Three months later, the court reached its verdict:[]
Jason was sentenced to one year in prison with a two–year probation for attempted property theft and filing a false police report.
Additionally, he permanently lost all inheritance rights to my mother’s estate.[]
The day we left the courthouse, the sunlight hurt my eyes.[]
Michael put his arm around my shoulders. “Would you like to visit your mother?“[]
Mother’s grave was in a quiet cemetery on the outskirts of the city.[]
We brought her favorite azaleas and placed them before her headstone.]]
In the photograph on the stone, she smiled with gentle eyes, just as I remembered her at her best.[]
“Mom, it’s over now,” I said softly, my fingers tracing the cool marble. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of the jewelry… just as I’ll cherish your love for me.“]
On our way home, Michael’s phone rang.
After speaking briefly, his expression grew serious.]]
“What is it?” I asked.[]
He hung up and hesitated before answering. “That was Mr. Bennett… Jason has disappeared during his probation period. The court has issued a warrant for his arrest.“]
My heart sank. “What is he planning now?“[]
Michael shook his head. “I don’t know, but we should be careful. Try not to go anywhere alone for a while.“]
I thought he was being overly cautious–until that nightmarish evening arrived.]
It was an ordinary Friday night. Michael and I were returning from a colleague’s wedding, driving home close to midnight.[]
Our new home was in a quiet community in the western part of the city, with good surroundings and decent security.]
“Tired?” Michael asked caringly after parking the car.]
“I’m okay, just my feet hurt a bit-” Before I could finish, three masked figures suddenly rushed from the shadows.[]
They moved with alarming speed. One of them pressed a damp cloth against my mouth and nose.[]
I smelled something sickeningly sweet, then the world began to spin…]
When I regained consciousness, my head was pounding.[]
22.15
Chapter 8
I found myself tied to a metal chair, my hands bound tightly behind me with rough rope.[]
Looking around, I realized we were in an abandoned factory. A few dim lights hung from the high ceiling, illuminating the dusty, oil–stained floor.]
“Michael!” I cried out in terror, then saw my husband tied to another chair a few meters away.[]
He had a gash on his forehead, his glasses were missing, and his eyes looked unfocused, as if he too had just awakened.]
“Emma…” His voice was hoarse. “Are you okay?“[]
Before I could answer, a familiar voice came from the shadows:[]
“Such touching marital devotion.“[]
Jason emerged slowly, playing with a switchblade in his hand.[]
He looked terrible–sunken eyes, unshaven face, wrinkled clothes that reeked of cigarettes and alcohol.]
But most frightening were his eyes, which gleamed with a manic light.[]
“Jason! Have you lost your mind?” I struggled against my bonds, wincing as the rope cut into my wrists. “This is kidnapping! The court already-“]
“The court?” He burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the empty factory. “Who cares about that? Emma, I have nothing left! My house is gone, my money is gone, even my girlfriend left! And it’s all because of you!“]
He lunged forward suddenly, the knife tip nearly touching my nose.[]
I could smell the alcohol on his breath and see the twisted hatred in his bloodshot eyes.]
“Those jewelry pieces should have been mine!” he roared, spittle landing on my face. “Mom favored you even in death! Do you know how I’ve lived these past three months? Like a stray dog, hiding everywhere!“[]
Michael struggled against his restraints, shouting, “Jason! Calm down! If you have a problem, take it out on me, not Emma!“[]
Jason turned and delivered a vicious punch to Michael’s stomach. Michael doubled over in pain, retching.]
“Stop it!” I screamed. “What do you want from us?“[]
Jason returned to me, suddenly displaying an eerie smile.]
“It’s simple, Emma. I want you to sign a property transfer agreement, handing over everything Mom left you. Oh, and your savings and house too–as compensation for my emotional distress.“]]
“Never!” I spat through gritted teeth.[]
