The Ashes of Vows (Elara and Damon) novel Chapter 15

15

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No wonder he rescued me and took me in.

Back then, I’d researched a lot, pulled strings just to get their contact info. Word was, they were a bespoke service team catering exclusively to the elite. Their client list was top–secret.

Basically, as long as you paid enough, they could customize anything and fulfill your every desire.

“That night, the rescue crew assigned to you, they were stashed in the yacht’s lower deck. The moment you went overboard, they pulled you out, super discreet. But it was obvious. You’d already taken some serious damage, a near–suffocation before you even hit the water. So, yeah, they got you, but you were already in a coma…”

My mouth felt dry.“So, how long was I out for?”

“Almost two months…”

Before I could even open my mouth again, Julian jumped in.“Because of your condition, we couldn’t risk moving you abroad right away. You’re still here, in Veridia City. And with your faked death, the only place I could really put you was my villa out in the suburbs. Relax, it’s completely secure.”

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it, Miss Sterling. Your revenge plan? So far, it’s a total hit. Once you’re properly rested, you can hop online and see for yourself.”

Julian finished, then poured a glass of warm water himself, placing it right in my hand.“You can settle in here, no worries. Focus on getting your strength back, Miss Sterling. Everything you’re hoping for? It’ll come. Eventually.”

I couldn’t pinpoint why, but his words held a subtle, calming reassurance.

My gaze dropped, my eyes stinging.

Yeah. I’d put everything on the line, almost my life. It was my one desperate gamble in this chaotic existence.

Since I didn’t die, I’d live. And I’d live damn well.

As Julian headed downstairs, his assistant, who’d been waiting by the front door, quickly approached.

“Mr. Hart,” the assistant began, “you wanted updates on Damon. He’s still out there, day and night, searching for Miss Sterling’s body in the ocean. And the online chatter…”

Julian glanced at the drizzle outside, remembering the final note I’d written.

“Miss Sterling is our client. We help wherever we can.

Keep stoking the online drama. Don’t let the buzz die down.

The ‘illustrious‘ daughter of the richest man, but really, a cruel murderer inside. Some people, frankly, don’t deserve to be called

human.”

Julian said, glancing down at the umbrella stand and casually grabbing one.“Oh, and have the doctor give her another check–up. We should also get two more helpers here, ones who know how to plan nutritious meals.”

It was like he had plenty of umbrellas and didn’t mind offering a bit of shelter to someone else.

And just like that, I settled into this suburban villa.

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My private doctor visited daily. Apparently, nearly drowning and falling into the sea had damaged my optic nerve. That’s why my vision was so blurry when I woke up.

I was trying my best with the treatment, but the progress was painfully slow.

It was another rainy day. I carefully extended my cane out the door.

The next second, my foot hit a patch of slick moss.

I let out a tiny yelp, but before I could fall, a sudden figure was there, catching me with a steady grip.

“If you want to clear your head, one of the staff can help you with that.”

Julian helped me sit upright, and we were suddenly super close.

Through my blurry vision, I could make out his smiling eyes.

I let out a silent sigh.“Sorry, Mr. Hart. I’m really a bother.”

“It’s nothing,”

Julian chuckled.“Once you’re pretty much recovered, I’ll send you abroad, according to the contract you signed with the company. Though, if you’d rather stay in Veridia City…”

“No, thanks.”

I cut him off softly, my voice low.“There’s no one and nothing left here to hold me anymore.”

These past few days, I’d slowly pieced together the aftermath of everything.

That day’s final note and video had caused a massive uproar online. Overnight, Sloane Ashford, the billionaire heiress, was slammed as a murderer by everyone. Even with the powerful trying to silence them, netizens across the internet relentlessly demanded the truth.

“A murderer like Sloane? Death isn’t even enough! If you ask me, she should suffer for life!”

“She’s such a snake! Before all this, she even dared to release that apology letter Miss Sterling was forced to sign! Her whole murderous

vibe is straight–up sociopathic.”

“Die, murderer! Go to hell, burn in hell!”

The internet was absolutely ablaze with outrage. Ashford Global’s stock price got hammered by the whole mess, repeatedly tanking.

Word on the street? The same day that video blew up, Sloane got dragged in by the cops for questioning. But naturally, some commenters were already trying to pull the ‘mental illness‘ card to get her off the hook.

But here’s the kicker: what most people didn’t know was that Sloane was actually locked up at the Veridia City Medical Center right

then.

Because the whole incident was messed up beyond belief, and my body was still nowhere to be found…

Just a month earlier, Sloane’s lawyer, desperate to get her off the hook, had pulled out all the stops. They’d totally faked self–inflicted wrist wounds for her and cooked up a psychiatric evaluation certificate, claiming she was in the throes of a severe mental health

breakdown.

So, following procedure, she got locked away in the hospital, day in and day out.