No Way Back by Anna Mac

Chapter 19 An Unlucky Coincidence

Dwayne hadn’t felt bad when he had brought up the online scandal. That was because he had had no part in it.

Besides, he had been preoccupied with and worried about Madelyn.

This was different. Dwayne had gotten involved.

He had accused Jane of theft when he had had no proof.

Dwayne felt unworthy of the WWE gold medal that he had just won.

“What did you say, Dwayne?”

Madelyn hadn’t heard him.

However, she knew that it couldn’t be anything good.

“It’s nothing.

Dwayne yanked himself out of his thoughts.

It didn’t matter. What was done was done.

There was no point regretting it now.

Besides…

Dwayne wasn’t going to hurt Madelyn just because he felt bad about Jane.

“Dwayne, if you catch up with Janie right now, you can try and convince her to come back to the Fowler family. Janie looks so lonely. I feel so sorry for her.

“We had been misled right from the start and accused Janie of something she hadn’t done. She had every right to be upset and disown the family. If only I hadn’t been part of the family. This wouldn’t have happened in the first place if I never existed.”

Madelyn said with a pained look on her face.

“Silly girl, that’s utter nonsense. You’re a part of the Fowler family. Nobody’s going to change that fact. “You’re right. We were wrong about Janie. But that has nothing to do with you. She’s already made up her mind. We should respect her decision.”

Dwayne said gently, shoving whatever guilt he felt toward Jane to the back of his head as he turned his attention back to a remorseful Madelyn.

Jane took Lila on a long ride in her newly purchased Porsche Cayenne. She felt on top of the world.

Dwayne had given her thirty grand. She wasn’t going to turn down money.

She decided to treat Lila to a meal at the best restaurant in Stormton City.

“Let’s not, Janie. Why don’t we dine at my place instead? We should save the money. You need it…”

“Lila, don’t forget. Half of that money belongs to you too. I’ve never been to Cloudnine Restaurant. I really want to try it. Humor me, please.”

“All right then.”

Lila had decided that she would support Jane in her every decision, no matter what it was. That was what best friends were for.

Jane was having a bad day today, and Lila was going to cheer her up!

They arrived at Cloudnine Restaurant.

Cloudnine Restaurant was the most famous restaurant in Stormton City.

At the height of its fame, it had a waiting list that spanned a month long.

name, the restaurant was located

the top floor

at Cloudnine Restaurant could gaze upon the stars and enjoy Stormton City’s lovely nighttime scenery, gazing at Fig River, which cuts right through the city,

hired by the Michelin 5–star restaurant prepared dishes

Restaurant came

be prepared to spend at

a really busy

I have

waved her phone

lucky. We don’t need a

“Really?”

Lila seemed slightly stumped.

be Cloudnine Restaurant’s

Lila to the top

scanned their QR code and welcomed Jane and Lila to the

noticed the look of deference in the waiter’s eyes as

her tongue out. “You’re

What’s so mysterious

feeling that I

Restaurant had ten

serve ten groups of diners

of the restaurant owner before the waiting staff would set up an extra table for you. Otherwise,

there were, the rowdier

Cloudnine Restaurant, which had a reputation of being one of the best

getting a table at the restaurant made it all the

was the most popular

got a

from

Cloudnine Restaurant. I find myself speechless

you’re paying for the meal today. Come on,

“Okay!”

menu and

dishes cost them more

got a bottle of red wine that

me, so let’s spend every single

it! We don’t want that asshole’s money. You don’t need it. You’re doing fine on your own!” Jane’s lips quirked up into a smile. She tousled Lila’s

up for me and tried to protect me when Dwayne and

much courage that took. Lila wasn’t the sort to speak up at

because she had wanted to protect Jane. Sometimes, Jane wished

to have Lila as a sister. She was the kind of family that Jane had always dreamed

her was pain. They had hurt and abused her and left

Drop by my place and have dinner some time. I’ll have my parents whip

going on about how pretty and nice you are and how much she wants you

“Sure.”

eyes were bright with unshed

would love to be the goddaughter of Lila’s

sounded like a great

like dirt while treating Madelyn like the apple of

had her share of disappointments in her past

died for

for a family had died

coincidence had Hugh walking

Lila and Jane chatting happily

was surprised by the sight. Jane didn’t seem

“Something wrong, Hugh?”

spotted Jane too. He