Chapter 166:

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Kelly’s POV

Maybe I was badly bruised by the past, and that’s why it’s hard for me to trust even the one person I hold most dear.

Standing in front of my desk at Foster’s company, I tried to find a sense of belonging in my mother’s family. I tried so hard, but there was none. I didn’t belong in this family. This family didn’t deserve me.

If Mom thought this family didn’t deserve to be recognized by her daughter, then maybe I shouldn’t try to fit in.

“Kelly.”

I slowly turned toward the door when Sara Foster entered.

I sat in the chair in front of my desk, crossed my legs, and looked at her.

“If it weren’t for my position, I wouldn’t have come, even if you called for me a hundred times. What do you want?”

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I looked at her and tilted my head, signaling her to sit.

“I’m not here to chit-chat with you, Kelly. Tell me what you want, and please, don’t insist on investigating my brother again.”

I chuckled without humor. “That’s not what I want from you. I already have someone doing that.”

Her forehead creased. “What?”

“Sit down, Sara. Let’s talk about transferring my position to you.”

Her eyes widened in shock, disbelief flashing across her face.

“What do you mean?”

“Connor Foster doesn’t deserve the company. You should take it.”

She shook her head, still doubtful. “What? Mom gave this company to you, Kelly. Are you mocking me?”

“I’m tired of fighting this war.”

She gritted her teeth. “So, you’re giving up on giving your mom justice?”

“No. I just need to let go of this company.”

“Because of what? Because of Connor? If you think he’s responsible for your mother’s death, then all the more reason to defeat him!”

“I only have one condition before I give this company to you, Sara,” I said, ignoring her words.

Her expression turned grim. “Just what I expected.”

Your husband is involved, Sara.”

She looked even more shocked. Her eyes widened in horror. “W-What?”

“I don’t care what you do to him, but don’t ever give him any position in the company. That’s all I ask.”

“No! No, that’s not true!”

The desperation in her eyes was overwhelming. It was clear that her love for her husband had blinded her, making it impossible for her to believe the truth. Included in the report given to me by attorney Lee was the evidence of Connor and Wes’ involvement in my mother’s death. A witness’ statement was even in the document, so I don’t understand why Attorney Lee didn’t proceed with the investigation when he had all the facts.

That’s why I had to confront Attorney Lee about the documents. I feel like he’s hiding something from me.

“If you’re doing this to manipulate me—”

“I don’t need riches, Sara. I don’t need them if they’ll only make me lonely.”

Her lips parted, and she looked torn between believing me or not. Sara isn’t evil. I can see that. She was deprived of the rights to belong, and she only wants what she deserves. I understand that because, in a way, I’ve wanted the same for myself.

“I’m stepping down, Sara. I’ll give my position to you. Legally.”

She shook her head again. “If having the company means losing the only person who ever made me feel wanted, then I don’t want it, Kelly.”

She pulled herself up and turned her back. I stood as well and looked at her.

Before she could leave the office, I spoke, “You can’t stay with a two-faced man, Sara. He doesn’t deserve you.”

She paused, but after I finished my sentence, she immediately left. I swallowed hard and took a deep breath before sitting back in my chair. I knew I couldn’t convince Sara easily, but I would make sure I eventually would.

I need to eliminate people like her from my plan for revenge. She was the rose among the thorns.

The door swung open again. I thought Sara had come back, but it wasn’t her. It was Matt, and his forehead was creased.

“What did Aunt Sara come here for?”

I shrugged as I sat down in my swivel chair. “She had business with me. And I would ask you the same thing, Matt Foster. What did you come here for?”

He clenched his jaws and sat in the chair in front of me. He looked into my eyes, hesitant. He had discovered something, and the coldness in his eyes was hiding it.

“Why do you think my dad was involved in your mother’s death?”

I lifted my chin, steadying my voice. “He’s the only one who can answer that question, Matt.”

He pressed his lips together. “What if you don’t find any evidence?”

“I’ll keep digging until I do,” I replied, my voice firm.

He took a deep breath and looked away, gritting his teeth. I saw anger flicker in his eyes. “I… I overheard Dad talking to someone on the phone. He mentioned something about burning documents. I don’t know who it was.”

Burning? Two people immediately crossed my mind—Luke’s sister and Attorney Lee. He hadn’t called me again after I told him the document was destroyed along with my unit. If it’s Attorney Lee, then it makes sense why I couldn’t trust him. And if it’s Luke’s sister, I couldn’t understand why she’d team up with the person who might be responsible for her brother’s death.

“Why are you telling me this?” I asked, my voice serious.

He sighed again and looked down. “I love my parents, but if they’re involved in your mother’s death, they need to pay for it.”

“Thank you for understanding, Matt. But I still can’t trust you.”

“I know,” he said quietly. “But can you tell me where Emily is?”

My forehead creased. Had he become obsessed with her?

“Why?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“I need to talk to her. She’s been avoiding me.”

The corner of my lips lifted as I looked at him. Emily was the reason he was like this. He must have feelings for her.

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