Chapter 263

But the pang of jealousy faded. Ross was Shermaine’s brother, after all.

Joshua thought, “That brief jealousy is just possessiveness talking. I should be thanking Ross. If he hadn’t recognized Shermaine at first glance and brought her home, I’d probably still be single.”

He loved Shermaine. Once given, this depth of feeling could never be taken back.

Joshua asked, “What about me?”

Shermaine wasn’t one for sweet talk, but seeing his expectant look, she smiled, “You’ve got me, too.”

Bradley had tracked Zack down to a rundown motel—the kind with peeling wallpaper and the stale stench of mildew, a stark contrast to the bright world outside.

Though unharmed, Bradley had struggled with Zack, who nearly escaped before being restrained with ropes binding both hands and feet.

When Shermaine arrived, Joshua was waiting downstairs. His cold expression softened the moment he saw her, warmth flickering in his eyes.

Dressed in a black shirt with the top buttons casually undone, he looked striking under the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Taking her hand, he said, “Let’s go in.”

The motel had no elevator, just a dim, garbage-strewn staircase leading up.

On the third floor, Bradley greeted them. “Mr. York. Mrs. York.”

They nodded before entering the room.

At the sight of Zack, unshaven and disheveled, Shermaine said flatly, “Long time no see.”

Zack didn’t respond. If he had a gun or a knife, he would have gladly shot them all, buried the pieces, and ended this miserable life on the run.

“I just have one question for you.” Shermaine cut straight to the chase, her words deliberately measured. “Is my mother still alive?”

Zack looked up at her, feigning confusion. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

“I don’t.”

“Madeline took my mother’s place and became the current Mrs. Jean. What did you people do to my mother back then?”

Zack had killed someone at a young age. His nerves were steel. Even under Shermaine’s piercing gaze, he played dumb, lowering his head and closing his eyes. “Do whatever you want to me. I’ve got nothing to say.”

Madeline despised him. She wouldn’t spare him a single word. Zack’s mother had warned him never to reveal the truth. One slip, and their family would be ruined. Not that it mattered now, their “good days” were already over.

Killing Zack wouldn’t bring Shermaine peace anyway. The best revenge was making him suffer, forcing him to live with his guilt. She pressed. “You killed my mother, didn’t you?”

Zack remained stubbornly silent.

Bradley lost patience and kicked him hard.

Zack slammed into the wall, blood instantly streaming down his face, his vision swimming.

Shermaine ordered, “Put him in the chair.”

Bradley hauled Zack up and forced him onto the seat.

“Lift his head,” Shermaine instructed.

Bradley complied.

Zack met those eyes again, but now, with blood clouding his vision, they seemed to bore into him, dizzying his mind.

Bradley realized what was happening. Shermaine was hypnotizing Zack.

Within moments, Zack’s gaze went vacant.

Shermaine asked, “Did you kill Ruth?”

Zack replied, “Yes.”

“How?”

“I knocked her out, stuffed her in a suitcase, and then threw her into the sea.”