Plot Twist, The 'Dead' Ex is Thriving

Chapter 13

Inside the car, Vincent Montgomery's expression was so dark it seemed like storm clouds were gathering.

"We're sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later."

The same automated message played three times in a row.

Vincent dialed Daniel Harrison's number.

No answer.

Emily Carter, noticing that Vincent hadn't so much as glanced at her, bit her lip and let out a soft hiss, clutching her arm.

Vincent didn't react.

Two failed calls. His irritation flared, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. "Drive faster."

The driver obeyed, pressing harder on the accelerator.

Emily cautiously tugged at his sleeve. "Vincent, please… you're scaring me."

In the past, he would have softened immediately, pulling her into his arms to soothe her.

Now, he only gave her a brief, indifferent glance before frowning again.

A wave of unease washed over her. "Vincent… do you really think something happened to her?" Her voice trembled. "She's always been so vain… so afraid of pain…"

Vincent let out a cold, humorless laugh. "Exactly. She's spoiled and weak. So this is just another one of her lies."

Emily leaned against him, her voice soft and fragile. "She just cares too much… that's why she lost her head. Don't be angry with her. It's my fault… I could never make her like me—"

But Vincent didn't respond, as if he hadn't heard her at all.

His face was eerily calm, yet beneath the surface, something dark and violent simmered.

Emily's breath hitched. She didn't dare speak again.

The car took the final turn, arriving at the southern villa district.

Vincent stepped out, disbelief freezing him in place.

This was the place he knew so well—yet now, it was nothing but ruins.

The fire must have raged for hours. Most of what remained had turned to ash.

Some of the debris had been drenched, the water seeping into the scorched earth.

And there, in the middle of the wreckage, knelt Daniel Harrison, his hands limp at his sides, blood dripping onto the ground.

Suddenly, Vincent remembered the news report he'd seen on the cruise.

His friend hadn't been lying.

That call from the police—the one meant for Daniel—had been real.