No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 818

"Alright, everyone’s here, let’s get started!"

Conrad announced calmly, his demeanor as steady as ever. He was like an impartial observer, even when dealing with his father’s death, going through the motions with an eerie composure. It was a stark contrast to how he used to be; now, it seemed like nothing could shake him.

Dustin quietly donned his black suit, matching the somber occasion, while Ernest stood by, almost as if he belonged to the Wagner family. But everyone knew the history—Ernest had his own reasons for animosity, considering his father had also perished in that car crash alongside Conrad's father.

Ernest’s compliance was puzzling, especially for someone with his background. It was out of character for him to be so obediently following Dustin, raising eyebrows all around.

"Hey, what’s the deal with Ernest? Did they slip something in his coffee?" Fanny's voice broke through my thoughts, her suspicion evident.

I shrugged. "Beats me. Maybe Dustin’s got some dirt on him."

"Dustin’s a real piece of work," Fanny muttered, clenching her jaw.

I kept quiet, my gaze fixed on Ernest. Something seemed off about him, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

"Where’s Mom?" Dustin’s voice cut through the quiet.

It hit us all at once—Jacqueline was missing, and the funeral was about to begin. Where could she have gone?

Conrad sent someone to find her, and I headed to Jacqueline’s room. As I pushed open the door, a chill ran down my spine. There she was, lying on the bed.

"Mrs. Wagner," I called softly.

There was no response. I took a tentative step forward. "Mrs. Wagner..."

Conrad, however, remained composed. "There’s no need."

We all turned to him in shock, and he looked at Jacqueline with a serene expression. "Mom wanted to be with Dad. She was ready to leave."

His gaze softened, lowering to the floor. "There was nothing left here for her to hold on to."

"Did she tell you this? Why didn’t you watch her more closely?" Dustin grabbed Conrad by the collar, his voice rising in anger.

Conrad’s eyes were calm, meeting Dustin’s with an unflinching gaze. "She didn’t say anything, but think about what you and I have done. Dad’s sudden death wasn’t an accident, was it?"

It dawned on me then that Herschel’s passing had been no mere coincidence, and it might have had something to do with Dustin’s hidden dealings. What could he have done? Did Herschel find out about Dustin’s secrets, and was it too much for him to bear?