Chapter 18 Almost all of Palmer Group's partners had pulled out. Samantha, knew nothing about management-her only act of "helping" was dragging her husband home from nightclubs. Mr. Palmer, who had been away from company affairs for years, returned only to put on airs. With a single wave of his hand, he claimed he would "rectify" the company, but every decision he made only plunged it deeper into chaos. Tristan finally confirmed that none of this was Meredith's doing. She alone didn't have that kind of influence. Her father abroad was capable, yes, but she and him had long been estranged. Tristan himself had been forced into the world of business by his grandfather into learning the family business from childhood and had gradually taken control after college. When his grandfather died, it felt like the entire Palmer family landed squarely on his shoulders-no one was asking if he was tired, or if he needed a break. Now the company had become more or less an empty shell, and absurdly, Tristan felt a flicker of relief. He even let himself daydream: when Meredith came back, he'd hand this wrecked company off o someone else. They'd open a small shop together and live a simple life-that thought felt Inexpectedly comforting. He was still lost in this daydream when Hillary's call broke the silence. Tristan, the baby's been kicking so much-I can't sleep. Can you come to the Palmer house onight and stay with me?" she pleaded. Frowning, he suppressed his irritation and said, "We have a lot going on at the company. I can't eave. Go see a doctor." A soft hum came from the other end, followed by a choked, teary tone. "You're just making excuses. Tell me the truth-do you not want to marry me anymore? Do you have someone else >utside?" Enough, Hillary. Don't make trouble." His voice softened into weary coaxing. "Can't you be more sensible, like Meredith? I don't ask you to share my burdens-just don't add to them, alright?" But the mention of Meredith set her off like a fuse. I knew it! You were looking for that bitch! Save it-you killed her three babies with your own hands. She'll never forgive you!" The words hit him where it hurt most: his deepest shame about Meredith. 'Shut up! Meredith isn't petty-she... she'll understand." he snapped, voice tight. Hillary's tone turned venomous. "Not just that. Every time she miscarried and lay in that hospital bed, you dragged me to the bed next door to have fun-said it made things more exciting. Want me to tell her the details?" "Hillary, you're insane!" Tristan bellowed, his anger edged with panic, trying desperately to bury the guilt clawing through his chest. Sensing his wavering, Hillary was just about to ease her tone when her phone buzzed. She opened the message-and her face went white. "No... this can't be," she gasped. "My brother-he's been arrested for attempted murder! Didn't you say you already handled it? How could this happen? What should I do? Will I be next?!" Her panic spiraled into raw terror. Before Tristan could respond, her voice trembled, pleading through the receiver. 'I won't blame you for seeing Meredith anymore... Please, talk to her for me-ask her to go easy ɔn me. Will you? Please?"