CHAPTER 6

Logan accelerated his yellow Lamborghini Aventador S, the engine's growl resonating through the busy roads. He was heading home after abruptly leaving Jared's house, where he had been hanging out with his friends.

Matt, his personal servant, had called as instructed, informing him that Nia had arrived at the house. Logan hadn't hesitated. Without bothering to explain his sudden departure, he'd jumped into his car, leaving his friends bewildered.

As he drove, his mind raced as he thought about everything.

He was sure that Nia wasn't from a rich family background so she had surprised him by returning the handbag.

What was her aim? He wondered.

Was she trying to get on the good side of his family, knowing she would benefit a lot?

His grip tightened on the steering wheel as he frowned, trying to make sense of her actions.

The Duvernoy Gold Night Green Handbag, which she had returned, wasn't just any accessory. It had been specially designed for his mother in her favorite color and was valued at $550,000 when launched. There were no duplicates. It was the only one of its kind.

It was stolen when his mother had gone to inspect the growth of one of their company's jewelry stores, and had thrown the entire family into turmoil. His father had contacted countless security experts, desperate to track down the thief. Meanwhile, his mother had been inconsolable—not just because of its monetary value, but because it was a birthday gift from her husband, making it priceless.

And now of all the people in Starbury, it had to be Nia who found it.

Why did it have to be that stubborn bitch of all people?

He thought, his anger rising.

As he reflected on this, Logan was sure that Nia had endeared herself to his family already.

And it really pissed him off.

The gates swung open, the security team already anticipating his arrival. He pulled into the driveway, parking beside the fountain, and tossed the car key to Matt, who had rushed out to meet him, to take it to the garage.

Nia was the first person his eyes met as he turned towards the sit out, his gaze locking onto hers.

Her eyes widened momentarily before she masked her unease. That brief flicker didn't escape Logan's notice, and his lips curled into a smirk.

For some reason he didn't know, his heart began racing as he walked slowly towards them.

Perhaps I'm too angry to see her.

He thought, brushing aside the strange feeling as he approached.

"Looks like the welcome party for the 'Good Samaritan' started without me," he drawled, sarcasm dripping from his tone as he sat across from Nia, crossing his long legs.

Her eyes darkened at his words, but she said nothing. Instead, she gritted her teeth and held her composure, which only amused him further.

Lena, his mother, smiled warmly.

"You've been out with your friends so often lately, we didn't bother calling you."

"Whatever. Has she explained how she found the bag yet?" Logan asked sharply.

"No, we were just about to get to that before you barged in," Dianne, his sister, replied with an annoyed eye roll.

"Ah, my apologies then," Logan said, leaning back lazily. "You can talk now, kid." He emphasized the last word deliberately, watching Nia's reaction, hoping it would piss her off.

It worked, because she gritted her teeth but to his surprise, she ignored the taunt.

Jared was right when he said her reaction would be different if we eventually met again.

She seemed to know who I am now thanks to google.

Logan thought, smirking.

"I found it at the dumpster in our street when I went to dispose of the trash yesterday," Nia said reluctantly, her voice steady but her discomfort clear.

Logan raised an eyebrow.

"You found a $550,000 handbag in a dumpster in your street?"

"Yea," she replied, her tone clipped.

"That sounds lame, how can someone just steal a Duvernoy handbag only to throw it in the dumpster?" Logan asked, feigning confusion.

Nia's sharp glare was her only response, and Logan smiled inwardly. He had to make her regret finding the handbag.

"Well, you know the kind of effort your dad had to put in to ensure the thief didn't have anywhere or anyone to sell it to," Lena reminded, as she opened the bag.

Logan frowned as he saw his mom look at Nia with a whole new level of endearment in her eyes when she was done inspecting the bag.

"You didn't take anything? Not even the money?" Lena asked, her tone filled with admiration.

"No, ma'am," Nia replied simply.

"Everything's still intact even the money is untouched! Can you believe that Logan, she's such a sweetheart," Lena raved as she showed Logan and Dianne the contents in the handbag that were untouched.

Nothing was missing.

Logan's frown deepened.

How could someone be this innocent?

"We owe you so much, Nia. You must be the most honest person I've ever met," Dianne said warmly, causing Nia to blush and mutter a quiet "thank you."

Logan scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"I don't see why you guys are so excited about this. She could've been the one who stole it in the first place, and is trying to act good just to get a favour from the Duvernoys, because I don't believe any shit she says," Logan said.

Nia glared at him, but it was Lena's voice that snapped through the tension.

"Logan!" she scolded, her eyes narrowing.

Logan glared at his mom.

"What! Can't you see all this shit is just made up by her? Dianne you too you're buying this fat lie?" Logan said, turning around to look at his sister.

Dianne sighed, disappointment evident in her expression.

"Logan, the CCTV footage already identified the thief as a man in his 40s. Nia isn't lying. Stop accusing her and show some gratitude."

Logan froze, his mouth slightly opened, wishing for the ground to open up and swallow him right then. He'd completely forgotten about the CCTV footage. Now, he looked—and felt—stupid.

All because of her.

He clenched his jaw, glaring at Nia.

"Do you have something personal against her, Logan?" Lena asked, her gaze shifting between the two of them. "Have you two met before?"

Logan and Nia exchanged sharp glares, both unsure whether to reveal their previous encounter at the sidewalk.