Was She Really Dead?

"No, I did not!" Evelyn replied in a cold voice. Her nails dug into her palms, turning her knuckles white as she barely held back her emotions. "I did not kill Annabelle, Elias. And I don't know why that maid committed suicide."

"Oh," Elias leaned back on the couch, a sad pout spreading across his face. "Then it must really be Brenna's plans. Luckily, you got out of it."

"Stop acting like that, Eli! You're making my skin prickle," Avery grumbled in frustration. "Just tell us what your mom is up to. Why did she kill Laila? Don't cover up her sins, please."

Elias's eyes darkened, a strange kind of protectiveness filling them. "Don't accuse my mom without proof, Ms. Cartwell," he glowered, his words surprising everyone again.