Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 609

"Alright, make sure you rest up after dinner," I responded, riding along with Neil's exaggerated description.

Neil's expression chilled faster than a New York minute, turning frosty in an instant.

I focused on my meal, having gathered nearly all the intel I needed. Now it was time to sift through it.

Noticing my silence, as if I had said all there was to say, Neil spoke up again, this time his voice heavy with a mix of grievance and accusation, “I do one little thing for you, and you're all apologies and debts of gratitude. But when it comes to me, it's like you couldn't care less. What, my help isn't good enough for you?”

I paused, mid-bite, at his sudden outburst. Who upset his apple cart?

"I did invite you to dinner, didn't I?" I looked up at Neil, who had barely touched his food, his eyes brimming with dissatisfaction and reproach.

“This isn’t about dinner. You’re avoiding your dad to keep his spirits up and digging for dirt on Dylan, dragging me to this diner as a cover,” Neil analyzed my motives with unsettling accuracy.

He wasn’t wrong.

But admitting that felt awkward.

So, I didn't bother explaining. Instead, I laid it out plainly, “Neil, do you really not see what’s going on between us? At least Russell never got on my parents' bad side. What do you expect me to do? Go against my parents for you, again?”

I caught myself too late, realizing the implication of “again.”

It was that very “again” that had cost me dearly before, filled with regret. My words not only diminished Neil's standing with my parents but also discredited the years of feelings I had harbored.

Neil's face darkened further, clearly not getting the response he hoped for and feeling belittled.

“Right, I’m not as charming as Russell, then why not ask him to dig into Dylan’s affairs?” Neil sneered, taking a swig of his drink before continuing, “Is it because you don’t trust him?”

I remained silent, not just doubting Russell’s capability or willingness to help, but also unable to forget his past scheming against me.

Besides, he knew Karina, and though I believed he might choose me over her, it was just a possibility.

“Let’s not talk about this,” I sidestepped the topic, noting Neil’s continued drinking, “Did you drive here, or is someone picking you up?”

His response was curt, “None of your concern.”

“How can it not be? I’m an only child who values life dearly, and so are you. Think about your parents. Don’t drink and drive, got it?” I forced a smile, “Do you feel my concern now?”

“Not at all,” Neil bluntly dismissed my act. He had this uncanny ability to see right through me, teasing out my thoughts with a smirk, “Is this because you still need something from me? Otherwise, you wouldn’t want to see me at all.”

He had a point. Without the evidence on Dylan and Karina, which I was sure Neil had, his trip would be in vain.

“I said I’m paying, and that’s final. We can talk about other opportunities later,” I insisted on covering the bill.

Neil, still reeking of alcohol, became slightly more belligerent, “Looking for evidence, huh? You can’t expect me to hand it over that easily. Just do as I say, ok?”

“For a dinner bill, you’re threatening me? Really?” I couldn’t fathom his logic.

“What else can I ask of you?” Neil’s frustration seemed to peak as he snatched my phone from my hand, pocketing it for me, “Keep it safe, so you don’t miss my calls.”

With that, he left the booth first, leaving me speechless, staring at the closed door. After a couple of minutes, I followed.

I had arrived in Neil’s car, so it was only logical to leave with him, especially since it was on the way back to the hospital.

But given his drinking, I ended up behind the wheel, with Neil brooding silently next to me, his demeanor icy.

“Drop me off first,” he commanded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I have no clue where you're living these days," I replied. Neil must have a place around here, but I never asked, nor have I visited.

Neil opened his eyes, a cool expression on his face as he fired up the GPS and punched in his address, then went back to playing dead, as if uttering another word was too much effort.