Even after Her Death (Chloe and Luke) novel Chapter 407

Zoey dragged Whitney out for an entire day of chaotic fun. Every time Taylor tried to say something, Zoey would shut him up with a sharp retort.

These women, born into elite families, were experts in pretense.

Even when facing their sworn enemies, they would still wear fake smiles and exchange sweet, insincere pleasantries.

However, Janice was different. She acted like a fool—direct, blunt, and devoid of any tact.

She never considered other people's feelings, treating everyone equally, including her husband.

She'd treat even a passing dog with the same disdain.

And yet, Taylor couldn't quite grasp her character.

It was impossible to treat her normally and they couldn't stoop to Janice's level of shamelessness too.

After all, they had reputations to uphold.

Still, it didn't matter. As long as Whitney was happy, that was enough for Taylor.

As they were about to leave, Taylor glanced at Whitney. She wore a glowing cat-ear headband Zoey had given her, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Though she was 25, she looked no more than 18. She lacked the air of a mature woman.

Normally, she was somber and lifeless, but today, her bright energy made her look even more beautiful.

Once they got into the car, Taylor asked, "Did you have fun today?"

Whitney's smile disappeared instantly. Her expression turned cold as she said, "I broke the rules. If you're mad, just kill me."

Her tone was defiant, resigned. She'd endured so much torment since childhood that even death no longer frightened her.

She wasn't bothered about anything since Chloe was gone now.

She braced herself for Taylor's anger, but instead, she found herself enveloped in a gentle embrace. His voice murmured softly against her ear, "Why would I kill you? It's been so long since I've seen you this happy."

Whitney was startled. "You ... "

"Whitney, I told you before—I don't want to hurt you anymore. As long as you don't try to leave me, it's okay to indulge once in a while."

His kindness terrified her.

Taylor had always been unpredictable, capable of inflicting unbearable pain one moment and applying soothing balm the next.

She wasn't moved by his words; she was paralyzed with fear. Trembling, she clung to his clothes and pleaded, "Punish me if you're upset. Just don't hurt Janice. She's a good person. She's kind and innocent."

Taylor's gaze softened as he looked into her terrified and teary eyes.

He gently wiped them away and said, "What are you talking about? Why would I hurt Mrs. Pearson? But you ... You know who Mute Girl is, don't you?"

Whitney froze. Every time Taylor smiled like this, it sent chills down her spine.

She recalled how Taylor would give her food during her childhood.

He was dressed in a crisp white shirt with suspenders and a bow tie, looking every bit the gentleman.

His charming, refined face had once fooled her into thinking he was a kind elder brother figure.

When she reached out to take the plate of risotto he offered, he dumped it onto the ground in front of her and laughed. "Kneel and lick up every single grain."

She was five years old.

Compared to Chloe's trauma with the Carlyns, Whitney's fear of Taylor ran deeper.

She didn't know what would happen to her every time he smiled.

Now, as her body trembled, she stammered, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Mute Girl's suddenly so close to Yael. He even brought her to you. Whenever she's around, you eat more—even two slices of meat, which you usually hate. Mute Girl is Chloe, isn't she? Only she could make Yael so uneasy. Did you reallythink I wouldn't notice your little schemes?"

Taylor's confidence stemmed from the fact that Chloe, even if reborn, had no real evidence against them.

What could she report to the authorities?

That she'd been dismembered and then brought back to life?

Besides, her killer, Silas, was long dead.

Without proof, the Carlyns were untouchable.

Whitney clenched her fists tightly, knowing her pretense was useless in front of him.

Whitney!