After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 277

An inexplicable shudder ran through Aria.

Raphael glanced at her. "Are you still cold?"

Aria shook her head. "No, I just... figured some things out, but other parts still don't make sense."

Why would Roxanne go to such extreme lengths to ruin her?

Going so far as to sacrifice Lilith's life?

Before Aria could piece it all together, Roxanne rushed into the station, tears streaming down her face.

Her eyes were bloodshot, but the moment she walked in, she made a beeline for the officer.

"Officer, I am Lilith's mother, and I officially consent to a second autopsy!"

"Roxanne, are you sure about this?"

Charles grabbed her arm, his voice low.

"What about the funeral?"

"If she dies without the truth coming out, do you think we can just peacefully bury her?"

Roxanne let out a choked sob. Her gaze swept over Gideon before she continued.

"It's my fault too. If I had known Lilith loved him... I never would have agreed to that marriage!"

Gideon pressed his lips together, avoiding Roxanne's gaze as he instinctively looked toward Aria.

Aria lowered her eyes, then spoke up abruptly.

"Since we're settling scores, I have a question for you. Why did you take millions of dollars from the Evernight family?"

According to Aldous, that massive sum had been a bridal dowry negotiated by Roxanne on Aria's behalf—a negotiation Aria knew absolutely nothing about.

Regardless of whether the Evernights pursued the matter, Roxanne had extorted them using Aria's name. That was something she refused to let slide.

The sob died in Roxanne's throat. She never expected Aria to find out about the money.

And she certainly didn't expect her to bring it up here, of all places!

Millions of dollars?!

The officer was floored by the astronomical figure.

Since it was to repay a life debt, he had handed the money over without a second thought.

He had no idea she was completely in the dark.

The Evernight family was wealthy, but they weren't fools to be swindled.

Roxanne's knees gave out, and she nearly collapsed onto the floor.

Back then, she had demanded that astronomical sum solely to force the Evernights into rejecting the marriage and dropping their responsibility toward Aria. She never imagined Dr. Reaves would actually agree to it.

But after the money came through, the Brent family's business ran into trouble, so she used the funds to cover their massive deficit.

She had lied to her family, claiming the Rowan family had invested the money...

Charles caught her by the arm.

"Roxanne, what is she talking about? Why did you ask the Evernights for a dowry?"

Roxanne gritted her teeth.

"After what happened, everyone was saying Aria seduced Gideon. I couldn't swallow that insult, so I demanded the money to prove to everyone that the Evernights actually valued her."