Chapter 8 - The Hidden Accomplice
While Damien was in the city, Martha took it upon herself to bring Elise some food. She unlocked the guest bedroom door, carrying a silver tray with toast and tea.
Elise didn't move. She just stared out the window at the sprawling, locked grounds.
"You need to eat, my dear," Martha said softly, setting the tray down.
"Why did he marry me, Martha?" Elise whispered, her voice cracking. "If he thought I killed his sister, why propose? Why say vows? Why make me love him so deeply just to shatter me?"
"Because grief poisons the mind," Martha replied sadly, sitting on the edge of the bed. "He wanted to elevate you to the highest point of happiness so the fall would utterly destroy you."
Before Elise could reply, Thomas walked into the room. He looked at Martha with a sharp, commanding gaze. "Martha, Arthur needs you in his study. Now."
Martha nodded and hurried out. Thomas closed the door behind her, making sure it clicked shut. He turned to Elise, his expression shifting from concerned uncle to something dark and predatory.
"You've caused quite a mess, Elise," Thomas murmured, stepping closer to her.
"I didn't kill Maya," she pleaded. "It was Chloe."
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"Oh, I know it was Chloe," Thomas smiled, a chilling, hollow curve of his lips. "Because I was sitting in the passenger seat of that silver sedan when she hit her."
Elise’s blood ran cold. The room seemed to spin. "What?"
