Chapter 68.

STACY

How could Nicole be dead? I just saw her two days ago, looking perfectly healthy.

I tighten my arms across my chest, barely holding back my anger as I glare at Jason. “Prove it to me, Jason. Prove you had no hand in her sudden death.” My voice is sharp. I hadn’t meant to sound so accusatory, but the shock of Nicole’s death has left me reeling, unable to untangle the mess of emotions twisting inside me.

Jason sighs, rubbing his hand across his face, his fingers pressing hard against his temples as if he’s trying to steady himself. “Stacy, I didn’t… I wouldn’t.” He turns to look at me, his eyes dark with frustration and something else—hurt, maybe? “Yes, I wanted her out of our lives, to stop her from driving this wedge between us, but I never wanted her dead. I still stand by what I said, Stacy. I’ve never, and would never, harm a woman. Not her… not anyone.”

I don’t answer right away, leaning back into my seat and turning my gaze to the trees outside the window. Nicole had been m