When the video ended, Andrew and Daniel slowly turned their heads toward Chloe, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and dawning realization.}
And yet, Chloe still tried to wriggle free.}
“That video’s fake!” she shouted. “It’s not real–I didn’t do it!“}
But the bodyguard wasn’t finished. He opened a small silver case and lifted out a glass vial.
Chloe’s face went pale. She stumbled back.”
“No–take it away! I can’t–I can’t smell that-!“}
The entire room seemed to freeze.”
Everyone understood now.”
Tommy stepped forward, voice sharp and unwavering.”
“Can’t smell what, Chloe?”
He held the vial up for all to see.”
“This is the same compound you planted in Elise’s room. The same one that triggered your so–called convulsions. You framed her- and you still dare to lie?”
Chloe’s composure crumbled. Her wide eyes searched frantically for a lifeline. She reached out for Daniel.”
“Please,” she whimpered. “Uncle Daniel, I didn’t… You know I wouldn’t… I’m carrying your child!“}
She turned to Andrew next, more desperate now. “You can’t let them do this–I have your baby!“}]
But that was the wrong move.\
With a snarl, Andrew stormed toward her. He grabbed her by the neck with one hand and forced the other against her swollen belly. “You think I’m powerless because you’re pregnant?” he spat. “If it hadn’t been for Elise, I never would’ve touched you!”
He pressed harder and Chloe screamed, struggling against him.”
I watched it all, heart bitter and numb. He had once done the same to me–choked me into silence for her sake. Now, his rage turned on her just as violently. His love had never been protection. It had always been control.”
Daniel stepped in beside him, holding the scented vial under Chloe’s nose.
“If you’re this filthy beneath the surface, there’s no need to keep that child,” he said coldly.”
The effect was immediate.”
Within seconds, Chloe’s body seized. She dropped to the floor, blood staining her dress as she wailed in agony. Her hands clawed helplessly at the air, begging for help.”
But no one moved.
No one answered.
I sighed and gave Tommy a look. He understood instantly and gestured for someone to call an ambulance.}
Only once Chloe had been carried away on a stretcher did Andrew and Daniel dare approach me again.
“Elise,” Andrew said softly. “We’ve handled it. That child’s gone. You don’t need to be angry anymore.““]
Daniel nodded, eyes pleading. “We’re not asking you to forgive us. Just… don’t leave. Come back to us. Please.“N
They poured out words of love, of regret, as if that was all it would take.”
Their mother tried to step in again, whispering pleas for mercy and second chances.
But I didn’t answer her.
I turned toward Tommy and walked to him.”
“Elise…” Andrew’s voice broke.
I ignored him.”
“I’ve married into the Whitmore Family,” I said clearly, letting my voice carry across the hall. “I am your uncle’s wife. That makes me your aunt.”
“And if the two of you are truly expelled from this family, then we’re strangers. Nothing more. I never want to see you again.”” I extended my hand.
Tommy took it and wrapped his arm firmly around my waist.
In full view of the stunned guests, he turned to the guards and gave a single nod.
“Remove them.”
Andrew and Daniel were dragged toward the exit, still screaming my name, begging me to look back.
But I didn’t.
Not once./
Sulla vife last piece of visiteu wusiness, rewievilly my parents weivnymys.
After the banquet, I returned with Tommy to his home.”
Despite the chaos I had stirred, I couldn’t shake the guilt. Tonight had been a disaster and I had been at the center of it.”
But Tommy never blamed me. Not once.§
He told me that faking his death had been a last resort–that he had been betrayed and needed to disappear. But now that he had
returned, no one would ever touch me again.”
No one would ever hurt me again.§
