545: Ashes in the Wrong Hands


    Chapter 545: Ashes in the Wrong Hands.


    <b>Owen </b>and Paul had grown up together. He always thought their friendship was solid—especially during those two years when Paul was dating Elsie. Back then, Owen had even taken to calling himself Paul’s <b>brother</b>–<b>in</b>w. It gave him some pride


    But at


    some point, something shifted. Paul had developed an unsettling presence. Now, whenever Owen saw him, a chill ran down his spine.


    <b>Even </b>though he suspected Paul might know something about what happened to Elsie, he didn’t dare confront him directly.


    He was <b>afraid </b>of being wrong and provoking him.


    Word was, Paul <b>had </b>gone off the <b>rails</b>–he’d even attacked his own father with a knife.


    And before Elsie died, Owen had asked her who hurt her. She hadn’t had the strength to say it clearly, but he was <b>sure </b>she <b>hadn’t </b>meant Paul.


    Paul stared at <b>the </b>urn in Owen’s hands <b>and </b>curled his lips. “I came to see Elsie off.”


    Owen breathed a little easier, thinking Paul still held some lingering affection for her.


    Then Paul added, “Can I have a moment alone with her?”


    Both Owen and Lily hesitated. Something about Paul’s expression didn’t sit right. It didn’t look like he was here to mourn sincerely. They didn’t want to let <b>go </b>of the urn.


    But Paul said, “Madam Lily, just set down her portrait. I want to pay my respects.”


    Lily rxed and set the photo aside.


    Mother and son moved off to the side, keeping/a wide distance.


    Lily wiped her tears and whispered to Owen, “What happened to Paul? He’s seriously creepy now.


    Owen frowned, straining to catch what Paul was <b>saying</b><b>. </b>


    Paul bowed slightly, then ced a bouquet in front of Elsie’s portrait.


    He smirked, a mocking glint in his eyes. “You loved your little games, didn’t you? I was nning to rope you into a real one. Who knew a single move would be enough to kill you? Elsie, I wasn’t done with you. If you’re feeling wronged, be a ghost ande find me. We’ll keep ying. You were useless when alive, but in death? You’re perfect–an ideal tool for revenge.”


    His grin turned twisted. “You hated Yunice, didn’t you? That makes us allies. Once I bring W torment the two of them for you, Just watch.”


    Town 17


    Paul seemed to be mumbling to himself. From where he stood, Owen could only see his lips moving–he couldn’t hear a word.


    Then Paul raised his <b>hand </b>and dragged his knuckle across Elsie’s photo.


    08:41 Mon, 28 <b>JO1 </b>


    Chapter 545: Ashes in the Wrong Hands


    Owen sighed. “I guess losing Elsie really hit Paul hand. He diel care for her.


    Lily wiped her tears again, then nced toward the car where Peggy was waiting. Without her daughter — around, how was she supposed to hold her ce in this house?


    Paul turned away from Elsie’s portrait. Not a single tear had fallen from his eyes,


    Lily approached him with a heavy heart. “Paul, for the sake of what you had with Elsie, our families should stay in touch. You shoulde by the Saunders residence more often–it’s full of memories of you and


    her.”


    Paul gave azy nod, clearly not interested.


    Once Paul’s luxury car pulled away, Owen opened the door and weakly asked Peggy to switch seats with


    him.


    He wasn’t in the mood to drive.


    Peggy got behind the wheel and nced at Owen cradling the urn.


    “Owen, the bridal boutique called a couple days ago to schedule a fitting… And the venue reached out too<b>. </b><b>I </b>told them the wedding is still on…”


    Owen’s expression darkened. “Elsie just passed away, and you’re still thinking about a wedding? Cancel it No celebrations for the Saunders family for the next three years.”


    As soon as he said it, the car jerked forward. Owen hadn’t buckled up–he nearly dropped the urn.


    Peggy had mmed the brakes.


    After the shock passed, Owen yelled, “Can’t you drive properly?”


    He frantically checked the urn, terrified it had been damaged.


    Peggy nced at him coldly, arms crossed. “We’re getting married whether you like it or not. I’m not waiting three years.


    “You live in my house. What difference does it make?” Owen snapped. “If someone in <b>your </b>family had just died, would you be throwing a party right after?”


    Peggy huffed, “I’ll <b>give </b><b>you </b>one month. That’s it.”


    “Elsie wasn’t a celebrity. No one will remember when she died. My wedding is what matters!”


    Owen didn’t bother arguing anymore. He’d drag it out however long he could.


    Once they were home, Peggy called Yunice.


    “Can you talk to the venue manager? See if they can push my banquet back one month?”