“I didn’t realize this earlier because I didn’t take my time to think and investigate but, Adrian Daniels was Bethany’s boyfriend ten years ago. My guess is that they are still working together.” Tony finished and looked back up at Harriet only to find her staring at him like he was a clown.
“Did you hear a thing I said, Harriet?” He asked, wondering why it seemed like she didn’t hear him. A few seconds later, Harriet chuckled and shook her head, taking a sip from her glass of apple juice that was already on the table.
“Do you have any evidence, Tony? You see, I totally understand that I have not been a good friend to you since I arrived in New York, which is why I can totally understand your pain. But, you should know that I wouldn’t just believe things like this without proper evidence.” She cleared her throat and straightened her posture.
“As someone who was a victim of lies, I cannot do that to another person.” She finished.
“I don’t care if you do not believe me, Harriet. I am only doing my part as someone who used to be your best friend. I am only trying to warn you. I’m sure you have already noticed but, Adrian isn’t a good person,” Tony said, ignoring the pain in his heart as he sat before Harriet.
“I Know, Tony. I know that Adrian isn’t a good person, but, it doesn’t mean he’s evil enough to team up with Evelyn and curse harm to his own brother…” She said and then, it finally dawned on her.
“Unless he has been planning to take everything away from Damien from the beginning. Oh my God!” She clamped her hand around her mouth and stared at Tony with wide eyes, feeling like a fool.
“He planned everything, Harriet. From Damien meeting Evelyn in England to bringing her here and even framing you up with him as a victim. Everything was thought out carefully, Harriet.” Tony said and shook his head.
“You might find this hard to believe since he was once your friend, but, Adrian is the real villain here. Evelyn is only a puppet.” He said after giving it much thought.
Harriett’s mind was a mess, and she was tangled up in different emotions. First, she felt betrayed by Adrian and she also felt like a fool. For seven years, he had been fooling her and using her while pretending to be her friend. During her three years as Damien’s wife, he had strategically built their friendship in a way that if they were to be involved in a sex scandal, it would be impossible for Damien to doubt it.
It all made sense to her now.
Evelyn was only able to afford her luxury because she was being sponsored by someone as rich as Adrian.
“Fuck! I have to tell Damien.” She stood up, and her legs immediately wobbled, taking her off balance. She was about to fall when Tony caught her by the waist and immediately retracted his hands to her shoulders.
“You should sit for a while first. You don’t seem alright.” He said, referring to her harsh breathing and sudden sweat breakout.
“I’m fine. I just need to get to Damien. I need to warn him.” She shut her eyes and clutched her chest, feeling a panic attack on its way.
Thankfully, Tony was a doctor, and he had been with her for four years, so, he knew exactly what to do. He rushed to her and helped her stabilize her breathing. Once he was sure that she was better, he took her phone and sent a text to Damien, letting him know where she was.
“Tony.” Harriet called faintly, just as he was about to leave.
“Is there anything I can do to make you forgive me? You’re a good friend and I don’t want to lose you.” She said with all honesty, forcing herself not to cry.
It would be wrong of her to do so, especially since she was the one who ruined their relationship. She had no right to cry.
“I know that this is coming late, and you probably don’t care anymore, but, I am sorry.” A drop of tear escaped her lids despite her attempt to hold them in.
She knew that she was wrong to have kept him in the dark about her relationship with Damien. He was there for her when things went south but as soon as her and Damien got back together, she kept it away from him and lied whenever he asked if they were back together.
For some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to tell him the truth. Perhaps it was because she knew he had feelings for her. She couldn’t imagine how betrayed he must’ve felt when he found out that they were back together from the tabloids.
Not that they had given an official statement, but the pictures of them walking around with smiles on their faces while holding hands said more than enough.
Tony chuckled sadly and walked up to her before placing a kiss on her forehead just like he used to. Without saying a word, he turned to leave but was met with Damien, who had just arrived, looking like he had run miles to get there.
“Take care of her, man. I’ll kill you myself if you make her cry again.” Tony said and walked out of the room, feeling at peace with himself.
He had finally let go of Harriet and boy! It hurt like crazy.
“I got your text, my love. Is everything okay?” Damien asked, holding her tenderly as he noticed that her body was slightly weak.
“That was Tony, he texted. I don’t think I’ll be able to drive.” She confessed and he nodded in understanding.
He helped her stand up, grabbing her things before leading them to his car. Harriet wanted to warn him about Adrian but, she didn’t want him to be lost in thought while driving, so, she decided to wait.
“Let’s go to your house.” She said, and he nodded before igniting the car engine.
Harriet sent a quick text to Collin, explaining the situation and telling him to head home early since she would be working from the house for the rest of the day. After receiving a ‘ get well soon ‘ text from him followed by a happy emoji for allowing him to leave early, Harriet put her phone down.
As they arrived at Damien’s house, he helped her out of the car and into the house.
“Damien.” She called out as soon as they got to the living room.
“Tony wasn’t there to have fun with me, you know?” She said and Damien raised a brow, wondering where she was going with that.
“I trust you, Harriet. I know he’s only a friend.” He replied, thinking that she might be worried that he would misunderstand the situation.
“No. That’s not what I meant.” Harriet chuckled before biting her lips.
“He came to warn me…about Adrian.” She revealed and Damien stared at her with a blank expression, not surprised that even Tony knew how much of an asshole his brother was.
“You see, it’s a lot more complicated than you think. I’ll do my best to summarize everything he said or, you can meet him for a full version of the story.” She chuckled awkwardly.
“Okay, now I’m worried. Talk, Harriet. What is it?” He asked and she took a deep breath.
“Adrian and Evelyn are lovers who have been together for over ten years. Evelyn’s real name is Bethany, and she was a drug addict who tried to kill Tony ten years ago, which caused him to flee New York. She also left for the fear of being arrested and returned here thanks to a well-thought-out plan by Adrian. In short, the real enemy is Adrian.” She rapped and finally drew a long breath when she was done.
Two minutes later and Damien had still not said anything, Harriet was starting to worry that he might be having murderous thoughts.
“I think I’m going to make mum cry, Harriet.” Damien said with a dangerous look in his eyes.
“Stacy? Why?” She asked, and he looked up at her with an evil smirk.
“She’ll be losing her precious son, my love.”