Chapter 2140 No Tolerance For Domestic Violence
- “We spent more than an hour with the gardener's wife,” Levi continued, the words rolling out of him like stones down a hill. “She and her husband live in a cramped cottage a few yards from the Palmer mansion's gate. They handle the garden, the front gate, odds and ends—everything, really.
- “According to her, the Palmers are... peculiar. Maybe they're terrified the outside world will discover Darren's temper. Despite all their money, they keep almost no staff. Her husband doubles as gardener and watchman, and she helps him with chores. That's it. No cook. No housekeeper. No nanny. Every domestic job—laundry, meals, childcare—falls on Mona alone. And Mona—pretty, fragile-looking girl—works herself to the bone without a complaint. The gardener's wife even said she'd be overjoyed if her son could marry a woman that diligent. Darren doesn't appreciate her. He beats her often. Yet, when he's sober and in a good mood, he's sugary sweet to Mona and their little girl. Anyone dropping by in those calm moments would swear he's a model husband. Only the two of them—living on the property day and night—have seen the monster behind the mask.”
- Martin listened in silence, turning page after page while Levi spoke. By the time the report ended, he'd finished reviewing the documents.