Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0449

I waited in our marital home until night fell. I reached out, tracing the outline of the tall buildings and Nicholas. The night was as dark as ink, and the glass windows reflected my exhausted face.

It felt like I already knew the outcome, yet I was reluctant to let go.

The clock’s hands had just moved to midnight when my phone rang abruptly.

“Ariana, the police have surrounded the Coral Villa.‘ If you want Nick to die, let them come in and arrest me!”

It was a message, a blatant provocation from Claudia. I reached out and wiped the window frantically. I couldn’t erase my frustration, only leaving a hand full of dust.

I admitted that Claudia’s threat had indeed affected me. As she said, if she weren’t there, Nicholas would likely be gone too.

I didn’t know how much of today’s situation was due to the harm I caused Nicholas, but I couldn’t ignore the fact that I wasn’t innocent.

got up and walked to the fish tank. I took out the tiny, stinking fish bodies and buried them in the garden soil of the villa.

I

I let out an ironic laugh. Letting Claudia go? I drove the trowel hard into the dirt. Counting this time, I couldn’t even keep track of how many times I had let Claudia off for Nicholas.

Douglas had been waiting outside the villa for me. Upon seeing me come out, he took me straight to the hospital.

*

After a day and night of barely sleeping, my body had been overworked. I stayed in the hospital for two days. Fortunately, I had continuously been taking measures to protect the pregnancy. So, despite some instability, everything remained fine.

Neal was quick. In less than three days, he had already uncovered the details of the case. He came to see me, looking exhausted.

“You’ve worked hard these days. Make sure to rest well after this is all over,” I said as I sat up in bed, casually chatting with him.

“I’m doing fine, but Mr. Hawk has been putting some pressure. You told me not to tell him before, so he still doesn’t know the full story.”

Neal’s expression darkened. “But I can’t keep this from him any longer. It’s against the rules.”

“I understand. If he hasn’t requested a visit, leave it to me. I’ll find a chance to inform him.”

I nodded seriously at Neal before asking, “What did you find out?”

Having mentioned the case, Neal’s spirits lifted.

“Frances kept her word and took all the blame upon herself. Thankfully, her testimony helped me dig up some details. They only erased the ward’s surveillance footage, thinking they were in the clear.

“But what they didn’t know was that the cameras outside the room captured some footage. Although it isn’t direct evidence, we can deduce what Claudia did in front of Daniel’s hospital bed. Less than a minute later, she came out of the room and called the doctor.”

“Hmm,” I responded softly. “So there is no direct evidence.”

I looked at Neal calmly, my expression devoid of excess emotion. However, Neal’s voice sped up as if he was eager to show himself.

“There can be! I can arrest her right now!”

He pulled out a document from his briefcase. It was the final list after screening all the hospital staff.

It was understandable for me and Nicholas to think that Daniel had died of natural causes, but the hospital couldn’t have missed any abnormalities.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Since this matter had been concealed until now, it means there were definitely accomplices from Claudia and Frances within the hospital.

I closed the document and handed it to Douglas, speaking softly. “Help me arrange a meeting with Nicholas at Jones Corporation tomorrow. Make sure he comes.”

“Well…” Douglas hesitated. “Is he in a condition to do that? What if he can’t control his emotions and does something to harm you? What do you want to tell him? I think it’s better if I convey the message instead.”

“He’s not insane!” My voice was soft, but my gaze was unwavering as I looked at Douglas.

I knew Nicholas would come. He said he had someone he wanted to protect. If he didn’t come, how could he protect her?