Chapter 694 Family Reunion
Patricia's words cast a silence over the group, laden with the weight of unresolved anguish. Sebastian, both a direct participant and the one who had ultimately uncovered the tragic truth, cleared his throat and said, "Yes, the body was found, and the DNA testing confirmed it was Billy."
"I didn’t push him," Patricia immediately responded, her voice filled with a mixture of desperation and resolve.
After enduring prison for so long, with the memory of Joe's insistence that she was the murderer constantly haunting her, Patricia had sometimes doubted her own recollection of that night. But deep down, she knew—she had not pushed him.
Sebastian nodded, his expression grave. "You didn't do it. He was held underwater and drowned by someone. Before he died, he struggled and scratched the skin of the person who killed him. By analyzing the water in his stomach that hadn't been digested yet, we deduced he drowned in the swimming pool. So, from start to finish, this has nothing to do with you. You're innocent."
The revelation seemed to unravel Patricia. Her eyes widened in shock. "He was held underwater and drowned by someone?"
Billy had been a formidable presence, almost as tall as Martin. It would take a person of considerable strength to physically overpower and submerge him.
Reading Patricia's thoughts, Sebastian wore a grim smile. "Yes, exactly. According to Carol, Billy was highly skilled in self-defense. Several people wouldn’t have easily overpowered him. The person who killed him must have indeed been a master."
Patricia’s mind raced, struggling to make sense of it all. "But why? Why did he lure me to Neon Bridge?I don’t understand. Why would he frame me?"
During her time in prison, Patricia had unravelled part of the mystery. That day, Billy had intentionally led her to the secluded Neon Bridge to frame her, ultimately jumping off himself. But the motives remained opaque.
Sebastian sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair. "That remains one of many mysteries in this case. Whatever the reason, it is no longer our concern. As long as Joe is alive, you should avoid coming back. He’s steadfast in his belief that you killed Billy. For your safety, stay away. Carol managed to save you this time, but she might not be able to do so again."
Despite the lingering questions, Patricia knew that the deeper mysteries of Billy’s actions were now beyond her concern. She had escaped, and survival demanded that she keep her distance.
Martin gently grasped her hand, his thumb caressing the back of it soothingly. "Don’t overthink. Lean on my shoulder and get some rest. By the time you wake up, we’ll be home."
With those words, he softly guided her head to rest on his shoulder. Patricia, feeling the reassuring weight of Martin's presence, smiled sweetly. The thought of returning to her five children filled her with warmth. The family would finally be reunited.
Everyone, exhausted from days of tension and lack of proper rest, soon drifted into a rare and much-needed sleep, a moment of peace and tranquility.
Thirteen hours later, the plane touched down at the airport in Country Y. After a few hours of rest, spirits were high; they had successfully rescued Patricia, and the knowledge of that triumph invigorated them all.
Patricia surveyed her surroundings, momentarily bewildered. "Aren't we going back to Sunset Bay? How did we end up in Country Y?"
Martin stepped forward, patiently explaining, "Joe is well aware that you're from Sunset Bay. He might send people there to search for you once he realizes you've escaped. It’s safer if we stay here until things cool down."
Patricia's face clouded with worry. "Will Joe target my children? They're still so young."
Martin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. While Joe's methods might be ruthless, he wouldn't harm innocent children. If he intended to, I wouldn't be standing here. Besides, I’ve had Alan arrange for their protection. They’ll be safe."
Kaleb interjected, "Yes, after countless dealings with Joe, I understand his boundaries. He wouldn’t hurt innocent children."
Patricia finally allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief.
At the airport entrance, Ryan stretched, rubbed his stomach dramatically, and grinned. “I’m starving. Let’s go find some food and feast!”
The past few days had been a whirlwind of tension and evasion, and now that some semblance of peace had descended, Ryan’s hunger quickly caught up with him.
Just as Ryan spoke, a sleek black seven-seater luxury sedan glided to a stop in front of them. The driver, dressed in a sharp suit, stepped out, and walked around to open the rear door. A pair of shiny leather shoes emerging from the car instantly commanded their attention.
Before Patricia could fully register who the shoes belonged to, a white figure dashed in front of her, linking arms with her and exclaiming, "Patricia, you've finally arrived."
Patricia turned, her eyes widening in shock. "Rosalind..."
Rosalind’s presence here alongside Riley’s car left Patricia speechless.
"That's right! It's me! Surprised to see me?" Rosalind said cheerfully
Patricia could only manage a stiff nod.
Rosalind leaned closer and whispered into Patricia’s ear, "Riley and I already obtained our marriage license. I’m your sister-in-law now."
Patricia found herself at a loss for words. Before she could fully process this revelation, Rosalind added mysteriously, "Don't breathe a word of this. Our marriage isn't public yet. We’ll announce it when the time is right."
Patricia was reeling from shock. While she knew Rosalind was infatuated with Riley and had come to Country Y to pursue him, she hadn’t expected that they had already married.
As Patricia was still trying to wrap her head around it, Riley approached her, his expression filled with concern. "Sebastian briefed me on your situation. He only told me once everything was resolved. You've been through so much! I've made reservations; let’s all go out for a meal together."
Ryan eagerly chimed in, "Absolutely! I'm famished! The airplane food was scarce, and nothing compares to a top-notch hotel cuisine."
Riley chuckled softly. "I’ve arranged for dishes you all love."
He scanned the group, his gaze finally landing on Kaleb. Approaching with respect, Riley bowed slightly, "Uncle."
Everyone watched Riley calmly. Except for Patricia, whose eyes nearly popped out of her head. "Uncle?"
If Patricia remembered correctly, Riley only had one aunt, which was Patricia's mother. So why was Riley addressing Kaleb as "uncle"?
Seeing Patricia's confusion, Riley explained calmly, "Thank you for saving Patricia. I’m expressing my aunt’s gratitude through me."
Kaleb hadn’t expected every member of the Koch family to be so distinguished. First, there was Sebastian, an eminent lawyer who had been crucial in uncovering the truth. Followed by Riley, the esteemed CEO of the Koch Group, whose reputation even Kaleb in Country D had heard of. And, of course, Patricia, a top-notch cardiothoracic surgeon.
The realization hit Patricia, and she gripped Riley's arm. "Riley, what is this about? Why are you calling him 'uncle'?"
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