With what he had just learned, Mr. Watson knew he had to speak to Mr. EddieDike as soon as possible. The revelations were too shocking to ignore. Grabbing his car keys, he hurried to the Dike Mansion.
As he drove, his phone rang. He answered quickly.
"Hello, my friend," EddieDike's voice came through. "Do you have any updates on our investigation?"
"Yes, I do. I'm on my way to your house. We need to discuss this privately."
"Alright, I'll be waiting. Goodbye for now."
EddieDike's anxiety grew as he ended the call. Pacing around the garden, his mind raced with the possibilities of what Watson had discovered. Just then, his wife, Lady Lily, approached him.
"Honey, you look worried. What's going on?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
"I just spoke to Watson. He sounded scared. I think he now knows about the connection between those two."
Fear gripped Lady Lily's heart. "What did he say? We need to know exactly what we're dealing with."
"Don't worry. As we speak, he's on his way here. He insisted we discuss this privately."
Meanwhile, Thorndike couldn't shake the thoughts of what had happened at Blue's house the previous night. Determined to get answers, he walked into the living room where his parents were seated.
"Good morning, Dad. Good morning, Mom." His voice carried a sadness that didn't go unnoticed.
They responded warmly. "How are you, son? Did you see Blue?"
"No, I couldn't. She's avoiding me. I don't know what I did wrong, but she's playing tricks with me. And I will find out what it is."
Lady Lily sighed. "Son, take it easy. Don't overwork your mind. And we think you should be careful around her."
Thorndike's expression darkened. "Do you know something about Blue's family? I'm getting suspicious. First, you hired more security, and now you're hiding something. I promise you, I will find out what it is."
His parents remained silent for a moment. Then EddieDike spoke. "Don't worry, son. When the time is right, we will tell you what we know. But for now, be careful and stay away from Blue until we are sure of her intentions."
Thorndike nodded but had already made up his mind. He was going to uncover the truth, no matter what.
Gripping the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched as he replayed the events in his mind. Blue was avoiding him. There was no doubt about it now. Zara's insistence that he leave only deepened his suspicions. What was she hiding? Why was her family so determined to keep him away?
He pulled out his phone and sent a message:
Thorndike: Meet me at The Pearl Café in thirty minutes. No excuses, Blue. We need to talk.
To his surprise, his phone buzzed almost instantly.
Blue: I can't. Please understand.
His chest tightened. He could hear the fear in her words. But fear of what? Or who?
Thorndike: If you don't come, I'll keep showing up at your house until I get answers.
A long pause. Then finally—
Blue: Fine. Thirty minutes.
Thorndike exhaled, tossing his phone onto the passenger seat. Whatever Blue was caught up in, he was going to find out.
At the Skinner Mansion
Jack stormed into Mr. Skinner's office, his face twisted in anger. "Someone was here last night. He came looking for Blue."
Mr. Skinner, seated behind his massive oak desk, folded his hands calmly. "And? Who is he?"
"His name is Thorndike, son of EddieDike. He's getting too close!"
Mr. Skinner smirked. "So, they had a son? What does he want with Blue? Or is EddieDike seeking revenge for the past? I want to know everything about Thorndike."
"Blue is playing a dangerous game," Jack warned. "If she keeps seeing him, he'll start asking questions we don't want answered."
Mr. Skinner's expression darkened. "Then she needs to be reminded where her loyalties lie."
Jack smirked. "I'll handle it."
"See that you do."
The Pearl Café
Blue arrived first, her heart racing as she took a seat in a secluded corner. Every instinct told her this was a mistake. But Thorndike was relentless. If she hadn't agreed, he would have done something reckless.
Minutes later, she spotted him walking in, his sharp gaze scanning the café until it landed on her. He strode over and took the seat across from her.
"You've been avoiding me," he said firmly.
Blue sighed. "It's complicated."
"Then make me understand."
She glanced around nervously, lowering her voice. "Thorndike, I—"
A movement outside caught her eye. Jack.
He was leaning against a black SUV, watching them with a look that sent a chill down her spine. Two other men stood nearby—a clear warning.
Thorndike noticed her shift in expression. "Blue, what's wrong?"
She forced a smile. "Nothing. I just… I can't do this right now."
"That's not good enough, Blue. Something is going on, and I need to know what it is."
Before she could answer, a voice interrupted them.
"Well, well. What do we have here?"
Jack.
He sauntered over, his smirk sharp as a knife. "Blue, I believe you were told to stay indoors."
Thorndike tensed. "Who are you?"
Jack chuckled. "A friend. One who doesn't appreciate you poking your nose where it doesn't belong."
Thorndike squared his shoulders. "Blue can decide who she wants to see."
Jack's smirk widened. "Can she?" He turned to Blue. "Go to the car."
Blue hesitated. If she refused, Jack would make her pay for it later. But if she left, Thorndike would never stop searching for the truth. Either way, she was trapped.
Thorndike's eyes darted between them, realization dawning. "You're being forced into this, aren't you?"
Blue's breath hitched. "Thorndike, please."
Jack's patience snapped. He grabbed Blue's arm, yanking her up. "We're done here. Get to the car."
Thorndike stepped forward, shoving Jack back. "You don't get to treat her like that."
Jack smirked. "Your father is aware of your movements, and he is furious." He then turned to Thorndike. "You might want to ask your dear father what he's been hiding from you."
Thorndike froze. "What?"
Jack's smirk widened. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough."
As Blue disappeared into the night, Thorndike made a silent vow. No more secrets. No more lies. It was time to uncover the truth—no matter the cost.