Chapter 643 The Truth Beneath the Surface

“Think about it,” Laurie said. “Everyone around you swears up and down that Wyatt and Nora dated, but then Wyatt tells you they didn’t–that it was all in her head. What would you believe?”

“Would you trust him? Or would you go with what everyone else claims to have seen and heard? If you side with them, doesn’t that make Wyatt look like a smooth-talking player, toying with women’s feelings?”

“So rather than be the subject of endless doubt, maybe it’s easier for him to just own it. We’re all adults–it’s not a crime to have had a relationship that’s already over, right?”

Yunice shook her head. “Even if you put it like that… it still feels off.”

Laurie arched an eyebrow. “Someone getting in your ear? Trying to stir up drama? Come on, think it through–anyone who makes you feel bad with their words isn’t doing it for your sake. They want you uncomfortable. That’s what makes them feel good.”

“They’re jealous of you, Yunice. They’d love nothing more than to drive a wedge between you and Wyatt.”

Her tone suddenly shifted–mischievous now.

Before Yunice could stop her, Laurie had already pulled out her phone and made a call. When Yunice looked over, it was too late–the line had connected.

Wyatt’s voice came through the speaker: “What is it?”

Laurie held up a finger, signaling Yunice to stay quiet. “Guess where I am?”

Wyatt’s tone instantly darkened. “What happened to Yunice?”

Laurie grinned. “I never even said her name. Why so anxious?”

“If it’s not about her, why are you calling me?” Wyatt snapped.

Laurie smirked. “Alright, fine–you guessed it. It’s about Yunice.”

“She just got seriously messed with.”

Yunice tried to protest, clearly embarrassed by Laurie’s exaggeration, but Laurie quickly clamped a hand over her mouth to keep her quiet.

Then she spoke cheerfully into the phone. “Someone stole her phone, locked her in the supply room, and framed her for… you know. If I hadn’t shown up in time, she’d be facing school discipline right now. I mean, who even thinks up this kind of crap? She’s so upset she couldn’t even eat.”

Wyatt’s voice grew faint, as though he was already confirming details with someone nearby.

Then he asked, “Was it Wendy and a student named Brynn?”

Laurie replied, “Who knows. Yunice barely knows either of them. No idea if they acted on their own or if someone else put them up to it.”

Wyatt knew Laurie well–her passive-aggressive tone meant there was more to this than she was letting on.

After ending the call, Laurie turned to Yunice, eyes gleaming. “Don’t listen to what he says. Watch what he does.”

“When it comes to snakes like Nora, the only way to deal with them is to drag everything into the light. Blast her with a spotlight–let’s see how long she lasts then.”

“You think too much, Yunice. You worry about everything. That’s exactly the kind of personality Nora preys on. She twists and manipulates–and you’re the perfect target.”

She set her phone down and grinned with satisfaction. “You need me to teach that little bitch some lessons.”

Then she glanced sideways at Yunice, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “You know… when I first met you, I wanted you out of the company.”

Yunice tilted her head. “Because I look like Nora?”

“Exactly.” Laurie didn’t hesitate. “Anyone who threatened my daughter is my enemy for life. First time I saw your face, I had a gut-level reaction–revulsion. I wanted you gone.”

“But then I got confused. Everyone said Wyatt only liked you because you looked like Nora.”

“But then I thought–if you look like her, then she also looks like you.”

“So I dug into the timeline. And I realized… you probably met Wyatt first.”

“You’ve been around the Powell family since you were a kid. There’s no way you and Wyatt didn’t cross paths. Ever thought about the possibility that Nora was the substitute? That Wyatt only cared for her because she reminded him of you?”

It hit like a thunderclap. Yunice’s eyes widened, shaken.

But after a moment, the shock faded, and she shook her head. “I don’t think that’s it.”

“I didn’t see much of Wyatt at the Powell house. Just a few brief encounters when we were kids. Once I got engaged to Paul, Wyatt and I barely even crossed paths. They were always at odds, and Wyatt hardly ever stayed around long.”

What she said was true.

Even when she visited the Powells, all she ever caught was a glimpse of Wyatt’s back as he left. They’d barely exchanged words.

So to her, the idea seemed too far-fetched.

But Laurie wasn’t convinced. Emotions could be buried deep. Could Yunice be so sure Wyatt had never harbored anything for her?

Laurie watched her quietly, then reached over and took her hand.

“Did something happen?” she asked softly. “Or is there something–some reason–you’re so certain Wyatt never had feelings for you?”