When Natalie heard Jared’s muffled sobs, tears rolled down her own cheeks as well. Burying her head against Shane’s shoulder, she began telling him the details of their mother’s passing.
Jared’s eyes widened in horror after listening to everything, and he murmured, “Did Mom die because… because of me? If it wasn’t for me, Mom would never have gone back to the Smith residence. It’s all my fault, Nat. It’s all my fault…”
Natalie’s head snapped up and she quickly rebuked, “No, Jared. It’s not your fault.”
However, nothing could get through to Jared at that moment. Just like how Natalie behaved the day before, he was convinced that he was to blame for their mother’s death.
To Natalie’s surprise, Shane took the phone from her and advised, “Rather than blaming yourself over there, why don’t you come back to deal with your mother’s funeral instead?”
“Who are you?” Jared’s voice turned wary when he heard a man’s voice on the phone instead of his sister’s.
Shane met Natalie’s eyes and answered, “Your brother-in-law.”
Natalie blushed at that.
Jared’s mouth fell open in surprise. “So you must be Shane, then?”
“Yeah.” Shane nodded slightly. “I heard your conversation with your sister earlier. Neither of you is to be blamed for your mother’s death. If you have to, blame Harrison and his wife, but before that, you should come back first because your sister needs you. You also need to come forward for your mother’s lawsuit against the Harrisons.”
Yulia’s death hit Natalie and Jared the hardest. At least together, they could offer each other emotional support.
This would also help Natalie cope with her grief.
Jared sniffled and said, “I understand. I’ll book a flight back immediately.”
Shane hummed in approval and passed the phone back to Natalie.
After talking a while longer, Natalie ended the call.
With that, the two of them left the police station and went to the Smith residence to check out the scene of Yulia’s accident.
The scene was sealed off by the police, and there were also a few officers investigating inside. Natalie and Shane had passes, so they were immediately allowed passage.
As soon as they entered, Natalie spotted the chalk outline on the floor which showed the exact spot where Yulia had lay sprawled after toppling down the stairs.
At the sight of that, Natalie squatted down and hid her sobs behind her hands.
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