Chapter 76

Caroline's POV...

As I drew the curtain aside, Julie, who had earlier alerted me to Atlas's presence, cleared her throat. “I don't know what he is doing here. I shall refrain from pestering you concerning that matter. However, had Ryder divulged to you the fact that...”

“Atlas is allegedly the murderer. The perpetrator behind my mother's demise.” Gritting my teeth, I experienced a tumultuous mixture of agony and fury. In pain, because the way he was staring at me a while ago hurt me like dozens of wasps stinging at once. With a heavy heart, I reluctantly drew the curtain, feeling a surge of anger at the immense barrier that separated us. I found myself unable to detach it from my grasp and discard it. I loved him. I did. Truly, I did. However, the depth of my love for my mother transcended all physical boundaries, as I cherished her without ever laying eyes on her or feeling her embrace. It manifested as an insatiable hunger, an all-consuming craving that consumed every fiber of their