Murder Plots
Mia’s POV
I sat up so quickly the room spun, grabbing the tablet with suddenly trembling hands. The article was from the New York Times, dated this morning:
Richard Williams, founder of Williams Construction Group, was arrested yesterday evening on charges of attempted murder and financial fraud. Williams, 62, is accused of orchestrating the “accident” that left his first wife, Sarah Williams, in a coma for over a decade. The arrest comes after months of investigation prompted by Sarah Williams‘ miraculous recovery earlier this year.
Sources close to the investigation reveal that financial records indicate Williams may have been systematically embezzling from his wife’s considerable family holdings during her incapacitation, using the funds to shore up his failing business ventures.
Williams‘ second wife, Helen Porter–Williams, has also been taken in for questioning. Legal experts suggest she may face charges of conspiracy and financial fraud.
The Williams Construction Group has issued a statement expressing shock at the allegations and asserting that the company’s operations remain stable despite the founder’s legal troubles…
“Oh my God,” I whispered, unable to tear my eyes from the screen. “He really did it. He really tried to kill her.”
Scarlett sat beside me, her hand warm on my arm. “Are you okay?
I looked up at her, strange emotions warring within me. Shock, yes. Anger, certainly. But also a pride in my mother.
Mom really did. She made the person who hurt her pay.
“My mom did this,” I said.
“Badass Sarah Williams takes no prisoners,” Scarlett said, a hint of admiration in her voice. “Should we call her?”
I checked the time. Six–thirty here meant half past midnight in New York. “No, it’s too late there. I’ll try later this morning.”
I scanned the rest of the article, taking in the details. The investigation had apparently been ongoing for months, with multiple financial institutions providing evidence of suspicious transactions dating back years. The attempted murder charge hinged on testimony from a former employee of my father’s–James Young’s widow, according to the article. Mrs. Chen.
“At least now we know why your mom was so interested in James,” Scarlett observed, reading over my shoulder. “She was putting together the pieces all along.”
“She never gave up,” I murmured, thinking of all those years my mother had been trapped in that hospital bed, while my father and Taylor lived their lives as if she didn’t exist. All the while, her mind had been working and planning.
My phone buzzed on the nightstand–a text from an unknown number:
‘Your mother asked me to let you know she’s fine. The news is out, but she’s safe and has excellent legal representation. Try not
to worry. – Linda Chen
I almost wanted to cry. I didn’t tell my mother about Ms. Chen. I wanted to protect her from getting involved. I k ✓ that once Ms. Chen gave her testimony, she would likely be in even more danger. But she was still willing to do it.
“Mrs. Chen texted me,” I told Scarlett, showing her the message. “Apparently she’s with my mom.”
“Your life is honestly better than any soap opera I’ve ever watched, Scarlett declared, flopping back on my bed. “Murder plots, secret alliances, billionaire baby daddies stalking you across international borders…”
“It’s not funny,” I protested, though a reluctant smile tugged at my lips.
“Oh, it’s definitely not funny,” she agreed. “It’s absolutely insane. But you have to admit, there’s a certain poetic justice in your father finally facing consequences after all this time.”
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+25 BONUS
She wasn’t wrong. For years, Richard Williams had presented himself as a pillar of the community, a successful businessman with a perfect family. All while quietly destroying lives–my mother’s, mine, perhaps others we didn’t even know about. The , facade had finally cracked, revealing the rot beneath.
“What do you think will happen to Taylor?” I asked, the thought soldenly occurring to me.
Scarlett’s expression hardened. “Hopefully, she goes down with the ship. If she knew what her mother and your father did….” She trailed off, her implication clear.
Had Taylor known? The thought made me sick. She’d always been cruel, manipulative, selfish. But to knowingly participate in the attempted murder of my mother? That level of evil seemed extreme, even for her.
“You should call your mother. She’s definitely not asleep, Mia. I know Sarah Williams better than you do.” Scarlett said.
“Okay, you are right.” I decided, pushing back the covers.
“Want me to give you some privacy?” Scarlett asked, already standing.
