Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 381 - Chapitre 390

The silence Alessandro left behind was different from the silence that had filled the room before. Earlier, his silence had been confidence. Now, it was calculation. He sat with his back straight and his hands resting calmly before him, but the certainty in his eyes was no longer there. The recording had ended, the screen had gone black, and yet Alessandro still appeared to be watching something only he could see. Justice Elena allowed the silence to remain for several more seconds. She did not rush him. She did not ask what he had recognized in Ethan Rhodes’s recording. She did not need him to explain it. Instead, she returned to the interrogation table and opened the file Alessandro had dismissed so easily before. “Let us continue,” she said. Alessandro lifted his eyes toward her. His expression was controlled again, but it was no longer effortless. “I believe I have already answered your questions.” “You have.” Justice Elena sat across from him. “That is precisely why

By the following morning, the investigation had entered its final stage. Justice Elena had made something clear before leaving the station the previous night. Alessandro Virelli’s arrest was not the same as a conviction, and the emotional satisfaction of finally identifying the man behind the conspiracy could not be allowed to weaken the case against him. Every statement had to be verified. Every financial transfer had to be traced. Every communication had to be placed in the correct order. The investigators worked through the night, comparing Donatus Richardson’s confession with the statements given by the tattooed man and his female accomplice. Records of meetings, phone calls, travel dates, payments, and property access were brought together until the separate crimes no longer looked separate. They formed one long chain. Alessandro avoided placing his name on the money, but Donatus did. He avoided communicating with the kidnappers, but Donatus did. He had avoided giving dir

Cassienne sat quietly on the couch with a plate of food resting untouched on the small table before her. The private hospital suite was full, but the presence of so many people did not make her feel less alone. Mrs. Rawlings prepared the meal herself. She brought it from home in a covered container, refusing to trust the hospital kitchen with Cassienne’s food. The soup was still warm, and the bread beside it was freshly baked. Cassienne took only two spoonfuls. After that, she pushed the plate away. Mrs. Rawlings stood near the table with worry written all over her face. “Mrs. Tremont, you have barely eaten anything.” “I’m not hungry.” “You said the same thing this morning.” Cassienne looked down at her hands. “I tried.” “Two spoons are not enough.” Abigail sat beside Cassienne and gently touched her arm. She had been trying to hide her own fear since Dreston was brought out of surgery, but the tiredness in her eyes showed that she was not doing well either. “Cassienne, ple

For one second, no one moved. Cassienne stared at her. “What did you say?” The nurse replied immediately. “He opened his eyes a few minutes ago. The doctors are with him now.” Abigail covered her mouth, she was filled with joy. And Mrs. Rawlings, she was also shouting excitedly. Jessica jumped to her feet. Daisy grabbed Aurora’s hand. Cassienne rose too quickly. “Take me to him. I want to see him myself.” Ray moved toward her. “Cassienne, slowly.” She took one step forward and she stopped. A sharp pain tightened across her lower stomach, her hand flew to her belly. “Cassienne?” Abigail asked. Cassienne closed her eyes. The pain grew stronger before slowly passing. Everyone watched her. Ray’s expression changed immediately. “What did you feel?” “Nothing.” Her response was too fast. “That was not nothing.” She finally opened her eyes. “It was just a pain.” “What kind of pain?” “I don’t know. I stood too quickly.” Ray moved closer to her, his expression softened. “Sit dow

The moment he stepped outside, Daisy rushed toward him. “What is happening?” “Cassienne is in active labour.” Jessica moved closer. “How far?” “Far enough that she cannot leave.” Mrs. Rawlings looked toward the closed doors. “Is the baby alright?” “The baby is fine.” Aurora released a relieved breath. Daisy looked at Ray. “Where are you going?” “To Dreston.” “What happened?” “He is awake, confused, and asking for Cassienne.” Jessica smiled. “That sounds like him.” Ray shook his head and hurried away. Leaving the rest of them. Jessica watched him go. “This day is becoming strange.” Daisy looked toward the delivery room. “Dreston wakes up. Cassienne goes into labour. Abigail is probably crying in intensive care.” Mrs. Rawlings clasped her hands. “It is a good day.” Everyone looked at her. She wiped her eyes. “It is frightening, but it is good.” Aurora smiled softly. “Yes. I agree with you.” Mrs. Rawlings looked toward the delivery room doors. “Mr. Tremont is alive.”