ed Blade. Her imagination ran wild with visions of slitting his throat, watching his blood spill like rivulets.

be futile. Instead, she grabbed a nearby napkin to wipe

her hands, contrasting with the searing agony in h

I had our baby, Blade," her voice trembled. "And when I needed

ping mechanism was diverting herself with work. He

xed, approaching her cautiously,

nds on hers and released

I had to go on an emergency business trip. I didn't want to tell you about the business

ade's words were a lie. The private investigator's report had revealed

incerity. "I'm telling you the truth. You have to believe me

ds, her voice measured. "I want to believe you, Blade. I really do.

"See, I told you I'm not hiding any

am. Maybe I just need reassurance." She leaned in, her voi

ipulated Aurora. But she was playing a calculated game, pretending to

're playing right into my hands, Blade. But soo

d been inexplicably silent, consumed by the demands of his wife and child. The memory

er," he had rebuked her. "You hid the phone from me, Claudi

path to Blade would be clear. Her sinister plan had been to orchestrate

stant thorn. Claudia's dismay deepe

il a knock at the door broke the silence. She ros

other. The older woman's smile was warm, b

meet you," Laura said.

ght Blade's mother to her doorstep? Laura's

w your secrets, Claudia," she said, her voice low and menacing. "I've uncovered you

oward the door. "I have no idea what you're talking

," she warned. "I'll bring the police to your doorstep, and my proof will speak lo

gaze locked onto Laura's. "What do you want from

udia, and I'll reveal the truth – but only if you cooper

romised, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "But if you follow my

ith the implications. She was caught in L