Chapter 221

Hilda lit up as soon as she heard Eleanor was getting engaged.

On the morning of the engagement party, she was already awake before the sun had a chance to rise.

She floated from one room to the next, straightening her gown, then hurrying to check the gift she had wrapped herself.

Jeff watched her move about, a soft smile playing at his lips.

His eyes landed on a small velvet box sitting open on the table, revealing a diamond bracelet.

It was an heirloom, something that had been part of the Wagner family for as long as anyone could remember.

Hilda's mother had once handed one to each of her daughters, many years ago.

Jeff recalled how much Hilda treasured hers. Most days, she kept it tucked away, only bringing it out for the rarest occasions.

He walked over and slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Sweetheart, even if Eleanor's your brother's daughter, isn't this a little over the top?"

Hilda snapped the box shut and shot him a look. "Over the top? You think this is too much? Eleanor is getting engaged, Jeff. If anything, I'm worried it's not enough! Today is about her, so please, let's not say anything to dampen the day."

If she could, Hilda would have given Eleanor the world.

Jeff just grinned and squeezed her shoulder, deciding it was best not to argue with her.

If it brought her happiness, that was all that mattered.

Lainey had left early that morning, which turned out to be a blessing. If she had witnessed this moment, she probably would have read too much into it.

Hilda decided it was time to get ready and headed upstairs to change.

Downstairs, the front door swung open to reveal a man in a crisp black suit. He stood with a stiff posture, his face unfamiliar-Hilda figured he must bethe new driver.

"Mr.and Mrs. Benton, the car is waiting out front," the man said with respect.

Jeff was lost in his thoughts and didn't bother looking back. "Alright," he replied without much interest.

A sudden, sharp pain pierced his skull, making everything spin.

There was no chance to cry out. His body simply slumped to the floor.

Just before everything faded away, Jeff caught a glimpse of the driver's face twisted in a chilling grin.

Hilda descended the stairs, feeling refreshed in her dress and practically bouncing with energy. "Baby, I'm all set. We should leave now if we want to get there on time," she called out, her voice brimming with anticipation.

She was halfway through the living room when her eyes landed on Jeff, sprawled across the carpet,completely still. A stranger stood a few steps away, watching her.

Fear surged through her, and she bolted for the staircase.

She did not get far.

The stranger sprang forward,yanked her back by the hair, and smashed her head against the wall.

Fiery pain exploded in her skull as blood streamed down the side of her face.

Dizziness swept over her, making everything tilt and blur.

Without a hint of emotion, the man let go, and Hilda crumpled to the floor.

He calmly fished a small bottle from his pocket and drenched the lavish rug and sofa with liquid.

A sharp reek of gasoline quickly filled the air. He flicked open a lighter, tossing it onto the soaked floor without hesitation.

Fire tore through the room, swallowing every piece of furniture in its path.

With a calm that bordered on chilling, the man pulled out his phone and dialed. "It's done, Lainey. There's nothing left to worry about."

The chaos faded from Hilda's view as the world slipped further from her grasp.

Heat pressed in from all sides, and through the flickering blaze, she caught a glimpse of the bracelet glinting at the edge of the rug.

It was supposed to be Eleanor's-something passed down from her own mother, a thread of memory tying their family together. Losing it now was unthinkable.

With every ounce of strength left in her body, Hilda dragged herself across the burning floor, reaching for the bracelet inch by agonizing inch.

Her fingers finally brushed against the metal. She gripped it fiercely, holding it to her chest to shield it from the flames.

Smoke thickened around her as the fire raged, swallowing everything in its path.

Jeff still lay motionless nearby, offering no sign of waking.

A crushing hopelessness settled over her heart.

There were so many things left unsaid to Eleanor.

She had never truly told her how much she cared. She had never even heard Eleanor call her"Mom."

Dying here couldn't be the end-she refused to let it be.

Trembling, Hilda searched her pocket for her phone.

Her trembling hands stained the phone's screen with blood, bu she still managed to tap out the number she could never forget-Eleanor's. The ringing stopped, and the call went through.

Eleanor's voice drifted faintly from the speaker, but before Hilda could respond, exhaustion pulled her under completely.

The phone tumbled from her hand, clattering to the floor as shadows closed in and swallowed her whole.