Contents
Chapter 40
Overview
Naomi reels after knocking Veronica unconscious, hides the incident from Teddy, and unlocks Veronica’s phone to reassure Jeremy by text. Fearing exposure and legal fallout, Naomi decides to restrain Veronica to force a negotiation. The stakes escalate as Naomi crosses new legal and moral lines to protect Teddy.
Summary
Naomi panics over striking Veronica with a rock in her former home and confirms Veronica is alive. When Teddy appears at the stairs, Naomi blocks him from seeing the scene and sends him back to his room using their “monkey videos” warning so she can manage the crisis.
Realizing Veronica will expose her once conscious, Naomi takes Veronica’s phone. She unlocks it with Veronica’s fingerprint and disables the lock to control communications. Naomi replies to Jeremy’s text—claiming a butt dial—and assures him Teddy is fine, concealing the assault.
Jeremy’s “I love you” message alarms Naomi about their deepening relationship. Concluding Veronica won’t negotiate freely and could flee or contact neighbors, Naomi decides to ensure Veronica cannot leave or call for help.
Determined to buy time to force a financial exit and protect custody of Teddy, Naomi plans to restrain Veronica—thinking of where Jeremy keeps the duct tape—escalating her risk as Teddy remains sequestered upstairs.
Who Appears
- NaomiProtagonist; knocks Veronica unconscious, hides it from Teddy, texts Jeremy from Veronica’s phone, and plans to restrain Veronica.
- VeronicaLeft unconscious by Naomi; her phone is used to mislead Jeremy; target of Naomi’s plan to restrain and negotiate.
- TeddyNaomi’s son; appears at the stairs, then retreats to his room when warned, unaware of the assault.
- JeremyAway on a trip; texts Veronica to check on Teddy and professes love, unknowingly messaging Naomi.