Chapter 23

Tears dripped onto the letter, spreading into blurred stains across the paper. Jacqueline gasped for air, unable to fight the ache tearing through the deepest part of her heart. Hayden had asked her to return the ring to him, but how could she? That ring was one of the few things he had left her. Jacqueline stayed in the study all night. Henry knocked on the door several times. But each time, the sound of her muffled sobbing stopped him from encroaching further. The next morning, Jacqueline received a message from Penelope, who requested to see her. She asked Henry to take her to the police station. Before getting out of the car, Jacqueline had to brace herself and make sure she was mentally prepared. When she finally saw Penelope again, she was shrouded in the shadows. Her face was obscured by the darkness. As Jacqueline walked closer, she noticed Penelope's eyes were swollen and red, reduced to two narrow slits. The moment Penelope saw her, she stumbled to her feet. "Jackie,