Chapter 545: Ashes in the Wrong Hands

Owen and Paul had grown up together. He always thought their friendship was solid—especially during those two years when Paul was dating Elsie. Back then, Owen had even taken to calling himself Paul’s brother-in-law. It gave him some pride.

But at some point, something shifted. Paul had developed an unsettling presence. Now, whenever Owen saw him, a chill ran down his spine.

Even though he suspected Paul might know something about what happened to Elsie, he didn’t dare confront him directly.

He was afraid of being wrong and provoking him.

Word was, Paul had gone off the rails–he’d even attacked his own father with a knife.

And before Elsie died, Owen had asked her who hurt her. She hadn’t had the strength to say it clearly, but he was sure she hadn’t meant Paul.

Paul stared at the urn in Owen’s hands and curled his lips. “I came to see Elsie off.”

Owen breathed a little easier, thinking Paul still held some lingering affection for her.

Then Paul added, “Can I have a moment alone with her?”

Both Owen and Lily hesitated. Something about Paul’s expression didn’t sit right. It didn’t look like he was here to mourn sincerely. They didn’t want to let go of the urn.

But Paul said, “Madam Lily, just set down her portrait. I want to pay my respects.”

Lily relaxed and set the photo aside.

Mother and son moved off to the side, keeping a wide distance.

Lily wiped her tears and whispered to Owen, “What happened to Paul? He’s seriously creepy now."

Owen frowned, straining to catch what Paul was saying.

Paul bowed slightly, then placed a bouquet in front of Elsie’s portrait.

He smirked, a mocking glint in his eyes. “You loved your little games, didn’t you? I was planning to rope you into a real one. Who knew a single move would be enough to kill you? Elsie, I wasn’t done with you. If you’re feeling wronged, become a ghost and come find me. We’ll keep playing. You were useless when alive, but in death? You’re perfect–an ideal tool for revenge.”

His grin turned twisted. “You hated Yunice, didn’t you? That makes us allies. Once I bring [W] to torment the two of them for you, just watch.”

Town 17

Paul seemed to be mumbling to himself. From where he stood, Owen could only see his lips moving–he couldn’t hear a word.

Then Paul raised his hand and dragged his knuckle across Elsie’s photo.

Owen sighed. “I guess losing Elsie really hit Paul hard. He did care for her."

Lily wiped her tears again, then glanced toward the car where Peggy was waiting. Without her daughter around, how was she supposed to hold her place in this house?

Paul turned away from Elsie’s portrait. Not a single tear had fallen from his eyes.

Lily approached him with a heavy heart. “Paul, for the sake of what you had with Elsie, our families should stay in touch. You should come by the Saunders residence more often–it’s full of memories of you and her.”

Paul gave a lazy nod, clearly not interested.

Once Paul’s luxury car pulled away, Owen opened the door and weakly asked Peggy to switch seats with him.

He wasn’t in the mood to drive.

Peggy got behind the wheel and glanced at Owen cradling the urn.

“Owen, the bridal boutique called a couple days ago to schedule a fitting… And the venue reached out too. I told them the wedding is still on…”

Owen’s expression darkened. “Elsie just passed away, and you’re still thinking about a wedding? Cancel it. No celebrations for the Saunders family for the next three years.”

As soon as he said it, the car jerked forward. Owen hadn’t buckled up–he nearly dropped the urn.

Peggy had slammed the brakes.

After the shock passed, Owen yelled, “Can’t you drive properly?”

He frantically checked the urn, terrified it had been damaged.

Peggy glanced at him coldly, arms crossed. “We’re getting married whether you like it or not. I’m not waiting three years."

“You live in my house. What difference does it make?” Owen snapped. “If someone in your family had just died, would you be throwing a party right after?”

Peggy huffed, “I’ll give you one month. That’s it.”

“Elsie wasn’t a celebrity. No one will remember when she died. My wedding is what matters!”

Owen didn’t bother arguing anymore. He’d drag it out however long he could.

Once they were home, Peggy called Yunice.

“Can you talk to the venue manager? See if they can push my banquet back one month?”