Chapter 67

Vivienne sat in the police station’s waiting area, arms crossed, staring at absolutely nothing. Her brain was still processing the chaos from the past hour.

“Ma’am, do you need a jacket?” a voice asked behind her.

She turned to see a young policewoman giving her a concerned look.

“No, I’m fine,” Vivienne muttered, though her shaking hands said otherwise.

The officer didn’t look convinced but just nodded. “Alright, but let me know if you need anything.” Then, she walked off, leaving Vivienne alone with her swirling thoughts.

She let out a slow breath, hugging herself. Everything kept replaying in her head like a bad movie. This was the second time in three months she had barely dodged death. And why? Because she kept making reckless decisions.

Why hadn’t she just told Magnus everything before leaving the house? That was a dumb move. What if Elena had shot her before the cops arrived? She could’ve been lying on the restaurant floor, bleeding out. Just the thought sent a shiver down her spine.

But at least Elena was finally out of the picture—arrested and shipped straight to federal prison. Whether she got the death penalty or spent life behind bars, one thing was certain: she wasn’t getting out.

Vivienne winced as her head throbbed. Instinctively, she touched the bandage on her forehead. The cut had bled way too much, and the officers had rushed her to the hospital for treatment. Luckily, no concussion. Just a deep wound that got stitched up.

“Baby.”

That deep, familiar voice made her heart jump.

She turned and spotted Magnus striding toward her. The second their eyes met, relief crashed over her like a wave. Without thinking, she shot up and ran straight into his arms.

“Thank you, Magnus,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “I was so scared. I should’ve told you everything. I just… I was afraid because—”

“Shh.” He gently cupped her face. “Deep breaths, love.”

He demonstrated slow breathing, and she followed along. Within seconds, the tightness in her chest eased.

But then, his warm gaze darkened as he noticed her bandaged forehead. “Elena did this, didn’t she?”

Vivienne nodded, and he pulled her closer.

“She’s going to pay for this,” he promised, his voice low and firm. “And you don’t need to apologize. I said I’d keep you safe, didn’t I?”

“You did,” she murmured.

Magnus sighed. “Actually… if anyone should be apologizing, it’s me.”

She frowned. “Why?”

He took her hand and led her to a nearby bench. Once they sat, he laced his fingers through hers.

“You know Shelton, right?”

She nodded.

“A few days ago, he gave me this tiny tracking chip and told me to use it if I ever felt something was off. While we were at Grandma’s house today, I slipped it into your phone without telling you. I know I should’ve asked first, and I’m really sorry.” He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles.

Vivienne blinked. “Magnus… there’s nothing to forgive. You literally saved my life. If you hadn’t tracked me, who knows what would’ve happened?”

He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s not think about that, baby. You’re safe now. That’s all that matters.”

She hesitated. “Do you think Grandma will find out about all this?”

Before Magnus could answer, the policewoman from earlier appeared.

“Good evening, sir,” she greeted Magnus before turning to Vivienne. “Detective Shelton would like to see both of you.”

Magnus stood and reached for Vivienne’s hand. “Let’s go, love.”

The officer led them down a hallway to the last door on the left. She smiled and gestured for them to enter. “Here you go, sir and ma’am.”

“Thanks, officer,” Vivienne said with a small smile.

Magnus knocked.

“Come in,” Shelton’s voice called from inside.

Magnus gave Vivienne’s hand a squeeze. “Ready?”

She took a deep breath. “Let’s do this.”

Inside, Shelton greeted them with a friendly smile, motioning toward the sofas.

“Would you like some tea or soda water?” he asked, settling into his chair.

“None for me,” Magnus replied before looking at Vivienne. “Want anything, baby?”

“I’m good,” she said.

Shelton’s face turned serious. “So, during the short time Elena was free, we believe she committed murder. We’re gathering evidence to prove it.”

Magnus frowned. “Murder? Who did she kill?”

Vivienne swallowed hard, gripping Magnus’s hand. “She killed Mr. Thomas. I don’t know how, but she admitted it in a text before deleting it.”

Magnus’s eyes widened. “What?! When did she send that message?”

“It was the day of Mr. Thomas’s funeral,” Vivienne whispered, her voice shaking. The reality of it hit her again—Mr. Thomas was gone. And it was because of Elena.

A heavy silence filled the room. Then, she continued, “I should’ve told Magnus, but she threatened the twins. I couldn’t risk it. That’s why I agreed to meet her alone. I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry for being so reckless.”

Shelton shook his head. “No need to apologize, ma’am. As a mother, your first instinct was to protect your kids. That’s understandable.”

Vivienne exhaled, relieved. “Thank you.”

Shelton nodded. “As for Elena’s accomplice, Adrian, he turned himself in. Since he cooperated, he might only get a fine or a few months in jail. Maybe both. Depends on the judge.”

Magnus nodded. “Good work, Shelton. I appreciate it.”

“Happy to help,” Shelton said with a grin.

Later that evening, as Magnus drove them home, Vivienne sat deep in thought.

“Magnus,” she asked suddenly, breaking the silence. “Do you think there’s a way to force Elena to drop her last name?”

Magnus glanced at her before focusing back on the road. “You mean Marlowe?”

“Yes. After everything she’s done, her keeping that name feels like a slap in the face. My father was murdered by her mother. She nearly killed me—twice. I don’t want her carrying that name.”

Magnus nodded thoughtfully. “Talk to Santos. I’ll also have my attorney look into it. Given the circumstances, it should be possible.”

Vivienne leaned back, satisfied. “Good.”

She intertwined her fingers with his, but deep down, she knew this wasn’t over.

Elena might be locked up, but something told her the storm wasn’t over yet.

Something darker was still waiting in the shadows.

And this time… it might be even worse.