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They hung up a minute later, Monique promising to do her best to stop thinking of Jacqueline. Besides, she was in Helen’s manor. Nothing could touch her here.

She rose from the couch and took her tea to the window overlooking the front courtyard of the mansion. Across the way was the West Wing, where Eve lived – and currently stood on a balcony looking at the same courtyard as Monique.

Their eyes never met. Whatever Eve looked at was more interesting than glancing into the windows of her sister’s quarters.

Monique sipped her tea as Eve disappeared into the house…

…and as a nondescript car pulled into the driveway.

The driver remained inside until Eve appeared at the grand entrance. She stood, perched like a disapproving mother watching her teen’s walk of shame after a late night of partying. Between the hair, the body-hugging suit, and the stark makeup on her face, she even intimidatedMonique.

Nobody intimidated Monique as much as the woman stepping out of the parked car.

The empty teacup dropped to the carpet. Monique’s heart stopped in her chest.

Jacqueline Love closed the car door, her hat slicing through the air as she approached the front steps of Warner Manor. Eve remained in place, nose turned up in the air.

Monique couldn’t hear what they said to one another. She didn’t want to know.

She held herself to the edge of the window, hoping this was a hallucination. But Monique knew every angle of Jacqueline Love. She knew the way she stood, the way she carried herself when she thought she impressed somebody. That was her. Jacqueline, in her pastel suit and hands in her back pocket.

Evelyn said something and turned back into the house. Jacqueline took one step forward before glancing up toward the East Wing.

Monique ducked behind a curtain, but she was too late.

Shesawher. The smile spreading across Jacqueline’s face like a plague confirmed it.

When Jacqueline entered the house, Monique did the first thing she thought of. Namely ensuring the doors were locked and that nobody would come for her, least of all someone like Jacqueline.

There was no time to contemplate why she was there. Whythere. Why theWarners.

Did Helen know about this?

Monique collapsed onto the floor and debated between trust and flight.

Did she trust Helen? Should she run for her life? For her sanity?

All she could do was cry and wish she never got out of that bed.

Part 3

Healed

To Whom It May Concern,

This is a reminder that payment of $200,000, which includes the agreed-upon interest rate of 10.78%, is due on the 10thof this month. Failure to make the payment by the end of the business day will accrue a late fee of $10,000 per day.

We thank you for your continued cooperation and wish you well.

Sincerely,

The Offices of Bernard, Graham, and Sullivan

Representing the estate and holdings of Ms. Jacqueline Love

Chapter 22

Goodnight, Innocence