Chapter 9
After the trial ended, I bought a bouquet of sunflowers, planning to visit Jax’s grave, but Knox followed me.
e.0
“I’ll go with you.”
I didn’t refuse him. “Knox, as a father, I’ll allow you to see our child.”
“But please don’t appear before me again after this. I will never forgive you.”
Hearing my words, his expression fell. “Riley…” I glanced at him and turned to leave, but he suddenly grabbed me tightly like a madman. “Riley, please come back to me. 1
Tve cut all ties with Brielle. I terminated her pregnancy and had her little finger removed too.” 1
“It was justice for Jax.”
I had no interest in his excuses and tried to push him away, but his grip was too strong. In the struggle, I slapped him hard, which seemed to bring him back to his senses. He loosened his hold, and I stepped back, suppressing my anger as I said: “So Brielle gets all the blame? You made no mistakes?“]
“Jax could have been saved! The kidnappers said they only wanted money–they never intended to kill him.” 1
“You allowed Brielle to alert the media, which scared them into killing Jax.”
“They originally gave me three days to deliver the money to a specific location to save Jax.”
“You were willing to buy Brielle a hundred–million–dollar estate but wouldn’t spend fifty million to save your own son’s life.”
You’re just as responsible for Jax’s death!“]
My words hit him like another slap, stunning him instantly. His eyes turned blood–red.
Yes, I am deeply at fault…”
As he spoke, he staggered backward, then bowed deeply to me before leaving without looking back.
Watching him go, I took a deep breath, then carried my sunflowers to Jax’s grave.
Just when I thought I would never have to face Knox’s face again, the next day, I stumbled upon a live broadcast of his press conference.
On screen, he choked back tears as he confessed: “I bear responsibility for my son, Jax’s death.”
To my wife, I was unfaithful I failed as a husband, taking a mistress and ailowing her to mistreat my wife for years.”
To my child, I failed as a father. I believed my mistress’s lies, thinking it was all my wife’s show to get my attention. I didn’t save him, resulting in my son losing his life.
In the audience, people cursed at Knox, some throwing water bottles at him He neither defended himself nor dodged.
I voluntarily give all my assets to my wife, Riley Winters.”
With: that, he held up the divorce papers I had sent him. “I’ve decided to accept Riley’s divorce petition.”
Then, in front of everyone, Knox signed the papers along with an unconditional property transfer agreement.
Seeing this, I felt a flicker of comfort in my heart. Although I lacked the power to make him pay for his crimes in kind, at least Knox had received his punishment
Later when I went with notary officials to verify the assets, I discovered even the estate he’d given Brielle had been transferred to me, cleaned immaculately with no trace of her ever living there. Still, I considered the houses Knox left me tainted and sold them all, buying a quiet place near Jax’s grave in Daleview City instead.]
Gradually, my life found a new rhythm. The money Knox left me ensured I’d never have financial worries. To heal from losing my son, I took various classes–dancing, singing, yoga. When I felt lonely, I’d visit the cemetery to talk with Jax My days became peaceful and free. 0
Until three months later, when I saw news about Knox again–he and Brielle had drowned themselves.]
The autopsy revealed they had been in the water for over three months]
Looking at the calendar, I realized Knox must have done it right after his press conference, which explained why I hadn’t seen either of them during the asset verification.
A weight finally lifted from my heart. I bought two bouquets of flowers and a drink for my son, then visited his grave.[]
Sweetheart, Mommy is happy now.”
Your father and Brielle have joined you there. Make sure to protect yourself and don’t let them bully you anymore, okay?“]
I sighed softly, thinking perhaps I was overthinking 11.[]
Jax would be in heaven–they would surely be in hell