hapter 87

Later, a knock came. Two police detectives stood in my living room, their expressions serious but respectful.

“Ms. Whitmore,” one said gently. “We need to inform you of an

update regarding Chole Windsor.”

My pulse tightened. “What about her?”

The detective swallowed. “She copsed yesterday in custody,

was taken to Central Medical Hospital. Her condition is stable

but considered critical. Herwyer has just applied for medical

parole pending further evaluation.””

My throat seized. Parole. Medical. In custody.

“Medical parole means she could be… released temporarily–for

treatment,” the other detective exined. “We thought you

should be told before it bes public.”

I sat frozen for a moment, processing. Part of me whispered

relief–a sh of dread that she might be freed. Another part

bristled with guilt, because in a way, this felt like vindication.

But the stakes remained high.

“Thank you for telling me,” I managed. “If anything changes…

please let me know.”

bChapter /bb87 /b

They nodded, sliding me a business card. “We will. Take care of

yourself.”

Once they left, Ava turned to me, eyebrows knitted with

concern. “Olivia… are you okay?”

I exhaled slowly. “She… Chole’swyer applied for medical

parole.” My voice was soft. “That could bring her out of custody.

Back into my life. Into the public.”

Ava’s hand found mine. “We’ll handle it,” she said firmly. “We’ll

fight it.”

I nodded, appreciating her strength but feeling heavier than I

cared to admit. This resolution of mine–this divorce–was

meant to bring closure. But now a new threat lingered. And

despite everything, I felt a flicker of old fear, old vulnerability.

“I’m tired, Ava,” I admitted. “Tonight, I just want to rest.“‘

She nodded and poured me another cup of tea. Together, we sat

in quiet solidarity, steeped inmplight and lingering

uncertainty.

I touched the divorce papers in my bag again. They felt familiar

now–symbols of a life untethered. But Chole’s possible release

stirred fresh tension. I closed my eyes, letting the exhaustion

weigh me down.

For now… I simply sat, letting the exhaustion and the relief

coexist, settled by the muted hum of night.

Author’s POV

Felix Windsor sat heavily in the hospital waiting room, his

brow furrowed and palms clenched. His mind raced with the

consequences of Chole’s reckless behavior. The copse of the

loan deal with Green Group had rippled beyond the Windsor

family’s pride: it threatened the long–term alliance between the

Windsors and Hawthornes, alliances carefully woven for years.

Now, at a time when unity mattered most, Chole’s impulsive

assault on Olivia and Alexander had shattered everything.

Ethan’s refusal to cooperate with the Windsor n only

deepened the rift. For all his arrogance and entitlement, Ethan

understood one thing: Chole had gone too far. She had tried to

eliminate Olivia by any means, and that offended more than

business–it was a personal affront. The Windsor’s position in

New York was crumbling fast.

Felix nced at the hospital corridor clock with mounting

unease. He sighed.If Chole doesn’t stabilize soon, our family

name–and our business–will be coteral damage.

A nurse poked her head around the door. “Ms. Windsor’s

family?”

Felix rose. “That’s us.”

She led him back to Chole’s room, where Choley pale and

hooked up to monitors. Her feverish eyes lit up when she saw

him.

“Felix! You’re here!” she breathed, voice trembling with excitement. “Ethan’s divorcing! He IS going to marry me.”

Felix forced a gentle smile. “Chole… the divorce is just that-

divorce. Me… Ethan still has no intention to marry anyone.

Especially not after everything. You hurt Olivia. That’s not something… that’s not the path to reconciliation.” His voice

softened. “And besides, you’re not well enough to go anywhere

right now.”

Chole’s lips curved into a determined grin. “That’s nonsense. He

loves me. You’ll see!”

As she tried to sit up, her body gave way and she copsed back

against the pillows. Monitors beeped softly, and the nurse

stepped forward–but Chole waved her off.

Felix hastened to support her. “Don’t push yourself, Chole. Let

the doctors do their work, and maybe think things through.”

“I DON’T WANT tothink,” Chole insisted, voice crackling with

fervor. “I want him. This is the opportunity. I know he needs

me.”

Felix froze. He tried to soften his tone. “He needs support, yes-

but you’ve crossed a line. You nearly killed Olivia. There’s blood on your hands, sister. There’s risk: criminal charges, media

bacsh. Anyone with a brain can see it.”

Chole’sugh was hollow but intense. “They’ll all be silent when Ethan shows up, promising marriage. Then everything flips.”

“Buthe’s not going to do that.He said so himself!” Felix shook his head. “You’re hallucinating. The world you’re describing does

not exist.”

Chole’s eyes gleamed, wide and unblinking. “I saw his face when

Ava recorded. He’s torn. He loves me… he’ll do it.”