Chapter 263
Chapter 263
Over an hour later, Ellie reported to the nearest police station. Aaron was at work, while Jason and Whitney had arrived first, with Patrick and Winnie arriving a bit later because of the distance.
Ellie repeated the story she had told the police again, saying, “Two days ago, I arranged to meet Quinlee for a shopping because I wanted to get her a birthday present. Suddenly, she fainted by the roadside, and I rushed her to the hospital.
“When she woke up at the hospital, she was furious and ignored me before leaving in a hurry. The next day, the hospital called me for a medical report.
“I accidentally found out that Quinlee, like me, had abnormal follicle development and was told to get further tests.”
“Later that afternoon I was at Marvin’s clinic, Quinlee demanded I give her the medical report. I told her I didn’t have it with me. She insisted I go home and get it, even threatening me.
“But since my class wasn’t finished, I told her I would give it to her on her birthday and went back to my lesson.
“The next morning, while I was exercising, I was shocked to find Quinlee had followed me. She confessed that Logan’s death was connected to her and that Ethan’s attempt to kill me was also orchestrated by her.
“She even admitted to sending anonymous letter to Alex to provoke him into making mistakes. I was so scared and tried to call the police, but she smashed my phone. She admitted she was Haley.
“She knows I’m terrified of water. Seizing the moment, she pushed me down the mountain, trying to kill me. But after several days of rain, the mountain was super slippery; she lost her balance and fell.
“Luckily, I landed beside some plants; otherwise, I would have been swept away by the rushing waters like she was.”
“Jason, Whitney, I am so frightened. Quinlee clearly said she is Haley, and she has been stalking me with the intention to kill.”
Ellie looked pale, and after finishing her story, she stepped closer to Whitney, who moved protectively in front of her. Whitney spoke firmly, “Darling, whether Quinlee is Haley or if she is alive or dead, we must charge her with murder.”
“The police have already started an investigation; I will make sure this matter is thoroughly pursued.” Jason glanced at the police chief, who was hurrying in.
Ellie’s testimony provided a complete circle of evidence, leaving Winnie momentarily speechless.
She finally said, “Whether she is the real Quinlee or an imposter, if she really did these, I will not protect her. I promise you, the Thompson family will get answers. But first, we need to find her.”
Patrick added, “Since Ms. Thompson has accused Quinlee of murder and the police have begun their investigation, we will surely find a solution.”
Ellie stood quietly next to Whitney, her eyes lowered to hide her feelings, showing no sign of panic. Quinlee had previously undergone a sibling DNA test with Winnie. Alex had once questioned Quinlee that she faked her lineage.
The tests showed that Quinlee was indeed the daughter of the Janssen family. Ellie still didn’t understand what had gone wrong. Besides the report in her hand, she had no other proof to suggest that Quinlee was Haley.
But for her own safety and for the sake of her child, she had kept certain plans in her heart. She had not acted against justice; it was Quinlee who had intended to harm her. She had only reacted to protect herself.
The purest her had long been buried in those dark days. From now on, she would live only for her own sake.
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Chapter 263
Days later, with Quinlee’s body still unfound. Ellie decided not to wait any longer. After a short nap, she got herself ready to
meet Mark
Mark spoke gently, “Focus on your studies while you’re there, and when you come back, you will be my only partner in the hospital”
Thank you, Mark. I look forward to working with you,” Ellie said, raising her juice glass to clink with his.
Mark added, “Diana is over there too; it’s good that you’ll have her looking after you.”
Hearing that Diana was in Ameria, Ellie couldn’t help but feel curious. “Mark, is Diana going to stay in Ameria for a long time?”
Mark sighed. “I’m not really sure about her plans; you can ask her when you see her.”
“Mark, Ellie, so you two are here,” Lacey called out cheerfully as she skipped over and plopped down next to–Ellie.
Mark ordered a glass of juice for Lacey, who batted her eyelashes at him while smiling. Mark raised an eyebrow. “What’s on your mind?”
Lacey replied shyly, “How about a bet, Mark?”
Mark looked at her with a smile but said nothing. Ellie watched Lacey curiously. Lacey was known for pestering Layton for bets. Lacey, famous among her friends for her wealth, was more of a collector, gaining mostly through gambling.
Among those Ellie knew–except for Alex–no one had ever won a bet against her. Layton had been one of her biggest victims, and now Mark seemed to be next.
Lacey said, “Mark, in a few days, there’s an auction. The ‘Crown of Wings‘ is said to be worth a fortune and is one–of–a–kind. If you win, I’ll buy it for you. If I win, you’ll buy it for me. What do you say?”
Lacey’s eyes lit up with excitement as she mentioned the item. Ellie tugged on Lacey’s sleeve and whispered, “Aren’t you worried about losing with such a high stake?”
Lacey gave Ellie a smug look and whispered back, “Mark is inexperienced; I won’t lose to him. Don’t worry.”
“You two keep going; I have some things to take care of, so I’ll head out,” Ellie said, sensing it was best to leave. Upon returning home, Ellie packed her bags for her trip abroad.
“Don’t worry, only we know about your pregnancy. We will keep it a secret. If it becomes too much for you, I will help take care of the baby,” Whitney said while helping Ellie, her eyes filled with compassion and concern.
Whitney continued, “Alex no longer remembers you; he will never know about this child’s existence. Quinlee’s body is still missing, as long as you remain quiet, no one will ever know Alex is the father.
“Try to stay positive; everything will settle eventually.”
“Thank you, Whitney,” Ellie replied gratefully, her eyes misty. “I’m going downstairs to see my Mom.”
That night, Ellie stayed in Joanna’s room and did not come out. She spent hours talking with Joanna and eventually fell asleep in her embrace.
On the day Ellie was set to leave, Nalani and Layton came to see her off at the Thompson residence. Nalani cautiously asked, “Ellie, aren’t you going to say goodbye to him at least?”
Ellie stood at the door, looking at the garden. After a moment of silence, she shook her head. Layton asked, “Nancy has fallen ill; do you want to visit her?”
Ellie shook her head again, confident that Jason would take good care of Alex’s parents. Aaron took Ellie to Jaslands
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Chapter 263
International Airport. “Call me when you land and let me know you’re safe,” he requested, and Ellie nodded.
“And once you see Diana, make sure to call me too,” he reminded, and Ellie nodded again.
“If it becomes too much, come back. I’ll help you with costs,” Aaron added, tears welling up in Ellie’s eyes as she nodded once
more.
“Aaron, I have to check in now; you should head back,” Ellie urged, afraid of breaking down. She turned quickly, knowing that true farewells are often the quietest.
On such a normal evening, some remain lost in yesterday, while others bravely move toward tomorrow. Despite the growing distance from Alex, the kindness he once showed her was still a reality, as were the hurts and regrets.
She had truly felt happiness, yet also regret. If she had a chance to turn back time, they should never meet again. Because she no longer had the strength to face such an ending once more.
Five years had passed.
