CHAPTER 12 — THE THORNE MATRIARCH
Evelyn Thorne arrived at the hospital surrounded by attorneys.
She wore a cream-colored suit, pearl earrings, and the calm expression that had terrified executives for decades.
Gabriel met her in the private boardroom.
He played the corridor footage without speaking.
Evelyn watched herself stop Marcus outside the door.
She showed no emotion.
When the video ended, Gabriel asked, “Would you like to explain?”
“The recording has no sound.”
“Your lips are visible.”
“Lip-reading is unreliable.”
“Your son has already admitted hearing the assault.”
Evelyn looked toward Marcus.
He stood against the wall, avoiding her eyes.
“You admitted that?” she asked.
Marcus said nothing.
Evelyn turned back to Gabriel.
“Isabella is unstable. She acted alone.”
“You told Marcus the child could not be born.”
“That is not what I said.”
Khloe’s voice came from the doorway.
Everyone turned.
She stood in a wheelchair, one hand resting protectively over her abdomen.
Dr. Reed and two guards remained behind her.
Evelyn’s expression shifted for the first time.
“Khloe, you should be resting.”
“You should be arrested.”
Evelyn smiled faintly.
“You are emotional.”
“And you are predictable.”
Khloe entered the room.
“Why are you afraid of my daughter?”
“I’m not.”
“Then why did you watch Isabella attack me?”
Evelyn looked at Marcus.
“My son misunderstood.”
Marcus finally raised his eyes.
“No, Mother.”
The words stunned everyone.
“You told me to let Isabella frighten her,” he continued. “You said stress might force an early delivery.”
Evelyn’s face hardened.
“You have no idea what you’re saying.”
“I know exactly what I’m saying.”
She stepped toward him.
“You weak, ungrateful boy.”
Marcus did not move.
Gabriel signaled the guards.
Evelyn’s attorneys protested as security approached.
Before they could touch her, Evelyn removed a red ruby brooch from her jacket.
May you like
Khloe recognized it.
Her mother had been wearing the same brooch in the last photograph taken before her death.
