She Turned Her Grief Into Wings novel Chapter 99

Sutton Estate—

As soon as Helga returned home, her father summoned her to his study.

The study was brightly lit. Zachary Sutton was practicing calligraphy on rice paper. The antique mahogany furniture, shadowed by the night outside the window, exuded an inexplicable sense of oppression.

Seeing her enter, Zachary pointed to a gift box on a nearby table.

"Take a look."

Helga's eyes followed his gesture. She walked over slowly and opened the box on the table. Inside lay a champagne-colored strapless evening gown.

The diamonds encrusted on the fabric sparkled brilliantly under the lights.

She looked at her father with hesitation. "This is?"

Zachary dipped his brush in the ink, not even bothering to look up. His voice was low. "The charity gala in a couple of days. You're going with the Hayes boy."

"Me?"

She had heard Dewitt Hayes mention it earlier at the Hayes family home. At the time, they were planning to have Shera accompany Caden. How did it end up being her?

Could it be...

She looked at her father and asked, "Did you suggest this to Mr. Hayes?"

He looked up, his gaze piercing. "Who else? If I rely on you, how long will it take for you to stand by his side?"

Helga instinctively looked down, her fingers gripping the dress tightly. "I'm sorry."

He set his brush down, pulled a small box out of a drawer, walked over, and placed it in her hand.

"At the gala, find a way to pin this onto Caden."

Helga opened it to find a jeweled brooch. Surprised, she asked, "What is this?"

Zachary said, "I found out Caden will be meeting a Chinese-American businessman at the gala regarding a major project. I need to know the details of their conversation."

She took the brooch out and held it up to the chandelier, but couldn't spot anything unusual.

"Is this a listening device?"

Bank statements from the past few years, call logs, and candid photos of her going to various places.

It was all here...

So, her father had been spying on her this entire time?

She frowned deeply. Her mind went completely blank, her heart pounding furiously, a sickening wave churning in her chest.

Zachary stated nonchalantly, "Since you're no blank slate to begin with, what's a few more drops of ink?"

He squatted down, his gaze sharp. "You better do exactly as I say. If I find out you're deliberately sabotaging this, don't blame me for disregarding our family ties."

Helga walked out of the study, her fingers still trembling as she entered her bedroom.

She let go, and the items dropped to the floor.

He had been watching her all along?

He had people follow her, monitoring her every move and every word?