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Chapter_216
Winona’s mind raced as she tried to keep her composure. The past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions and calculated moves, but this morning, the weight of everything was starting to catch up with her. As Yulia sat across from her, studying her with an untrusting gaze, Winona couldn’t help but wonder how long she could keep up the charade. The fragile tension between them was something she’d been trying to navigate, but with the baby’s arrival drawing closer, everything seemed to be spiraling.
Yulia’s suspicion was well-founded. Winona had always been good at hiding her true intentions, but she hadn’t accounted for how much her pregnancy might affect her. Despite her efforts to act as if everything was fine, the constant stress and guilt were starting to show in her face—pale, exhausted, and haunted by the things she’d done.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Yulia pressed, her voice softening slightly as she picked up a slice of toast. The words might have sounded caring, but the underlying suspicion was still there. Winona knew it. She could feel it.
Winona gave a tight smile, placing her hand over her belly again. “I’m fine, just tired. The baby’s a handful these days. I don’t mean to make you worry.”
Yulia didn’t respond right away. She stared at Winona, her eyes narrowing just slightly as if weighing the truth of her words. She knew better than anyone that Winona was capable of manipulation, but today, she seemed a little different. Maybe it was just the pregnancy hormones, Yulia reasoned.
After a moment of silence, Yulia finally spoke again, though her tone remained somewhat stiff. “Alright. Just—take it easy. You don’t have to pretend everything’s fine.”
Winona nodded, grateful for Yulia’s seemingly reluctant understanding, though she knew there was more going on behind her sister-in-law’s eyes.
As Yulia left to attend to other things, Winona let out a sigh, releasing the tension in her shoulders. She didn’t really care what Yulia thought of her anymore, but the pressure of keeping up the act with everyone in the family was wearing her thin. Victor was already suspicious of her, and she knew it. He had that look in his eyes again—sharp, calculating. If he ever found out what she was truly doing, it would ruin her completely.
Her phone buzzed on the table beside her. The name “Jason” flashed on the screen, and she picked it up without hesitation. The conversation she had with him last night was still fresh in her mind, and she couldn’t afford to waste any time.
“Hello?” Winona answered, her voice steady but with an edge of impatience.
“Ms. Chambers, it’s done. Zachary’s gone. Just like we planned,” Jason’s voice came through, full of relief and barely contained excitement.
Winona’s heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to sound calm. “Good. Make sure you’re careful now. Don’t let anyone trace you back to this.” She paused, her fingers curling around the phone. “You’ll be getting the money tomorrow. I’ll make sure you have everything you need.”
Jason’s voice softened, “Thank you, Ms. Chambers. I won’t forget this.”
Winona hung up quickly, her mind already racing with plans. Zachary’s death would change everything. It was the final piece to her scheme, the one thing that would weaken Yvette and set her up to take control of the Carter family for good. Once Yvette lost her most trusted supporter, she would be nothing. Winona had been waiting for this moment, and now it was finally within her grasp.
She stood up, feeling the strain in her body as she did, but the excitement coursing through her was enough to push her forward. The future she’d always dreamed of was within reach—no more waiting. No more pretending. This was her time.
But the question still lingered—how long could she keep this up before someone, especially Victor, discovered the truth?
As she walked towards the window, staring out at the looming mansion, she made a silent promise to herself. She wouldn’t let anything or anyone stand in her way. Not Robert, not Yulia, not even Victor. She had a plan, and she would see it through, no matter the cost.
