---- Chapter 9 I called the police. They arrested both Albert and Sandra shortly after. Sandra received a life sentence for stealing high- value assets, while Albert got 15 years despite his lesser involvement due to the enormous sum involved. Before being transferred to prison in another state, he requested to see me one last time. I agreed. After two lifetimes of entanglement, it was time for a proper closure. In just a week, Albert was hollowed out and barely recognizable. When he saw me, he tried to stand, but the guards forced him back down immediately. Tears streamed down his face as he struggled to speak. He steadied his emotions for a while before finally saying, "I'm sorry." He paused briefly before continuing, "I shouldn't have used you as my ATM... shouldn't have pretended to be the Roosevelt family's heir. And most of all, I shouldn't have..." ---- Shouldn't have killed me. His remorse meant nothing now. What was he doing all this time? Albert had always been like this, only backing down when the consequences came crashing down. If I bailed him out now and restored his comfortable life, that arrogant superiority would return within weeks. "You begged to see me just for this?" I asked coldly. He shook his head desperately. "I didn't steal that much! That old woman set me up. I can't be in prison, Eve. I'm only in my 20s. 15 years getting locked up will destroy my life." He pressed his palms against the glass, trying to grasp my hand. "Please, Eve. I'll do anything you say. As long as you help reduce my sentence." As I watched Albert sob, I remembered the investigation I had ordered five years ago after his first disappearance. My people had tracked him to his hometown. ---- At first, he brought his paralyzed mother back home. Meanwhile, his unemployed father had returned to gambling, destroying what little they had left. That day, Albert had a violent argument with his father and ended up ina fight. Neighbors claimed they were very loud, shouting and breaking things. Then, the noise stopped, replaced by the sobbing of Albert and his mother. After that, a fire burned down the house. Albert vanished completely after that night. If I wasn't wrong, both of his parents died in his hands. I dropped my voice close to a whisper. "Should I investigate what happened to your parents? If you think 15 years wasn't enough, it might seem merciful when the truth comes out." I leaned closer to the glass and chuckled. "You deserved all of this." By the time I left the prison, the sky had already darkened. I wasn't in the mood to go home, soI ---- wandered into a cafe. "Your coffee," said a familiar voice. I looked up at the tired face of Bianca. She froze when she recognized me, then offered a bitter smile. "What acoincidence. As I took a sip of my coffee, I mentioned how she had helped me that day in the grove. She looked down at her hands. "I'm not the kind of person who would just stand by ignoring pleas for help. Besides, I'd be more than happy to screw over someone like Albert." I turned to the night scenery outside the window. " You're wasting your talents here. With your looks, why not give it a shot at Roosevelt Co.?" Bianca looked at me, shocked. "Why..." Ismiled. "Just returning a favor." Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" stands out through its nuanced portrayal of relationships and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes. CrushReel's expertise in crafting authentic characters and evocative settings ensures a reading experience that transcends traditional romance narratives. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding story, available to read at CrushReel, and witness firsthand the magnetic pull of fate as it weaves its intricate web through the lives of Luke and those around him. Experience the magic of "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" as it unfolds online at CrushReel, inviting you to explore the depths of love and ambition in a world where paths cross and destinies collide.