My Anti-hero Fairy System-Chapter 70. Jackie’s Truth

"But I did," Cara said, forcing confidence into her voice, hoping Jackie would buy the lie.

Jackie’s lips curved into a knowing smile. "No, you didn’t," she said. "I can smell when someone is sick, and that scent doesn’t just disappear in twenty-four hours. There would still be traces of it."

Damn! I forgot she’s a shapeshifter, Cara thought.

She opened her mouth to respond, but Jackie cut her off. "It’s okay if you need some space from me," she said, stepping closer. "I know I can come on a bit strong. And if I’m not mistaken, this is your first time being with a woman."

Jackie placed a hand on Cara’s locker, her body subtly leaning in, her blouse dipping just enough to reveal the soft curves of her cleavage.

Cara’s eyes involuntarily flickered downward, lingering for a second longer than they should have. A surge of desire ran through her, an urge to reach out, to touch. Get a grip, she told herself, snapping back to reality.

"Maybe this is a bit much for me right now," Cara admitted, forcing herself to meet Jackie’s eyes. "But I want this."

Jackie’s eyes lit up, her excitement barely contained. "Really?"

"Yes, I do," Cara confirmed. Then, without hesitation, she added, "Even though you’re having an affair with my stepfather, I still want you."

Jackie’s smile faltered instantly, the warmth in her expression dimming. "I’m not having an affair with your stepfather," she said, pulling back slightly. "At least... not in the way you think."

Cara crossed her arms, her voice steady. "I remember it clearly. I saw you two having sex in your office. And when I confronted you about it, you admitted how you felt about me, which by the way was weird," Cara said, piecing things she was able to grab from reading Jackie’s mind.

Jackie turned away, avoiding Cara’s gaze. "That’s not entirely what happened," she muttered. Then, her tone shifted, sharper now. "By the way, why didn’t you confront us then? I’m certain you took pictures, but instead of confronting us you left. Why?"

’Wait, did I take pictures of them?’

[Yes, you haven’t checked all the pictures on your phone yet. I don’t blame you, there are a lot of them,] Hagrit responded in her mind.

’I’ll look through them as soon as I can.’

"I don’t remember why I didn’t confront you both that day," Cara admitted, choosing her words carefully. "Maybe I was too shocked to react."

"So you waited until the next day to confront me?" Jackie asked, her voice tight with frustration.

Cara hesitated, caught off guard. Jackie exhaled sharply and shook her head. "I wish you had confronted us that day," she said bitterly. "Maybe then, he would have stopped."

Cara’s brows furrowed. "Stopped?" A sinking feeling settled in her gut. "Jackie... what do you mean by that?"

Jackie hesitated, her tough exterior cracking. She glanced away, her jaw tightening.

"Are you saying Rudy forces you to have sex with him?" Cara pressed, her voice quiet but firm.

Jackie closed her eyes briefly, then nodded. "Yes." Her voice was barely more than a whisper, and when she looked at Cara again, her expression held something she rarely let anyone see—pain.

Cara stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm. "How long has this been going on?"

A single tear slipped down Jackie’s cheek as she answered, "Since his father, Conrad Wesley, died. Let me explain—my father owned this diner, but he fell on hard times and took a loan from Conrad to keep the place running. Before he passed, he told me he had paid off the debt, but as soon as Conrad died, Rudy showed up claiming otherwise. He took ownership of the diner, insisting that I had defaulted on payments. I wanted to fight it, but I had no proof, and I couldn’t afford a lawyer.

"When I threatened to take it to court, he warned me that he would throw me out onto the street and leave me with nothing. Then, he offered me a deal—I could stay and manage the diner. I had no choice but to accept. But he wanted more. And I couldn’t say no to him, not without risking everything. He told me if I ever rejected him, he would ruin me. And I believe him."

Cara studied her closely, searching for any sign of deceit. She even delved into Jackie’s thoughts to be certain. But everything Jackie said was true.

Without hesitation, Cara pulled her into a hug, holding her as she cried.

’Damn. Just when I think Rudy can’t sink any lower, he proves me wrong.’

[Yeah, the man is despicable.]

’This complicates things.’

[How so?]

’If I sleep with her and Rudy catches us, he will fire her and make good on his threat to leave her homeless. I can’t do that to her. This diner—it’s all she has left of her father.’

[That’s true. But you still have to complete your mission. You know the rules.]

Cara felt a sharp pang in her chest, torn between her obligation and her conscience.

Just then, Jackie pulled away, wiping at her damp cheeks. "Crying won’t solve anything," she said, straightening her shoulders. "I need to get this place ready for Rudy’s meeting with the Hemridge business owners this evening."

"Wait—Rudy’s coming here tonight?" Cara asked.

"Yes, that’s what I just said," Jackie replied, looking at her oddly.

"So that means..." Cara hesitated, her jaw tightening. "He’ll expect to have his way with you today?"

Jackie swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah. Probably. I just... I hope not."

Cara’s mind raced. If Jackie’s father had really paid off the debt, there had to be proof somewhere—proof that could get Rudy out of Jackie’s life for good. And there was only one place that proof was likely to be. Rudy’s study, specifically his cellar.

A plan began to take shape.

Without another word, Cara turned and started pulling off her work clothes.

Jackie blinked, momentarily stunned by the sight of Cara’s bare skin. "W-what are you doing?" she stammered, visibly flustered.

Cara pulled on her casual clothes, her movements swift and purposeful. "I need to head home," she said, slipping on her shoes. "I’ll be back before you know it."

Jackie looked at her, bewildered. "But I need you here. I can’t do all of this on my own."

Cara walked toward the diner entrance, glancing back over her shoulder with a smirk. "Just give me twenty minutes. I promise, I’ll be back." Then, without waiting for a response, she was gone.