Chapter 24
Suddenly, that night she tried so hard to forget flashed before her eyes.
In the depths of despair, she had seen Shelton’s usually gentle eyes filled with a fierce, protective glare as he rushed over to shield her. His figure had seemed so tall and reassuring.
She turned her head away, biting her lip to hold back her sobs.
Shelton’s heart tightened, but he managed to force a weak smile. “Don’t you worry about me. I’m doing fine here. Those who end up here are all rough types. Fights happen, but once it’s over, it’s water under the bridge. As long as you and Mom and Dad are okay, I can handle anything. So don’t cry, alright?”
But Phalicia cried harder.
Shelton began to sweat from anxiety, trying to lighten the mood with a joke. “Did you have a spat with Caleb? Last time you came, you mentioned getting hitched. When’s the big day?”
Phalicia’s heart sank. Just hearing Caleb’s name made her stomach churn.
She had begged him countless times over the past three years to take good care of Shelton.
But now, she couldn’t help thinking that maybe the beatings and the targeted abuse Shelton faced had all been deliberately set up by him.
She muttered, “Soon. I came today to ask you, do you wanna get out? Like within half a year?”
Shelton gave a helpless smile. “Come on, don’t talk nonsense. I was
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Chapter 24
sentenced to eight years. Even with a reduced sentence, I won’t be out anytime soon.”
“I just want a yes or no. Answer me.” Phalicia leaned forward anxiously.
Shelton paused for a short while, locking eyes with her. “Did something happen outside? You’re acting off today.”
Phalicia ignored his question. “Write down every detail of what happened when you got into that fight. Don’t leave anything out. I’ll have someone pick it up next week.”
Her eyes blazed with a determination she hoped would convince him. “Trust me. I’ll get you out as soon as I can.”
Shelton wasn’t excited about the idea of getting out. He stood up, frowning with worry. “Tell me what’s going on! Don’t keep me in the dark!”
“Everything is fine. Just wait for my news.
Phalicia clenched her fists, digging her nails into her palms to force herself to stay composed.
She couldn’t tell Shelton anything.
She had trusted the wrong person and risked her life for three years.
The hatred burned so deep that it made her sick to her stomach. But she couldn’t let Shelton suffer even a bit more.
She’d handle it all by herself.
Without another glance at Shelton, Phalicia turned and left.
A cold wind swept in, and she looked up.
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Chapter 24
The prison was nestled in a secluded spot. Above her stretched the sky and distant mountains.
The view never changed, and it was the kind of monotony that grew tiresome in an instant.
But Shelton had been in prison for three years after being set up by Caleb.
Over a thousand days and nights, he missed the foreign podcasts he used to listen to every morning, the food that the whole family loved, and the mystery and suspense comics he enjoyed reading.
Day after day, he spent his time here as a prisoner, obediently following orders and losing himself completely.
How unfair and tragic!
Phalicia’s heart ached so badly that she could barely breathe. She got into the car, gripped the steering wheel, and buried her head.
Caleb had gotten everything he wanted, yet he still wanted to destroy every last Lombard, even draining the very last bit of value from her.
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