Adeline paced back and forth in her room, her fingers pressed against her lips as she tried to think. So far, she hadn’t come up with a single idea.“It was all his fault!” she yelled, running a hand through her hair, her face twisted in fury.Her room was a disaster—just like her mind.Pillows were strewn across the floor, the bedsheets half-hanging as if yanked in a fit of rage. One of the dresser drawers had been pulled out and tossed aside, its contents—scarves, papers, and makeup—spilled and trampled underfoot. A long crack ran across the mirror above the vanity, a reminder of the moment she had flung a bottle at it.Clothes clung limply to the edges of chairs, the wardrobe doors flung open, one hanging precariously by a hinge. Books lay scattered against the wall, their spines bent, pages torn. The once-scented candles were now just puddles of broken wax on her desk.She stepped over a shattered perfume bottle, its sharp scent still lingering in the air—mixing with the bitterne

"He killed her, and his family covered it up," the lawyer continued bitterly. "They even said her death worked in their favor—that it saved them the trouble."Oscar glanced at the man, studying the expression on his face—grief twisted with anger.He had always known Otis could be cruel, but he hadn't expected him to go that far. He never imagined things would spiral this badly.“What are you going to do now?” Oscar asked quietly. “I don’t know much about you… I haven’t used your services before.”The lawyer turned to him. For a moment, he said nothing. Then, a thin, cold smile crept across his face.“Right,” he said. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Benedict Hall.”Oscar blinked. He couldn’t believe he had never even known the lawyer’s name.“I’m the family’s retainer. I’ve handled estate filings, minor disputes, and contracts.”Oscar raised a brow. “Are you still going to work for the family?”Benedict hesitated before giving a slow nod. “Yes. I suppose that’s something I have to keep d

Silence.Lisa’s words echoed through the room like a gunshot.No one spoke.No one moved.Even the ticking wall clock seemed to hesitate, as if it, too, was stunned.Max rose from his seat and shot Lisa a glare. “What do you mean, Aunt Adeline must have given the documents to Tedmond on purpose?!”Lisa didn’t flinch. Her voice remained calm, but her eyes held a quiet boldness.“I said what I meant. Who else could’ve done it? Aunt Adeline was the one who prepared the documents. Is there any other explanation when the evidence is staring us in the face?”Evelyn’s face darkened. “That’s a serious accusation.”Lisa turned to her. “Is it? Then how do you explain how Tedmond ended up with all the assets if Adeline wasn’t involved?”Max slammed his hand against the back of the chair. “You think she betrayed us? That she wanted him to have everything?”Lisa didn’t look away. “I think she chose him. Maybe not out of love or loyalty—maybe out of guilt. Or maybe she believed he deserved it more

“What… what are they doing here?” Adeline whispered, stunned.She hadn’t expected them to show up so quickly. She thought they’d take a few days—especially after Oscar had chased them off.Now, they were at her home, asking to speak with her.She hadn’t even come up with an excuse yet. How was she going to convince them she had no idea the documents were valid?Pulling the curtains shut, Adeline turned from the window and rushed out of her room. Oscar had promised to come up with a solution, but he hadn’t contacted her since.She needed to find him—she couldn’t face them alone.She ran down the stairs and headed straight to the other wing of the house, where Oscar usually stayed. She burst into the library, calling his name.“Oscar!”But the room was empty.No books left open. No signs of recent use. No Oscar.Her heart skipped. Maybe he was in the basement study. She hurried there next—then to the garden, then the garage. Room after room, space after space—no sign of him.Panic built