Desired by All and He Threw Away 22

Chapter 22 

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Taylor’s POV 

The air between us still hums with leftover tension when i walk bak to the table. Claria sits stiffly her fingers coiled around her mug,eyes trained on the steam swirling above it like she is trying lose herself in it. I take a slow breath steadying my tone before i speak. 

“Claria,” I say quietly. “Im sorry about earlier. He shouldnt have I stop myself glancing over at Aiden, who stands a few steps away pretending not to listen but absolutely listening.“–we shouldnt have pushed like that. 

“1 

Claria doesnt respond right away. Her eyes lift, sharp and wary. “You think sorry fixes everything?” 

“no,” i admit sliding into the seat across from her again.“But its a start.” 

something in my voice must reach her because her shoulders soften a little.She studies me for a long second, then sighs. “Youre different from him arent you?” 

a small, tired smile tugs at my lips.“some days, i try to be.” Silence stretches between us, quiet but thick the café noise dimming under the weight of it.Outside traffic murmurs in the distance. someone laughs from across the room. 

Claria traces her finger around the rim of her cup as if deciding whether or not Im worth the risk. Then she leans forward.” There’s something else,” she says softly. 

my pulse picks up. 

“what is it?” 

her voice drops to a whisper. “Dylan… he slept with an underage girl.Her name’s Alice Brukenham.” for a second the words dont land. they just hang there between us heavy and unreal. my stomach flips. “Underage?” I repeat quietly, making sure I heard right. 

Claria nods once, expression grim. “Sixteen. Maybe seventeen now.She told me about it after it happened. he promised her things–career connections, modeling gigs,money.when she realized what she had done she broke down. she was terrified.” 

I sit frozen, my tea forgotten. Every instinct inside me sharpens. This isn’t just scandal material. This could destroy Dylan completely. 

“This could be what finally takes him down,” I whisper. 

Claria nods again but doesn’t meet my eyes. I glance toward Aiden. Hes been silent the entire time but i can feel the weight of his gaze cool and assessing. i give him a look that says everything i dont want to say aloud- If it werent for me she would have 

walked out that door. 

he holds my stare for a second something flickering in his eyes.Approval maybe. Or something colder. Then he pulls his phone from his pocket and dials.. 

“Mark,“he says as soon as the call connect. His tone is clipped, professional. 

“Find me everything on a girl named Alice Brukenham. Age, location, contact info, send it to me as soon as you have it. ” he ends the call before the other person can respond. 

Claria looks uneasy. “what are you planning to do?” 

“Verify,” Aiden answers simply sliding his phone back into his coa. “And then act.” 

an hour later, we are still in the café, the light has dimmed outsideain smears the glass in streaks. Claria checks her watch, 

restless. 

Im about to tell her she can go when Aiden’s phone buzzes. He reads the message then looks up at me. “Got it,” he says. “I have 

her number.” 

my throat tightens. i take the phone he hands me and stare at the digits glowing on the screen. “i’ll call her..” it takes three tries before Alice answers. Her voice is soft and a bit hesitant. when i explain who i am and why Im calling she goes silent. 

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Chapter 22 

+25 Bonus 

i can hear her breathing a bit quick and uneven. “I dont want to talk about that scum,” she says finally. “Please just leave me alone.” “Alice, listen,” i say gently. “Im not here to hurt you. I just want to make sure he doesnt use anyone else. 

Please. you can stay anonymous if you want. Just tell me what happened.” 

There’s another long silence. i glance at Aiden who’s watching me ike In a negotiation he has already predicted the outcome of.then he steps closer and says quietly, “offer her something for her time.” 

I frown. “money isnt the point.” “maybe not to you,” he murmur “but i bet for her it is.” 

Before i can argue he takes the phone from me and speaks in that low steady tone that makes people listen. 

“Alice, this is Aiden Kinciad. I’ll compensate you for your time. Whatever number you name.” 

Another pause. Then,a shaky exhale. “Alright fine,” she says but her voice is weaker now and bit uncertain. “I want five thousands dollar.” 

“I just send the money, You’ll help us,” he says. It isn’t a question After a moment, she ask, “How did you get my account number… You what it doesnt matter, rich people” 

Twenty minutes later, Alice sends everything – screenshots, voice notes, photos. Proof no one can deny. The messages are worse than I expected: Dylan’s words slick with manipulation, promises laced with control. 

My hands tremble as I scroll through them. “She was telling the truth,” I murmur. “He really-“The words catch in my throat. Claria leans in to look, her lips pressed tight. 

Aiden’s face doesnt change but thereis a faint spark of satisfaction in his eyes like he is already piecing together how to weaponize it. “Thats enough for now,“he says. “we’ll handle the rest..” 

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