The Heart System Chapter 598

Cora retrieved her mobile device and activated the concealed camera application. Following a brief loading period, the visual feed materialized, initially presenting a black void before transitioning to the bedroom camera's perspective. The bed remained unoccupied. No movement was discernible. Nothing at all.

A sigh escaped me as I rubbed the back of my neck. "They haven't arrived in the room yet?"

Meanwhile, Esme had already commenced her assault on the pizza, consuming slice after slice with remarkable celerity. In less than sixty seconds, more than half of the box had been depleted.

"I distinctly recall hearing a car horn earlier," Cora stated, scratching the nape of her neck. "I had assumed they would be here by this point."

We maintained our vigil over the hidden camera's feed in quiet contemplation for a full minute. Indeed... something was in motion, I could sense it. Peculiar noises were being captured by the camera's microphone. However, there was an absolute lack of visible movement. Frustrating.

"Perhaps they are still downstairs, partaking in beverages or engaging in other activities," I suggested with a shrug.

Cora emitted a groan. "This is exceedingly tiresome... I sincerely apologize for inconveniencing you by bringing you all the way out here, Evan. I hadn't anticipated such a delay."

A smile touched my lips, and I gently nudged her shoulder. "Hey, at least I gained some pizza from this excursion. I'm actually quite famished; perhaps we could—"

Simultaneously, both of us directed our attention towards the table.

The pizza box was now empty. Every single remaining slice had vanished without a trace.

Esme sat placidly in her chair, her cheeks distended as she chewed. Upon noticing our stares, she faltered for a moment, then offered a languid, closed-eyed smile, punctuating it with a V-sign from her fingers.

Cora regarded her with unfeigned astonishment, then deliberately deactivated her phone screen, her shoulders slumping in a gesture of defeat.

"Um... would you care for anything else?" Cora inquired, already heading towards the kitchen.

"Just some water, thank you," I replied, making my way to the sofa and settling down.

Esme stretched her limbs aloft with a protracted groan, her t-shirt riding upwards and inadvertently revealing a fleeting glimpse of her bare form. She then ambled over and deposited herself onto the couch adjacent to mine, exhibiting her usual lethargy. She reclined against the armrest, propped her legs onto the coffee table, and sprawled out as if she were the proprietor of the establishment, her eyes half-lidded.

"I generally lack the motivation to inquire," she mumbled drowsily, "but what precisely is transpiring?"

"It does not concern you, pizza glutton," Cora retorted sharply from the kitchen. "You didn't even leave us a solitary slice?"

"Uuh... I was peckish," Esme mumbled, attempting to merge with the couch cushions as if seeking to become invisible.

"Naturally, you were..."

Cora presented me with a chilled glass of water and then occupied the couch to my left. Esme lazily leaned forward in an attempt to glimpse Cora's phone, but quickly abandoned the effort. She emitted a weary groaning sound and sank back against the upholstery, clearly too indolent to exert any significant exertion.

"We don't need to maintain constant surveillance, do we?" I posed the question.

"Correct," Cora affirmed with a nod. "The footage is automatically archived in the cloud."

"Then we are in agreement. We can review it at a later juncture."

"I..."

Cora was about to articulate a response when the sound of a car engine igniting suddenly emanated from the phone's speaker, closely followed by the distinct rumble of tires on pavement as the vehicle departed. The auditory signals quickly faded into silence.

We both remained frozen, straining our ears to discern any further sounds for a few additional moments.

"Ah," Cora sighed, expressing her disappointment. "Did they simply depart?"

"Damn it," I muttered, leaning forward and resting my elbows on my knees. "Why on earth would they leave?"

Cora continued to fixate on the blank feed from the bedroom. "Perhaps they had second thoughts... or some other reason. I apologize, Evan."

"You did nothing amiss," I stated, rubbing my face. "Those two imbeciles are the source of the problem."

Cora switched off the screen, shaking her head in vexation. I consumed the water in silence, attempting to formulate my subsequent course of action. This was intended to be my prime opportunity to apprehend them in the act and subsequently compel Jack to cease harassing Nala. However, the entire strategy had completely unraveled.

Precisely at this juncture, my phone began to ring. It was Kim. I answered without delay.

"Hello?"

"Evan," Kim stated, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Emma has finally responded. Jack has granted Nala one final day. If she fails to provide the requested intimate photographs, he intends to release the videos he already possesses."

"Fuck," I hissed, clenching my fist tightly. "Fuck, fuck, fuck."

"What is your plan?" Kim inquired, her concern palpable. "I do not wish for her to submit anything to that scoundrel, Evan."

"I am aware. I will manage it," I responded through gritted teeth. "I shall devise a solution."

"Please do. If you require any assistance, do not hesitate to inform me."

"I shall. Thank you, Kim."

"Always."

I concluded the call and returned the phone to my pocket. My fury was escalating. It appeared that coercion would not be a viable option. If I could not uncover incriminating evidence against Jack, I would be forced to resort to physical means. Whatever it took, I absolutely would not permit Nala to comply with his demands.

Cora’s gentle hand on my shoulder snapped me out of my dark reverie. A long sigh escaped me as I settled back onto the couch, attempting to regain my composure.

"I need to leave now," I announced, pushing myself to my feet. "I have to handle this Jack situation."

"I'll accompany you," Cora offered, standing up as well. "I can assist—"

"No," I replied, my tone firm yet gentle. "This is something I must face alone."

"But—"

"I'll be alright," I assured her with a smile. "Next time, two pizzas will be on me."

Esme turned her gaze from the couch and offered a languid but sincere smile. "You're the best, Evan."

A soft chuckle escaped me as I reached the door. "Indeed, I am."

Cora walked me to the threshold and leaned against the doorframe. I moved closer, cupped her face, and pressed my lips to hers. She returned the kiss with gentle warmth, then embraced me tightly. From her spot on the couch, Esme peeked over and grumbled, shaking her head.

"Gross," she muttered.

"Be careful," Cora cautioned with a tender smile.

"I will be," I responded, kissing her once more. "Don't you worry."

I pulled away, casting one final look at her before descending the stairs. The instant the door clicked shut behind me, my phone was in hand, and Carrie's number was being dialed.

"Evan?"

"Carrie," I stated, my voice grave. "I need you to arrange a meeting with Jack. Immediately."

"Right now?"

"This very moment," I confirmed. "Inform him it's urgent."

"Okay, I'll relay his response to you."

Stepping outside, I made my way towards my vehicle. Once settled inside, I fastened my seatbelt and reactivated the hidden camera application. Still nothing. The bedroom appeared deserted, devoid of any movement or sound.

Then, a phone began to ring.

The audio was crisp through the camera's microphone, originating from within the master bedroom. My brow furrowed. Carrie was contacting Jack at this precise moment... could it possibly be...?

"...Damn it," a low male voice cursed. "Not now."

The ringing ceased. My eyes widened. Someone was inside the house.

"Oh, you son of a bitch..." I growled, hastily starting the engine. "What in the hell are you doing there, Jack?"

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