. The top was transparent, revealing her ample breasts, with her nipples pressing against the delicate fabric. The matching panties featured a significant cut-out at the rear, perfectly accentuating her rounded posterior. Nestled precisely in the center of that opening was a thick, glossy black dildo, stretching her tight aperture. The sight alone caused an instant reaction in my loins.

Goddamn... Jasmine looked absolutely phenomenal. However, I couldn't afford to be sidetracked. My immediate priority was locating Ivy.

"She was with her companion," Delilah continued. "But that friend isn't picking up my calls either. I do know where she resides, though."

"Understood. Send me the address. I’ll go and investigate."

"What troubles you?" Jasmine inquired, her expression clouding with concern as she observed me.

"I will," Delilah promised. "Thank you, Evan. Thank you immensely."

Huh. Five points added. Quite satisfactory. My standing with Delilah was now 80/100. And the reward for reaching this milestone? A substantial amount of EXP. But trivial matters like that were of no concern to me at this moment.

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Evan Marlowe [Level 21]

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EXP: 4975 / 31500

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Current Credits: 7812

Current SC: 0

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I ended the call and proceeded to the wardrobe, selecting a plain t-shirt and jeans. Jasmine stood with her arms crossed, observing my actions.

"What is happening?"

"Ivy is missing," I stated, pulling on my trousers. "She left this morning and has not yet returned."

"Damn... alright, go. Be careful."

"I apologize," I said, quickly fastening my jeans. "Fuck... I'm genuinely missing out on quality time with you right now, aren't I?"

Jasmine let out a soft chuckle and moved closer, planting a kiss on my cheek. "I'm not going anywhere. Go and help her."

I returned her kiss, then donned my t-shirt. Moments later, Delilah's text arrived, containing the required address. It was a considerable distance away, but given the late hour, traffic should be minimal. I estimated I could reach it in ten minutes... fifteen at the absolute maximum.

"Dammit..." I grumbled under my breath, retrieving my keycard. "Dammit..."

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WOMEN - INTERACTIONS

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Jasmine: Interest: 40 / 60 ★★

Kayla: Interest: 38 / 40 ★

Tessa: Interest: 40 / 60 ★★

Kim: Interest: 100 / 100 ★★★★★

Delilah: Interest: 80 / 100 ★★★

Cora: Interest: 100 / 100 ★★★★★

Mendy: Interest: 20 / 40 ★

Nala: Interest: -99 / 100 ★★★★★

Penelope: Interest: 5 / 20

Minne: Interest: 38 / 40 ★

Ivy: Interest: 40 / 60 ★★

Eleanor: Interest: 25 / 40 ★

Amelia: Interest: 12 / 20

Esme: Interest: 60 / 80 ★★

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