MainNovelChapter 411
Jasper stared, dumbfounded. "Why should we go looking for Stella? Let her trend online all she
wants-what's it got to do with us?"
Haynes looked about ready to laugh in disbelief. "Jasper, do you really think just covering your face
means no one will recognize you?"
“That video's auwas crystal clear. Even if someone doesn't see your face, anyone who knows
you—or heck, just sclerk from a store you frequent— could pick out your voice in a second."
Jasper shot upright in his seat. "Video? What video?"
"Stella released ssecurity footage."
Jasper blinked, thrown. "What?"
All he'd seen was Stella's stugetting trashed trending online, along with a few photos. He hadn't
paid attention to anything else.
So what if she was asking for tips? No way she could have found anything useful, not with the
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtcameras wrecked.
Haynes's tone was icy. "Security footage."
Jasper blurted out, "That's impossible. | destroyed those cameras ages ago."
As soon as he said it, realization dawned.
"Look, Haynie, Rachel's stugot trashed, too. | was just standing up for her, that's all..."
Somehow, Jasper suddenly felt guilty. Stella was still Haynes's ex-wife, and Keen's mom. He knew better than to
push his luck in front of Haynes.
Haynes was silent for a long moment. Finally, he said, "Stella's got indoor footage. It doesn't show your face, but
your voice is loud and clear. I've managed to keep the video from spreading-for now. But with how popular she is
lately, it won't stay buried for long. This is the last tI'm helping you. Figure it out."
He hung up before Jasper could say a word.
That night, despite Haynes's efforts, the video was leaked online.
Jasper had been so smug, convinced his disguise would fool everyone. But within two hours of the video's
release, every detail about him was being dragged into the light.
Someone recognized his watch. Others compared his shoes and jacket. Seagle-eyed intesleuths even
identified the ring on his hand.
It didn't stop there-his belt, of all things, was matched to old photos. The intedetectives dug up his social
media posts for comparison, and a anonymous tipster eve screencapped his private vacation albums.
In just a few hours, there was nowhere left for Jasper to hide.
For the first time, real panic set in.
Abby scrolled through the trending news, her jaw hitting the floor. "No way! These intesleuths are insane-
how did they ID Jasper so fast?!"
Stella, sorting through a stack of sheet music, paused at Abby's outburst.
"They're sharp, I'll give them that.
Once they had a lead, it was only a matter of tbefore they found
be (7UMS
him but I didn't expect it to fast."
Abby, ever the agent, caught on immediately. She shot Stella an impressed thumbs-up. “Star, did
you hire ssocial media pros? That's genius!"
Stella replied, perfectly at ease, "Just giving them a taste of their own medicine."
"Exactly! They had it coming!" Abby nodded emphatically. "So, what's next? What should | do?"
Stella met her gaze. "Next? | think it's twe took that new car out for a spin."
Meanwhile, Haynes's office phone rang nonstop.
He ignored it, standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the city.
A dull ache twisted in his stomach-a pain he hadn't felt in a long time.
There was a gentle knock at the door. His assistant, Lacey, stepped in. "Mr. O'Brien, someone's here
to see "
He cut her off, cold and flat. "Didn't I say I'm not seeing anyone today?"
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
