Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 100

"The medical evaluation showed the surgical risks were manageable. Her passing was an unforeseen complication, and Julian went abroad on urgent company business. If you have a problem with that, you can interrogate him yourself when he returns. Right now, Bella hasn't even been laid to rest. Put your scheming aside and don't disturb her peace."

"Who do you think you are, speaking to us like that?" Arthur exploded in rage, pointing a finger directly in Hester’s face. "If it weren't for you two recklessly forcing my mother into this surgery, she would still be alive! Now that she's dead, you think you can just write it off as an 'unforeseen complication'? This is a human life! I seriously suspect you and Julian conspired to murder my mother!"

Livia immediately backed him up. "It is murder! Why would a ninety-year-old woman need surgery? I always said Julian was a cold-blooded snake, but Bella refused to believe it. And look what happened! She was murdered by the very grandson she raised!"

"Julian is a toxic presence. He was cursed from birth, taking out his own mother and brother. And now, he's cursed the grandmother who raised him to death, too!"

The vicious comment came from Chloe. Hearing her cue, Howard sighed dramatically and looked at Hester. He put on an act of deep, brotherly concern. "Hester, I know Chloe’s words sound harsh, but they're the truth. Right after Julian was born, my father brought in a psychic. They said Julian was a bad luck charm, destined to bring death to anyone close to him. Didn't you lose those two babies five years ago entirely because of him?"

At that, Hester couldn't hold back a cold laugh. "You don't need to stand here spewing fear-mongering garbage. Show some basic respect for the dead. I have no interest in fighting with you, so please, act like decent human beings and let Bella rest in peace."

Howard frowned, looking entirely helpless as he sighed again. "I'm not fear-mongering. We've known each other a long time; I'm simply looking out for you."

"I don't need you looking out for me," Hester shot back, shifting her gaze to Arthur. "Since you're so suspicious of Bella’s surgery, I'll have the lead surgeon print out her entire medical file. The hospital can also provide the complete surgical logs. As Bella’s granddaughter-in-law, that is the explanation I owe you."

Arthur scowled, opening his mouth to argue further, but the sound of frantic footsteps cut him off.

They all turned to look.

Neil came sprinting down the hall, looking utterly exhausted. "Mrs. Weston, I'm so sorry I'm late!"

Seeing Neil, Hester felt a small wave of relief.

Neil caught his breath, his eyes sweeping briefly over Arthur and Livia before locking onto Hester. "Mr. Weston couldn't wait for an international flight clearance. He hopped on the earliest commercial flight back, but with the layover, the soonest he'll arrive is tomorrow morning."

Hester instantly understood. At the very least, Neil was in contact with Julian.

"Then let's begin finalizing Bella’s funeral arrangements," Hester said.

Neil nodded, his expression grave. "I've already contacted the funeral home."

...

With Neil handling all the logistical details for Bella’s funeral, Hester didn't have much to worry about on that front. Her only duty was to stand as the granddaughter-in-law and receive guests until Julian returned.

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