Even after Her Death (Chloe and Luke) novel Chapter 402

I knew Carter was waiting for me, hoping I'd change my mind.

To him, my decision to go to the White Residence was reckless. He would never willingly let me put myself in harm's way.

But, Whitney was still waiting for me.

Gritting my teeth, I shut the door resolutely.

I didn't dare look in the rearview mirror as I was afraid of seeing the disappointment in his eyes.

I clenched my fists and silently chanted to myself when the car started.

Don't look back. I'm sorry, Carl.

Sensing my unease, Yael, who was seated beside me, spoke up. "Chloe, are you unhappy?"

"Is Taylor planning to keep Whitney imprisoned forever?" I asked.

"Chloe, Whitney doesn't love Taylor. If she were free, she'd run."

So they understood, after all. Before I could reply, Yael added, "If Taylor didn't care about her, she would already be dead. Freedom or life—which do you think is more important?"

Though I was relieved Whitney was still alive, the thought of her suffering for the past 20 years made me question if living was truly better than dying.

Death was a momentary pain, but living had brought her two decades of torment.

Still, I believed her suffering would soon end.

Once we rescued her, she would become a crucial witness. With more evidence, we could topple the Carlyn brothers and the powers behind them.

They had to face justice.

It all had to end.

As we approached the White Residence, Yael handed me a pill.

"Chloe, take this to avoid suspicion."

Earlier, he'd given me an antidote to let me speak for half a day, but now he wanted to reverse it.

I didn't take the pill. Instead, I stared at him coldly. "Is it to avoid suspicion? Or are you afraid I'll call for help? Yael, if I wanted to escape, I could've screamed for help back at the night market. That was the best chance, wasn't it?"

I didn't want to lose my voice again.

"Chloe, it's not that I don't care about you. There are surveillance cameras everywhere in the White Residence. If you speak, you'll be exposed. I can't imagine what would happen. Just bear with it. Once we leave, I'll give you the antidote again, okay?"

His face was filled with concern, but I knew he wouldn't compromise.

With a heavy sigh, I reluctantly took the pill that would render me mute.

He only relaxed after seeing me swallow it. "Chloe, if that person shows up in the next few days, avoid her at all costs. Don't meet her eyes. She's incredibly observant."

"Got it," I replied before losing my voice entirely.

When we entered the White Residence, Yael carried bags of items, including the candy apple rack.

It was late, and everyone should've been asleep.

Yet as soon as we stepped into the courtyard, a figure emerged.

"Where have you been?"

Thankfully, I was hidden behind Yael, whose tall frame shielded my trembling body.

It was Taylor and his danger level was far higher than Yael's.

He wasn't asleep and it seemed like he had been waiting for us.

Yael tapped the candy apple rack. "Bought this for Whitney. And a few other little things. Taylor, you're getting married soon, but Whitney has been sulking. I brought Mute Girl along to pick out some gifts."

Yael's innocent expression made it impossible for Taylor to gauge his intentions.

"When did you start caring so much about Whitney?" Taylor asked while stepping closer to me.

I kept my head down to avoid his gaze.

He circled me and his icy voice sent shivers down my spine. "And, since when were you so close to Mute Girl?"

Yael scratched his head, avoiding the question. "Close? I went out with her because I was bored. Is Whitney asleep? I'll give her the stuff."

"Let Mute Girl take it. You shouldn't go in."

"Fair enough."