Chapter 123

Susan Thompson clutched the bloodstained fabric scrap with bone-white knuckles.

It was from Daniel's last outfit, still bearing traces of Bella Quinn's blood. Her only remaining memento. Her final solace in this world.

"Hand it over."

Vincent King's voice cut like ice, his once-tender eyes now glacial.

"Why?" Susan stepped back, her voice raw. "You've taken them from me. Won't you even leave me this?"

Vincent seized her wrist with bone-crushing force.

"Vincent!" Pain blurred Susan's vision. "Was destroying Bella's grave not enough? Candy's death had nothing to do with me!"

"Silence!"

He pried her fingers open. The bloodied fabric and wooden button clattered to the ground.

Susan lunged for them, but Vincent's shoe came down.

"No!" She shoved at him uselessly, like pushing against a mountain.

The splintering wood echoed the shattering of her heart.

Vincent's men swept the fragments into the fire. Flames devoured her last hope.

Susan collapsed, watching ashes scatter in the wind.

"Vincent," her voice feather-light, "I hate you."

The words struck him strangely. He gripped her throat, trying to choke off the unsettling declaration.

"I... hate you..." Susan gasped, her eyes terrifyingly empty.

Nicole Capra's gloating laughter pierced the air.

With sudden fury, Susan grabbed a broken plank and hurled it at Nicole.

"Susan!" Vincent slammed her to the ground.

Her answering smile unsettled him.

"Escort Miss Capra home," he ordered coldly, eyes locked on Susan.

Nicole shot Susan a triumphant look before leaving.

Vincent yanked Susan up roughly. "You owe me. Time to pay."

"I owe you nothing." Her whisper barely carried.

"You killed my child," Vincent snarled. "Now you'll give me and Candy another."

Susan closed her eyes as silent tears fell.