Chapter 211

Walter was floored.

So, he'd been played?

William had clearly figured something was off a while ago. He hadn't said anything because he was playing along.

"Luca's your guy, right? He's been taken in for tax evasion. This has your fingerprints all over it, doesn't it?" William's tone was firm.

If Walter had stuck to the plan, his funds would've been tied up, and he wouldn't have been able to turn things around. They would've pinned the tax evasion charges on him.

Just then, a police car pulled up. Two officers got out, cuffed Walter, and took him away.

Rhea watched the whole thing, feeling like her world was falling apart.

They had been so close to happiness, holding each other tight, their beautiful future within reach.

But now, Walter was being taken away by the police.

Even with her limited knowledge, Rhea knew that tax evasion meant prison time.

When would they see each other again?

"William, no matter what, Walter is still part of the Cavendish family. Treating him like this goes against Nicholas's last wishes. You're being unfilial!" Rhea placed all her hopes on William.

If he was willing to show mercy, Walter could come out safely.

She didn't care about a life of luxury anymore. She didn't need to be a wealthy wife. She just couldn't accept a life without Walter.

William looked at her like she was already dead. "Do you think you have any leverage to bargain with me?"

"What about this child?" Rhea placed a hand on her stomach. "If you dare to harm him, I'll abort this baby."

"You're not the real Christina. Tell me where Christina is." William's voice was icy.

Rhea suddenly laughed. "No wonder you've been restricting me. You knew I was a fake all along. Christina isn't dead. She's alive and well. One life for another. Let my lover go, and I'll give you back yours."

William agreed to the deal.

Rhea bought the earliest flight ticket. She was going to bring Christina back to William.

But when she opened the door to the basement, it was empty.

She couldn't believe it and searched the entire house. All the jewelry and valuables were gone, and a mark was left on the wall.

As she tried to make sense of it, a news report caught her attention.

Rhea's eyes widened.

Her house was in a remote area with poor security, and there were two gangs nearby that often clashed.

She had chosen to keep Christina there because the police wouldn't search the area.

But she hadn't expected a serial killer to be operating nearby, who had murdered seven women and stolen their jewelry.

The key evidence was that the killer always left a mark on the wall.

Rhea had no choice but to tell William.

"You're lying to me!" William was instantly furious.

Christina couldn't be dead.

They had been given a second chance at life. He wanted to protect her and their daughter.

Everything had been resolved, and no one would accuse Christina of being a murderer. But because of Rhea...

Rhea anxiously explained, "I'm not lying. I really love Walter. I wanted to bring her to you in exchange for his safety, but..."

The more she explained, the angrier William became. At the same time, a deep sense of helplessness washed over him.

If he had investigated faster, Christina might have been back with him already, safe from harm.

No, he still didn't believe Christina was in danger.

He had to investigate himself!

Rhea knew William wouldn't help her anymore. She had to save Walter herself.

But what could she do alone to get Walter out?

There was only one option left.

She went to the police station under the pretense of visiting Walter. Looking into his eyes, she was filled with longing. "Walter, I'm getting you out today. They won't stop us."

"What are you planning? Where's Christina?" Walter blurted out.

She responded with a bitter smile.

Rhea unbuttoned her shirt, revealing a simple bomb strapped to her body. "Forget about her. Let's run away together. I've saved some money over the years. It's enough to support you. We'll both work, and our lives will only get better."

The police quickly noticed the situation on the surveillance cameras.

They tried to approach Rhea, but she made a scene, insisting on rescuing Walter or everyone would die together.

"Bang!"

A gunshot rang out.

Rhea's life ended there. She fell in a pool of blood, her eyes fixed on Walter, wanting to remember him forever.

If only there was no Christina.

They would have met, fallen in love, and been happier than anyone else.

She hoped that in the next life, she would meet Walter early on.

"Rhea?" Walter wasn't sad about her death.

Given what Rhea had done, she deserved it.

But he wanted to know if Christina was safe.

Unfortunately, Rhea had closed her eyes forever.

Four years later.

Valoria Airport.

Christina, dressed in a sharp, professional outfit, held her daughter's hand. "Harper, let's get something to eat first, then we'll check into the hotel, okay?"

"Mommy, can I have McDonald's?" Harper asked sweetly.

Looking at her daughter, Christina's heart melted.

Even though she had given birth to Harper alone in a foreign country, and even though Harper carried half of William's blood, she was still her Harper.

Her Harper was back, and that made everything worth it.

She picked up her daughter. "Sure, Mommy will take you there."

After they had eaten, the mother and daughter went to a nearby hotel. To make sure Harper was comfortable, Christina booked a deluxe suite. "Sweetie, Mommy has to work now. Stay in the hotel, okay? If you need anything, call Mommy. Don't go out on your own."

Although Stargate City had good security, Harper was still so young. Christina couldn't help but worry.

Harper nodded vigorously. "Don't worry, Mommy. I can play by myself."

Christina kissed her daughter's cheek before leaving.

She had returned to take charge of a project. To get a promotion and a raise, and to give Harper a better life, she had chosen to come back to this land.