Chapter: 189
"Stay put. I'll handle this," Alan said, his expression turning stern as he checked the peephole and spotted an unfamiliar man.
The pounding on the door persisted, interwoven with the man's angry shouts.
“You murderer, don't think you can just hide yourself inside! I know you're in there, Kaitlin. Come out! You owe Whitney's life! Go to hell!"
Alan's face hardened as he swung the door open and fixed a stern gaze on the man. "Go to hell? Really? And who might you be?"
The man recoiled, startled by the abrupt opening of the door and the imposing figure of Alan.
He tried to look past Alan into the house but found his view obstructed.
"How did you get in here? Did you climb the wall? Well, I'm calling the cops now. You can explain your story to them."
The mention of the police made the man tense up. “You! Don't get all high and mighty. I'm here for Kaitlin Gilbert. You're not involved. Are you her lover? Tell her to show herself!"
With a swift motion, Alan kicked the man's leg, causing him to stagger backwards. "Fuck off!"
The man let out a yelp of pain and hobbled off quickly.
After sending the man away, Alan shut the door once more. “Kaitlin, you saw what just happened. People will start causing problems. It's no longer safe here.”
Kaitlin nodded in agreement and began to pack her belongings. “I'll crash at Phoebe's place. Can you drive me there?"
Alan's brow furrowed. "Phoebe's also in a vulnerable position. She might not be able to cope with this situation either."
Kaitlin dismissed his concerns with a wave of her hand. "I can't keep hiding in your villa. I need to discuss the studio's issues with Phoebe. Trust me, Alan, I can take care of myself."
Alan sighed so softly it was almost imperceptible, but he consented.
Once he had made sure Kaitlin was safely with Phoebe, he left.
Still concerned for her safety, he arranged for a few trusted individuals to watch over Kaitlin without drawing attention.
Additionally, Alan had his team work on controlling the media narrative to keep the situation from escalating.
He also initiated a thorough investigation into Whitney's background and current situation.
Kaitlin and Phoebe spent some time discussing but failed to uncover any definitive information.
Whitney was a recent addition to the project by Manuel. If she had been compromised by a competitor, there should have been some indication of it.
Whitney's actions appeared to be indiscriminate, affecting everyone around her.
"Is it possible she was suffering from a mental illness? Why would she choose to end her life near the studio?" Phoebe mused aloud as she walked back and forth in the living room, her frustration evident in her voice.
Her musing sparked a thought in Kaitlin. “Perhaps she was really struggling with her mental health."