Chapter 1958
Stella's questions only deepened her confusion. She had hoped Vermont's insider perspective would clarify things, but crucial
details remained murky.
Vermont's account hinted that Keegan had been involved in handling the fallout from Marshall and Willow's incident. Stella found
it hard to believe Marshall would be ungrateful, yet if he was implicated in the kidnapping case against Keegan, perhaps Willow's
accident was not as straightforward as it seemed.
Stella, deep in thought, suddenly asked, "When did Willow's car accident happen?"
Vermont replied, "Seven years ago, in September. I remember it very clearly. I was doing a double degree and graduated a year
later than them. That summer, I went abroad with some friends and didn't return until midSeptember."
Stella froze. 'That was the same month me and my mother had a car accident. So why was Keegan at the accident scene?'
She remembered Detective Karl's findings about a cab involved in their collision. Two fatalities and a pregnant survivor. After
compensation, the cab driver and the passenger's family had left Rivera, leaving no traces behind.
If the cab from her accident was the same vehicle from
Marshall and Willow's incident, Keegan's presence at the scene made sense. And with the Moore family's influence, erasing
records would be feasible.
Stella recalled Keegan's warning about Marshall and thought, 'Did my mom's car cause the accident that killed Willow?
"Did he fear Marshall remembering and seeking revenge? If I'm right, what was Marshall's original intention in approaching me?
"Before my mom's death, he had even accompanied me to the hospital.'
Shivering at the possibility of Marshall seeking retribution, Stella took a deep breath. She thought it might be her imagination
running wild due to her pregnancy.
If Marshall had any recollection and saw her as a threat, he had ample opportunity to harm her. Yet, he had not. Instead, he had
been helpful, contradicting her suspicions. She resolved to contact the investigator again.
Vermont's voice broke her thoughts, "Stella, the Marshall- Willow incident is a closely guarded Moore family secret. After
Marshall's treatment abroad, he was hypnotized to forget.
"His mother implored us never to mention Willow, fearing the impact on him. He's living a normal life now, and she can't risk
losing her son again."
Vermont scratched his head and added, "I wasn't going to share this, but I couldn’t mislead you. I've told you all I know. "Please,
keep this to yourself. I'm sure you knew that the Moore family used some influence in dealing with Willow's matter."