Chapter 179

Ari looked into Elodie’s disappointed eyes, knowing she deserved an explanation. ‘Look, I wanted to call you, really I did. But I had to leave in a hurry.’ ‘Why? What’s so important that you couldn’t even send a quick message?’ Elodie pressed, crossing her arms over her chest. Ari hesitated before answering vaguely, ‘It’s...about one of my business interests in Europe.’ Elodie frowned, still unsatisfied. ‘That’s it? That’s why you rushed off without telling me?’ ‘I promise, I wasn’t lying when I said I needed to leave. And I’m sorry for not calling or texting you. I just...had to handle things quickly.’ Ari reached out to touch Elodie’s arm, trying to comfort her. But Elodie pulled away. ‘And what about Sebastian? Where is he now?’ ‘Probably going to his friends to borrow money,’ Ari speculated. ‘That’s what he said he was planning to do.’ Elodie paced back and forth. ‘I can’t believe this is happening. I thought we were done with all of his lies and deceit.’ Ari took a step toward her