Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 116

"Izzy, can I ask what's the deal between you and the Galeana family? You looked a bit off at the party." Amelia asked.

Ines knew Amelia was tight-lipped, so she freely admitted, "I was once Hunter's daughter, but we've cut ties now."

"Ah, I see." Amelia nodded, tactfully changing the topic, "Izzy, do you think I work too hard?"

"Not really," Izzy said, "Our job is to churn out auditing reports for listed companies in time. Working overtime, especially around year-end, is par for the course. I'm just like you, burning the midnight oil this time of year."

"I’m the only college graduate from my village, my parents are farmers. I knew I couldn't rely on them, so I've always worked hard. I was determined to get out of my small village and put down roots in A City. When I married Leo, I felt the gap between us even more, so I doubled my efforts to stand on the same level as him, to gain his parents' approval. I thought I had succeeded. All these years, every time I attended a reunion, I was the envy of my classmates. But reality slapped me in the face." Amelia talked to herself, letting off some steam.

Ines listened quietly, she could tell from Amelia's tone that she had complicated feelings for her husband and seemed unable to let go completely for the sake of their daughter.

"Amelia, things will get better." Ines said to her.

"I believe so." Amelia responded.

As they were about to part, Ines learned from Amelia that Leo had an affair with a woman from work. Leo had met this woman when he frequently picked up Amelia from work.

Just as Ines let out a sigh, Phoebe called.

Ines answered the phone with a smile, "Phoebe."

"Izzy, have you knocked off work?" Phoebe sounded unusually excited.

"What's up? You sound hyped." Ines asked.

"Tell your husband you won't be home for a while, then wait for me at the entrance. I'm coming to pick you up. I want to take you somewhere. Remember, wait for me at the entrance." And with that, Phoebe hung up.

Ines was puzzled but she called Ethan to tell him she would be out with Phoebe.

Ines packed her things and headed to the entrance. Phoebe's car was already parked there, and she was waving at her to hurry up.

Seeing Phoebe's urgency, Ines jogged over. No sooner had Ines gotten into the car than Phoebe sped off, causing Ines to grip the chair tightly, her face turning a little pale.

Phoebe immediately slowed down, guiltily saying, "Sorry, Izzy, I forgot you get queasy in fast- moving cars."

"Where are we going?" Ines asked.

Phoebe pointed ahead, "See that taxi in front?"

Ines looked up and saw a taxi pulling away, "Yeah, I see it."

"Shirley's in that car. I overheard her in the restroom talking to a guy on the phone. They're meeting at a club. Seems like there's something fishy going on between them." Phoebe said.

Ines frowned slightly, "Phoebe, I don't want to get involved with the Galeana family right now."

"Izzy, it's not up to you. Hunter took you away against your will last time; it's clear they won't let you go. You weren't in A City these past few years, but your sister has been playing the victim card, boasting about being the Galeana Group's heiress. It's time for payback."

Phoebe was fired up, and Ines didn't want to kill her enthusiasm, "Alright, let's follow them."

Phoebe nodded, "That's the spirit."

The taxi stopped at a high-end spa center. Phoebe parked the car and tossed Ines a bag from the back seat, "Put on a hat. We need to disguise ourselves." Ines chose a black hat and put it on, chuckling. Phoebe chose a red one, and they rushed after Shirley as soon as they got out of the car. But they were stopped by two security guards, "Only VIP members are allowed in here. Please show your membership card."

Phoebe took off her hat and batted her eyelashes at the young man, "Does being a pretty woman count?"

"I'm sorry, miss, but that's the club's policy, and I can't break it." One of the security guard said.

Ines chuckled, pulling Phoebe's sleeve and whispering, "Phoebe, if we can't get in, let's just go back. Maybe we're overthinking this."

Phoebe gritted her teeth, watching Shirley disappear into the lobby, "I won't give up that easily."

"There's nothing we can do about it." Ines said.

Phoebe let go of Ines's hand and turned back to the security guard, "How do I get a membership card?"

"The club operates on a tiered membership system. We have platinum, gold, silver, bronze, and regular membership. You can become a regular member by spending 50,000 on the same day."

Phoebe waved her hand, "I want to go wherever that woman can go."

The guard thought for a moment and said, "Mrs. Galeana is a platinum member. If you want the same privileges, you'll need to spend 5 million and your consumption is limited to the basement, the area you just passed. So reaching that amount might take a while."

Phoebe felt disheartened. By the time they spent enough to become platinum members and get in, they wouldn't be able to find Shirley anymore. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Let's go." Phoebe had only taken a couple of steps when she suddenly remembered something. She quickly opened her bag and pulled out a card holder, "Izzy, what was the name of that club we just came from?"

Ines looked up, "Revive & Renew."

"Got it!" Phoebe gleefully pulled out a card from the holder and planted a kiss on it. Looked like her mom really came through for her in a pinch. This was a card her mom gave her a while back, specifically for her blind dates, telling her to spruce herself up before meeting any potential suitors.