Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Chapter 217

Chapter 217

"Claire, are you okay?" Helen's voice pulled me back from my daze, her concern evident in her tone.

I shook my head, trying to force a smile that came out more like a grimace. "I'm just tired, that's all. Let's head back."

As we turned the corner, a shadow darted from behind a wall, disappearing before I could take a second look. I wasn't hallucinating; it was too real, reminiscent of what I had witnessed the night before. There's no way I could be mistaken. The bond between Max and Richard wasn't as straightforward as it seemed. They must have feigned their fallout, leading everyone astray. It allowed them to operate under the radar, united by a common goal they were not ready to disclose. Who were they protecting with such fervor?

Leaning against the car window, lost in thought, I remained silent all the way back to the Hilton family estate. Max was already there, greeting me with a comforting arm around my shoulders. "Tired? Feeling unwell?" His concern was palpable. Looking into his eyes, I caught a flicker of something I couldn't quite define. "Max, can I really..." Trust you? I wanted to ask but chose silence. If he had something to say, he wouldn't keep me in the dark: "I'm just really scared for you going back to Elmwood Springs. The flood, Lydia's death... it all leads back there."

the police called for identification, I went ahead for a DNA match. It's confirmed... it was Lydia. I've even arranged for her burial there." The forensic evidence laid out before me left me at a loss

the Elmwood Springs trip with

my head, memories of Claude using Lydia's family as leverage flashing through my mind. "Max, did you look into Lydia's family? Claude threatened

go with some

I couldn't

visited the lab today, hoping to see my professor, but he wasn't there,"

anytime

a bit tired now.

my mood and didn't stop me as I headed upstairs. Instead of going straight to my room, lingered in the shadows, overhearing Helen reporting

me, not for my protection,