Chapter 925
Chapter 924:
Self-reproach pressed on Gatlin and Eloisa both, thick and suffocating. They had failed to keep a closer watch on Cutler and had let him wander for all these years when he needed their guidance the most. Over the years, they had carried that self-blame for ever losing him and not being there for him. Gatlin and Eloisa, each in their own way, were quietly begging Elliana to show mercy for Cutler.
Elliana gave a slight, unreadable smile and chose not to say anything more. There was so much she didn’t know about the Serpent Society, about who Cutler had become. She refused to offer reassurances she couldn’t back up.
Charles, however, made no such pleas. He simply said, “Ms. Marsh, allow me to walk you out.”
Elliana agreed, and they stepped outside together.
Moments before she swung a leg over her motorcycle, Charles broke the silence. “Ms. Marsh, I don’t know what else you’re capable of, but my gut tells me you’re an exceptional woman. So I’m asking, if Cutler crossed a line, please consider giving him a chance. If he’s done wrong, I’ll answer for it. That’s my duty as his brother.”
Elliana studied Charles, weighing his words. Finally, she asked, “Can I ask you something? Do you believe my theory? That the storybook tells Cameron’s real story? That everything—the sudden disappearance of Cutler, Barbara’s poisoning with Scorpion King—traces back to this ‘Max’?”
Charles fell silent, his mouth set in a firm, uneasy line as he searched for an answer. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ
Deep down, Charles had already agreed with Elliana’s deduction, even though he couldn’t bring himself to say it. Acknowledging Elliana’s theory meant admitting that Cameron, once the family’s model of integrity, might be at the heart of all their pain. Reconciling the memory of someone so upright with the possibility of such darkness was almost impossible. But the facts piled up, and denying them would only blind him to reality.
After a long pause, Charles finally nodded. “I agree. You have a sharp mind. You cut right to the heart of the matter. I admire that, and I trust your judgment.”
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Elliana appreciated Charles’s calm objectivity, so she got straight to business. “If we’re on the same page, there’s no need to circle around it,” she said, her tone turning steely. “I’m convinced Cutler is involved with the Serpent Society. His exact role, what he’s done, and whether he’s crossed a line we can’t forgive—that’s what we need to uncover.”
Charles nodded, his expression resolute. “Understood. You have my complete cooperation.”
Elliana continued, “Now that I know it’s him, I’ll hold back where I can. But I can’t guarantee his safety if he comes after me again; he’s made attempts on my life, Charles. I have no choice but to defend myself, and he may get hurt. You need to understand that.”
Charles nodded in understanding, his posture more attentive than ever. “I hear you. I’m grateful you’re willing to hold back at all. Please, don’t risk your own life for him.”
It felt good to deal with someone who didn’t let emotions cloud his reason. Elliana offered a slight, genuine smile as their alliance took shape. “My focus is on finding out why the Serpent Society targeted my mother. Yours is your brother. It seems to me we should be allies.”
Relief softened Charles’s features. The fear that Elliana might blame the entire Henderson family or cut them off faded instantly now that she welcomed his help.
“Sure,” he replied, real warmth in his voice. “Before, I thought being older than you meant I should look out for you, but it’s clear you’re the one leading. I’m ready to follow your directives from here on out.”
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