“No, stay. Please.”
She shrugged and nodded, settling back on the edge of the bed as I dialed my mother’s number. The call connected on the third
ring.
“Mia.” My mother’s voice was tired but strong. “I was going to call you in a few hours.”
“Mom, are you okay? I just saw the news.”
“I’m fine, sweetheart. Better than fine, actually.”
Despite everything, I could hear a note of satisfaction in her voice. What happened? The article said Dad was arrested yesterday?”
“Yes.” She paused, and I heard what sounded like a door closing. “I’ve been working with the district attorney’s office for months, building the case. We finally had enough evidence to move forward.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want to worry you, especially with the pregnancy. And honestly, I wasn’t sure we’d ever have enough proof. Richard was very careful.”
“But Mrs. Chen helped?” I asked, remembering the text.
“Linda was crucial,” Mom confirmed. “She had evidence–records James kept before his death. Names, dates, bank accounts.”
“Because they killed James,” I said, the pieces clicking into place.
“Yes.” My mother’s voice hardened. “When James refused to continue helping with their schemes, they arranged an ‘accident‘ for him too. Linda has spent two decades waiting for justice.”
‘Yes. Mrs. Chen is also waiting for justice. I shouldn’t feel like I’m protecting her. Involvement might be what she wants.
“What about the witch Taylor? Was she involved?” Scarlett couldn’t help but ask.
“We don’t know yet,” Mom admitted. “She was very young when the worst of it happened. But she’s being questio mother has apparently been quite forthcoming, trying to secure a better deal for herself.”
Her
“Typical,” Scarlett muttered beside me.
“Is Scarlett with you?” Mom asked, hearing the comment.
“Yes, she’s here. She showed me the article this morning.”
“Good. I’m glad you’re not alone.” She sighed, the sound carrying years of accumulated pain. “I’m sorry for keeping you in the
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Chapter 135 Murder Plots
dark, Mia. I just wanted to protect you.”
“I understand,” I said, and realized I meant it. “I’m proud of you, Mom. For fighting back. For not giving up.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.” Her voice softened. “How are you? How are my grandsons?”
+25 BONUS
The normalcy of the question in the midst of everything else made ne laugh. “We’re fine. All three of us. Actually, I have some news too.”
“Good news, I hope?”
“Very good. I’ve been offered a position with Leblanc & Associates, a prestigious architecture firm here in Paris.”
“Mia, that’s wonderful!” Her genuine enthusiasm warmed my heart. “Tell me everything.”
I explained about the consultancy offer, the remote work option, and the potential for a more permanent position later. “I think I’m going to accept,” I finished. “It feels right.”
“You should,” she said firmly. “This is your dream, Mia. Don’t let anything hold you back.”
“Not even the complications with the twins?”
“Especially not those,” she insisted. “You’re going to be an amazing mother, whether you’re doing it in New York or Paris. And I’ll be with you either way.”
The simple, unwavering support in her voice brought tears to my eyes. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Now, I should let you go,” she said. “It’s late here, and I have another meeting with the lawyers early tomorrow. But I’ll call you with updates.”
“Promise?”
“Promise. I love you, Mia. Tell those boys Grandma says hello.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
After we hung up, I sat for a moment in silence.
“Your mom is my new hero,” Scarlett declared, breaking the silence. “Seriously, that woman is incredible.”
“She is,” I agreed, still somewhat dazed by the morning’s revelations. “I can’t believe she managed to keep this from me all this time.”
“She was protecting you,” Scarlett pointed out. “And honestly, with everything else you’ve had going on–the divorce, the pregnancy, Kyle’s stalking tendencies, job offers in Paris–would you really have wanted one more massive complication to deal with?”
“When you put it that way, no.” I pushed myself off the bed, suddenly feeling the need for movement. “I’m going to take a shower. Try to process all of this.”
“Want breakfast after? Or is that too normal for a morning that started with murder charges?”
I laughed despite myself. “Breakfast sounds perfect. As normal as possible, please.”
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