When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 968

A dark, cynical smirk touched Lemira's lips. "Because the Sinclairs didn't have the deep pockets or the political clout to bury a double homicide on their own, did they?"

"Exactly. I handed them the perfect cover-up on a silver platter," Amanda confessed, sounding completely hollow. "Looking back on it now... our car breaking down, a Sinclair executive just happening to drive past... it was all too convenient. I was entirely blinded by my friendship with Amelia. It never even crossed my mind that the entire evening was a calculated trap to manipulate us into finishing their dirty work."

As she laid out the devastating truth, Amanda's voice was frail and ghost-like.

The physical agony of her failing kidneys paled in comparison to the soul-crushing realization that the woman she considered a sister had weaponized her trust to orchestrate a murder.

A heavy, suffocating silence filled the luxury car.

Having absorbed every twisted detail, Lemira locked eyes with her. "Then why did Orion suddenly come looking for me?"

"Because he was drowning in guilt. He internalized all of it, convinced that rushing the driver to beat the light was what triggered the collision. He's been an exceptional leader for the company these past few years, but I've always known the one thing he couldn't forgive himself for was leaving you behind."

Amanda looked at her with desperate sincerity. "He only wanted to make sure you were safe. That was all."

Lemira gave a slow nod. "But now you know it was never an accident. The Sinclairs set you up."

"Yes. And they will pay dearly for what they've done," Amanda vowed, her tone turning steel-hard. "As for my own crimes, I am fully prepared to face the legal consequences for obstruction of justice. You don't need to worry about that."

Lemira stared at the critically ill woman. "But Mrs. Amelia is the only viable kidney donor you have right now. Aren't you terrified of dying?"

"Of course I am. But I absolutely refuse to let those monsters use my life as a bargaining chip anymore. If I cave, it's Orion who will pay the price. I won't let my catastrophic lapse in judgment destroy what you two have."

At that, Lemira's gaze dropped to her lap. "We're completely done."

"Oh, sweetheart, I know how deeply you cared for each other. He loves you so much. I can't bear the thought that my sins are the reason you're walking away."

"Didn't you practically beg me to leave him just a few weeks ago? This sudden change of heart is giving me whiplash."

Lemira frowned, struggling to understand the woman's true angle.

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