Sarah Morgan faces professional and personal turmoil as she navigates her husband's murder trial. Kent Williamson, the other named partner at her firm, reprimands her for her "erratic" behavior and cuts off her profit-sharing. Later, a charged encounter with Adam Morgan reveals the deep wounds left by his infidelity.
Chapter 31: Sarah Morgan
Sarah arrives at her law firm and is immediately summoned to Kent Williamson's opulent office. Kent admonishes Sarah for her distraction, arguing that it's damaging the firm's reputation. He frames his decision as a way to help her, clearing her of other work but also cutting off her portion of the firm's profit-sharing until the case is resolved—an act of Power, Control, and Manipulation meant to incentivize a quick end to the trial. He also forbids her from using their shared secretary, Anne, for case-related errands. Furious, Sarah leaves his office.
That evening, Sarah goes to the home she once shared with Adam, bringing groceries, scotch, and writing supplies as a peace offering. She also provides him with copies of all the key evidence in his case. As they share a drink, the tension breaks, and Adam pulls her into a hug that quickly turns passionate. However, the image of Adam with Kelly Summers floods her mind, and she abruptly pushes him away, unable to overcome the pain of his Betrayal and Deception. The theme of The Façade of a Perfect Marriage is starkly illustrated here. Sarah quickly leaves the house, overwhelmed by her conflicting emotions.
Chapter 32: Adam Morgan
Adam is reeling from Sarah's sudden departure when his literary agent, Daniel, calls. Daniel is ecstatic about Adam's murder trial, seeing it as a golden opportunity. He pitches a tell-all book, fantasizing about the publicity. Adam is initially horrified, insisting on his innocence, but Daniel is relentless, framing the trial as the "spark" Adam's stalled career has desperately needed.
Despite his initial resistance, the idea of fame and fortune begins to appeal to Adam's dormant ambition. Daniel’s argument that the story is compelling regardless of the verdict plants a seed. He realizes Daniel is right—it is a great story, and it's his to tell. He sits down with a notepad and begins to outline the events.
Chapter 33: Sarah Morgan
Back at her office, Sarah deals with the fallout of the case going national. Her rival, Bob Miller, confronts her, furious about the negative publicity the firm is receiving. A bright spot appears when she receives a box of chocolates from an old friend, Matthew.
Anne provides a significant breakthrough, delivering the background check on Jesse Hook, a man who was reportedly obsessed with Kelly. The file reveals that his phone number matches a text and a dozen missed calls on Kelly's phone around the time of her murder. Sarah recognizes him as a promising lead and instructs Anne to arrange a meeting with Sheriff Ryan Stevens. As she prepares to leave, she receives a cryptic text from Adam's mother, Eleanor, stating she is going out of town, which only adds to Sarah's unease.
Chapter 34: Adam Morgan
Adam's day begins with another call from his agent, Daniel, who reports that he already has multiple seven-figure offers for the tell-all book. Swept up in the excitement, Adam agrees to write it. His writing is interrupted by the arrival of Rebecca, the journalist he hired to investigate Kelly's past.
Rebecca presents her findings, confirming details about Kelly's first husband and how Scott Summers helped her cover up his murder. The most critical new piece of information is that Greg had an older brother, Nicholas Miller, who may live nearby. Adam, seeing Nicholas as a prime suspect with a clear motive for Revenge and Justice, feels a surge of hope and immediately begins dialing the numbers.
Chapter 35: Sarah Morgan
Sarah drives to Prince William County, frustrated that Sheriff Stevens is avoiding her. Deciding she won't be ignored, she storms into the police station and confronts Stevens in his office. He is dismissive, claiming the case is closed and that he now believes Adam is guilty.
Sarah refuses to back down and presents her file on Jesse Hook, the stalker. Stevens's demeanor changes slightly as he looks through the file and recognizes Jesse's photograph. He reluctantly agrees to look into it and arranges to have Jesse brought in within the hour. Sarah texts Anne the update and settles in to wait, having successfully forced the police to pursue a lead they had completely overlooked.
Key Events
- Financial Pressure: Kent Williamson cuts off Sarah's profit-sharing from the firm.
- Emotional Turmoil: Sarah and Adam share a passionate but brief reunion.
- The Book Deal: Adam's agent secures a lucrative book deal.
- New Suspects Emerge:
- Jesse Hook, a man who stalked Kelly, is discovered by Sarah and Anne.
- Nicholas Miller, the brother of Kelly's first husband, is discovered by Adam's hired journalist, Rebecca.
- An Ally Turns: Sheriff Stevens's attitude toward Sarah becomes hostile.
Character Development
- Sarah Morgan: She is professionally undermined but demonstrates her strength by confronting Kent, Bob, and Sheriff Stevens. Her emotional vulnerability is exposed during her encounter with Adam.
- Adam Morgan: He transforms from a passive suspect into an ambitious character. The book deal awakens his ego, and he takes control of his own narrative.
- Sheriff Ryan Stevens: Stevens undergoes a dramatic and suspicious character shift, suggesting he is either hiding something or being influenced by an outside force.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- The Façade of a Perfect Marriage: The failed romantic encounter between Sarah and Adam encapsulates this theme. They are drawn together by their shared history, but the foundation of their marriage has been destroyed by infidelity.
- Power, Control, and Manipulation: Kent uses financial power to control Sarah, and Bob attempts to use firm politics to intimidate her. Sarah manipulates Sheriff Stevens into reopening his investigation.
- Revenge and Justice: The introduction of Nicholas Miller brings the theme of revenge to the forefront, offering a stark contrast to the more complex circumstances surrounding Adam.
Significance
These chapters mark a crucial turning point. The investigation splits into two parallel tracks: Sarah pursues Jesse Hook, while Adam begins his own investigation into Nicholas Miller. The external pressures on Sarah and Adam intensify, and the sudden antagonism from Sheriff Stevens adds another layer of mystery.
Key Quotes
"I can't do this, Adam. I'm still too angry."
Sarah's words encapsulate the central conflict of the novel. Despite the lingering attraction and shared history, the pain of Adam's betrayal remains a significant barrier to reconciliation. This quote highlights the theme of the façade of a perfect marriage, revealing the deep wounds that lie beneath the surface.
"Think of the publicity, Adam! You could do press junkets from a prison cell!"
Daniel's shocking enthusiasm for Adam's trial reveals his opportunistic nature. He cares little for Adam's fate and only for the potential profit. This quote underscores the corrupting influence of fame and money, as well as the media's sensationalism of true crime.