No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 816

Sinclair and Ernest seemed like two people who couldn't be more disconnected if they tried.

Fanny was trying hard to find any link between them, but she just couldn't figure out how they ended up in each other's lives.

"I met Ernest four years ago," Sinclair said, noticing the confusion etched on her face and decided to clarify things for her.

His voice was deep and pleasant, more so than before he went abroad. Back then, his voice lacked the richness it carried now, much like the man himself.

They say wine gets better with age, and sometimes, so do men.

"Back then, I was being extorted by a bunch of foreigners. I refused to give them any money, and they went after me with everything they had. We ended up in a brawl, and I was outnumbered. Ernest saved my life..."

Fanny had never heard this story before, not from Sinclair, nor from her mom or grandparents. Clearly, he had kept it from them.

While he was abroad, all she ever heard was news of his awards, promotions, and successful business ventures. She never heard a word about any struggles or injuries he'd faced.

Turns out, he only shared the good news, never the bad.

"Ernest got me to a hospital and took care of me until I was discharged. We became friends, and I learned about some of the things he was involved in. Surviving abroad is tough. To really make it, you need your own network, and what you see today is the result of years of building that."

Fanny understood. Everything was out of necessity, a means of protection.

"When Felicia was in trouble in Houston, Ernest contacted me immediately. I've stayed in the shadows, not wanting to draw attention or suspicion," Sinclair explained clearly.

Fanny couldn't help but comment, "Dustin's planning something big tomorrow. You showing up today might just tip him off."

Sinclair looked at her without saying a word, and then it dawned on Fanny—it was her call for help that brought him out of hiding.

Her heart sank with regret and guilt. Her actions had disrupted their plans, and now Sinclair's presence would only prompt Dustin to bolster his defenses.

As she walked away, she couldn't help but glance back at Sinclair, who was still standing there watching her.

It reminded her of when she was in first grade. She was terrified of the unfamiliar environment and refused to go to school. Her mom had no choice but to call Sinclair. He held her hand and took her to school, telling her, "I'll be right here watching you."

She went to school, but once inside, she kept looking back at him, just like she was doing now.

It was a mix of reluctance, anxiety, and the comfort of knowing he was there.

He truly was her rock. But then came awkward moments, and rumors at school that drove them apart. Eventually, he went abroad, and they lost touch.

In hindsight, she realized she had been childish. He was her uncle, and any awkwardness was unintentional. She'd been too sensitive.

Sinclair finally looked away when she was out of sight, glancing at the hand that had just tousled Fanny's hair.