Final Approach to Freedom

Chapter 16

"The first two years were blissful. Until our anniversary, when she got drunk..."

Ethan Clarke's voice cracked, his knuckles turning white.

"She slurred the truth. Said when my father rescued her onto the boat, she thought he was trying to assault her..."

He slammed his fist against the wall, blood blooming over his split knuckles.

"She kicked him away—watched him drown!"

"The rope was right there!"

Ethan's eyes were bloodshot, his voice ragged.

"That night, I almost strangled her."

"But I let go."

"I couldn't... become a monster like her."

His smile was a twisted, broken thing.

"She hit her head and suddenly remembered everything."

"Pretended she wanted redemption, then—"

Ethan choked, his Adam's apple bobbing violently.

"When my mother was dying, she stole every cent of her medical fund."

"My mother... died on the operating table."

The last words fell like a feather.

The hall was tomb-silent.

Evelyn Montgomery froze mid-step. Julian Carter's cigarette dropped to the floor.

Alexander Hartley stared at Sophia Whitaker in disbelief.

The girl who used to tug his sleeve begging for candy...

How could she be a murderer?

"Alex!" Sophia lunged, clawing at his hands. "You know me better than anyone!"

Her nails dug into his skin.

"He's lying! Slandering me!"

Alexander pried her fingers off one by one.

"Then tell me," his voice was ice, "where did the money to return to Newchester come from?"

Sophia's lips trembled.

"Your hands don't have a single callus." Alexander scoffed. "Where were you living in luxury these three years?"

The crowd erupted in jeers.

Someone pointed at Ethan's skeletal wrists. "Disgraceful..."

Sirens pierced the silence.

Sophia paled—and bolted.