Chapter 792:
Her eyes lowered, and when she spoke, her voice was faint, trembling with guilt. “Years ago, Terrance and his wife hired Patrick to kill me. But it wasn’t me who died; it was Lucilla’s daughter. She saved me, and her child took my place. To conceal their crime, that couple buried the truth.”
A heavy sorrow shadowed her features. Brad slipped an arm around her shoulders, steadying her in silence, lending her strength without words.
Meanwhile, Seth remained with Lucilla for a long while, carefully easing her emotions. In the world he built for her, she succeeded in saving her daughter. Yet even in that fragile sanctuary, she kept muttering over and over, “929… 929… 929…”
In the end, Seth withdrew Lucilla from hypnosis and signaled his assistant to administer medication. Removing his glasses, he pinched the bridge of his nose, fatigue etching into his features. “It’s certain she watched her daughter die at her husband’s hands. That memory shattered her completely, driving her to the edge of madness. Her mind has suffered severe trauma. My methods can stabilize her for now, but she will also require long-term medication to aid her recovery.”
“I’ll take her home,” Rylie said softly. “I’ll care for her myself.”
Seth regarded her steadily. “And you, Miss Owen. Your mind is like a black hole; I cannot see into it. Or perhaps it is you who has locked it away, sealing it so tightly that even I cannot reach. You carry many secrets.”
His voice lowered, almost probing as he continued, “Everyone has secrets, of course. But burying too many can bring its own ruin. They may harden you into cold detachment, or else drive you into dangerous extremes.”
Rylie’s lips pressed into the faintest line. “Then what do you suggest?”
“Unlike many among the wealthy, who despite their fortunes feel only emptiness, you are a woman crushed beneath the weight of your own thoughts,” Seth answered. “Sometimes, unburdening yourself, entrusting those thoughts to a friend or a loved one, can keep them from devouring you whole.”
“I understand,” Rylie said quietly.
Brad, who had been listening intently, finally asked, “What does 929 mean?”
Since Lucilla’s return, he had kept close watch over her, relying on his staff for detailed reports of her condition. Yet until this moment, such a number had never once been mentioned.
Seth adjusted his glasses and explained, “I think this number appeared when Lucilla was facing her major life changes. It could be a vital clue.”
Brad gave a brief nod, slipping a bank card across the table. “Got it. I appreciate your hard work.”
When it came time to return Lucilla to Serenity Manor, the convoy expanded, with three armored vehicles added to their escort. As the line of cars began to roll out, Brad’s expression hardened.
“Unless it’s absolutely unavoidable, keep Lucilla inside. My people have uncovered a great deal in Malvren. The news is about to break, and when it does, the public reaction will be fierce.”
Rylie inclined her head, her agreement little more than a quiet hum.
Paola received word from the kidnappers: the task had been carried out exactly as instructed, and the entire process had been recorded. A memory card now lay on her doorstep, accompanied by a chilling message asking whether she wished to see it.
She, who had always been trampled under Rylie’s heel, had finally succeeded this time.
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