The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 13

Laura’s fingers tightened around the armrests of her wheelchair. For a moment, it was like her whole face froze. She forced herself to look up at the man in front of her.

“Franco, I didn’t know the person Hassan attacked was Petty.”

Franco didn’t even glance her way. He just checked his watch, as if the whole mess didn’t have anything to do with him.

At some point, the music at the party had stopped. The only thing left was a few colored lights flickering in the dark, and Franco was standing right in the middle of them, his face hidden in shadow. Laura couldn’t read him at all.

She drew a shaky breath and motioned to the nanny behind her.

The nanny quietly pushed Laura closer to where Hassan and Petty were. The nearer they got, the stronger the smell of blood, sharp and metallic, cutting through the lingering haze of alcohol. It was so thick it made Laura’s stomach turn, like something that had crawled out of a swamp.

She instinctively covered her nose and mouth, her eyes moving to Hassan sprawled on the ground, barely conscious. Her brows knitted together.

“Get someone to take Hassan to the hospital,” she said.

But Petty still wouldn’t let go. Her hand was locked tight on Hassan’s collar, and it was obvious she wasn’t about to hand him over.

“Petty…” Laura’s voice shook a little. “It’s me.”

Petty didn’t budge. She didn’t say a word, just tightened her grip.

Laura tried again, her words soft and apologetic. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t know Hassan attacked you. If I’d known, I would’ve stopped him myself. You’ve already taught him a lesson. If you keep this up, he could die.”

Petty let out a cold laugh.

“Die?” she echoed, slowly lifting her head to meet Laura’s gaze. “How much do you think his life is worth? Five million? Is that enough?”

For a second, Laura felt this heavy weight pressing down on her. She could hear the sarcasm in Petty’s voice, clear as day. Petty was throwing the exact amount her father had offered as hush money right back in her face.

“It was my fault for not asking what happened first,” Laura said, her tone gentle. “I’m sorry for what you went through. For my sake, can you let Hassan go?”

Laura looked down at Hassan, who was barely hanging on, worry and pain flashing across her face. She understood what Petty was saying, and she knew Petty well enough to realize she wasn’t going to let this go.

“Killing Hassan might make you feel better for a minute, but have you thought about what comes next?” Laura asked softly. “What about your job? You love that work more than anything. Is it really worth it?”

Just as she expected, Petty’s face flickered at the mention of her career.

Laura knew exactly what mattered most to Petty. She knew her better than anyone. They had, after all, been best friends once.

But Petty only moved her fingers a little, still gripping Hassan’s collar, her expression flat as she watched the blood pooling on the floor.

Laura’s anxiety grew. “Hassan’s already paid for what he did. You’ve gotten your revenge. Why not just let it go? Besides, you’re okay now, aren’t you?”

“Okay?” Petty shot her a look full of scorn. “You think I’m okay because your brother showed mercy? I’m only standing here because a stranger happened to help me. If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself what he planned to do to me that night.”