Chapter 264

Shermaine pressed, “Which part of the sea?”

Zack answered, “Lostaria.”

“What color was the suitcase?”

“Black.”

Joshua shot Bradley a glance.

Bradley immediately understood. Shermaine was gathering details to recover her mother’s remains. But the ocean was vast. Finding it would be near impossible.

Still, he quietly dispatched a team to investigate. Perhaps they would get lucky.

All Shermaine had wanted was confirmation about Ruth’s fate. Now she had it. Ruth had been murdered.

Thinking of her mother, who had loved and doted on her, Shermaine felt a wave of silent fury rise inside her like a great tide threatening to swallow her.

Shermaine had remembered so much about her childhood lately–bedtime stories, hand-sewn dresses, warm embraces. Though distant, those childhood moments with Ruth and Ross remained vivid.

However, Madeline’s family had snuffed it out for wealth and status. Madeline had even replaced Ruth to climb the social ladder.

Shermaine would never let them get away with it. She had already set her plan in motion. It was time to reel in the net.

Outside the motel, Shermaine stood under a tree, the breeze stirring her hair. She said nothing, lips pressed tight, eyes suspiciously red. She told herself in her mind, ‘It must be from the dust.’

Joshua stepped behind her, drawing her into his arms.

Some part of her had clung to hope–that maybe, just maybe, Ruth was still alive. However, Zack’s confession shattered that fantasy. Grief settled where rage had burned. Her mother was truly gone.

Madeline had ruined Ruth’s reputation and caused Ross untold pain over the past fourteen years. The damage could never be undone.

Joshua kissed her forehead, holding her tighter.

At the golf course, Ross was visibly uncomfortable because of his fever. Though he should’ve left after signing the contract with Richard, he stayed for Danielle.

Jameson, ever the smooth talker, had Tim thoroughly charmed. Tim seemed guileless, laughing along with Jameson’s stories.

Ross considered joining the conversation, but Tim had been cold toward him ever since learning about the breakup and the tabloid scandal with that actress.

Richard, still lingering nearby, watched with disdain. He thought, Jameson is badmouthing Ross right in front of Tim. That bastard.

Richard interjected abruptly, “Mr. Jean, I read your wife was hospitalized. How is she?”

Jameson’s smile stiffened. He was surprised that Richard suddenly brought it up.

Richard sneered, “Yet here you are, grinning like it’s nothing. It’s odd, isn’t it?”

“Why should I care about a woman who betrayed me?” Jameson retorted. “Not divorcing her is mercy enough."

“Wasn’t it you who cheated first?” Richard shot back.

Jameson’s face darkened. He wondered, ‘Damn Richard. How does he know so much? Did Ross feed him this?’

The recent media leak about Jameson’s affairs made this thought plausible.

Tim stayed silent throughout the exchange. His next golf swing sent the ball flying far across the field.

Nearby, Ross coughed violently, his pale face now flushed. With a polite nod, he excused himself toward the lounge.

Danielle’s gaze trailed after him, her worry obvious.

Tim had been quietly observing Danielle’s reaction. It didn’t take much to tell she still had feelings for Ross. Tim thought, ‘My precious daughter has been pampered since birth. How dare Ross break her heart because of an actress? It’s unacceptable.’

Danielle finally said, “Dad, I’m going to the restroom.”