Chapter <b>85 </b>


    “You people are unbelievable. <b>You </b>can’t even leave the dead <b>alone</b><b>.” </b>


    The call ended with a harsh click. Marian muttered curses under her breath, her anger barely contained.


    “That family’s doomed. One day, karma’s going to catch up with them,”


    “I swear, if I could, I’d kill them myself.”


    Jackson stood nearby. When he noticed Patricia’s face pale, he shot Marian a warning look, silently urging her to stop.


    He gently tugged Marian toward the front door.


    “What’s your problem? Since when can’t I speak my mind about people like that?” Marian snapped, pulling her arm free.


    Jackson let go, keeping his tone calm. “You can say whatever you want. But the more you say, the worse Miss will feel.”


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    He picked a twig from a nearby bush and stuck it between his teeth, leaning against the wall with an air ofzy indifference, waiting for Patricia to give her orders.


    Marian eyed him, suspicious. “Why are you so chill about all this?”


    He shrugged. “What do you want me to do? Go and dig up their family graves too?”


    But in truth, Jackson thought, it was already toote for that.


    Old Mr. Newton’s grave had already been dug up–by them, no less.


    And Miss? She’d taken those ashes, stirred them into a pot of soup, <b>and </b>served it to Kelly <b>and </b>their beloved grandmother.


    But that little secret was better left unspoken. Some lines, once crossed, were best kept between the three of them.


    “Why not? Why can they dig up our graves, but we can’t touch theirs?” Marian shot back, eyes zing.


    “Jackson,e in here,” Patricia called from the living room.


    On the wooden coffee table by the sofa, Patricia sat with a calligraphy brush in hand, lost in thought as she wrote. Jackson stepped closer and watched the brush move–her strokes steady at first, but when she reached thest curve, her hand trembled, sttering tiny droplets of ink.


    I


    “In a bit, I want you to take Marian to the cemetery, Patricia said quietly.


    “What about you?” Jackson asked.


    “I’ll stay here.” <fncb6b> Updates are released by FindN0vel</fncb6b>


    “And do what?” he pressed.


    “Wait for them toe kill me.”


    <b>13:31 </b>


    The words sent a chill through Jackson. He’d known this was <b>possible</b>, but actually hearing Patricia say it made his heart <b>clench</b>.


    He wanted to protest, to argue, but nothing came out.


    He knew Patricia too well. Nothing he <b>said </b>could change her mind now<i>. </i>


    Everyst Newton wanted her gone.


    Kelly.


    Grandma.


    Theo


    Everything Patricia had done was to make <b>sure </b>the Newtons all had blood on their hands.


    If she left for the cemetery with Jackson and Marian, there’d be a <b>“</b>car ident” waiting for them on the road.


    If she stayed, maybe it’d be a fire.


    If she tried to run, Jackson and Marian would get caught in the crossfire.


    The only way to protect them was to stay and wait for the Newtons to make their move.


    Night crept in. Four hours left before it was time for Jackson and Marian to go.


    Patricia drew the curtains tight and walked through the house, quietly moving things, perfect scene.


    setting up the


    She could “die.” But if she did, she’d make sure the Newtons would never forget her–not for a single day, not for years. If her death didn’t haunt them, then what was the point?


    Elsewhere, eight o’clock.


    A family dinner was in full swing at the Cloud Peak mansion.


    Oliver sat at the head of the table, younger rtives gathered around. The housekeeper moved quietly, setting out thest of the dishes on the long dining table.


    Mr. Padi put down his phone and nced at Colton and the others, who were all busy with their


    own <b>screens</b>.


    He rapped his knuckle on the table. Everyone quickly set their phones aside.


    “Uncle Oliver, they still haven’t found her. What if they start searching our house next?” one of the younger cousins asked.


    Oliver’s tone was calm, almost bored. “They wouldn’t dare.”


    “I just hope she doesn’t end up dead on our property. That’d be creepy as hell. I’d never go jogging at night again.”


    13:31


    Colton scoffed. “Yeah, sure. More like you’d have to give up yourte–night clubbing.”


    “Oh, please. Like you’re any better. Who was it sneaking out at two in the morningst night?”


    Oliver listened to their bickering without interfering, sipping his soup in silence.


    As their voices grew louder, he waved someone over quietly. “Johns.”