My hatred for Hudson and Aria reached its peak in that moment.
I hated them for how easily they had made me their puppet.
I hated them for choosing me.
Aria's lips curled into a contemptuous smirk. "You heard everything just now, didn't you? My conversation with Hudson?"
When I gave no reaction, she continued without missing a beat.
"Honestly, I find the whole thing rather poetic. I'm the one who hand-delivered you to Hudson's side. I figured you were clean enough, simple enough—the kind of girl who'd never make waves."
"I have to admit, I never expected you to stay by his side for a whole decade."
"Do you know what Hudson said to me a few days ago? He said he wanted the children to call you their godmother."
Aria's brow furrowed tight, something uncontrolled flickering behind her eyes.
I listened without expression, finding her words almost laughable.
What was she trying to say—that Hudson had fallen for me?
"So today, I'm here to see you out of this world."
Aria flicked her wrist, and two dark figures appeared behind me.
"You made enemies in prison, got tangled up with the wrong people, and died behind bars as payback." She tilted her head. "How's that for a script?"
I tried to struggle, but I was no match for two grown men.
A needle slid into my skin, and dizziness flooded my brain.
I could feel myself being carried out of the prison, then tossed onto the dirt of some abandoned construction site, far from anyone who'd hear me.
Someone was digging a hole. They meant to bury the evidence.
Then, out of nowhere, blinding headlights swept across the dark lot.
A black Hummer screeched around a corner and skidded to a stop right in front of me.
"Thelma! Thelma!"
Footsteps rushed toward me.
"Don't worry. Those men—I've already taken care of them."
"Everything Hudson and Aria did to you will be exposed the moment you're out of the country."
I looked up at a face I hadn't seen in ten years, and let my eyes fall shut in relief.
