Page 5 of Ivory Legacy

“Okay,” she said, her voice shaky but resolute. “Trust me, Jade, we’ll figure this out.”

“Okay, but can we figure it out at your place?” The urgency must have been clear in my voice because she didn’t ask any questions, just nodded and helped me up.

“Yes.”

Despite the doctor’s advice to stay overnight, I checked myself out against medical advice. But medical advice was pointless because I didn’t need medical help.

I just needed to get away from the police.

And I needed to make sure I wasn’t vulnerable to Dante’s enemies.

The air felt crisp as we made our way through the early evening streets, a hint of fall’s chill brushing against my skin. By the time we reached Ellie’s apartment, my nerves had twisted into a tight knot in my stomach. The door closed behind us with a click that sounded too much like the finality of a cell door.

“I don’t want to testify against Dante,” I blurted out as soon as we were inside. My voice echoed slightly in the spacious living room, betraying the tremor I tried so hard to hide.

Ellie’s apartment was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the sterile walls of the hospital. Soft earth tones and gentle lightingmade the space feel cozy, while framed photos on wooden tables told stories of happier times. Books were stacked haphazardly on shelves that lined one entire wall, each one a testament to Ellie’s insatiable appetite for knowledge. A plush sofa took center stage in the living room, large windows behind it drawing in the fading sunlight.

“Jade, we can talk about this tomorrow,” Ellie said, concern etching lines into her face. But I was past the point of waiting—I needed to set things straight.

“I can’t sleep. You can sleep if you want to.”

Ellie moved into the kitchen, her movements brisk, her back to me as she responded. “No, let’s—you know what, let’s talk.” She filled the kettle and set it on the stove before turning to face me with a look of determination. “Tea?”

“Sure,” I said, trying to inject some normalcy into my voice. I followed her into the kitchen, taking a seat at the island as she busied herself with mugs and tea bags.

My gaze wandered over the sleek furniture and high-end appliances, and I couldn’t help but wonder how Ellie could afford all this on our salaries. A jittery sensation rippled through me, a combination of fear and cold, and I wrapped my arms around myself for warmth.

“Here you go,” Ellie said, sliding a steaming mug of tea across the counter towards me. I clasped the mug with both hands, the heat seeping into my palms, grounding me.

“Nice place,” I commented casually, buying time as I sipped the herbal brew, each gulp helping steady my frayed nerves.

She didn’t say anything.

“Thanks,” I murmured and took a tentative sip. The warmth of the tea seemed to thaw some of the ice that had settled in my chest. My eyes drifted around the room once more, noting the opulent items that didn’t quite fit with the Ellie I knew—the expensive-looking art on the walls, the high-tech gadgets that seemed barely used.

“I thought her vacation was only two weeks long.”

She raised her brows. “Yeah, dude, so did I. It’s so weird,” she said. “Who just picks up and leaves, and doesn’t come back?”

“Who knows,” I shrugged, setting the mug down.

“Speaking of strange, let’s talk about Dante.”

I shook my head. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

Ellie’s expression shifted, her playful demeanor giving way to something more serious. “Babe. I’m your best friend. You can tell me everything. Anything. I’m not going to judge you, I’m just here to listen.”

I took another sip of the tea, looking up at her. I was free of him. He couldn’t overhear me. And yet my stomach twisted with the idea that he wasn’t around, that he wouldn’t be okay.

That he had been shot because of me. “I don’t even know where to start.”

“I think you can start from the beginning.”

“He gave me a promotion, or so he says.” I paused, recalling his words, his penetrating gaze that seemed to promise so much yet reveal so little. “I think heispaying me more now that he’s taken over some of the lab.”

“That part sounds good,” Ellie said with a nod, but I could tell she was holding back.

“Except, it’s not all perks and pay raises.” My fingers traced the rim of my mug as I gathered my thoughts. “After he found out I was pregnant, he set up a workstation in his penthouse. He wouldn’t let me leave. Says it’s for my protection, but it feels more like I’m a bird in a gilded cage.”

---