Chapter 6

Sunlight filtered through the beach umbrella in Phuket, casting dappled shadows across my legs. I twirled a mango smoothie cup, listening to my assistant recap domestic news. The clinking of ice was bright and cheerful, yet failed to drown out the emotions churning inside me. "Noah Smith and his father were detained on suspicion of commercial fraud. Clara received a suspended sentence for forging medical certificates..." "Grandma transferred 30% of Smith Group shares to you, calling it 'compensation for your father.'" My assistant’s voice brimmed with excitement. I took a bite of icy mango, watching a little boy chase seagulls in the distance. He ran barefoot on the sand, his laughter as clear as a silver bell. If my child had survived, would they be playing so carefree now? At the thought, a dull ache throbbed in my chest. My phone vibrated—a unknown number flashed on the screen. After a moment’s hesitation, I answered. "Alice... is that you?" A raspy, labored brea