BUBBLES

ALANNA

"The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence."

I thought the worst was behind us. Nolan was alive. But the detective’s words hung in the air like a storm cloud, casting a shadow over the fragile relief I had clung to.

“There’s something you need to know, Mrs. Alanna,” the detective repeated, his tone grave. I steeled myself, bracing for whatever bombshell he was about to drop.

“We’ve uncovered new information about Brad’s motives,” he continued. “He had a plan to flee with the money—both yours and the funds from the Westbrook empire. He opened an offshore account and was preparing to disappear to Africa.”

My stomach churned as I absorbed the gravity of what he was saying. It wasn’t just about the money; it was the betrayal, the manipulation. Brad had planned to take everything and vanish, leaving us with nothing but the wreckage of his actions.

“He’s out of immediate danger and will be transferred to the prison hospital soon,” the detective added. “From there, h