Chapter 155:

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Connor’s POV

“Dad.”

I turned to see Matt entering my study. I gestured for him to sit in the chair across from me, but he remained standing, his expression serious.

“What is it, son?”

He scoffed. “Did you know that Kelly believes her mother was murdered and that she suspects us?”

I wasn’t surprised by this. I knew this was coming, which is why I’ve been doing everything to keep my family out of the spotlight.

“I know.”

His forehead creased with concern. “Dad, are you just going to let her keep doing this?”

I chuckled lightly. “Let her be, son. She’s just lonely. Once she realizes she’s wrong, she’ll stop.”

“What if she doesn’t stop? What if she has evidence?”

The mention of evidence caught me off guard. I clenched my jaw and stared at my son, now more serious. “Evidence? She has evidence?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe she does. That’s why she was so confident when she told me her mother was murdered. Why?”

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I sucked in a breath and shook my head. “Nothing. Go. I’ve got some paperwork to finish.”

“Paperwork? I thought Kelly stole your position?”

I gritted my teeth, balling my fists under the desk as I glared at the papers in front of me. “I’m consulting a lawyer about that matter. I will get my position back.”

“Okay. I’ll leave for now, dad. I want to keep an eye on Kelly and make sure she doesn’t harm any of us.”

I lifted my head to look at him. “Yes, please. Let me know everything she’s doing. Make sure she doesn’t notice you watching her.”

“Yes, dad. By the way, where’s Mason?”

I relaxed in my swivel chair. “He went out. I think he’s just unwinding.”

Matt nodded, then left the study room. I watched him walk out before dialing a number.

[Hello?]

I clenched my jaw, my anger rising again. “Are you sure all the documents have been burned?”

[Yes, Mr. Foster.]

I pulled myself up and walked toward the door. After checking outside and seeing no one, I locked it behind me.

“She’s still investigating. My son is getting too curious about what’s happening. Make sure Kelly doesn’t find any more evidence that could prove my involvement in her mother’s death. I’m warning you—if Kelly brings me down, I’ll drag you down with me.”

[The documents are all gone, Mr. Foster. I made sure of it, so you have nothing to worry about.]

“Good,” I said coldly before ending the call and leaving my study.

“Where’s Matt?” I asked the maid who was cleaning the living area.

“He left about five minutes ago, Sir.”

I nodded. I didn’t want my sons to find out anything, especially Matt. That kid is righteous—he would never side with me once he discovers the truth.

Matt’s POV

I slammed my fists on the steering wheel, ripping my earbuds from my ears and tossing them to the floor of my car. My chest was rising and falling rapidly, filled with anger, disappointment, and frustration.

Earlier today, I snuck into my father’s study and secretly installed an audio bugging device under his desk. I was desperate to prove Kelly wrong, but a part of me wanted to believe her. So I placed the device there… and now I regret it.

“What the hell, Dad!” I growled, cursing under my breath. He’s involved. Kelly was right. She was right all along. My family has been hiding a dark truth.

“ARGH!” I shouted, clenching my jaw. I never saw him this way—kind, loving, and always a role model to me. But now I know… he was involved in Eva Foster’s death. His own sister. His own blood. This is too much to bear.

I couldn’t accept it. I couldn’t. He was the one I looked up to. The one who shaped my success. Everything I did, I did to make him proud because I was proud of him. But now… I feel… miserable.

Instead of heading to the company to watch Kelly’s every move, I drove to a bar. I felt like I was about to explode. The family I thought I was protecting didn’t need protecting. It wasn’t worth saving anymore.

I don’t usually drink, but tonight, I felt like I needed it. I had to drown my thoughts in alcohol or else I’d have to confront my dad about what I heard. And I couldn’t do that. Not yet. I was still in denial.

I ordered the strongest drink they had and braced myself against the harsh taste. My grip on the glass was tight, trying to calm my racing mind.

I want to understand my dad’s reasons, but if he did all of this just for the company and grandma’s wealth… I can’t accept it. He had everything he needed. He didn’t need to do this for riches. Damn it.

My vision began to blur, but I could still manage. I could still drink. Just as I was about to take another sip, someone sat down on the stool beside me. It was a familiar woman who ordered a strong drink before glancing at me.

Her eyes were empty. I’ve often wondered why she looked like a living dead—emotionless, as if nothing could ever touch her heart. She was cold, seemingly unmoved by any gentleness or kindness. She radiated hatred, as if the world had wounded her deeply.

“What are you looking at?” she asked, her voice laced with a hint of bitterness.

I laughed sarcastically. “Why do you want to betray Kelly when she’s treated you like a sister?”

The corner of her lips lifted slightly, but it was devoid of real emotion—empty, like everything else about her. “I’m not a fan of drama, Mr. Foster. If you think you can convince me not to hurt your dear cousin, you’ll never succeed.”

Her eyes were sharp, her voice cold yet gentle, but it pierced through me. I clenched my jaw and, without thinking, grabbed her waist. She looked shocked, but I didn’t care. It was probably the alcohol, but I found myself kissing her senselessly.

I’d had girlfriends, flings—nothing like this. As soon as I tasted her lips, every other woman I’d been with felt like a distant memory, a poor comparison to her.

Who is this woman? Why does it feel like once she’s in my system, I’ll never be able to get her out? She’s like a drug I can’t resist. Damn.

My mind went blank when she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me back. Her lips tasted even better now that she was answering my kisses. Sweet, soft—it was so damn delicious, and I felt like I could never get enough of it.

We were both panting when our lips parted. I looked at her, eyes foggy with liquor and the intoxicating kiss. I licked my bottom lip, my breath shallow, as I stared at her swollen, red lips.

I grabbed her wrist, and the last thing I remember is dragging her to the VIP room, tearing off her sexy dress. Everything after that was a blur. Her body made me even more drunk, and all I could do was kiss her, worship her body like a servant, completely lost in the moment.

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