Chapter 3: The Ultimate Betrayal
Adrian and Eleanor followed the doctor into a private office. On the screen was the toxicology and pathology report.
"The pregnancy test was a false positive," the doctor revealed bluntly. "Mrs. Whitcomb was never pregnant. The high levels of hCG in her system were caused by a rare, aggressive tumor that mimics pregnancy symptoms. But that’s not what caused the hemorrhaging."
Adrian frowned, his brain struggling to process. "Then what did?"
"High doses of rat poison," the doctor said coldly. "Ingested slowly over the past two weeks. The untouched glass of water on her nightstand? We tested the residue. It was laced with it. Someone was systematically executing your wife on her wedding day."
Adrian felt the room tilt. It wasn't a secret pregnancy. It was an attempted murder.
Suddenly, Eleanor gasped, dropping her purse. Her phone screen lit up with a notification from their home security app. The cameras in the master bedroom showed a figure stealthily walking into the crime scene, searching frantically through Lila's drawers.
It was Julian.
Adrian didn't wait. He sprinted back to the waiting area, but Julian was already gone.
A chilling realization washed over Adrian as his phone buzzed with a text message from an unknown number. It was a photo of Lila's original life insurance policy, signed just three days ago. The primary beneficiary in the event of her accidental death wasn't Adrian. It wasn't even Julian.
The primary beneficiary was Eleanor Whitcomb.
Adrian turned around slowly to look at his mother, who was walking out of the doctor's office with a look of perfect, calm composure. The wooden stick she had carried that morning wasn't to wake a lazy bride. It was to ensure the job was done.
"You always hated her, Mother," Adrian whispered, his voice trembling as he backed away.
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Eleanor offered a sinister, sorrowful smile. "I did it for the family fortune, darling. But don't worry... Julian is going to take the fall for it."
What would you do if the person who saved your life was the one who tried to end it? Leave your thoughts below for Part 2! 👇
