LOGINBut then again, hadn’t Caitlin already managed to get Fletcher branded a murder suspect with just a few words? If she could do that, what else was she capable of?
“How do you know so much about Uzma’s death? What exactly do you know?” Nicoletta’s voice was taut, her eyes darting around to see if anyone was nearby.
“I don’t just know,” Caitlin replied calmly, folding her arms. “I saw it with my own eyes. Uzma was pushed into the pond. Funny coincidence, don’t you think?”
Nicoletta’s brow furrowed. So she had witnessed it. That explained everything—the police showing up, Fletcher’s arrest. She ha
Dinner went perfectly well. Simon was attentive, grilling the meat for everyone, while Molly ate with boundless appetite.Sebastian and Simon drank together, matching each other glass for glass until both began to feel lightheaded.“I can’t drink anymore,” Simon said, blinking hard as his vision started to blur. He couldn’t afford to get too drunk. If anything urgent happened, he needed to be sober enough to handle it.“Same here,” Sebastian agreed, setting down his glass. His arm had only recently healed, and he knew better than to push his limits.The two men had reached their limit—just drunk enough to loosen up but not so much that they’d regret it later.“Alright,” Caitlin said, smiling. “We’ve all had plenty. Let’s call it a night.”She turned to Molly. “What about you? Coming back with us?”Molly shook her head quickly, already
That afternoon, everyone gathered together to chat and, in the process, tried to talk some sense into Benjamin.During the conversation, Nolan brought up his sister Jillian and made a point to thank Caitlin for helping her find a job.“I really have to thank you, Caitlin. You gave my sister such an amazing opportunity. She’s so motivated now, it’s like she’s finally found her purpose. Every time she calls me, she’s full of energy and excitement.”Caitlin smiled. “It’s nothing worth mentioning. I just thought Jillian has real talent, and she shouldn’t be overlooked. Fragrance & Dye Studio is running smoothly now, and with her there, I feel completely at ease.”Nolan nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, ever since the domestic and international accounts for Fragrance & Dye Studio went live, my sister’s practically become an influencer. My parents are thrilled, watching everyone
Following the address and name Sebastian had given her, Caitlin arrived at the home of his friend who specialized in ancient manuscript restoration.She knocked on the door and waited for a moment before hearing a gruff voice from inside. “Who is it?”“Excuse me, is this Mr. Hawthorne’s residence?”The door creaked open to reveal a man in his sixties. His hair was streaked with gray, his glasses slightly crooked, and he was dressed in a black robe that gave him a strange, eccentric air.“You’re Sebastian’s wife?” he asked, squinting at her.“Uh, yes.”“Not the brightest-looking one,” Reginald muttered under his breath before turning around and walking back inside.“…”Caitlin stood there speechless. Zinnia, who had accompanied her, couldn’t hold back her irritation. “What’s wrong with this old man? Did he jus
“Oh my god, did we walk in at the wrong time?” Caitlin gasped.“Let’s go!” Sebastian quickly pulled her toward the door.Molly and Simon sprang apart at the sound of voices. Realizing it was her brother and sister-in-law, Molly’s face turned crimson. “Hey, wait! Don’t go!”They stopped and turned back. Simon scratched his head awkwardly, trying to smile. “Sorry, when did you get here?”“Just now. Looks like we interrupted something,” Sebastian teased with a grin.“No, no, you’re right on time. Molly’s already packed.”Simon invited them inside, and as Caitlin walked in, she glanced around at the cozy room and couldn’t help smiling. “This looks familiar somehow.”Sebastian chuckled. “Doesn’t it? The last time my sister was hospitalized, she turned her ward into a home. Looks like it’s the same
“Cecilia, you promised to detoxify Caitlin’s brother. Is it done?” Sebastian asked.“It’s done, but when James wakes up depends on his own willpower.”Upstairs, Caitlin had just finished washing her brother’s face. She was about to carry the towel and basin away when James slowly opened his eyes.Noticing the subtle movement, Caitlin froze, watching closely. When she realized he really was awake, she dropped the basin and cried out in shock and joy, “Harrison, Harrison, you’re awake!”James’s eyelids lifted wider, and he slowly came back to himself, his eyes focusing on the ceiling and the lights above. His limbs were weak but gradually regaining strength.Hearing Caitlin’s voice, he turned his head slightly and saw her tearful, beautiful face.“Caitlin…”His hoarse voice came out weakly, but to her, it was the most beautiful sound in the
“You already have two bargaining chips in your hands! You’re the only one who knows where my mother is, that should be enough! Why are you making things hard for my brother? You know he was kidnapped when he was five. It’s been twenty years since then. I finally reunited with him. All I want is for him to live a few peaceful days. Why do you have to go after him?”Caitlin’s heart twisted with anger and desperation. Her usually calm eyes shimmered with tears.Cecilia hadn’t done it to oppose Caitlin. She just needed James as a piece in her plan. Now that she had successfully found both parts of the codex, she believed the map would soon appear. Which meant she no longer needed to use James as leverage.“My offer still stands. Take me to the ancient kingdom, and I’ll heal your brother first.”Cecilia looked at Caitlin, her gaze softening as she studied the young woman’s face—so much lik







