"What is that supposed to mean? Eliza, how can you be so cold-blooded? Are you actually telling me you plan to make me a widow?" Elaine had always known Eliza was no saint. She realized now that all those previous conversations were just a setup to trick her out of Tyson’s secrets. Now, Eliza was openly telling her that she planned to eliminate her future husband. It was almost laughable that she had actually considered trusting her. "Do you honestly view Tyson as a husband?" Eliza countered. "Think about it. Tyson knows you have evidence against him. He knows you’ve stored it away, and that his secrets will be exposed the moment anything happens to you. If you were in his shoes, would you want a spouse like that? Wouldn't you be looking for a way to end them as soon as possible?" "You..." Elaine found herself unable to argue. Eliza had articulated her own deepest fears. Tyson was a constant threat to her life. Tonight’s events might have been a ruse orchestrated by Halbert, but that didn't mean a real attempt on her life wouldn't happen tomorrow. "That’s why I’m telling you this is for your own benefit," Eliza continued. "While I have my own motives, this is a win-win situation. I won't let you lose out. Think about your future: is it better to be a widow in control of both the Lynn and Tyson estates, or to be Tyson’s wife—powerless, with a blade constantly hanging over your neck? You know the answer better than I do." Any woman with a shred of sense would choose the former. As Eliza spoke, Elaine’s initial rage evaporated. She knew Eliza was right; no one would choose to live in constant terror. The power disparity between her and Tyson was simply too vast. If Tyson ever managed to defeat Eliza and Nolan, he would be untouchable in Westbrook. He could dispose of her with ease, and her leverage would die with her. Once she had calmed down, Elaine said, "I understand. But as far as anyone is concerned, this conversation never happened. Whatever you decide to do is your business. I’ve fulfilled my end of the bargain. You are not to reveal any of this to Tyson." "Of course. This call never took place, and there was never any cooperation between us. These secrets are the result of our own investigation and have nothing to do with you." "One more thing," Elaine added. "Before you expose these secrets to take down Tyson, you must ensure my safety. I don't want him killing me in a fit of rage the moment you move against him." "You have my word," Eliza promised. Satisfied with the guarantee, Elaine hung up. She had found the only viable escape route available to her.Halbert wasted no time boarding a flight back overseas. Now in possession of Tyson’s most damning secrets, Eliza immediately forwarded the files to Nolan. She began preparing for her own return to Westbrook. With the wedding between Elaine and Tyson approaching, she planned to settle all scores with Nolan by her side during the ceremony. "Are you really not coming back with me?" Eliza asked. "I still have matters to attend to here," Halbert replied. "Once you’re back, make sure to ask Nolan what really happened during that fire years ago." "I couldn't get the full story over the phone, so I’m going to ask him in person." Eliza shook her head, still reeling from what she had discovered. When she first saw the files, she had been shaken to her core. Nolan himself had confessed to starting the fire that destroyed the Hayes estate, and he had never denied it. All of Westbrook branded him a murderer, a reputation that had sent him to a juvenile detention center. She never imagined that Tyson was the true culprit. Nolan had been carrying the blame for someone else's crime for a lifetime. She needed to be there to face the aftermath with him. Tristan soon learned of Eliza’s plans. Halbert looked up to see his eldest brother standing at the entrance to Eliza’s bedroom. Taking the hint, Halbert quietly excused himself. Tristan stepped into the room. "I thought you’d be staying for at least a few more days, but it seems you’re in quite a hurry to leave." "I can come back to visit you anytime, Tristan. But Halbert helped me find Tyson’s secrets, and they involve Nolan. I can't leave him to face this alone in Westbrook. I have to go to him..."