Elsa hadn't told her parents about her falling out with Caitlin.

When Caitlin and Gertrude missed her wedding, she had used their trip abroad as an excuse to placate them.

"No, they're not back yet," Elsa replied.

Her father scratched his head, finding it a bit strange.

Her mother walked over. "You know, that Miss Kensington is a bit odd. Elsa said she gave Gertrude a penthouse apartment as a wedding gift. How come when it's our daughter's turn, she doesn't even show up?"

She looked at her husband, narrowing her eyes. "Honey, do you think Miss Kensington is trying to get out of giving Elsa a wedding present?"

It wasn't that Elsa's mother was being paranoid. She genuinely believed Caitlin was

using the trip as an excuse to avoid the wedding and the expense of a large apartment. With the current property prices in The Capital, a place like that was worth well over ten million.

Her father shook his head. "I don't think so, do you?"

After all, Caitlin had helped their family out of a major crisis before. That was a debt that couldn't be repaid with a mere apartment.

"If not, then why didn't she come to Elsa's wedding?" her mother complained. "Besides, even if you can't make it, you can still send a gift! But her? No gift, no appearance."

Her father remained silent. His wife did have a point.

Elsa's mother pressed on. "And that Gertrude. She's just some girl from a small town. Who would want to be friends with her besides our Elsa? I can almost understand Miss Kensington not sending a gift, but for Gertrude to not even make a gesture is just rude."

Listening to her mother, Elsa's anger flared. She remembered kneeling in public in front of Gertrude just yesterday. She had knelt on the sidewalk for over two hours while strangers stared. Even passersby had sympathized with her, thinking it was remarkable for a young woman to go to such lengths.

But Gertrude had remained completely unmoved.

She was in this mess because of Gertrude and Caitlin.

If Gertrude had been willing to forgive her, to make peace, she wouldn't have ended

up slaughtering the Forresters. If Caitlin had been willing to back her up, she never would have murdered them.

From the start, she'd never planned on killing the Forresters. She just wanted them to suffer the consequences, to feel regret.

And her mother was right about one thing. Even if they didn't want to attend the wedding, they could have sent a gift. If Cattlin had given her a luxury apartment as a wedding present, Xander would never have left her.

So, in her mind, the real culprits behind everything were Caitlin and Gertrude.

Elsa took a deep breath, fighting to control her emotions. She looked at her parents, a faint smile on her lips. "Mom, Dad, let's not talk about such unhappy things. It just occurred to me the three of us have hardly ever taken a photo together Let's take one today."

Though they found her sudden suggestion a bit odd, her parents didn't think much of it. Her mother smiled. "Alright, that's a great idea! Let me just go touch up my lipstick."

Her mother went to the bedroom. When she returned, Elsa had already set up the camera on a timer, and they took several shots together.

After the photos, Elsa grabbed her bag. "Mom, Dad, I have to go. I've got something to take care of."

Her mother was surprised. "Elsa, you're not staying for dinner?"

"No, I can't." Elsa shook her head. "I have work to do."

Every minute was precious to her now. She had to make the most of it, to take as

many people down with her as she could before she went to hell.

"Wait, wait," her mother said, grabbing Elsa's wrist.

"What is it, Mom?" Elsa turned back.

Her mother advised, "Don't burn your bridges with Miss Kensington just yet. No matter why she suddenly

went abroad, you need to stay innet

touch with her. She's so wealthy; she can't just ignore the fact that you got married without sending something. You and Gertrüde are both her friends. She can't just favor one over the other."