The entire process unfolded with surprising ease. Tessa narrowed her eyes, sensing that something about this was just a little too smooth. It felt as if some unseen hand was pushing everything forward from behind the scenes. Why hadn’t she noticed this before? Everything was progressing far too conveniently. After all, before they arrived, the officer in front of her had seemed hesitant, even troubled by the situation. But once the paperwork and procedures began, no one raised a single question. It was as if someone had already given instructions in advance. Tessa couldn’t help but fall into deep thought.

At such a critical moment, who would go out of their way to set things in motion against the two of them? But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t think of anyone. She didn’t even consider the possibility of Aurora being behind it, because Aurora had never been that kind of person. No matter how cruel or outrageous she had been growing up, Aurora had always tolerated her. Even though everyone said Tessa was the older sister, in front of Aurora, she had always played the role of the younger one—whining, crying, and acting spoiled. But times had changed, and she had discovered a secret—one that involved both of them. If exposed, it would be a dead end. No one would be able to undo it. And that was precisely why Tessa changed. She had come to understand her identity with painful clarity. Given that truth, could she still pretend to be Aurora’s sister? Of course not. That was no longer possible. Still, it was true–Tessa’s attitude toward Aurora had changed for the worse. After that shift, Aurora found a new companion: Megan. That pretty much summed up their entire dynamic growing up.

Truth be told, there hadn’t been much conflict between them as children. But as they got older, they somehow ended up resenting each other, especially Tessa–her treatment of Aurora had been downright cruel. And yet, even then, Aurora had never said a word. That was why Tessa was so certain it couldn’t be her. Aurora wasn’t the type to do something like this. She wouldn’t hurt her. But this time, Tessa was wrong. People change, especially those who’ve stared death in the face. Over the past few weeks, Tessa had come to understand her relationships all too clearly. Why should she still waste energy wondering whether to treat her sister kindly? That possibility had long since vanished.

Now that she and Julian were locked up, Tessa looked around the damp, dim cell and couldn’t help clenching her fists. She, a proud heiress of the Walton family, had never suffered humiliation like this. They were right here in Ravenshore and yet no one had come to see her. Where was her mother? Was she really going to leave her here like this? That just didn’t make sense. Tessa sat on the cold mat, watching Julian being taken to another room. Only then did she let out a breath of relief. Thank god she didn’t have to share a cell with him. Otherwise, there was no way she’d be able to sleep tonight. There was no sense of safety left. Just from Julian’s behavior earlier in the day, she already understood. Whether he was faking madness or truly unwell, one thing was clear: he hated her deeply, and that was beyond question.