Chapter 1 The Forgiven Killer
Before I could utter a single word, Alexander held out a formal waiver of liability.
He said firmly, "Elara, cut this out and sign this paper. I'm just as heartbroken over Amelia as you are, but it was nothing more than a terrible accident. Rebecca's husband died saving all of us. He left only his young son behind, and we owe that family a debt we can never repay. It's only right that we make this right for them."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
Just one day ago, Alexander, Bruce, and Sebastian had spent ages picking out anniversary and birthday gifts for me.
In the blink of an eye, I'd lost my beloved daughter, Amelia.
Now the people who once doted on me endlessly were forcing me to pardon the person who'd taken her life.
The surveillance footage was crystal clear.
Rebecca's son had pushed Amelia into the water on purpose. How could every single one of them call this an accident?
I snatched the document and tore it to shreds in a rage.
My voice shook with fury. "Alexander, she's your own flesh and blood! On her birthday, you promised her she'd be the happiest little girl in the whole world. What are you doing now?"
I turned to Sebastian, my eyes blazing. "And you? She was your niece. When Amelia drew that family portrait, you swore we'd stay a family forever. Have you forgotten every word?"
My gaze landed on Bruce next. "You said you'd chase away every danger, that you'd protect my daughter and me for the rest of our lives. Now you stand here and call this an accident? How can you live with yourself?"
Tears streamed down my face.
Every glance I shot at the three men burned with raw anger, a desperate urge to shake them awake from this cold denial.
I refused to believe the loving people I'd known could turn so cruel overnight.
Just then, a soft creak came from the front door.
Rebecca stepped inside, her face twisted into a helpless, tearful expression.
Before I could lunge at her, she spoke up, her voice cracking with sobs. "Ms. Quinn, I'm so sorry. I know this is all my fault. Take all your anger out on me, please. I just beg you to leave my boy alone."
Alexander stepped forward instantly, his face softening with obvious sympathy. "Rebecca, this isn't your fault. It was just an accident, plain and simple."
Anger clouded Sebastian's features.
"Elara, Rebecca's a victim here, too. Her kid is so shaken up from everything that he's running a high fever and stuck in the hospital. Can't you see how unreasonable you're being right now?"
I ground my teeth so hard my jaw throbbed.
'Her boy gets a fever, and everyone rushes to defend him, but who's going to stand up for my daughter? Who's going to give her justice?'
"I will never sign that waiver," I said flatly.
A cold, amused smirk appeared on Bruce's face after my refusal. "Elara, it's obvious we've spoiled you rotten over the years. You have no idea how the real world works. I'm the lead investigator on this case. If I say it's an accident, then it's an accident—end of story."
Confidence glinted in Alexander's eyes as he met my stare. "He's telling the truth. Go ahead and try to hire a lawyer. In the whole of Aerio City, not a single attorney will dare take your case."
Sebastian shifted his gaze away, unable to look me in the eye. "If you keep refusing to cooperate, I'm freezing all your bank accounts. You won't have a penny to your name."
My heart turned ice-cold.
I threw myself at them wildly, slamming my fists against their chests.
When I couldn't reach their faces, I kicked out with all my strength. "I, Elara Quinn, swear on everything I hold dear! I will find the truth, and I will get justice for my daughter!"
