Chapter 26
“Did you put Judy in the villa just so she could spy for you?” Theo’s voice was icy.
othe
“Shouldn’t I? Who knows what Patricia might do next? I’m just trying to protect the Newton family.” Kelly didn’t bother to hide her annoyance.”
Theo rubbed his temples, fighting a headache. “I told you, whatever’s going on between Patricia and me, it’s none of your business.”}
“You think I want to get involved? If it wasn’t for the family, I wouldn’t waste a second on this mess.”
Kelly’s dislike for Patricia had never been a secret. “If she really wanted to be your wife, why would she go two years without ever acting Nike one?”
Theo looked at Kelly, exasperated. The more she meddled, the messier things got between him and Patricia–so tangled he couldn’t even see the beginning or end of it anymore.
“Either way, you two need to get a divorce.”
“If you’re worried about gossip, there are other ways to handle it.” Her tone was sharp, and her meaning was clear. “There’s more than one way to make someone disappear, right?“}
“The Newton family won’t fall apart because of her.”
Kelly’s problem with Patricia wasn’t just about her limp. It was her strong personality, her unwillingness to bend. Even saving her son hadn’t changed Kelly’s mind.
So what if Patricia had saved her son’s life? Was she supposed to be forever grateful for that? Treat her like some kind of saint?}
Theo looked up, startled, anger flickering in his eyes. His hand was still pressed to his forehead as he stared at Kelly. “You want her dead?”
He and Patricia hadn’t exactly grown up together, but they’d known each other since they were kids. He remembered going over to the Martin house, hearing Ruby talk about her big sister–how smart she was, how kind, always helping out, picking up little gifts for her if she saw something nice.”
When things went downhill for Patricia’s family in their teens, Ruby did everything she could to help her.”
His feelings for Patricia had never been bad. If it weren’t for everything that had happened, he might have even called it respect–definitely not hate.
“Just let her go,” Kelly muttered, careful not to push too far. The Parsons family was still backing Patricia, after all.
“I said, stay out of my business. And don’t drag Nina into this,” Theo snapped.
Kelly scoffed. “You’re really letting that cripple get to you. I don’t care how pretty her face is, she’s still damaged goods.“}
A knock at the door cut her off.”
Theo’s glare faded as he glanced at Kelly. She got the message and left quietly.
Later that evening, after work, Theo stepped out of the elevator and nearly walked straight into Nina.
She looked like a lost kitten–head down, eyes red and puffy, shuffling her feet as she came over. “Theo…” Her voice was small and
shaky.
Joseph was waiting in the car, hands tight on the steering wheel, sounding exasperated. “She’s been crying all day. Wouldn’t leave me alone until I brought her to see you. What else was I supposed to do?”
Theo’s frown deepened. He’d always had doubts about what happened with Nina, and Joseph’s attitude told him everything–he didn’t believe for a second that his own sister would knowingly get involved with someone already taken.}]
“I have things to do.” Theo said.
Nina jumped in right away “Can I come with you? I promise I’ll behave, I won’t get in your way.”
“it’s not a good time.”
“Are you going home? Nina’s voice trembled, her eyes big and shiny with unshed tears, looking fragile and scared–like a rabbit caught in headlights.
