Love Says She Once Returned

Chapter 8 An Invitation to Betrayal

　　She pulled out an invitation card from behind her back, handed it over, and flashed a smug little grin. “This is my engagement invite. It's happening in three days.”

　　Her crimson lips curved into something sinister. “You better come. I've got a surprise waiting just for you. Don't you wanna know how your brother really died? You won't find out if you don't show up.”

　　“You… you mean his death actually had something to do with you?” Elena's voice trembled as the word “brother” tugged at her heart again.

　　Chloe looked very pleased with her reaction, waving the invitation like a trophy. “Curious? Then be there.”

　　“If you're done with your little show, I'm out of here.”

　　She couldn't take another word from Chloe. Her mind was already drowning in the mystery behind her brother's death.

　　Snatching the invite from Chloe's hand, she shot her a fierce glare, then stormed out of the hospital room.

　　Instead of going back to her office, she went straight to the restroom.

　　Only when she was completely alone did she let her emotions break free. Staring at the marks left on her palm from clenching too tight, her eyes brimmed with tears—but they never really fell.

　　There was no way she could smile and wish them happiness.

　　Not in this lifetime.

　　But she had to know the truth about her brother. After all, he died because of her.

　　Brandon and Chloe's engagement party was being held on a massive cruise ship.

　　Dressed in a wine-red mermaid gown, Elena showed up exactly at the time written on the invite.

　　Her arrival sparked a wave of whispers. Back then, her drama with Brandon had lit up Riverton. Now, he was getting engaged—to someone else.

　　Of course people were curious—his ex showing up at the party? That's gossip fuel right there.

　　But Elena couldn't care less. All she wanted was to find Chloe and get answers about her brother.

　　Spotting her chance, she walked right into the crowd, grabbed Chloe, and pulled her to a quieter spot.

　　“I'm here. Now talk,” her voice cool and steady.

　　A crystalline wine glass twirled between Chloe's fingers, the deep red liquid swaying with every turn. She strolled slowly toward the deck, the sea breeze lifting her skirt and messing up her hair slightly—yet somehow, it only added to the charm on her innocent face.

　　“Well, since you're here, how about a drink? The booze on this ship's top tier,” Chloe said, dodging the question, a faintly twisted smile tugging at her lips.

　　“I'm not here for games. What happened to my brother?”

　　Chloe stepped closer, closing the distance between them. “Your brother?” She paused, then added, “All my life, I've never seen anyone dumber than him. Imagine running back into a burning building just to save you…” Her voice trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.

　　Elena's eyes burned with anger. “How would you know what happened that day? What do you have to do with his death?”

　　That day, she'd been napping when the smoke woke her up. Flames had swallowed the building. Fire outside the door, nothing but air past the window—there was nowhere to go.

　　As the smoke clouded her mind, someone familiar had busted in. She passed out before even making it out.

　　Next thing she remembered was waking up in the hospital.

　　That's when the doctor had told her—whoever went in to save her hadn't made it out.

　　Not many people even knew the full story. So how could Chloe?

　　Something clicked in Elena's mind. She took a step forward, her voice sharp. “You were with them, weren't you? Why would you do this?”