Chapter 12:
nd was an image I couldn’t shake.
The doctor’s lifeless body hitting the ground was
For days, it haunted me. The sound, the way his body crumpled–everything played on repeat in my mind. I barely slept, and my body finally gave out.
Preston had stayed by my side as I recovered, watching me with concern that he didn’t bother to hide.
“Are you okay?” he asked softly one evening, his hand resting lightly on mine.!
I nodded, though my voice was firm. “I’m fine. And there’s no way I’m skipping the auction.”
His brow furrowed, his disapproval clear, but I didn’t give him time to argue.
*This is the perfect chance to investigate what happened to the doctor,” I continued. “It has to be Travis. He killed him to make sure there’s no witness who could confirm what he did to my mother. And if we don’t figure it out, he’s going to get away with it“:
Preston sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Fine. But take care of yourself. And the baby”
I placed a hand over my stomach, his reminder pulling me back for a moment. “I will,” I said quietly.
We were still talking when one of Preston’s staff knocked on the door and stepped inside..
“There’s news,” he said, glancing between us. “Ethan and Travis are already turning on each other. It’s everywhere. The fallout is destroying their companies.”
“Let them fight,” I said, leaning back with a satisfied smirk. “The more they tear each other apart, the better“}
Preston’s lips curled into a grin. “We’ll let them fight, but we’ll stay close to Travis. He’s the bigger threat?
The staff hesitated. “There’s more. Madison and Ethan… they’ve officially split
My smile widened. “Good. She’s finally getting a taste of what she deserves.“8
But the next part of the report hit harder
“Without a witness, the judge says there’s no probable cause. They think the documents are e fake and since no one could say that it was
true, then no case.
I clenched my fists, anger surging through me. “Of course they’d rule that way.”“2
Preston, however, didn’t look surprised. He tilted his head thoughtfully. “If the law won’t play fair, maybe it’s time we make sure it does.“)
I glanced at him, catching the meaning in his words. “You mean pay off the judge?”
“Why not?” he said, his tone casual but deadly serious. “Il Travis can play dirty, so can we
I didn’t respond, but the idea planted itself firmly in my mind.”
Later that night, we prepared for the auction.
The hall was buzzing with energy, filled with high–profile names, investors, and media. Everywhere I looked, people were talking, shaking hands, and exchanging fake smiles.
The moment Preston entered, the room shifted. Conversations stopped, and all eyes turned to us.
The rumors were immediate S
“That’s his wife?”
“She looks just like Zoe Hart.“8
“No, it can’t be. Zoe’s dead,”
I kept my head high, my hand resting lightly on Preston’s arm. My bump was subtle but noticeable, and the moment people saw it, the whispers grew louder.
“They’re pregnant?”
“Is this why he’s been so secretive?”
The media rushed forward, cameras flashing as questions were thrown our
“Mr. Unie, is this your wife?”
wayll
“Mrs. Urie, can you confirm if you’re Zoe Hart?“}
“Are the rumors about your pregnancy true?”
Preston’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, a silent reminder to stay calm.
“I can assure you” he said smoothly, “my wife is not Zoe Hart. This is Emily Urie, and any resemblance is purely coincidence.”
I nodded along, keeping my expression neutral. “We’re just here to enjoy the evening. Please respect our privacy.”
The questions didn’t stop, but Preston’s calm demeanor deflected most of them.
And then, just as the crowd began to settle, the room exploded again.X
The voice cut through the noise, sharp and unmistakable.
I turned, my heart dropping as Travis pushed through the crowd!
Before I could react, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a hug that felt suffocating.
The cameras went wild, the flashes blinding as headlines practically wrote themselves in real time.
Ever since the auction, Travis hadn’t left me alone.
