Chapter 50
Victoria nodded solemnly. “We believe Rachel Miller is essentially a victim
The back doors burst open, Every head turned as Caspian strode in, Blake behind him.
Every accusation The Palmer family just made is an absolute lie,‘ Caspian declared into the microphone. “Rachel Miller is a dangerous criminal who belongs in a psychiatric institution, She was hired by Jeffrey Palmer to harass Sage Winters. We have bank transfer records proving it.”
The room erupted as cameras flashed frantically.
Victoria attempted damage control. These are ridiculous allegations!”
Blake stepped forward. “Then why did the FBI find monthly consulting fees paid to her by Palmer Enterprises?”
A young reporter stood.
“Ms. Palmer, court documents filed yesterday described Rachel Miller as an ‘unstable independent actor. Today you’re claiming she was influenced by Ms. Winters. These statements directly contradict each other. Which is true?”
Victoria stammered as her facade cracked. The press conference descended into chaos.
flack at Marcus’s apartment, Agent Martinez showed me surveillance devices found in my home. “Rachel was monitoring your every move.”
We watched Caspian defending me on television.
“He shouldnt have done that,” I murmured. “The Palmer family will destroy his career.”
“Hes protecting you,” Isolde said. “Just like you’ve been trying to protect him.”
Martinez cleared his throat.
“M. Winters, we need you poste
I watched Caspian on screen.
key witness against the Palmer family. I must warn you, this will put everything from your past in the spotlight.”
Im sick of living with secrets. It’s time for the truth.“
Katherine showed us through Caspians renovated penthouse.
The smoke damage from Victoria’s devices had been completely repaired, and security had been dramatically enhanced throughout.
Every entry point no
now has biometric locks, the windows have been upgraded to bulletproof glass, and the elevator requires both a passcode and fingerprint,” she explained. The ventilation system has also been completely redesigned with multiple fail–safes to prevent another attack like Victoria’s.
In the master bedroom, I was shocked to find the bookshelf held philosophy textbooks I’d lost years ago–miraculously salvaged before Victoria’s atta
“How is this possible?” I whispered
ent consuderable time locating items important to you,” Katherine explained. “He was determined to make this place feel like home. The
mrked around the clock to preserve these personal touches while upgrading the security”
The ring med Caspian entered, stopping when he saw me
sulding all this. For not giving s
Biske tally dappeared, leasing an
the pr
in i have done that.
Chapter 50
“The Palmer family will retaliate
“Tuck my career,” Caspian interrupted. “When Rachel had me tied up, the only thing that kept me going was knowing you would come. Not because of an lawyer–client relationship, but because of who you are.”
Im scared, Caspian, I admitted. “Not of Rachel of the Palmers. But of… this.”
1 gestured between us. “That het destroyed my ability to trust.”
“Let me earn it back,” he said. “Not all at once. Just… a little at a time.”
I nodded, relief washing through me. I think I’d like that.”
As we stood in comfortable silence, my phone buzzed with a notification.
Breaking news alert.
VICTORIA PALMER HOSPITALIZED AFTER SUSPECTED POISONING
Beneath it, a text from an unknown number:
The game is just beginning, little sister. Robert sends his regards. Did you think a psychiatric ward could hold me? -R
I stared at Caspian in horror, showing him the message.
“How is this possible? Rachel was institutionalized.”
Caspian’s face hardened as he read it.
“Someone’s helping her. This isn’t over.”
My phone buzzed again with another text:
Check your new closet, Sage. I left you a welcome gift.
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