Rebirth Into My Second Chance novel Chapter 236

I made it back to the apartment, which was still spotlessly clean. Looks like Richard had someone keeping this place in shape. But everything felt so different now, as if the soul of the place had changed.

Staring at the glass terrarium on the windowsill, I noticed how much the plant inside had grown. It was planted in soil from the local community garden, a symbol of hope and new beginnings.

But now, it seemed like a grim reminder of the constant threats looming over us.

I wondered how Max was doing. He hadn't been able to reach me. Was he worried?

I searched every inch of the apartment and eventually found surveillance devices hidden all over the place after a long hunt. Apparently, Richard had rigged the apartment with these gadgets right from the moment he gave it to me.

His need to control was overwhelming, or maybe he was torn between controlling me and genuinely wanting to care for me. Or perhaps he was just following his mother's twisted advice.

If anyone needed to be in a mental health facility, it was Richard and Hannah, not me.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Peeking through the peephole, I saw Kate, anxiously looking around to make sure she wasn't being followed.

After double-checking for any additional surveillance, I hurriedly opened the door for her.

She dashed inside, clutching her chest, her heart racing. "Oh my God, Richard is terrifying," she gasped.

Her panic-stricken face said it all. Even she was scared.

I hadn't fully grasped how dangerous Richard and Hannah could be.

"Call Claude, tell him to hold off. If it's going too smoothly, Richard might get suspicious, especially since it's your first job for him."

Kate seemed to realize the gravity of the situation and quickly phoned Claude.

After briefing him, Claude asked to speak with me at the end of the call.

I didn't hesitate. Given how vulnerable I am right now, I'm open to making more allies, and Claude could be a good one.

"Claude," I said, my voice steady.

But hearing my voice, Claude broke down crying.