Chapter 46
Everyone’s attention turned to the car as Eddy stepped out, dressed in a crisp suit, every detail immaculate.
His expression was dark, eyes blazing with anger at the absurd blockade ahead.
“What on earth do you all think you’re doing?”
He exited the car and immediately pulled Blanche protectively into his
arms.
The door slammed shut behind them, sealing off any view of what had just taken place inside.
“Dad, we’re trying to catch the bad person who messed up Grandma’s urn,” Healy said, stepping forward and tilting her chin up defiantly at Eddy.
It was only then that Eddy remembered-he’d struck Jeannette moments ago, sending her sprawling to the floor. She’d hit the edge of a table, and the urn had crashed to the ground.
He looked down at Blanche’s pale, drawn face, his gaze filled with regret and tenderness. “Sweetheart, I promise you-I’ll make this right.”
“No matter who damaged Mom’s urn, I won’t let them get away with it.”
Blanche squeezed Healy’s hand, wanting only to leave this place.
He talks big about making it right, Blanche thought bitterly. How? When he’s the one shouting “Thief!” the loudest?
“Brother, what are you doing here? How long have you been standing around? Did you see anyone suspicious on the path?” Hedwig seized the opportunity, refusing to let it go.
Eddy shot her a frosty look. “Why would I owe you any explanations?”
1/3
“Doesn’t matter if you didn’t see anything,” Hedwig replied, raising her voice so the crowd-and the journalists-could hear. “There are cameras covering every corner of the cemetery. Let’s go to security and pull the footage. We’ll find out exactly who dared to vandalize the Simmons Group CEO’s mother-in-law’s urn!” Her words drew a chorus of agreement from the reporters.
Back in the newsroom, online viewers were fired up as well: We must get justice for Mrs. Simmons!
“Mom, let’s hurry!” Healy, emboldened by Hedwig’s words, tugged at Blanche’s hand, eager to join the search.
Watching Hedwig go after Eddy so relentlessly-hell-bent on exposing his dirty laundry-Blanche felt a fresh wave of pain. Just recently, she’d still wanted to shield her sister from the world.
“Absolutely not!” Eddy cut in sharply.
“Big brother, everyone knows how devoted you are to your wife. Why won’t you let us find the real culprit?” Hedwig met his cold, steely gaze without flinching. She’d made up her mind-not even God himself could stop her now.
“I’ll have the head of security bring the footage here. The burial ceremony is about to begin; we can’t delay.” He gave Hedwig a long, hard look, then led Healy and Blanche toward the chapel.
Blanche knew all too well: if she stayed behind, Hedwig would only egg Healy on. She had no choice but to follow Eddy.
But as soon as they were away from the crowd, she shook off Eddy’s hand and pulled Healy back with her.
Eddy frowned at Blanche’s coldness, but there was nothing he could do.
The reporters, cowed by Eddy’s authority, fell into line and followed him to the chapel.
Hedwig, however, had no intention of backing down. She insisted on
213
14.06
Chapter 46
going with the bodyguard to the security room-she was determined to expose the truth in front of everyone.
Back at the chapel, the ceremony continued. After the final prayers, Blanche’s mother’s urn was lowered into the grave and sealed with solemn dignity.
People came forward one by one to lay flowers.
Blanche suddenly dropped to her knees before the headstone, tears streaming down her face. “Mom, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Even after you’re gone, I couldn’t protect your peace.”.
“If I ever find out who did this to you, I’ll make them pay.”
She looked up at Eddy, and the raw hatred in her bloodshot eyes sent a cold chill through him.
He hurried over and helped her to her feet. “Honey, I swear-I’ll make sure you get the answers you deserve.”
He would never let Jeannette off the hook.
When the ceremony ended, the head of security arrived with the surveillance footage, Hedwig right on his heels.
Blanche noticed that meticulous, self-possessed Hedwig not only had her hair in complete disarray, but also bore a red handprint across her cheek-clear proof she’d been “disciplined” by someone.
So this footage probably wouldn’t show anything incriminating about Eddy and Jeannette.
