Chapter 249: An Accident

Carter, only a few years older than Luke, possessed far greater maturity and stability. He had always felt protective of Luke, especially since his sister-in-law saved Luke's life, making his current stance all the more surprising.

“The Bolton family has coddled him too much, leading to his regression,” Carter said, tapping the armrest of his wheelchair in frustration. “He lacks responsibility and courage, acting more like a spoiled child than a man!” He was usually so composed around me; I rarely saw such frustration. Instead of fear, I found his passion endearing. It eased the tension I’d felt because of Anna, and I chuckled.

“You don’t just seem a few years older than him; you come off more like his father.”

“Chloe, I’m sorry. He’s hurt you, and I can’t undo that.” Carter’s eyes were filled with remorse.

“Then let him try to make it right.”

“Indeed, he owes you that much.”

We decided to set aside the compromised brooch. After all, I have plenty of jewelry, and its eavesdropping capabilities were limited; locked in a safe, it couldn't pick up anything from the outside. When I might use it again was a matter of chance. Anna likely hoped to glean useful information from me on the way home, unaware that I’d begun my performance the moment I entered the car. She only heard what I allowed her to hear.

With three days until the New Year, Anna showed no signs of relenting. She must have felt intimidated by me, seizing the chance to counterattack. She had been secretly watching me all this time. Now, I wondered how she would react to the “wedding gift” I’d prepared for her.

The next morning, I woke unusually early. The night had been restless, filled with repeated dreams about the killer. Outside, the snow had stopped, and the servants were busy clearing it from the main roads. When I woke, Carter was gone, stirring a worrying thought—could he be involved as well?

I quickly called him. “Where are you, Carter?”

“It’s still early, and you didn’t sleep well last night. Try to get some more rest.”

“But I’m worried about you. Did you go there too?”

He gave a slight smile. “Don’t worry, everything will be okay.”

“But…”

“Try to relax. We’re almost there. If you can’t sleep, why not get up and have some breakfast? Remember to drink some milk. I have to hang up now.”

His calm reassurances made me uneasy; he was definitely hiding something. I got out of bed—the cold floor against my bare feet—tempted to find him immediately. However, I paused, thinking—would my presence disrupt his plans? What should I do?

First, I needed to freshen up and get dressed. Fortunately, Damian wasn’t home either, which somewhat eased my worries. When I came downstairs, Sheila was having breakfast with Jeffrey, and Adam had already left for work. Since Luke had handed over most of his projects to him, Adam had been swamped. Sheila, meanwhile, had spent the last ten years trying to curry favor with Jeffrey, hoping he would finally recognize her efforts. Having had my own run-ins with Anna, I remained cautious around Sheila.

“Zoey, come and have a meal,” Jeffrey invited me kindly.

I managed a smile and looked at the breakfast spread, but my appetite was gone. I wondered how Luke and Carter were doing. All I could do was wait; I felt so powerless. I picked at my food, my mind restless, and decided to occupy myself by trimming branches in the greenhouse.

As I was lost in thought, the butler rushed in, his face etched with worry. “Madam, bad news!” I was cutting roses, and a thorn pricked my hand, but the sudden news made me forget the pain. “What happened?”

The butler’s voice was tense. “I just received a call. Mr. Carter and Mr. Luke were in a car accident!”

Boom! My mind went blank. Blood dripped from my finger onto the rose branches. A car accident?