“The investigation isn’t finished yet. The police will give you justice. And when it comes to sentencing, a mentally ill defendant isn’t treated the same as an ordinary criminal—you’ll have to wait.”
“As Rachel Evans’s husband, it’s my duty to apologize on her behalf. I’ve already reserved a restaurant—let’s sit down and discuss compensation.”
The family still looked uneasy.
Chloe Miller spoke up with a sweet smile.
“Don’t worry. This is my brother—he’s a good man! He’s also the one who signed the confession papers for my sister-in-law. He’s already arranged people to watch her. She won’t escape.”
The crowd finally dispersed, leaving the cemetery in a noisy procession.
My tears broke free completely, flooding down my face. I couldn’t hold myself up any longer. My vision went black, and I collapsed.
I didn’t know how much time passed before a familiar woody fragrance filled my nose.
“You’re awake? Are you alright? I’ve arranged for a doctor to wait at the mansion.”
“Rachel, I told you before—no matter what happens, you can always come to me. You don’t have to carry everything alone.”
Sarah Johnson was in the car as well. Seeing me stir, she hurried to help me sit up.
“You scared me half to death! I thought they were going to kill you for revenge!”
“Thank God Victor Hughes arrived in time.”
“Weren’t you just supposed to attend a funeral? How did it turn into this?”
I shook my head, unable to say a word.
As I unlocked my phone, intending to find divorce papers, a livestream notification from Chloe popped up.
“Good afternoon, everyone! Guess what I’m doing?”
“You’re so smart—I’m at the restaurant, apologizing to the victim’s family on behalf of my sister-in-law!”
“My brother said the compensation will be two million, but there won’t be a settlement. He wants my sister-in-law to remember this lesson. Do you think this is fair?”
The livestream chat exploded, line after line spamming: “Murderers must pay with their lives.”
Chloe nodded happily at the comments, then clung to Jason Miller’s arm, pouting.
“Brother, look! They say the punishment is too light. Can’t we hold the trial sooner? Hundreds of thousands of my followers are waiting to see the verdict!”
Jason smiled indulgently, brushing her hair as though she were precious.
“Alright, we’ll do as Chloe says. The trial will be in two days.”
“Come on, sit down. Your favorite dishes will be gone if you wait—don’t expect me to pack them for you.”
Chloe stuck out her tongue playfully at the camera.
“My brother is like this—tough on the outside but soft-hearted. Still, he’s the best person in the world to me.”
When the livestream ended, Sarah slammed the table in fury.
“This is what he calls keeping things clean? And you’ve put up with this for five years?”
“Rachel, you could qualify as a ninja with how much you endure!”
I let out a self-mocking laugh. I never wanted to tolerate it, but what choice did I have?
I had asked Jason before to send Chloe away from the Miller family, but every time, he slammed the table and glared coldly.
“She’s my sister. How many times do I have to explain it?”
What began as three days of cold war turned into three months.
I loved him too much to let go. And so, I deceived myself—until today, when I was left to choke on the bitter fruit.
Victor handed me a document.
“This is my personal attorney. I’ve already told him about your situation. He can help.”
“Stay at the Hughes family mansion for now, so those lunatics can’t get to you.”
As I reached for the file, his hand pressed gently over mine, his voice soft enough to melt stone.
“Rachel, don’t fight so hard alone. I’ve always been here for you.”
Sarah let out a teasing squeal and shot me a wink.
I gave Victor a grateful nod.
Two days later, Jason arranged for Emily’s family to stay in a Miller-owned hotel.
On the day of the trial, the entire internet was in an uproar. No fewer than ten cameras were pointed straight at me.
