Chapter 2006

He was aware of how much Elizabeth knew.

Everything was currently favorable for him.

A falling out with her would be detrimental.

Kristian attempted to soothe her.

“Be patient.

Bella and Stella have just passed.

We must act cautiously to avoid arousing Matthew’s suspicions.

You know how perceptive he can be.

He’d suspect me right away.

If he uncovers anything, we’ll lose everything.

Worse, we could end up in jail.

”

He painted a dire picture, making Elizabeth pause to consider his point.

Still angry, she insisted, “You still should have told me.

I had every right to know, didn’t 1?”

Kristian firmly disagreed.

“No, I think it’s best if you leave now.

”

Elizabeth’s expression shifted abruptly, her eyes narrowing.

“What do you mean? Are you trying to send me away?”

She did not trust Kristian.

As he noticed her temper flaring, Kristian quickly interjected, “Just hear me out for a moment.

Think about how you arrived here.

Didn’t they assign a whole squad to keep tabs on you?”

Prompted by his words, Elizabeth reflected on her daring escape.

She had first heard of Bella’s and Stella’s deaths through the very people assigned to watch her.

Without any communication from Kristian, her immediate instinct was to verify the truth of the matter herself.

No rumors of Stella and Bella circulated in Dorburn, compelling her to return to Seamarsh to confirm the details firsthand.

Yet, the surveillance was tight, making departure seem impossible.

Ultimately, she had no choice bu

t to escape through a window, and she even exchanged her jewelry for plane fare at the airport.

She withheld this information from Kristian.

“I found my own way.

That’s none of your concern,” she declared firmly.

“You sneaked out, didn’t you?” Kristian asked, his gaze piercing as if he could see right through her.

Elizabeth remained silent, her silence serving as her confession.

Kristian’s voice lowered as he warned, “No one has noticed your absence yet.

You should return before they do.

We’ve come too far to fail now.

Do you really want our years of planning to go to waste?”

Elizabeth’s expression darkened further.

“Stop trying to scare me with those words.

Bella was the one who confined me in Dorburn.

Now that she’s dead, I no longer have to listen to anyone.

I’m staying right here, and I won’t let you lay a finger on my share!”

Kristian had been in high spirits earlier, drinking more than usual, which now clouded his judgment slightly.

Still, he recognized the danger Elizabeth represented and knew he couldn’t allow her to remain.

After thinking for a moment, he devised a strategy.

With a cunning smile, Kristian suggested, “All of Bella’s assets are tied up in Dorburn, I need to return there to sort out the legal matters.

Staying here serves you no purpose.

You’ll just end up worrying me.

Besides, if you stay, Matthew might uncover our plans.

”

Elizabeth remained silent, clearly swayed by Kristian’s argument.