Part 3Her Boast Post: My Mother’s Killer Unmasked

I carefully sealed the strands of hair in a small plastic bag.

"She has a child with her, about five years old."

"I have a hair sample from the boy. I need you to arrange a paternity test and a full background check on him. Immediately."

"This time," I said, my voice low and hard, "I'm going to make sure she pays for what she did."

After hanging up, I stared at the bag in my hand, a heavy weight settling in my chest. My phone buzzed.

The forum post had been updated again.

[That idiot actually dared to give me attitude. I generously let my lapdog bring our son for her to raise, and she's not even grateful?]

[Whatever. It's not like she's ever been smart. The lapdog only married her so he could sign my release papers, and she still hasn't figured it out after all these years.]

[I'll just have him sweet-talk her a bit more. There's no way she'll refuse to adopt him in the end.]

[Besides, I even 'sacrificed' the failed prototype of that seashell bracelet we made together. He can use it to calm her down.]

Attached was a close-up photo of an exquisite seashell bracelet on her wrist.

Just as I exited the app, Daniel pushed the door open. "Honey, I'm sorry. I was too hasty with the adoption thing. I didn't think it through."

I quickly shoved the bag of hair into my pocket.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, his voice soft and placating. "I've already had my assistant take the boy for now. We can wait until you're ready."

"Don't be angry anymore. Look what I brought you."

He produced a velvet box. Inside lay a seashell bracelet. It was identical to the one in Kiera's photo, but the craftsmanship was crude, the shells and tiny diamonds dull and lifeless.

The "failed prototype," just as she'd said.

"It will look beautiful on you," he murmured, leaning in to fasten it around my wrist.

A sickening feeling rose in my throat. I instinctively recoiled, yanking my hand away.

"Don't touch me!"

The bracelet flew from his grasp, shattering on the floor.

Daniel shot to his feet, the gentle mask cracking and falling away. "Sophia, there's a limit to your tantrums!" he roared.

He wasn't even trying to pretend anymore. Was he angry because of my attitude? Or because I had just destroyed the precious keepsake he made with his true love?

He continued his tirade. "So what if I was busy with work and missed your mother's anniversary? I was doing it for our future!"

"Besides, I tried to make it up to you! I brought home a child so you wouldn't be lonely, I bought you a gift to cheer you up, and what do I get? You throw it all back in my face! Is this how a wife is supposed to act?"

"Let me tell you something," he snarled, his voice raw with fury, "you're adopting that child whether you like it or not!"

Seeing his rage finally boil over, revealing his true intentions, a cold smile formed on my lips.

"Honey, I…" Daniel trailed off, seeing the look on my face. He seemed to realize he'd gone too far and tried to backtrack, but I gave him no chance. I pushed past him and left the room.

That same day, I delivered the hair sample to the lab Mr. Coleman had arranged. Then I checked into a hotel to wait for the results.

Two days passed. I didn't hear from my lawyer, but I did get a call from my father.

"Sophia, why are you becoming as unreasonable as your dead mother?!" he bellowed the moment I answered. "Daniel is a busy man! He was thoughtful enough to find a child to keep you company, and you throw a fit?"

Thoughtful? I laughed silently, bitterly. They had all conspired to trick me into raising my mother's murderer's child, and I was supposed to be grateful?

Before I could say a word, he delivered his ultimatum. "I don't have time to argue with you. Daniel's idea to adopt is a good one, and I've already given him my approval."

"The adoption ceremony is tomorrow. As the child's adoptive mother, you are required to be there." He hung up.

Almost simultaneously, a message came through from Mr. Coleman.

I opened the attached file, my eyes scanning the key lines of the paternity test and the background investigation. A slow, cold smile spread across my face.

Oh, I'd be there.

I wouldn't miss the adoption ceremony for the world.

I wanted to watch, with my own two eyes, as a murderer was finally brought to justice.