Chapter 17

Hunter left Serena's body where it was and returned to the villa alone. The housekeepers had cleaned thoroughly, restoring everything to its former state. There were no more foul odors or unsettling swarms of flies. Yet from the moment he stepped inside, Hunter couldn't shake the sensation of an insect buzzing around him. He ignored it and went upstairs, loosened his tie, and sank into the couch. "Nadine, you should be satisfied now—Serena's dead. I told you I'd take care of you for life, whether I loved you or not. I've kept my word and made her pay." He paused, then continued speaking to the empty villa. "I've investigated why Grandma did what she did as well. I wronged you all these years... I'm sorry, Nadine." It was his first apology to her. During their countless arguments before, their only language had been hatred. Now with no one left to hate and Serena dealt with, Hunter suddenly felt hollow. Leaning back, he stared at the ceiling where the imaginary flies still circled