Chapter 49 Something Feels Off

Chapter 49 Something Feels Off

Helen’s eyes lit up when she heard the suggestion. Clenching her fists in excitement, she said, “Leave it to me. I’ll make sure she goes.”

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The Rivers family quickly split up to carry out their next moves. Adrian contacted Boone’s manager and instructed him to start spreading the narrative that Boone’s car had been stolen,plete with a copy of the police report filed at the time.

Boone’s fans rushed out in full force to defend him.

“Boone’s car had already been stolen when the ident happened! There’s no way he was the one driving.”

“And the guy who caused the crash already turned himself in–he’s in prison right now! This whole thing smells like a setup to frame Boone!”

“Don’t be misled by all the biased nonsense online! Let’s believe in our boy and wait for the truth toe out!”

Fans spammed every social media tform, flooding timelines in an effort to shift public opinion. But some more level–headedizens weren’t buying it, and started raising questions.

“If the car was stolen, why didn’t they make that public from the start? Why wait until now?”

“Just having a police report doesn’t prove the theft had nothing to do with the ident. That logic feels shaky at best.”

“And that guy who turned himself in–what if the Rivers family paid him off to take the me? This whole thing stinks.”

The arguments online grew louder and messier, with both sides refusing to back

down.

Meanwhile, back at the Rivers house, Sloane opened the door to find Helen standing outside, Her brows lifted in surprise. “What do you want?”

Helen gave her a quick nce. “Come with me. We’re going out.”

13

15:13 Monb, /bSept

Chapter 49 Something Feels Off

Sloane’s instincts kicked in immediately. Something’s ioff/ii. /i“Where to?”

b81/b%8

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Helen forced a smile, but her eyes darted. “Sloane, it’s like this. The main branch said they’re willing to help save your brother. I want you toe meet thedy of the house with me so we can talk things through.”

When Sloane didn’t move, Helen’s expression hardened. “You refused to go ask Lucas for help–we didn’t force you. And now I’m just asking you to meet with the family matriarch, and even that’s too much for you?”

Sloane stared at her for a moment. Just as Helen thought she was about to refuse again, she nodded. “Fine. Let’s go.”

Helen’s heart lifted with relief. She hurried Sloane out the door.

Once they arrived, Sloane stepped out of the car and saw the words “Starlight Hotel” above the entrance. She froze at the curb. “I thought we were going to see the main family. Why are we at a hotel?”

Helen was clearly losing patience, but managed to exin with forced calm. “This is where she chose to meet. We’re the ones asking for help–we’re not exactly in a position to be picky.”

Sloane was full of doubt, but followed Helen into the hotel lobby anyway.

Helen led her into a private room. Sure enough, a beautifully dressed woman was already seated inside.

Helen’s face immediately lit up with a ttering smile. She turned to the woman and said, “Madam, thank you for waiting. This is my daughter, Sloane.”

Mandy, the matriarch of the Rivers main branch, gave Sloane a once–over and smiled. “No need to be formal–we’re all family. Please, have a seat.”

Helen pulled Sloane down beside her. Sloane kept a neutral expression, silently observing them both.

So this really was Mandy, thedy of the main house, Sloane recognized her from photos.

iCould /iiHelen /iireally /iihave /iibrought /iime /iihere /iijust /iito /iitalk /iiabout /iisaving /iiBoone/ii? /i

15:13 Monb, /b1 Sept

Chapter 49 Something Feels Off

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The two women began discussing who they might reach out to for help and what resources they had avable.

Sloane listened while quietly nibbling on food. She hadn’t eaten all day and was starving.

Just then, a hotel staff member pushed the door open holding a bottle of wine.

“Ma’am, here’s the wine you ordered.”

O