Chapter 386: Co-conspirators

I remained still in Carter’s arms, not moving a muscle in case he noticed I was still awake. A heavy feeling pressed against my chest, and a mix of frustration and sorrow surged within me. I clutched the corner of my pajamas, fighting the urge to cry. Fortunately, exhaustion caught up to Carter, and he fell asleep quickly. Once I heard his steady breathing, my tears began to fall quietly. I lay there, staring into the darkness. How many times had he stayed awake, watching me sleep until morning?

Carl, let me be the one to protect you this time. I carefully slid out of bed, making sure not to wake him. Amber was definitely involved in all of this, alongside Taylor and his brother. I had considered asking Damian for help, but if he knew, Carter would find out too. I thought of someone else—someone who might be able to help. In the quiet of the night, I called Luke.

It had been a while since we last spoke. I would receive a message from him occasionally, but I rarely responded. His concern, however, never seemed to fade. Our conversations had changed. Before, I was the one reaching out, and he replied less often. Now, it was him who reached out, and I was the one holding back.

It was 4 a.m. on my end, but still daylight for him. The phone rang, and he picked up quickly. “Ch—Aunt Chloe?” Even though he tried to keep his voice low, I could hear the excitement. “Is it a good time to talk?” “Yeah, go ahead.”

“Luke, I need your help to look into someone. This can’t get out, not even to Carl.” He paused. “Are you and Carl fighting?” I wondered if he thought this was his opening.

“Aunt Chloe, there’s something I haven’t told you. Uncle Carter and that Dalton woman have been getting too cozy with each other in Jaford,” Luke said, attempting to stir things up.

“I know. I’ve met Tiffany. But I need you to look into her aunt.” Luke must have sensed the caution in my voice. “Are you in trouble?” “Yeah, if you’re willing to help…”

I could tell Luke still blamed himself for what happened to me. He had been trying to make up for it, and I hadn’t expected him to come to Jaford so quickly. Carter had just left for work when Luke arranged to meet me. Meeting an ex again was… odd.

It was obvious that Luke had put effort into his appearance. He looked better than he had in a while, no longer the same guy I’d seen struggling. His skin looked healthier, and his hair was neatly combed. His suit was perfectly pressed, without a crease, and he even wore the cologne I used to like. When I entered the room, he seemed a little uneasy.

“Chloe.” I sat down without much ceremony and saw that he had ordered coffee and desserts—exactly what I used to enjoy. “Thanks,” I said, my tone polite but distant.

Luke didn’t waste any time. “I know the Doltons saved Uncle Carter’s life. But now you’re suspicious of them. You’re worried about Carter being caught in the middle, so you want my help, right?”

“That’s right. If Amber’s involved in my death, it ties back to the Boltons. And there’s something else I discovered.” “What’s that?”

“Amber doesn’t mean harm to Carl. I suspect there’s more to it than just a life debt. I’m keeping this from Carl for now, but I’ll tell him once I have definite proof.”

Luke’s face showed a flash of disappointment, and a wry smile tugged at his lips. “You really are looking out for him.” I hoped he didn’t think I had come here because I’d had a fight with Carter and wanted to spite him. “He’s my husband. Of course, I’m looking out for him.”

Luke sighed, his voice holding a hint of regret. “I’m jealous of Uncle Carter, but I’ll help you, no matter what.”

I took a sip of my coffee. “Have you seen Anna around Snowville?” “No, it’s like she vanished. No one knows where she’s gone.”

“Be careful,” I warned. “She’s going to hate all of us for Silas’s death. After what happened to Sadie, she won’t let us off easily.”

A cold look crossed Luke’s face. “I’d be worried if she didn’t show up. She’s the reason we’re all in this mess! If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have lost you.”

The tension in the room grew. He knew as well as I did that our problems weren’t just because of Anna—it had a lot to do with his own choices. He quickly shifted the topic. “Is Uncle Carter treating you well?” I nodded. “Very…”

Luke’s face fell. “I can see that. It’s good, though. As long as you’re happy…”

“It doesn’t have to be like this, Luke. Alisa truly cares about you. Don’t waste time chasing something far away when the person you need is right in front of you.”

“Chloe, I’ll never love anyone else.” I shook my head. “But Alisa is carrying your child.” I had learned this from Fiona. It happened that night at the Boltons’ place, when Alisa ended up pregnant with Luke’s baby. She should be starting to show soon, if I calculated right.

“That child was part of her plan, Chloe. You know she drugged me. I’ll never love a woman who tries to manipulate me.”

“I sighed. This wasn’t my issue to solve. “Well, I’ll leave this to you, then.” “Don’t worry.” I set my cup down. “Thanks.”

“Chloe, it’s been so long. Can’t you stay for a little longer?”

“No, even though you’re his nephew, my husband would still get jealous. Sorry.” I stood up to leave, not looking back. I could feel his disappointment even without turning around. You brought this on yourself, Luke.

Zoey called. “Hey, sis. Whitney is going to try on wedding dresses today with Taylor. It’s at the Pearsons bridal store, so I’m heading there. I’ll see if I can talk to her alone.” “Be careful.”

“I’m fine. There are a lot of staff. It’s not like she’ll bite. I’ll send you pictures soon.” “Okay.”

I hung up and headed to the nearby store to pick up some ingredients. I realized that, after being with Carter for so long, I’d never made him a real meal. I chose dishes I knew he liked and quickly sent him a message. He replied soon after.

“Baby, I have a few things to take care of this afternoon, but I’ll try to come home early.” “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

Back home, I started preparing the ingredients. My phone buzzed with a series of messages. All from Zoey, full of pictures.

In the photos, Whitney wore a flawless white wedding gown. The train swept along the floor, clearly a high-end design. She held a bouquet, while Taylor, looking dashing in his suit, gently lifted her veil. The way he looked at her was loaded with emotion, a depth that couldn’t be mistaken. It made sense. If Taylor hadn’t truly cared for Whitney, she wouldn’t have been so tightly held in his grasp. Whitney, however, didn’t meet his gaze. Her eyes were fixed on his bow tie. It was obvious she wasn’t comfortable with this arrangement.

Then, my attention was pulled to the ring on Taylor’s hand. Suddenly, my mind went blank. The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. The platinum wedding ring on his middle finger—it matched the man who had been at the airport with Amber. So Taylor was the guy! They were in this together.