“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.
“Alannah! Did you file charges against Pearl’s brother? Isn’t your mother fine? Why make such a big deal out of this?”
Only then did Alannah realize he didn’t know her mother had died.
Pain flared where his fingers crushed her wrist. She took a deep breath before saying, “My mom… She’s dead!”
“I watched the footage. Salem ran the red light and hit Mom. He even turned the car around and kept running over her!” Her voice tightened. “I called the cops to arrest him. Did I do something wrong?”
For a moment, Quincy looked stunned. Then, he released her wrist and spoke with an indifferent tone.
“I don’t think Salem did it on purpose. He must not have seen your mom. Besides, when your mom was taken to the hospital, there was still a chance. You delayed treatment because you didn’t want to pay. You missed the best window.”
“Alannah, don’t play the victim with me. It won’t work,” he spat.
Her eyes reddened. Her voice trembled slightly. “Have you forgotten, Quincy? You froze all my cards!”
His gaze drifted to the handbags and jewelry in the closet. He said casually, “Then why didn’t you sell those things to save your mother?”
“Alannah,” he went on, “admit it. You value those luxury brands more than your mother. They feed your vanity.”