Page 116 of It Starts With A No

So the fact that Oliver was sitting on the couch, reading a book, wasn’t normal. “She wasn’t at the bank today,” he said when Seth headed toward the stairs. “The front desk said she didn’t come to work.”

With one foot on the stairs, Seth paused. Then he shrugged and continued up. “Maybe she told the front desk to say that so she wouldn’t have to see you.”

“The woman didn’t check. She was sure Clary wasn’t at the bank.”

Slowing his steps, Seth ran his tongue under his teeth. Why hadn’t she gone to work? Did something happen on the way to the hotel?

He stopped. Did something happen at the hotel?

“I tried asking the woman at the front desk to put me on the phone with Clary, but she refused.”

“She has police officers watching her.” Seth nodded. There was no way Edward Eolenfeld would let her get hurt. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

“Really? How—” Oliver glanced at the door when it opened.

“Hello, brothers,” Elton announced. The elation in his tone was so startling Seth reversed his steps down the stairs just so he could see what was wrong with his brother.

Elton wasn’t alone.

“Look who I found downstairs!” Elton stepped to the side, revealing the man behind him.

The man was in a light yellow Polo T-shirt, beige pants, and white shoes. His wavy blond hair casually swept back.

Anyone who watched the news would know the scumbag that just strolled in.

Oliver’s eyes bugged. “You let an Eolenfeld in here?”

Hugh Eolenfeld stuffed his hands in his pockets and strolled into the house as if he owned it. He gave the place a disdainful scan. “I can’t believe she’s living in such a dump,” he said, his words dripping with disgust as he continued studying his surroundings.

Elton shrugged with so smug a look that if he wasn’t his brother, Seth would’ve thought he was one of Hugh’s posse. “He’s looking for Clary,” Elton said. “He’s a hundred percent sure she’s here, and he’s demanding to see her.”

Seth pulled down his tie and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt while he strode over. “How did you know she was here?”

“I just do.” Hugh’s brows drew together. “Was?”

Elton rolled his eyes. “She must’ve told him.”

“No way.” Seth folded back the sleeves. “So,” he stepped in front of Hugh, “how did you find out?”

“Hey, I should be the one who’s angry. She stole my stuff.”

“She would never do that.”

“Then how did I know where she is?”

Seth frowned. “She isn’t here anymore.”

Hugh rolled his eyes. “What is it about her that makes people want to protect her? Her silly little backstory about how her parents died?” He gave a guttural laugh. “Get her out here. Clary!”

Seth stepped around Hugh and opened the door. “Get out.”

“Clary Fiore!” Hugh moved further into the house. “Don’t think you can avoid me by hanging up on me and ignoring my calls.”

Out of patience, Seth grabbed Hugh by the collar and jerked back.

The Eolenfeld coughed as the shirt collar tightened around his throat.

“Get out of my house, and don’t come back.” Seth dragged him out of the apartment, then turned and jabbed a finger toward Elton. “You brought the rubbish in. You take it out.”

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