“Ms. Greensmith,” the doctor said apologetically, “I’m so sorry… Your mother passed away ten minutes ago.”
By the time Alannah arrived, her mother’s body had already been covered with a white sheet.
She clung to her mother’s cold and lifeless body, sobbing uncontrollably. But the woman in her arms would never wake up again.
All night, she stayed in the hospital, staring blankly into the darkness, until dawn broke and the police called.
“Ms. Greensmith, we’ve identified the driver who caused the accident—it was Salem Wardle.”
Salem Wardle, Pearl’s younger brother.
The very next day, Alannah buried her mother’s ashes with her own hands.
Her tears had run dry. Her heart was gone with them.
When she walked out of the cemetery, she did two things.
First, she called her lawyer and had the divorce agreement drafted.
Second, she went to the police station… and confirmed her intent to prosecute Salem.
When Alannah finished handling everything and returned to the villa to pack her things, someone kicked the front door open.
She turned to see Quincy standing there with a frighteningly sullen face. He strode to her and grabbed her wrist hard.