Chapter 18: Deadly Suspicion
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"Ms. Taylor's background is suspiciously pristine," the investigator explained. "Her Swiss records only appear three years ago—nothing exists before that."
"Dig deeper," Mia demanded through clenched teeth. "I know she's hiding something."
The investigator shifted uncomfortably. "Mrs. Davis, this is risky territory. If Thompson discovers we're investigating his fiancée..."
"Shut up!" Mia snapped. "I'm not paying you for warnings! Find out who she really is, whatever it takes!"
A week later, at another charity function, Mia "accidentally" collided with Zoe, spilling red wine on her wrist.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Mia feigned remorse, seizing Zoe's hand to dab at the spill.
As she pretended to help, Mia's eyes locked onto a small crescent-shaped birthmark.
Her expression transformed with shock—that was Rachel Williams' distinctive birthmark!
"Who the hell are you?" Mia hissed, her nails digging painfully into Zoe's wrist.
Zoe yanked her hand away. "Mrs. Davis, control yourself."
Mia's eyes narrowed to slits. "That birthmark... is quite unique."
Zoe's heart hammered, but her expression remained neutral. "Many people have birthmarks. Is that remarkable?"
"Not remarkable," Mia said with deadly emphasis. "Just... familiar. Identical to one I saw on a supposedly dead woman."
Zoe maintained her composure. "You have quite the vivid imagination, Mrs. Davis."
"Do I?" Mia sneered. "I'll uncover the truth about you, whoever you really are."
In the privacy of the ladies' room, Mia's facade crumbled as she smashed her fist into the mirror. "Rachel Williams is alive! The bitch came back for revenge! I won't let her win!"
Zoe immediately alerted Jack to this dangerous development.
"She recognized my birthmark," Zoe analyzed coolly. "But she won't tell Michael immediately. She'll gather more evidence first, then leverage this secret for her own advantage."
Jack nodded, impressed by her insight. "We need to fast-track our timeline."
