My Second Chance
Copyright© 2026 by BillMax
Chapter 8: The Property Deed Is Missing
“This ... it was my oversight. I had absolutely no intention of disrespecting you. I swear to God!” Blake Calloway was sweating profusely, bent over like a giant shrimp.
“Is that so?”
Elena Shaw sneered. “On my turf, trying to harm the wife of my friend, and ‘oversight’ is your explanation? Do you think I’m three years old, Mr. Calloway?”
Claire’s husband was a friend of Miss Shaw?
Blake’s body jerked as if struck by lightning.
Damn that Alan Prescott. Hadn’t he said Marcus was just a worthless gambling addict?
Wait—he hadn’t even found a way to attach himself to the Shaw family yet. How could some nobody possibly—?
Blake’s eyes darted around and caught Serena Blake picking his nose. He remembered Serena had wanted to fight Marcus at the start.
Which meant, at best, they knew each other. They were definitely not friends.
Elena was just using that as an excuse to cause trouble.
Having figured that out, Blake made a snap decision and turned to Claire with a bow that bent him nearly ninety degrees.
“Mrs. Hale, I’m sorry. Tonight I was blind and offended you. Please forgive me. If you have any demands, make them. I’ll agree to everything. No take-backs.”
Smart move. Whatever Elena’s purpose was, Claire was the key to tonight’s events. If he won her forgiveness, no one else could say much.
As expected, Claire was caught off guard. Her gentle nature made her want to forgive.
Marcus spoke coldly. “Blake Calloway, the only reason you leave here alive tonight is that you haven’t caused irreversible harm. That has nothing to do with your surname or your background. Stay away from my wife. If I find you anywhere near her again, I’ll make you regret being born.”
His words carried a metallic firmness. Blake went still. Even Elena tensed, without a shred of doubt.
Because of that, her curiosity about Marcus grew sharper.
Blake didn’t dare push back. He nodded humbly and left.
Serena called after his retreating figure, “Hey, Piss-Pants, don’t forget the bill. Your reputation’s bad enough. If word gets out you dined and dashed, you’ll have no face left in this city.”
Blake stumbled and nearly fell. Serena burst into laughter.
“Mr. Hale, may I have a word?” Elena asked.
Marcus followed her aside and said directly, “If you’re expecting thanks, save your breath. Even without you tonight, this would have been resolved. Being the icing on the cake doesn’t put me in your debt.”
Elena arched a brow. “Do you have a problem with me, Mr. Hale?”
“You’re overthinking it. It’s the situation, not the person. I’d say the same to anyone.”
“I see. Then I was the petty one. But aren’t you worried about making enemies with that kind of ... directness?”
“People who know me say I worry too much. People who don’t question my motives. There’s only one person in this world whose opinion I truly care about—my wife. Friends who need to be flattered aren’t worth having.”
In his past life, Marcus had stood at the top of the world. Years of discipline had given him an air that couldn’t be faked.
Elena knew none of that. To her, Marcus looked simply arrogant—confidence bleeding into conceit—and she was disappointed.
A man should have pride, not arrogance. Otherwise talent wastes itself chasing impossible goals and settles into mediocrity.
Such a man wasn’t worth her curiosity.
She shook her head, expression turning chilly. “Actually, you’re the one overthinking things, Mr. Hale. I can see the police didn’t take Alan Prescott away just for tonight. Behind Ms. Kane’s appearance, your hand was at work. So as you said, whether or not I was here, the outcome would have been the same. I won’t claim credit I didn’t earn.”
Marcus sensed her shift in attitude and didn’t care. He smiled. “Miss Shaw, be careful. Being too clever can scare men off.”
Elena scoffed. “I called you over to ask one question. How did you know that red-stamped flower pattern inside the Strange Tales book could be exchanged for cash?”
“Intuition.”
“Intuition?”
“Right. A flash of insight. A whim. Blind luck, if you prefer. Take your pick.”
Elena was stunned, then laughed coldly. “So what you told Serena to warn him away from Mengmeng was nonsense too?”
Marcus shrugged. “I said you can interpret it however you like. Anything else, Miss Shaw?”
By now Elena had lost interest completely. She shook her head. “You may go.”
Marcus turned, took Claire by the hand, and headed for the door.
“Considering that postage stamp, a piece of advice: Blake Calloway must have realized you’re not truly my friend. He’s petty and vindictive. Watch yourself.”
Just as they stepped out, Elena’s voice followed. Marcus smiled slightly, looked back, and said, “Then in light of your advice, a word of caution for you as well. Don’t try to overtake on the inside the day after tomorrow.”
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