Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rowan Vale 27

Chapter 27 

A heavy silence filled the car. 

Briana kept her eyes down, her lashes trembling. She could never feel the same way about Henry. She was in no shape to love anyone. 

She refused to drag him down or waste his time. Shepard had taught her a brutal lesson: giving your heart away only led to ruin, and loving too deeply left you shattered. 

Outside, the wipers swept back and forth in a steady rhythm, the rain hammering against the glass. 

“Let’s get you home first,” Henry said, steering the car and the conversation away. “I contacted Mr. Dean. If things go smoothly, we can meet him in the next few days.” 

“Really?” Briana’s eyes, dull just a moment before, brightened instantly. Work was the only thing that sparked her interest these days and made her feel alive. As for love, that just did not matter anymore. 

“Yeah, I’m on it. I’ll let you know once its set,” Henry said, his hands tight on the wheel. “Make sure you’re well–prepared. Mr. Dean’s time is valuable. He’ll only give us an hour, tops.” 

Briana nodded eagerly. “Okay.” Then she added, “Thank you.” 

Leonard Dean was the country’s most celebrated and top–tier painter. Just last month, one of his works fetched a record- breaking sum at auction. 

While most artists of his stature were aloof and out of touch, Leonard was refreshingly down–to–earth. He was active on social media, created short videos, managed his own accounts, and even hosted live streams. 

Always traveling the world for inspiration, he maintained a youthful spirit at sixty and kept up with the latest internet trends, which earned him a massive following among young people. 

If Leonard held an exhibition at Briana’s gallery, its reputation would skyrocket, attracting more artists and visitors. This first step was crucial, and Briana wanted to make a splash right from the start. 

Henry nodded. “I’m just making the introduction. Convincing Mr. Dean to host his exhibition at your gallery? That part is entirely up to you.” 

“I understand,” she said. 

“Are you cold?” Henry glanced over. “I can turn the heat up.” 

Briana shook her head, fiddling with her damp sleeve. “I’m fine. It’s pretty much dry by now.” 

***** 

Though autumn had officially begun, the late summer heat still lingered intensely. By the time they reached Evergreen Estate, the rain had stopped and Briana’s clothes were almost dry. The air was crisp, carrying the clean scent of wet grass. 

“Go take a hot bath and warm up,” Henry said, leaning against the car. “Don’t let yourself catch a cold.” 

“Okay,” Briana replied softly. 

“You just had a miscarriage. Take care of yourself, or it could lead to complications,” he added. 

Briana gave a slight shrug and sniffed. “I’m not that fragile.” 

He sighed. “You always put on a brave face.” 

Chapter 27 

“It’s getting late,” she said, offering a small wave. “You should head home and rest. Goodnight.” 

“I’ll wait until you’re inside,” Henry insisted. 

Seeing no point in arguing, Briana turned and walked toward the villa. 

She stepped inside, flipped on the lights, and glanced out the window just as Henry was getting into his car. Turning away, she spun around and saw Charles standing by the stairs. 

She nearly jumped out of her skin and asked, “You’re home?” 

“Yes,” Charles said. “I didn’t expect to see Henry bringing you back.” 

Briana said nothing. 

Charles grinned. “So, was that a date tonight?” 

“No,” she denied. “We’re just friends.” 

“Come on, don’t lie to me. Guys know these things. Henry’s completely into you,” Charles said. “He’s had a thing for you since college. Looks like he might finally get his chance.” 

“I’m not getting married again, so don’t start meddling in my love life,” Briana said quickly, anxious about where this was headed. 

Charles crossed his arms. “Who said anything about marriage? Just date him. Henry’s a good guy. He started a venture capital firm a couple of years back. His instincts are sharp, and everything he touches turns to gold. Honestly, he’s no less impressive than Shepard.” 

“I’m staying single forever,” Briana shot back, and then hurried upstairs without another look. 

“Listen,” he called after her, “when a good man comes along, don’t just let him go. Not everyone is like Shepard. You got it? If you pass up a man like Henry, there’s a line of women ready to take him, believe me.” 

But Briana had already vanished around the corner on the second floor. 

“Stubborn as a mule,” Charles muttered with a shrug, grabbing his car keys. “Whatever. I’m gonna have some fun.” 

It was already eleven, but for Charles, the night was just getting started. 

***** 

Back in her bedroom, Briana filled the tub and sank into the warm water. The heat soothed her, washing away the chill and the lingering discomfort. 

She closed her eyes, rehearsing what she’d say if she ever actually met Leonard. But before she could finish the thought, exhaustion pulled her under, and she drifted off to sleep. 

The sharp ring of her phone jolted her awake. She sat up, confused. The tub had kept the water perfectly warm, and she had no idea how long she’d been asleep. 

It kept ringing. Briana stood, water sloshing as she fished her phone from the pile of clothes on the floor. 

Then she was surprised to see the caller ID. ‘Charles? Why is he calling so late?‘ 

She answered, “Hey, Charles?” 

“Are you a relative of Charles?” The voice on the other end was unfamiliar and authoritative. “You need to come down to the police station immediately.” 

Chapter 27 

“Police station?” Briana echoed, battled. 

‘Charles should be at home. What could he possibly have done?‘ As the reality of the call sank in, her gaze automatically shifted to the clock. It was one in the morning. 

“Yes, right away. Otherwise, this situation could get more serious,” the man stated. 

“Okay,” Briana replied, grabbing a towel and rushing to get ready. She left as quickly as she could, hurrying straight to the station. 

Inside the mediation room, Charles was slumped in a chair and reeked of alcohol. He could barely hold himself upright, and his face was still flushed from drinking. 

Sitting across from him was a man with his back to Briana. The man’s clothes and hands were stained with blood. His head was wrapped in thick white bandages, which made him look like a mummy. 

One quick glance told Briana everything. Of course, Charles got drunk, picked a fight, and cracked this man’s head open. 

“Charles,” she snapped, storming over and kicking his leg hard. “Do you have to cause trouble just to feel alive?” One kick wasn’t enough. She landed a few more, her anger still boiling. 

Charles cracked his eyes open, his words slurred. “I–I was gonna beat that bastard to death… Talkin‘ shit to me… Had to teach him a lesson… A real good one!” 

Briana was about to tear into Charles when the man in bandages turned around. The moment she saw his face, her mind went blank.