That night, I pretended to fall asleep early.
Elijah tore through the apartment, hunting for that scratch-off ticket.
I'd anticipated his greed. The ticket was already hidden somewhere he'd never think to look.
When he came up empty, he retreated to the balcony and called Anita.
His voice drifted through the glass, fragmented but clear enough:
"That's right—fifty million! Once the money hits the account, I'll have Gideon extend Hayden's life! Fifty more years this time! And if that's not enough, we'll add more!"
"Nora? Who cares about her. Even if she recovers, she'll just be a sickly burden. Better she dies and reincarnates sooner—spare everyone the suffering!"
"If Cassandra hadn't been so easy to manipulate, you think I would've married her? Anita, you know the truth. You're the only one in my heart..."
I trembled beneath the covers. Even a tiger won't devour its own cubs. But Elijah? He was worse than an animal.
No matter. Judgment was coming for both of them.
On the day I claimed the prize, Elijah insisted on tagging along. He was more excited than I was.
When the winnings hit my account, his eyes practically glowed.