CHAPTER 8 — THE EMPTY CHAIR
By morning, news of the attack had leaked.
The first headline appeared at 6:12 a.m.
PREGNANT BILLIONAIRE’S WIFE ATTACKS FAMILY FRIEND DURING PRIVATE DISPUTE
The article described Isabella as the victim.
It claimed Khloe had become unstable because she feared Marcus was leaving her.
It even quoted an unnamed hospital employee.
Gabriel threw the tablet across the conference room.
“They’re controlling the story.”
Elaine sat across from him, pale but furious.
“I saw Isabella attack her.”
“Then they’ll destroy your credibility.”
“They can try.”
Gabriel studied her.
“Why were you outside the suite?”
Elaine hesitated.
“Khloe texted me.”
She showed him the message.
PLEASE COME UPSTAIRS. ISABELLA FOLLOWED ME.
The timestamp was three minutes before the assault.
“Did anyone else see it?”
“No.”
“Then you are the only independent witness.”
Elaine nodded.
Gabriel ordered security to escort her home.
She stood.
“I’m not leaving until Khloe is safe.”
A nurse entered.
“Mr. Cole, Khloe is asking for Ms. Parker.”
Elaine went to the medical wing.
She found Khloe awake and holding a glass of water with both hands.
“They’re calling you unstable,” Elaine said softly.
Khloe gave a humorless smile.
“They always call a woman unstable when the truth becomes inconvenient.”
Elaine sat beside her.
“I’ll testify.”
Khloe looked at her.
“Then you’re in danger.”
Before Elaine could answer, the chair near the window moved slightly.
Both women turned.
No one was there.
But a phone had been taped beneath the seat.
Its camera faced Khloe’s bed.
The screen was streaming live.
Elaine reached for it.
A message appeared.
SMILE, KHLOE. YOUR MOTHER DID.
Khloe stopped breathing.
May you like
Her mother had been dead for nineteen years.
And almost no one knew how she died.
