Ariel froze. He could not believe what his ears were hearing, but Farrah's words were crystal clear. But how could Ariel believe that?M-Mama?Trying to breathe in the sudden horror that coursed through his body, Ariel's body suddenly shook violently. He almost thought he wouldn't be able to hold on. He could have collapsed any moment. Because a question quickly appeared in his mind. An echo.H-How could it be? No. It's impossible that mom would kill Nana.Ariel tried to deny reality. But when he had witnessed it all with his own eyes and ears, what else could he do? Except do his best to get out of there. With dragging steps, as if he had no strength left.Clinging to the wall, Ariel felt an indescribable cold enveloping his entire body. It almost made him think he wouldn't be able to reach his car. And when he sat behind the wheel, instead of driving away immediately, he was stunned.Farrah's face, radiant with a blooming smile, lingered in Ariel's mind. No matter how hard he tried
Elice was not unaware that Farrah was looking into her room. However, the woman pretended not to notice, adopting an indifferent posture when in fact the opposite was true. With her eyes fixed on her husband, Elice still managed to observe Farrah's unusual behavior out of the corner of her eye.Elice smiled. At Garrett, of course. Trying to calm the man's worries. But it seemed that the smile wasn't only effective for Garrett. Instead, it also seemed to bring out Farrah's true nature.In front of others, Farrah appeared to be a caring family member, seemingly deeply affected by the tragic events. Especially since Daphne was her own biological mother.But look at that. Elice wouldn't be wrong if she noticed the smirk forming on Farrah's face. The cynical expression that appeared there wouldn't escape Elice's notice.Farrah hadn't come to comfort the grieving family. Quite the opposite."So..."Garrett's voice caught Elice's attention. Coinciding with Farrah's retreat from Elice's bedro
Farrah fell silent. For the words Elice spoke to her, she had never expected. It she wondered in her mind. Was this really Elice standing before her? Because it didn't seem like the Elice she knew.But wait. It was weak, until Elice wasn't sure if it was a shake. Although in reality Farrah was shaking her head. She refused to admit that she had experienced something similar before.On Elice and Garrett's wedding day. Farrah wouldn't forget that. But Farrah had thought that maybe there was a euphoria of happiness that caused Elice to act out of character for her."I won't let you hurt me again," Elice said as she hugged her still slim belly. "Nor my child."And maybe Elice didn't realize that she had changed until now. But not with Farrah. For when something happened more than once, it was clearly no coincidence. Instead, it was certainty."You...""I will risk everything to protect my child. I will never lose a second time."That look felt like a stab to Farrah's heart. Maybe Elice's
It was a peaceful morning. Elice, feeling refreshed, decided to work. Garrett did not mind, but he made sure to remind Elice not to push herself too hard.With Elice and Garrett out of the house, only Norah, Wilda and Farrah remained. Three middle-aged women who could never sit together for long. So, it was not surprising when Farrah soon appeared, leaving Norah and Wilda behind.Alone, Farrah did not seem like her usual self at that moment. Something was on her mind, and Farrah knew exactly what it was."What am I going to do? Elice and Garrett clearly suspect me."Farrah should not be surprised that Elice and Garrett suspected her. She could not keep a straight face in front of them. Besides, her high ego often caused her to lose control, sometimes unconsciously expressing sarcastic remarks or attitudes."I'm sure Teddy can handle Elice. But I need to know what's going on in this house. And after Yocelyn failed, who else can I trust?"Farrah walked slowly, trying to find a way out.
"How was it?"Garrett received a direct question as he opened the door, and Elice greeted his arrival with a visibly uncomfortable expression.Not at the Morales residence, Garrett and Elice were in the apartment. It had been Elice's home before she officially became Garrett's wife.Garrett closed the door and motioned for Elice to sit down. He could feel her hands trembling and sweat dampening his palms.Garrett took a deep breath and looked at Elice. He nodded, anticipating the answer Elice had already guessed."Just as we suspected. Aunt Farrah bugged our house."Elice had indeed suspected something was up, especially when Garrett came to her office and invited her to lunch. It wasn't just an ordinary lunch invitation. Instead, Garrett had deliberately arranged a meeting, making sure they would meet at the apartment after she returned home.While Elice suspected something was up, she didn't expect her house to be bugged. Elice had never imagined Farrah would go to such lengths."So
"How's Nana's accident case coming along?"Carolus answered Garrett's morning call with some unexpected news. "So far, the most likely possibility is that the driver will only be charged with negligent driving, sir," Carolus replied. "We haven't found any concrete evidence of a relationship between Mrs. Farrah and the driver."Garrett winced and stared at Carolus in pain. "Not even a little?"Carolus shook his head. "I apologize, sir."Garrett closed his eyes. He had not expected much from the beginning. After all, if Farrah could get away with it, didn't that prove she was clean? She could not have had a direct relationship with the driver.Of course not. She must have had an intermediary.There was a moment of silence. Garrett took a deep breath and reminded himself to stay calm. Acting hastily would only complicate the situation. He had to take a broader view of the situation. Try to find every possible loophole."Have you checked out the driver's family?""Not yet, sir," Carolus r
"Do you remember that orphanage visit you made with Nana and Mama before?""Yes. What about that?""It seems there's a similar event coming up soon. Do you know about it?""The opening of a new orphanage?""Exactly. But Amber told me this afternoon that the official invitation arrived at the office. And perhaps tomorrow or the day after, Mr. Carolus will meet with you."Oh dear. An orphanage. A charity event? Why were they discussing something so unimportant?It was Farrah who, before going back to sleep, reviewed the results of the day's conversation. At first, she thought she would learn something important. But what?"Elice? Why are you silent?""I-I..."Farrah's eyes widened dramatically as she faintly heard Elice's sobs from the other side. She sighed lazily."I remember Nana, Garrett. You know? When we visited the Harmony House orphanage, Nana told me."Farrah's body tensed. She wondered.What did Mama tell Elice?Strangely enough, Garrett was asking a similar question."What di
"Get rid of?"When Ariel repeated the one-word Ruben had said, he suppressed a grin. His eyes showed disbelief, for it still seemed highly unlikely that Ariel would believe such information. That his mother had ordered the head of his household guards to kill Elice.Ruben lowered his head again and gave a slight nod that Ariel could barely see."Yes, sir."Ariel couldn't hold on any longer. His legs completely lost their strength and he fell onto the chair. Ruben lifted Ariel's face and the shock on the man's face was truly pitiful.For a moment no one spoke. Both Ariel and Ruben were silent. Ariel closed his eyes and felt his heart pounding inside of him. Heat and sweat immediately enveloped his entire body.Elice. No. Not Elice.Because Ariel would never forget what Farrah could and had done to Elice before. Farrah hadn't hesitated to intimidate Elice when she was pregnant with her baby. Not even the presence of the innocent creature in Elice's womb could soften Farrah's heart. And