Chapter 412 I’ll Go

The results were in, bringing both good and bad news. The good news: Carter and Amber were not mother and son. The bad news: they were aunt and nephew. I carefully untangled this complicated relationship, more convoluted than a ball of yarn. Essentially, Amber was Carter’s aunt; his biological mother was her sister. Carter was the child of the Boltons and the Doltons, explaining his resemblance to Peter. The Doltons cared for him, likely out of respect for his mother. This also meant Carter and the Carlyn brothers were still cousins. It was absurd.

Carter’s brows furrowed deeply; he found no joy in the results. I patted his shoulder, assuring him this was actually good news. His voice was low, almost brooding. “Chloe, even if Amber isn’t my mother, the Doltons were undoubtedly involved in the Sanders massacre and the organ trafficking atrocities. They aren’t innocent. Do you remember Lady Rose that Sheila mentioned? Could it be Amber?”

The likelihood was high. Carter cupped my face gently. “More importantly, why did she send Damian to kill you?”

I touched the Stone of Duality around my neck and asked if it might have been because of this. At the mention of the stone, Carter’s expression softened slightly. He turned to look at the rising sun. After a night of rain, droplets still clung to the branches, glistening brilliantly in the sunlight. Carter’s response was unrelated: “It’s dawn.”

The seven-day deadline had arrived. If I hadn’t tampered with the Stone of Duality, Carter and I would have truly exchanged fates. If death awaited me in the future, he would take my place. He didn’t state it outright, but hinted, “She knows the secret of the Stone.” Amber intended to kill me before the fate transfer succeeded. But neither she nor Carter knew I had already thwarted their plans.

Feigning ignorance, I fiddled with the Stone of Duality and asked, “What secret could it possibly have?”

Carter’s gaze softened further. “There’s no secret at all.”

“Chloe, I tested the waters last night. The Doltons don’t know you’re alive. For now, just stay home and don’t go out.”

I nodded. The only thing I couldn’t let go of was Whitney. I typed a message on my phone: “What’s the plan now? Even if we know the Doltons and the Carlyns are involved, we don’t have direct evidence of their participation in organ trafficking. The law can’t touch them. The Carlyns are close to the Whites, and Jaford is one of their strongholds. Any move against them would be risky and might alert them.”

Before I was kidnapped, Carter had planned for Damian to stage an “accident” to eliminate the Carlyn brothers and rescue Whitney. However, Damian betrayed us and abducted me instead. Now that we knew Whitney had a chip implanted, removing her would provoke Taylor, whose reaction could be catastrophic. Thinking about Sheila’s corpse being blown to pieces sent shivers down my spine. I clung to Carter’s sleeve instantly. I couldn’t bear the thought of Whitney ending up like that. The Carlyns acted so recklessly because they held a hostage. If they couldn’t have their way, everyone would die together.

Carter read my thoughts. “We can’t act rashly for now. Knowing my connection to the Doltons ensures my safety for now. I can get close to them.”

I shook my head, unwilling to let him take the risk. “Chloe, if the Doltons wanted to harm me, they wouldn’t have protected me all these years. They won’t hurt me.”

Yael knew I was alive. Not telling Amber today didn’t mean he wouldn’t tomorrow. I gestured to Carter, “You’re all I have left.”

Before we could argue further, Zoey’s voice cut through: “I’ll go.” The two of us turned to look at Zoey. Her expression was solemn, and the striking beauty of her face turned cold and detached. She resembled a black rose—elegant and untouchable.

“They don’t know me or my connection to you. I can get close to them.”

I shook my head. Those people were devils. They wouldn’t tolerate Zoey forever. If something happened to her…

Zoey smiled. “It’s fine. I’m living on borrowed time anyway. Just being able to see Mom and Dad again has already made me happy.” She opened her arms and hugged me, whispering softly in my ear. “Chloe, if I die, take care of my Mom and Dad for me. I trust you the most.”

“No, Zoey. You already gave me life once. I can’t let you risk yourself for me again.” Tears welled up in my eyes. Zoey caressed my face gently. “Why the tears? I’m not dead yet, silly. Can’t you think more positively? What if I manage to kill those devils and avenge you?”

I clutched her hand, but no words came out. I could only shake my head over and over.

“Chloe,” she said softly, “you gave my life meaning. I know what I need to do now. Trust me. I’m not that coward anymore.”

“The situation isn’t hopeless; both sides are at a stalemate. You can’t act against the Carlyns, and they can’t act against you for now. I’m the only variable. Maybe luck will be on our side this time.”

“I used to think I was the most pitiful person alive. But after seeing you and Whitney, I realized how weak I’ve been. Chloe, I want to save Whitney with all my heart. Trust me, okay? Besides, as Mrs. Pearson, the Carlyns wouldn’t dare to act against me openly.”

Carter chimed in, “I’ll support you.”

“Great.” Zoey smiled at me. “Taylor thinks I’m a fool, and I’ll just play the part while I find a way to save Whitney.”

My heart felt unbearably heavy, but all I could muster was, “Zoey, thank you.”

“I should be thanking you,” she said warmly. “You helped Dad see his mistakes, gave Mom a new lease on life, and gave me the will to keep going. Chloe, you’re the Gardners’ lucky star.”

I lunged forward and hugged her tightly. Zoey, please be safe. Don’t let anything happen to you.

Sensing my worry, she nuzzled my cheek lightly. “Okay, I’ll be careful. I won’t come here again. Let’s keep in touch by phone.”

Okay.

“And check your throat. Staying mute is pitiful.”

Okay.

“Take care of yourself. You’ve lost so much weight lately. Your husband’s going to find you too bony to hold!”

Okay.

“And, if you want kids, now’s the time to have a dozen or so. If I die, they can visit my grave…”

I pressed my hand over her mouth, silencing her nonsense.

“Just kidding,” she chuckled.

Then, she turned and left. Watching her retreating figure, my heart felt unbearably heavy. Shortly after, I received a message from her: “Chloe, you will find happiness.” Tears fell uncontrollably, landing on my phone screen one by one.