Chapter 177


    In the dead of night, as I dozed off beside the hospital bed, I felt what seemed like dry fingers brushing against my face. “Idiot, you’d believe anything an


    “Hmm…” I swatted the hand away and rolled over, realizing I was supposed to be caring for a patient. I shot upright and blurted out, “What did you just s


    All I could see was Bryant’s closed eyes and his steady breathing.


    I wondered


    if I was hearing things. I didn’t give it much thought, chalking it up to being rattled by the day’s event and my nerves frazzled. I drifted back to sleep witho


    The following morning, Kevin brought us a special breakfast from a traditional diner known for its delicious brunch, all to Bryant’s tastes. But after only a


    As I munched on my breakfast, I asionally nced his way. The warm winter sun streamed in, casting a soft glow around him, highlighting


    his perfectly chiseled profile, the sses perched on his high nose, and his lips slightly pursed.}


    I had to admit the man was easy on the eyes. If only he weren’t such a jerk.>


    After breakfast, Gary called to ask when he could deliver the fingerprint analysis results.


    “Right away. Still at the Riverview Estate,” I responded immediately.


    After a night in the hospital, I was desperate for a shower and a change of clothes.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Hanging up, Bryant caught my gaze. “Leaving again?“}


    “I’ll be back.” I offered a reassuring smile. “I’ve got a surprise for you when I return.“}


    That way, I wouldn’t have to worry no matter what Margaret tried to stir up. In two days, she’d have no choice but to leave. And perhaps then, Bryant


    and I could finally sever ties.


    He raised an eyebrow, asking, “What kind of surprise?“}


    “You’ll see.” With that, I hurried out of the hospital.


    The nurse had just had Bryant’s medication changed that morning, and with Kevin staying in the room, there was nothing to fret over.


    A sleek ck Bentley slowly pulled up before me as I waited by the curb for my rideshare.


    Given yesterday’s ordeal, my first instinct was to flee!}


    “Ms. Webster.” As the window slid down, a stylishly dressed, sophisticated woman greeted me. Sporting a deep


    shade of lipstick, she radiated serenity and maturity.§


    She appeared to be in her early thirties.


    I paused, “And you are? How do you know me?”


    “I’m Kathy Larson, Mark’s sister.” She offered a slight smile. “There’s something we need to discuss privately, Ms. Webster.”


    There was a faint familial resemnce to Mark in her features. Yet, I had never heard Mark mention he had a sister.


    I was cautious about getting into cars, “You and he…”


    “He always wears a charm bracelet around his wrist since he was a kid and even showers with it on. You were probably talking to him on


    the phone right before yesterday’s incident.”


    Kathy easily divulged these details.


    Without further objection, I got into the car.


    Once inside, Kathy said, “Ms. Webster, I’m taking you to a ce.”


    “As long as it’s not to kill me and chop me off,” I quipped.


    The car weaved through traffic, eventually arriving at a peaceful street in an affluent neighborhood, mirroring the upscale tranquility of the Ferguson Man


    The Ferguson family’s wealth was no secret. But the Larson family seemed to embody a more understated type of wealth, their exact standingpared