I Hauled the Dead to Buy My Freedom Chapter 2

I ignored him, tossed the ruined cake into a nearby trash can, and bought two coffees.

The encounter had made me late, but Sarah smiled brightly when I finally arrived.

“Skylar, here’s the contract. Take a look.”

I handed her a coffee, feeling a flush of guilt.

“Sorry I held you up. I meant to get you a cake, but it was... ruined by a dog on the way here.”

Her smile didn't waver. She was a master of professionalism. “Good things take time! Let’s call it fate.”

Warmed by her kindness, I picked up the contract. I didn't truly understand the legalese, but a transaction this huge—this monumental step toward my freedom—felt like it needed time and careful attention.

The Jensen house had never felt safe, only like a place of dependency. Owning my own home had become an obsession after the cut-off.

Sarah waited patiently until I finished. She handed me a pen.

“Sign when you’re ready.”

I nodded, reaching for the pen, when her phone suddenly rang.

“Company call,” she mouthed, smiling, and tapped ‘answer.’

The next second, she went completely rigid.

“Fired? What... what did I do wrong?”

A terrible premonition flooded me. My stomach clenched.

Sure enough. When Sarah hung up, her eyes were instantly wet, her face blotchy with tears.

“Ms. Jensen, you have such a powerful brother, one who can ruin my career with a few words. Why were you wasting my time looking at properties?”

My pupils contracted in horror. I quickly tried to explain.

“I cut off all ties with them years ago! That was Cole Jensen, and he—”

“I think you’re just messing with me!”

She leaped to her feet. Furiously, she snatched the contract from my hands. She reached for the coffee, intending to splash it on me, but ultimately just slammed the cup against the wall near my feet.

The tea bucket burst open, splattering the floor.

I tried one last time to explain.

I opened my mouth, but she was already out the door.

I stood there for a long time, stunned.

Finally, I pulled out my phone and called Cole.

He answered instantly. I couldn't control the rage in my voice.

“What the hell do you want! Fine, you want to mess with me, but the agent was innocent!”

“Sister…”

Willow’s soft voice answered from the receiver.

“Brother is busy arranging for Apollo’s ashes. Tell me what you need.”