Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 501

I couldn't believe it when Russel finally backed off, but then Neil suddenly began to hit back. His counterattack was fierce, which even stunned Stella Wallace and our group chat.

Stella: Is Neil out of his mind?

Alicia: Not just him. Russel too. They're both bats in the belfry.

Barbara: Is it really about Rena?

She tagged me in the chat, asking me to weigh in.

I avoided the question, pretending not to see it and let them continue their heated discussion.

My phone rang, interrupting my reading of the group chat. It was Faith Whitmore.

We hadn't been in touch lately. Neil had said she was returning to Eldoria because Hiram was still there, but did they not know that Karina Aaron was already here? So, it was likely that Hiram was here too.

"Irene, could we meet?" Faith asked anxiously as soon as I picked up.

"Sure, where are you now?" I replied.

"I'm at Sterling Estates. Do you have the kids with you? I can come to you if that's easier." Faith, ever considerate, offered.

I gave her the Sands family's address.

About half an hour later, Faith was at our doorstep. The children were already asleep, so I left them in Hannah's care and hurried outside.

Faith was waiting under a tree, looking worried. As soon as she saw me, she moved forward to meet me, "Irene, I wouldn't have disturbed you if it wasn't urgent."

I had a hunch why Faith had come. It was likely about Neil and Russel.

As expected, she wanted me to mediate between Neil and Russel. Although this put me in a tight spot, I was probably the only one whose words they'd heed.

"I've talked to Russel. He should cool down a bit, but Neil..." I frowned. I knew Neil too well. He was the sort to hold a grudge. With Russel stabbing him in the back, Neil would undoubtedly want to retaliate.

"You've spoken to him? Did he ask for anything unreasonable?" Faith asked, worried.

"No, don't worry. Neil mentioned you were going back to Eldoria. Is that true?" I changed the subject.

But Faith clung to another point, "Did you also meet with Neil?"

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Faith gave a resigned smile, "Neil sought you out, didn't he? Irene, my husband and I chose you because we know Neil still has feelings for you. He made a wrong choice back then, and it was too late to fix it."

I had no response, I just stood there in silence.

"Alright." I nodded.

Before I reached out to Neil, he sought me out.

Hannah and I had taken Serena and Brandon out for a walk and returned home after dark. We were both taken aback to see Neil waiting at the entrance of our apartment building.

"Ms. Finch, I'll take the kids upstairs. You two can talk." Hannah, who had always been somewhat intimidated by Neil, hurried the kids into the elevator and left us alone.

Neil watched as Hannah strode away, a frown creasing his forehead. "What's her problem? Doesn't she recognize me?"

"Of course, she does," I explained patiently, "It's just that she finds you... challenging to be around. She probably didn't want to exchange pleasantries."

"What do you mean 'challenging'?" Neil seemed taken aback by this, turning to me. "Do you find me challenging too?"

Was he kidding? Among those who knew Neil, how many found him pleasant company?

He was like a sword forged from ice, cold and sharp, inflicting wounds upon those who dared to approach. Apart from me, who had been unrequitedly in love with him for a decade, and a few like-minded friends like Mitch, most people chose to maintain a strictly professional relationship with Neil, afraid to cross any boundaries.

I didn't feel like answering such a pointless question. Remembering the task Faith had entrusted me with, I asked, "Now that Russel has backed off, what's your next move? Planning to continue this fight to the death?"

At the mention of serious business, Neil's expression hardened. He snorted disdainfully, “What else? Whatever he dishes out, I'll return twofold. Otherwise, I won't sleep at night."