Chapter 57

**Sarah**

Examining the envelope Josh handed me, I mulled over its contents, weighing the likelihood that it was a gesture of help rather than a potential threat.

"Could Jane be aware of Megan's ex's identity?" Jakob inquired.

"Only Megan knows who that is. I'm not even certain if Philip is aware," I responded.

A chime from the gate startled me, my heart still racing from recent revelations.

I glanced towards the clock, its hands whispering tales of a time long past midnight. Who, in the dead of night, sought entry at this ungodly hour?

"Someone's at the gate. Just a moment!" I informed Jakob.

I swiftly navigated to the surveillance feed focused on the gate, surprised by the identity of the figure outside.

"What could they possibly want from me?"

**Philip**

As Sarah finished getting ready, I received a frantic call from Megan. Tears obscured her words, but the urgency was clear: there was a fire. Soon after, Ethan handed me a hospital report confirming the devastating news: Megan's villa was engulfed in flames, and preparations for potential injuries were underway. With Megan's parents away on a cruise, Ethan suggested we check on her.

We arrived at Megan's villa to a scene of chaos, muddy roads crowded with rescuers and firefighters battling the blaze.

"Goodness!" Ethan voiced our shock at the sight as we surveyed the scene.

To reassure Sarah, I quickly messaged her, trusting that Jane had already informed her of my whereabouts.

Me: I've got something important to attend to. Catch you later.

"Philip!" Megan's voice called out, drawing our attention to her behind the emergency van. Wrapped in a thick blanket while her hair dripping wet, she was being tended to by a rescuer.

Approaching her, she enveloped me in a tight hug, and I found myself soaked, mirroring her damp state.

"What happened? Why are you all soaked?" I inquired, concern lacing my voice.

"I'm not entirely sure myself. I attended an event tonight. Upon returning home, I encountered an unfamiliar vehicle on the road-a grimy old van. Other than that, everything seemed normal. I retired to bed, only roused by the acrid scent of smoke assaulting my senses. Opening the door revealed my villa engulfed in flames," Megan recounted, her voice trembling with the weight of the ordeal.

Panic seized her as she continued, "I was at a loss for what to do. Instinctively, I grabbed my phone and headed to the window. Luckily, my room overlooked the pool. Without hesitation, I plunged in, though I'm feeling a bit sore now."

Wracked with sobs, Megan sought solace in my embrace.

Concern etched Ethan's features as he inquired, "What about your helpers? Are they safe?"

Megan's tears flowed more freely. "That's my greatest worry. I have only two helpers. One had requested a 7-day vacation, and the other was inside the villa. I'm unsure of her fate, but I pray she's unharmed."

After hours of battling the flames, the fire was finally subdued. The investigator then questioned Megan again.

"Ms. Thompson, we have yet to locate one of your helpers, leading us to assume the worst; she's probably dead by now. However, we're diligently working to uncover any leads. Additionally, we've contacted your other helper, who is currently abroad. Furthermore, preliminary evidence suggests foul play. Have you had any disputes or conflicts with anyone recently?"

"It's Sarah Mitchell," Megan replied.

My expression soured. "Are you suggesting Sarah might be behind the arson at your villa?" I asked, incredulous.

Confusion flickered across Megan's face as she glanced at me. "I-I just answered the question."

"But it's implausible for Sarah to be involved. She was at the salon owned by the Vanderbilts. Ethan and I were with her earlier before coming here," I interjected.

"But she could have orchestrated it through someone else," Megan replied tearfully.

Furrowing my brow, I sensed Megan's apprehension as she avoided my gaze.

The investigator asked again, "Ms. Thompson, what's behind your suspicion towards Ms. Mitchell as the instigator?"

"This morning, I visited Sarah's home to check on her, as I heard there's a possibility of us working together again since her return to Highland Hills. My concern lies in her well-being. Given her status as Mr. Cornell's ex-wife, I'm uncertain of her intentions for returning. However, I haven't faced any threats or issues in the past few days or months.

"There have been rumors circulating about my relationship with Philip, leading me to consider the possibility of jealousy and its potential influence on her actions toward me," Megan explained, her voice quivering.

The investigator turned to me. "Mr. Cornell, is what Ms. Thompson said true?"

Through clenched teeth, I responded, "Yes, Sarah is my ex-wife; that much is true. But if you're asking whether she's capable of setting fire to Megan's villa upon returning to Highland Hills, it was I who engaged her services. And I vehemently disagree with the notion that jealousy alone would render her incapable of such actions."

Megan's eyes met mine, filled with anguish. "Philip, I'm just trying to tell you that things have been tough lately. When I went to see Sarah, she lashed out at me. You can ask your neighbors, and they'll tell you Sarah insulted me. She didn't want me there, Philip. She asked me to leave right in front of Mr. Benner's villa."

Tears streamed down Megan's cheeks.

"Mr. Cornell, please don't stress about this. We'll look into your ex-wife's behavior but won't narrow our focus to just one angle. There could be other explanations," the investigator reassured.

The interview with Megan left me feeling unsettled, and my mood soured.

"Would it be alright if I stayed with you at Serenity Pines Estate for a while?" Megan inquired.

"Philip, Megan is in a vulnerable state at the moment," Ethan pointed out.

However, if Sarah found out, I was unsure how to broach the subject with her.

"Philip, I have nowhere else to go. My home was completely destroyed," Megan explained, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Ms. Thompson, we also require your temporary address for the duration of the investigation," the investigator stated, directing his attention toward me. It almost felt like he was insinuating that I should welcome Megan as a friend.

"Very well. You may use Serenity Pines Estate as a temporary residence. I'll arrange for three bodyguards to ensure your security," I confirmed.

I escorted Megan to my villa, sensing her lingering fear and disbelief over the possible fate of her maid. As we stepped out of the car, Megan enveloped me in a grateful hug.

"Thank you, Philip! I'm relieved you're letting me stay here at the Serenity Pines."

I returned her embrace, my hand soothingly tracing her back. "It's fine."

Trey arrived with Josh and three other bodyguards in tow. Josh shot me a pointed look before shifting his gaze to Megan, who clung tighter to my arm. Her apprehension was palpable, her throat tightening with anxiety. I maintained a neutral expression, understanding that she was still unsettled.

"Boss!" Trey called out. "We've safely escorted Madam Sarah back to Mr. Benner's villa."

"Megan, these are my bodyguards," I introduced each of my men. Aside from Trey, Megan hadn't met the others I often brought out of town for business. Turning to Megan, I added, "Three of them will stay with you in the villa while I'm away."

Her grip tightened, panic flickering across her features. "W-what do you mean they'll guard me while you're gone? Aren't you staying here with me?"

Nope! That's not going to work!

I maintained my composure. "I'll allow you to stay at Serenity Pines Estate with them for protection. So, don't worry."

Her voice trembled as she pressed further, "W-where are you going?"

"You needn't trouble yourself over that, Megan," I assured her gently.

"I-I'm not trying to meddle, Philip. I'm feeling a bit anxious and embarrassed about being here alone while you're away," Megan explained.

"Please, don't concern yourself with it."

I plan to ask Sarah if I can stay at her place tonight. That woman had the balls not to reside with me in Serenity Pines Estate, so I'm grateful to have the opportunity to stir things up for her at Mr. Benner's villa!