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Chapter 71 Was Claire Trying To Kill Me?
“What? So soon?” I blurted, caught off guard but intrigued, “I thought the woman you liked was married to someone else. Didn’t you say you wouldn’t break up her family?”
“I’m not breaking up her family,” Ryan smiled with a weary smile. “Do you really think I’d do something like that?”
I quickly shook my head, scrambling to explain, “No, of course not, I’m just surprised it’s happening so quickly-”
“She’s getting divorced soon,” he said, his gaze steady. “Very soon.”
I swallowed hard, a strange nervousness bubbling up inside me.
“Oh, well, that’s good then,” I said hastily, grabbing my glass of water and taking a sip. “Once Miss Miller is divorced, you two can be together. That’s great news.”
“Miss Miller?” Ryan set down his fork and raised an eyebrow.
I froze. ‘Wasn’t the woman he liked Miss Miller, the Bellton tycoon’s daughter?‘ I’d always assumed he was waiting for her divorce.
Before I could ask, my phone rang. The caller ID showed it was the police station.
Excited, thinking it might be an update on Toby’s disappearance, I quickly answered.
“Mrs. Hudson, the autopsy report for Brandon, the shooting suspect, is out. The medical examiner has ruled it a suicide, not homicide.”
My heart sank, and I immediately asked, “What about Toby? Is there any progress on finding my son?”
“I’m sorry, but there’s still no trace of Toby. We’re continuing the investigation.”
The flicker of hope I’d felt was snuffed out as quickly as it came.
After hanging up, I slumped forward onto the table, running my fingers through my hair in frustration.
“When you’re down, a little sweetness might help,” Ryan said, pouring me a glass of apple juice.
“Thanks,” I straightened up, taking the glass. As I sipped, I shared, “That was the police. I thought they might’ve had a lead on Toby, but it was just Brandon’s autopsy report.”
“What did it say?” Ryan asked calmly.
He always stayed so composed, no matter the situation.
“They’re calling it a suicide,” I said, frowning. “How could it be a suicide? It’s too suspicious.”
I’d been convinced someone was behind Brandon’s actions. Why else would he kidnap Toby and try to
kill me? We had no history, no conflicts–What would drive him to such extremes?
And now, Brandon was dead? It must have been the mastermind’s game! How convenient that Brandon died right after being caught!
“It’s hard to believe it’s a suicide,” Ryan agreed, his voice serious. “This is too suspicious. If someone killed Brandon and made it look like a suicide, they’re clearly skilled.”
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Chapter 71 Was Claire Trying To K Me?
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“Gabby, you need to be careful,” he said gravely. “Brandon might be gone, but whoever’s behind this is still out there–and you’re their target.”
Seeing Ryan this serious made my skin crawl. The idea of someone plotting against me was terrifying
“Though with Brandon gone, they probably won’t act again right away. Think carefully–have you offended anyone?” Ryan continued.
I wracked my brain, trying to think of anyone I could’ve angered, but nothing came to my mind.
“I’ve been a housewife for years, focused on Vincent and the kids. How could I have possibly offended anyone? Though,” I hesitated, “the only real conflict I’ve had lately is my sister Claire-”
A shiver ran through me at the thought of Claire.
“Could it be Claire?” Ryan asked, his tone suddenly icy.
