Chapter 303

Evelyn stepped out of Clara's bedroom.

Michael did a double take when he saw her. She looked like a walking ghost after days of self-imposed isolation. Her complexion had turned ashen, dark circles shadowing her sunken eyes. The weight loss was noticeable - her cheekbones protruded sharply beneath pale skin.

The children gasped when they saw their mother. Without a word, Evelyn turned mechanically toward her own room. Michael rushed after her. "Evelyn, please tell me you're not thinking of going to work?" he demanded.

She pulled a tailored pantsuit from the wardrobe and moved toward the ensuite bathroom. "You stay with Lily and Henry. I need to check on things at the office."

"So I'm the permanent babysitter now?" Michael's voice held an edge.

Evelyn shook her head. "I'll arrange for security personnel."

"Shouldn't we hire proper nannies instead?"

"Unnecessary." Evelyn intended to handle all parenting duties personally. The guards would merely provide transportation and protection - nothing more.

"Speaking of which," Michael lowered his voice, "Nathan mentioned Clara's case wasn't an accident. It was premeditated murder. You should go to the precinct for details."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around the doorframe. "Who told you that?" Her voice came out strangled.

"Nathan Cross," Michael answered. "Said Dominic had his team investigate. They uncovered disturbing evidence."

The fragile peace Evelyn had constructed shattered instantly.

Murder. Only one person came to mind - Margaret. Who else stood to benefit?

Evelyn had barely left when Sophie's car pulled into the driveway. Michael thrust the children toward her. "Sophie, watch them. Something's wrong with Evelyn - I need to follow her!" He grabbed keys and sprinted out.

At the police station, Michael arrived just as Evelyn exited the building.

"Evelyn!" He jumped from the car, but she moved like a sleepwalker, deaf to his calls.

She slid behind the wheel and sped off before he could reach her. Michael cursed, slamming his palms against his thighs.

Tears blurred Evelyn's vision as she drove. The confirmation hit like a physical blow - not an accident, but cold-blooded murder. She'd suspected Margaret, but the evidence pointed squarely at Sebastian Whitmore.

Bank records showed payments from Sebastian's account to the killer. The imprisoned man had even confessed.

Absurd! How could a death row inmate orchestrate this? With execution looming, he had nothing left to lose. A perfect scapegoat.

Hot tears tracked down Evelyn's cheeks. This reeked of Margaret's handiwork. With all evidence pointing to Sebastian, Margaret walked away untouched.

One hour later, Evelyn faced Margaret across a café table. "I never imagined Clara's death would affect you so deeply," Margaret purred, examining Evelyn's haggard appearance with faux concern. "Do take care of yourself, darling. After all..." Her lips curved. "More unpleasant surprises await."

She sipped her latte with practiced elegance. "Oh, I nearly forgot," Margaret continued brightly, "Richard Montgomery - my current beau - is Zoe's father. With Zoe carrying Dominic's child, we'll soon be family. How delightful."