Page 138 of Thorns of Malice

"Do you need anything?" she questions.

"No, I'm good, Kristen. Thank you."

"Sure." She nods and heads back to the main house.

I shut the door and stare at the envelope, muttering, "What is this?"

I take a deep breath and go to the table. I sit down, open it, and pull out a stack of papers.

There's a note from Dax on top of the pile, once again written on his personal stationery.

Ivy,

Please don't be mad at me, but I have to prove to you I didn't kill your father. I know we'll never get our forever together if I don't. Here is my full disclosure since I never want to lie to you again, and I promise you I never will going forward.

I had my investigator obtain your dad's medical records and the coroner's report. Here are the relevant files. The complete medical history is in my safe, and it's yours if you ever want to see it.

I've highlighted the parts I hope will prove to you that I didn't kill him. While I don't claim stealing his patent and turning it into something profitable was ethically right, I maintain that I did it for you. I did what he refused to do, and I promise you, every development with Seducing Ivy has been for you. You'll soon see, I promise you.

Love always,

Dax

My hands shake, and tears well in my eyes. Shocked, I stare at the paperwork until I finally lift Dax's letter from the thick pile.

My father's name is all over the pages, and I slowly decipher the information. My eyes dart to phrases his doctor had written repeatedly and Dax highlighted.

Patient still won't take his medication.

Patient took medication for two weeks and stopped.

Patient on medication for a month and stopped.

Patient repeatedly won't take his medication.

Patient still eating fried foods daily.

---