Chapter 23

Baxter Johnston? So, the day had finally come. Vanessa couldn't help but shudder at the mention of that name. Color drained from her once rosy face. She stood frozen in place, unable to respond for a long time. The people around her immediately noticed something was wrong. Leah gently placed a hand on her back and asked softly, "Quincy, do you know the man Fraser is talking about?" Vanessa came back to her senses. "Yes." There was faint sadness in her eyes as she continued, "But I don't want to see him. Fraser, just tell him that Vanessa Shaw is dead. I have nothing more to say to him." Others might not recognize the name Vanessa Shaw, but the Steward family certainly did. That was Vanessa's former name. Still, no one questioned her further. The whole episode was treated like a brief interruption, and the birthday party carried on unaffected. The guests continued to chat and laugh as Vanessa made her wish, blew out the candles, and cut the cake. It wasn't until nightfall that