Back at the hospital, Zack hadn’t noticed anything unusual about Tessa. But now, he couldn’t help but feel like something was off with her. No matter what happened, she barely reacted—her emotions seemed completely flat. Worse yet, she had a way of twisting things around and drawing people in.

Suddenly, Zack remembered what Hector had said before. He really couldn’t trust a word a woman like her said, especially someone like Tessa. After spending this much time around her, he finally saw it clearly. The prettier they were, the deeper their schemes ran. That much, Zack had learned firsthand.

And Tessa could tell he’d figured it out. She wasn’t sure how to deal with the cops anymore. What if, during her next move, the intern overheard something? Then her entire plan would be blown wide open! The thought made her uneasy. But looking at the silent Zack beside her, she couldn’t make up her mind on how to proceed.

Once they arrived at the station, Zack visibly relaxed. It was obvious that he wasn’t the same as before. Even his tone carried a bit of cheer when he spoke to her. “Alright, out you go. We’re here.”

Hearing that, Tessa felt a sudden jolt in her chest. Only then did she realize how quickly time had passed. “Okay, got it.” She gave a slight nod, offering no resistance at all. Tessa knew there was no point trying to explain anything now—not when she was already standing here. The main reason she’d come was to see what condition Julian was in. Only after finding that out could she decide how to navigate what lay ahead. Of course, all of this stayed buried deep in her heart.

There was no one she could confide in. She could only rely on herself to find a way forward. Growing up in the Walton family, if she’d been someone naive and clueless, she probably wouldn’t have lasted long. She would’ve been devoured whole, bones and all. That was part of what shaped her into the person she was now.

Chapter 911

She always believed she had to look out for her own interests in everything. Zack urged her along impatiently. “Hurry up and get inside. Don’t waste any more time.” He knew exactly what was coming next, which was why he was eager to get her in. Tessa gave a small nod and followed him in. There was no point dragging this out.

Once inside, Zack led her straight to the interrogation room. The moment she stepped in, she froze at the sight of Julian—it had only been a week, yet he already looked like this? What on earth had happened?

He wasn’t alone in the room. Hector, the one who’d questioned her last time, was there too—disheveled and filthy. He was still trying to get answers out of Julian, but the man just sat there giggling like a fool. It was as if he truly had no idea what was going on.

Seeing this, a strange mix of emotions churned inside Tessa. She pressed her lips together tightly, her mouth opening as if to speak. But in the end, not a single word came out, especially when she looked at Julian like this—what she felt most was suspicion. Was he really insane? Why couldn’t she bring herself to believe it? He’d been perfectly normal not that long ago.