"What do you think? Doesn't it look intentional?" Gabriel asked, studying Stefan's expression from the side.
They sat inside the hospital canteen, the air heavy with unspoken tension. Now that Uncle Marcus was out of danger, Gabriel knew it was ti to tell Stefan the truth about the accident.
"Leon said the truck trailed Uncle's car for so ti before speeding up and ramming into it," Gabriel revealed, sharing the details his assistant had uncovered.
Stefan's grip on his phone tightened, his knuckles turning white. His eyes burned with a seething rage so intense that Gabriel felt it pierce right through him.
He knew exactly what Stefan was thinking—who he wanted to bla—but without solid proof, they couldn't make accusations.
"I shouldn't have left him," Stefan growled, slamming his fist against the table. His chest heaved with barely contained fury.
If only he had been there with his father, things wouldn't have escalated this far.
"You can't change what happened, Stefan," Gabriel reasoned. "And what if the outco would've been the sa even if you were with him? What if the person behind this wanted both of you gone?"
Stefan clenched his jaw, his body rigid, but he didn't argue.
"We should be grateful Uncle Marcus is alive," Gabriel added firmly.
Stefan exhaled sharply, still overwheld by how quickly things had spiraled out of control. But deep down, he knew Gabriel was right. His father had survived. That was what mattered.
"I'm just worried about Mom," he admitted, leaning back in his chair. "She might act strong in front of everyone, but deep down, this is affecting her."
His mother had always been an unshakable force, standing tall against anything life threw at her. But his father was her one weakness. Seeing him fight for his life must have left a deep scar, even if she refused to show it.
"We need to cremate Uncle Jasper's body," Stefan said, his voice heavy with responsibility.
Jasper wasn't just a driver—he was a man who had served their family for as long as Stefan could rember. He had been more than an employee; he had been loyal, devoted. It only felt right to ensure he was given the farewell he deserved.
Gabriel nodded in understanding, offering no words as they sat in silence, the weight of loss pressing down on them.
****
"This was unexpected," Ella muttered, her mind still reeling from Stefan's words before they arrived at the hospital.
"I know," Eveline sighed, sitting beside her on the bench outside Marcus's ward. "None of us saw this coming. I just hope things get better. Uncle Marcus needs to stay strong now more than ever."
Ella exhaled, her thoughts shifting. "You know, Stefan and I were supposed to visit Evergreen Haven Foster Care today. But I guess we'll have to postpone it for now."
Her words made Eveline frown. "Evergreen Haven? Why would you want to go there?"
The question pulled Ella from her thoughts. It suddenly dawned on her that she had yet to tell Eveline about her suspicions.
"I want to know more about my father," she admitted, watching Eveline's expression shift into confusion—until sothing seed to click.
A brief pause followed before Eveline straightened. "Then how about we go together?"
Ella blinked, surprised by the suggestion. Eveline's idea was thoughtful, yet unexpected. After a mont, she nodded. "Sure, we can. But… can I ask why you suddenly want to co along?"
Eveline stiffened slightly under Ella's curious gaze.
"I-I just thought I'd tag along," she stamred, quickly darting her eyes away, avoiding the unspoken questions lurking in Ella's stare.
"Yes, you conveyed it—but why?" Ella leaned back on the bench, her sharp gaze studying Eveline's uneasiness.
Eveline had planned to gather more details and confirm her suspicions before involving anyone else. But now that Ella was pressing her, she felt compelled to answer.
"I also want to know more about Jedrick's life… before our grandparents adopted him," Eveline finally admitted, though she still held back the full truth.
Ella considered her words carefully. Sothing about Eveline's response didn't fully convince her, but for now, she chose to let it go.
Eveline exhaled in relief, and the two sat in silence for a mont before deciding to head ho.
****
[Eveline's Room]
"Are you sure you don't need to co with you two?" Gabriel asked, brushing a strand of hair from Eveline's face.
Eveline nodded in reassurance before turning and wrapping her arms around him.
"How's Stefan? Did you talk to him?" She asked, looking up at him.
Gabriel nodded, his arms tightening around her, pulling her closer until their chests were pressed together.
"I did. He also believes the accident was intentional," he admitted.
Eveline's fingers clenched the hem of his shirt, worry flashing across her face.
Gabriel couldn't shake the suspicion that Jedrick had sothing to do with it. After all, he was the last person they saw before the accident. But until they had proof, he couldn't be certain.
"You think what I'm suspecting… might actually be true?" Eveline asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Gabriel lowered his gaze, taking in the uncertainty in her eyes.
"You believe you'll find your answers at Evergreen Haven?" he asked.
Eveline nodded, her grip on his shirt tightening.
Gabriel was quiet for a few seconds, then finally said, "You won't know until you search for the truth. If you feel this is the right thing to do, don't doubt yourself. Do what is necessary and let fate handle the rest.
Eveline took a deep breath and pressed her face against Gabriel's chest.
"I just hope everything goes well… and that I finally find my answers," she murmured, her eyes fluttering shut.
Gabriel gently stroked her hair, his touch comforting. Eventually, exhaustion pulled them both into sleep.
The next morning, when Eveline woke, Gabriel was already gone. However, he had left her a ssage:
"Text if anything feels off."
A small smile touched her lips as she read his words.
Pushing aside the lingering heaviness in her chest, Eveline got out of bed and quickly went through her morning routine. Today was important. She had no ti for hesitation.
By the ti she was ready, Ella was waiting. Together, they set off for Evergreen Haven Foster Care.
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