Chapter 8 - THE FRIEND WHO FINALLY BROKE
Brynn Foster contacted Nathaniel two weeks later.
She was frightened.
She wanted legal counsel.
And she wanted to tell the truth.
In a formal interview arranged through attorneys, Brynn described the false pregnancy.
She confirmed that Sloane had used a silicone abdomen.
She also described conversations about Dr. Keene and the fabricated medical documentation.
When asked about the proposed accident, Brynn began crying.
She said Sloane had discussed the possibility of Julian dying after the marriage.
But she claimed she hadn't believed Sloane would act.
Investigators sought corroborating evidence.
Financial records.
Messages.
Documents.
And testimony.
The investigation eventually connected suspicious payments to individuals associated with Charles Whitaker.
The vehicle incident was examined as part of the alleged conspiracy.
Julian listened to Nathaniel's summary.
He felt numb.
“Did Sloane ever love me?” he asked.
Nathaniel hesitated.
“I can't answer that.”
Julian nodded.
He already knew.
That evening, Tess found him sitting alone in a quiet café.
He had asked whether she would meet him.
She sat across from him.
He looked exhausted.
“I'm sorry,” she said.
Julian stared at his coffee.
“I keep thinking about Elise.”
Tess waited.
He continued.
“She would have known.”
Tess shook her head.
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
He looked up.
“I'm supposed to be smart.”
“You are.”
“I believed everything.”
Tess took a breath.
“Because you wanted to love someone.”
His eyes filled.
She continued.
“That isn't stupidity.”
May you like
Julian looked at her.
And for the first time in months, he felt understood.
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