Chapter 21
With those final words, amidst Sabrina’s panicked sobbing and terrified screams, Erick slammed on the gas pedal. The car hurtled toward the edge of the cliff at a terrifying speed. Sabrina clung to the car door, her fingers clawing at the handle as if she could escape the inevitable. Tears streaked her face, her voice raw from screaming. “Eric, stop! Please!”
But Erick didn’t flinch. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. His face remained eerily calm, though his eyes gleamed with a madness that seemed to devour the last shreds of his humanity. The vehicle broke through the flimsy guardrail and for a moment, there was only the sickening sensation of freefall before the car crashed into the rocky terrain below.
The aftermath was chaotic. The mangled vehicle lay crumpled at the base of the cliff, its metallic shell barely recognizable. A
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passing truck driver, who had seen the car plummet, rushed to the scene and called for help. By sheer chance–or perhaps cruel fate–both Erick and Sabrina survived, albeit with severe injuries.
News of the incident went viral, reigniting the already fervent public fascination with the scandal involving Sabrina and Erick. Social media was ablaze with discussions. and theories.
Bianca was among the first to learn of the incident. Elisa called her the next day, her voice was a mix of frustration and exasperation.
“They both survived,” Elisa said with a sharp click of her tongue. “A passing truck driver saved them just in time. But here’s the kicker–Erick’s dashcam footage shows he intentionally drove off the cliff. He was trying to kill himself and drag that witch down with him.”
Bianca’s brow furrowed. “The footage… Did
it Jeak?”
Not yet‘ Elise replied, folding her arms. “But if it does, the narrative will flip in a bearbest. Instead of blaming Sabrina. people will feel sorry for her. And you? You’ll go from victim to villain faster than You can blink”
Blanca could already imagine the backlash. The internet was merciless. The
commentary would be as predictable as it
as cruelt
[It was just an affair–did they really deserve to die?]
Maybe her husband cheated because she
wasn’t good enough for him.]
[Sabrina is pregnant–what about the baby? She deserves sympathy too!]
Elisa sighed, her frustration evident. If they ever figure out you faked your death. those same keyboard warriors will tear you
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Bianca’s chest tightened at the thought. She closed her eyes, taking a steadying breath. Despite everything Erick and Sabrina had done, she didn’t want their deaths–or anyone else’s–on her conscience.
“Let me think,” Bianca said softly. After a moment, she opened her eyes, her gaze resolute. “Elisa, can I trouble you to visit Erick and deliver a message?”
****
The next afternoon, Elisa arrived at the hospital. Erick lay in a sterile room, his body swathed in bandages like a mummy. Machines beeped rhythmically, monitoring his fragile vitals. His once–proud presence was reduced to a pale, lifeless shell.
Elisa stood at the foot of his bed, her arms crossed. Her expression was icy, devoid of pity. “Erick,” she began, “do you think dying will erase what you’ve done to Bianca?”
Erick’s eyes fluttered open weakly. His gaze met Elisa’s and for a fleeting moment, there
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was a flicker of recognition. But he said nothing. He couldn’t–the ventilator prevented it.
Elisa leaned closer, her tone growing harsher. “Don’t forget. Bianca said she never wanted to see you again.”
Her words hit their mark. Erick’s eyes filled with tears, his expression contorted in pain. He let them fall silently, unable to even wipe them away.
“I think you’d better stop searching for her,” Elisa continued mercilessly. “Quit being a nuisance. You know very well she wants nothing to do with you.”
Her final words lingered in the air, heavy and unforgiving. Without sparing him another glance, Elisa turned on her heel
and left, leaving Erick to wallow in his
misery.
大
From that day forward, Bianca heard through Elisa that Erick no longer
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attempted suicide. But his life didn’t recover either. He drowned himself in alcohol as he spiraled deeper into despair. The once–mighty West Group suffered under his neglect, losing its market share and prestige. Eventually, the board of directors ousted Erick, replacing him with his long–time rival. Erick’s downfall was complete.
As for Sabrina, despite everything, she refused to let go of her ambitions. She leveraged her pregnancy to secure a place in the West Manor, stirring up chaos whenever she could. Yet even with her manipulations, she knew Erick hated her. His cold indifference toward her was worse than outright rage. Every day, she lived with the suffocating knowledge that he would kill her if he had the chance.
*
Meanwhile, Bianca’s life in Ridgeview was a stark contrast to the chaos she had left
behind. Nestled in a quiet, picturesque
Chanter 21
town. her small studio overlooked a serene
lake. She often spent hours at her easel, painting scenes that reflected her newfound peace.
One afternoon, she set down her brush and stretched, rolling her stiff shoulders. The sunlight streaming through the window bathed the room in warmth, casting soft shadows on her work. A half–finished painting of a vibrant meadow adorned the canvas, its colors bright and hopeful.
Bianca sighed contentedly. Thanks to Elisa’s help, she had reclaimed her assets, giving her the financial freedom to live. without worry. Still, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of loneliness. Art filled her days, but the nights were long and quiet, haunted by memories she couldn’t quite
escape.
Her gaze drifted toward the window, her thoughts wandering. But then, she noticed something. Her movements stilled as her eyebrows slowly frowned.
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