Chapter 6
“Emily, I’m David’s mother. I’m entitled to a share of the money.”
“Give me my cut, or I’ll sue you,” my mother–in–law said, furious.
“That’s right. Margaret has a right to the money. You can’t deny that,” Sarah said smugly.
“You’re not getting a penny,” I said calmly.
“What? You’re just going to keep it all?”
“Margaret, if David had really won that money, I’d gladly share it with you. But he didn’t.”
“Liar! If he didn’t win, how could you afford this villa and car?”
“My mom gave me the money.”
“Your mom? She’s a retiree. Where would she get that kind of money?”
“My mom won the lottery.”
“Ah, I see. You gave David’s ticket to your mom and had her claim the prize.”
“You scheming witch! Give us the money!” my mother–in–law screamed.
“Prove it. Where’s your evidence?”
“I have proof,” Sarah said, pulling out her phone and playing a recording.
[David’s voice]: “I bought a lottery ticket and won 0 million. I don’t want to share it with Emily.”
“If we divorce, it’ll take too long, and she might find out about the money. I’ve come up with a plan to fake my death…”
“If it works, Michael, I’ll give you million. Sarah, I’ll take care of you.”
“Mom, you’ve always wanted to gamble. I’ll give you the money to go.”
Chapter 6
Sarah had recorded David’s plan as insurance.
“See? David clearly said the 0 million was his,” Sarah said triumphantly,
“David faked his death?” I pretended to be shocked. “You murdered him.”
“You’re the one who killed my son! You burned him alive!”
“I’ll let that slide if you give us the rest of the money. Otherwise, I’ll call the police,” my mother–in–law
threatened.
“Don’t bother. I’ll call them myself,” I said, dialing 911.
“I want to report a murder. My husband was killed.”
They were stunned. They hadn’t expected me to turn the tables.
“You knew about David’s plan! You killed him to keep the money!”
“Emily, you knew all along!”
I ignored them.
The police arrived and took us all to the station.
The key issue was the lottery ticket.
If David had really won 0 million, and I’d claimed the prize, it would suggest I knew about his plan to fake his death and wanted to keep the money for myself.
But if there was no evidence of David’s winning ticket, I had no motive.
The police investigated and found that my mom had claimed the prize, and her account now held over 0 million.
My mom explained she’d won the lottery.
The police took her to the lottery shop, where the clerk recognized her as the winner.
The security footage confirmed she’d bought the ticket.
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Chapter 6
The shop was right across from my mom’s neighborhood.
My story checked out, while David’s claim of a 0 million win had no evidence.
My mother–in–law insisted I knew about David’s plan to fake his death, but there was no proof. I’d even bought a burial plot for David.
With no evidence against me, the focus turned to my mother–in–law, Sarah, and Michael.
Sarah’s recording exposed their involvement in David’s fake death plan.
The police found irregularities in Michael’s handling of David’s case, and hospital staff confirmed his suspicious behavior.
I had been at work when Michael called me about David’s “death,” so there was no way I could have
known it was a scam.
Even though I’d cremated David, I had no criminal intent.
But the three of them were guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud and manslaughter.
They were arrested, but since Sarah was pregnant, she was placed under house arrest until the baby was born.
Six months later, they were sentenced to life in prison.
Eight months after that, Sarah gave birth and begged to see me before going to prison.
“Emily, I know I wronged you, but the baby’s innocent. Once I’m in prison, he’ll have no one. Will you take him in?”
“I know it’s a lot to ask, but he’s David’s child. Please, for David’s sake, help me,” she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
“I’m not that generous. The state will take care of the child,” I said coldly.
With everything settled, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.
Back at the villa, my mom had prepared a delicious meal.
This time, I’d make sure to cherish every moment with her and live a happy, fulfilling life.
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Chapter 1