Chapter 28 At the end of the corridor , a private room buzzed with noise , filled with men and women . Inside , Wesley frowned at Corbin . " The past is the past , but you fought over Adrienne and dragged Clarinda into cleaning up your méss ? Are you out of your mind ? " " What's the difference between that and making her fetch condoms for you ? And she didn't make a fuss ? " " She didn't ." Corbin swirled the amber liquid in his glass , lips curling . " She only asked if I could cut Adrienne off . But she's my sister - in - law . How could I ? " " Sister - in - law or something else , you know what it is . Just don't push Clarinda too far , or she'll divorce you , " Wesley warned . Clarinda had always been gentle and reasonable . Only that time in the hospital had she lost her temper badly enough to smash a bottle over Adrienne's head . Corbin shook his head . " She won't ." Chapter 28 She'd been blindly devoted for years . No way she'd suddenly leave without a word . Growing up together had its bond , but Wesley still couldn't stomach it . " Don't take advantage just because she doesn't have family backing her . She's still the girl Ambrose raised . " From the card table , another friend chimed in lazily , " They fell out years ago . I doubt Ambrose would interfere ." " She and I fell out ? " The private room door swung open . Ambrose leaned against the frame , one hand in his pocket , his expression careless , eyes hooded . " Did she tell you that or did I ? " His tone carried an edge of menace . The man who'd spoken turned , jolted to his feet , cards forgotten . " A - Ambrose ..." Not just him . Corbin and Wesley were caught off guard too . Ever since Corbin married Clarinda , he'd grown distant , not only from her but from them as well . Chapter 28 Still , he hadn't quit the WhatsApp group . Whenever they made plans , they'd post in the chat , though Ambrose rarely showed up . No one expected him to suddenly appear without a word . Wesley stood up with a smile , trying to smooth things over . " Ambrose , what brings you out tonight ? " "Just drop by ." Ambrose gave him a light nod before straightening up and stepping inside . The man from earlier hurried over with apologies . " Man , I ran my mouth . Don't hold it against me . " Most of the guys here leaned on family wealth and influence . Only Ambrose and Corbin held real power . Especially Ambrose , who ran both sides of the street . In Veyton , no one dared cross him . Ambrose lounged back on the leather sofa , one arm draped lazily over the backrest . " Relax , I was joking . Why so nervous ? " " Alright , go play your cards !" Chapter 28 Corbin stepped in to ease the tension , lifting his glass toward Ambrose from across the table . " They're all terrified of you . Like you don't know that ." " " Are they ? " Ambrose raised his glass , his tone absent . Corbin topped off his drink , slipping easily into the role of attentive family . " Have you been in touch with Clara lately ? " His voice was low and careless . " Didn't you all say we cut ties ? " " We were joking ." Corbin chuckled . " Everyone knows you used to spoil her ." Of all people , he knew best the bond Clarinda once shared with Ambrose . After losing his parents , Ambrose had shut everyone out , except her . He'd cherished her like a sister . " What's the matter ? " Ambrose's lips curved faintly as he fixed his gaze on him . " Afraid I'll cause trouble if you divorce her for Adrienne ? " Of course not . But Corbin didn't deny it . He just smiled and Chapter 28 asked , " Would you ? " Clarinda had just fallen asleep when the call came . Many of her long - time patients had her number , so she rarely put her phone on silent , in case of emergencies . " Clara , can you come pick up Corbin ? " She recognized Wesley's voice right away . Shaking off the haze of sleep , she glanced at the clock , two in the morning . " Wesley , can't you just call him a driver ? " She had a morning shift at the clinic . " No good getting a driver out here at Cloudspire Club . The house cars are all taken ." He spoke while sending her the location . Still groggy , Clarinda dragged herself out of bed . She didn't even bother changing , just pulled on a long down coat and left . Cecily , a night owl , poked her head out at the noise . " Where are you going at this hour ? " " Night shift . " The Alden family paid her a condo plus eight hundred grand ; of course it was basically a job . Clarinda grabbed Cecily's car keys from the entryway . " I'm taking your car . " . " Huh ? Oh , okay " What night shift ? Cecily blinked , confused , but before she could press , Clarinda was gone . She sighed and went back to her case files . Winter nights were brutally cold . Clarinda blasted the heat as high as it would go . Wesley had already called ahead . Once she gave her name , a waiter led her to the private room . Even at this hour , the club was busy , the air thick with the tang of alcohol . " Miss , Mr. Alden is in here ." The waiter opened the door . Clarinda answered automatically , " Thanks- " Chapter 28 The words caught in her throat . Flashing neon lit the room . Ambrose sat in the corner facing the door , half his sharp features shadowed , only his dark eyes visible , watching her lazily . She wondered if she'd been cursed back in Veltrana . Years without seeing him , and now he was everywhere . " Clara , you came ." Wesley greeted her warmly, beckoning her over . " Come in ." Corbin's friends chimed in with greetings too . Her palm tightened as she stepped in , greeting each one politely . " Wesley , Kennith ... " When it came to Ambrose , her lips pressed together . " Mr. Langdon . " The word hung in the air , silencing the room for a few seconds . Even Wesley felt a chill down his spine . Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.