Chapter 565
“Abel’s been sentenced! Ten years in prison for attempted murder!”
Yates had come over specifically to share the final outcome.
“He got what he deserved,” Caitlin said coldly. “People like him belong behind bars, not roaming free to hurt others.”
“That’s not all,” Yates added. “During interrogation, Abel confessed something you’d never guess.”
What did he say?” Sebastian asked.
“He admitted the real reason he came back to the States–it was because of Zora.”
*Zora?”
Caitlin and Sebastian exchanged surprised glances, clearly not expecting that connection.
“Yeah. That woman brought Abel back. The plan was to use him as bait to seduce you, Caitlin. But you didn’t fall for it.”
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As Yates explained, everything started to make sense–how Abel had ‘coincidentally‘ run into Caitlin at the restaurant, how he spilled juice on himself and asked her to help wash his clothes… it was all part of his plan.
“So that’s what it was. I was the original target,” Caitlin said, finally piecing it together. “And you were the second–his revenge.”
She shook her head, horrified. “Zora went that far just to get back at me? That’s insane.”
“It’s terrifying when you think about it. If the police hadn’t uncovered it, no one would’ve known there was anything between her
and Abel.”
Sebastian frowned. “If the cops know about their connection, why hasn’t Zora been arrested?”
“Because technically, what she did wasn’t a crime. She just encouraged Abel to seduce you. Abel’s murder attempt against me- that was his own idea. No legal grounds to hold her for that,” Yates explained.
“But their relationship wasn’t just strategic. They were sleeping together too. And from what I heard, Abel gave her a bunch of video footage–stuff he recorded secretly. Zora plans to use it at tomorrow’s charity awards to ruin you publicly.”
“Let her try.”
Sebastian’s voice was low and lethal. “She’ll pay for it.”
Caitlin took a deep breath, her tone ice cold. “Then bring it on. This time, I’ll make sure she never rises again.”
She had tolerated Zora for too long because of Ximena’s kindness in raising Patricia, Caitlin had held back. But now? She was done. Zora had crossed the line one too many times.
She didn’t even mention the voodoo doll to Sebastian or Yates. That was a different level of darkness and Caitlin had every intention of delivering her own punishment.
After Yates left the Vanderbilt estate, Xavi and Zinnia returned.
“Mrs. Vanderbilt!”
“Caitlin!”
They greeted her warmly.
Xavi, who had been hospitalized after taking a knife to the back to protect Zinnia, looked completely rejuvenated. It was clear Zinnia’s care had done wonders.
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“Congrats on getting discharged,” Caitlin smiled, teasing them. “Hospital life must’ve suited you, Xavi. You look great–didn’t get bored, huh?”
Xavi scratched the back of his head with a shy grin. “Zinnia took care of me every day. That’s why I recovered fast.”
“Oh? Sounds like it’s almost time for a wedding.”
Pressed by Caitlin’s blunt remark, Xavi straightened up. “You’re right. I want to marry her.”
“Who said I agreed to that?”
Zinnia gave him a playful punch. Xavi panicked. “You promised me yesterday at the hospital!”
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Zinnia smiled quietly. Caitlin laughed. “Xavi, saying you want to get married isn’t enough. Have you made the proper preparations? Where are you two going to live? Have you thought it all through?”
“I have,” Xavi said with resolve. “I’ve got an apartment in New York. Planning to renovate it, and once it’s ready, we’ll get married. I’ll even bring Zinnia’s parents and little brother to live with us. I’ll take care of them.”
His words were full of genuine intention. Zinnia, clearly touched, couldn’t hide her smile.
Xavi wasn’t flashy or powerful–but his warmth and dependability gave her something she had never known before: a sense of home. Something she thought she’d never have after a life in Shadow Moon Pavilion.
Her dark past might finally end–because of this man.
“I’m really happy for you two,” Caitlin said warmly. “So here’s my wedding gift: I’ll take care of the entire renovation, including the furniture and appliances. Sebastian can arrange your wedding, and all you have to do is be happy.”
“Mrs. Vanderbilt…”
“Caitlin…”
Both Xavi and Zinnia were deeply moved. No matter how busy Caitlin was, she always made time for the people she cared about.
“I just want to see you happy, Zinnia,”
Caitlin’s words brought tears to her eyes. The two women hugged tightly.
When they let go, Zinnia asked, “I heard you and Mr. Vanderbilt are attending the charity awards tomorrow night. Can I come with you?”
Zinnia wanted to stay close, to continue protecting Caitlin.
“Of course. Come with me in the morning.”
15:17 Tue, 2 Sept WO
The next day.
New York State Penitentiary.
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Caitlin submitted a visitation request. With Captain Felix’s assistance, she got approval quickly and soon found herself face–to–face
with Black Hawk.
He’d been in prison for a while, undergoing labor reform, but the ferocity in his eyes hadn’t dulled a bit. It was that same dangerous aura that kept other inmates from even trying to mess with him.
Anyone who had tried to “teach him a lesson” early on ended up learning their own. Now, Black Hawk ruled the prison’s
underworld.
Inside the visitation room, separated by glass and bars, Black Hawk laid eyes on Caitlin and immediately understood why she was
there.
“I already told you–I don’t know anything.”
Before Caitlin could even speak, he made it clear: he wasn’t going to cooperate.
But Caitlin’s expression didn’t change. She calmly picked up the phone receiver and said,
“I didn’t come here to ask questions. I came to tell you what I’ve already found out.”
Black Hawk arched an eyebrow slightly. Suspicion flickered in his eyes. This woman–this cunning, dangerous woman–what trick did she have up her sleeve now?