"Are you sure hiding this from Uncle is a good idea? We can still change the plan," Eveline voiced her concern over the call.
She wanted to ensure that Sherlyn had discussed their plan with Kaden and that he was okay with it. But when Sherlyn admitted she hadn't, Eveline hesitated. Doubt crept into her mind, making her reconsider the entire idea.
She couldn't risk Sherlyn's life just to satisfy her curiosity about the woman nad Valeria Lee.
Gabriel had been right—they could find another way to get answers. However, when Sherlyn refused to back down, Eveline faltered.
"Don't worry. I'll talk to him soon. For now, let's just focus on the plan. If what you're saying is true and that woman is being held against her will, we need to report it to the cops," Sherlyn stated firmly.
After Eveline described the marks she had seen on the woman's arms and how she had pleaded not to be left alone, it beca clear that she was terrified.
When Eveline remained silent, Sherlyn reassured her again. "Believe , Eveline. Let's go through with the plan, and I'll figure out a way to talk to your uncle soon. Don't worry."
Eveline sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. She nodded.
"But if you notice anything suspicious, stop imdiately and leave the place," Eveline warned.
"Got it. Now hang up—I'm already here," Sherlyn said before ending the call.
Sherlyn's car pulled up in front of the house, nestled high in the mountains, far from the bustling city. The drive had taken her nearly an hour and a half, but what caught her off guard the most was the heavy security surrounding the property.
She had expected sothing unusual when they insisted she co to them instead of bringing their patient to her, yet despite preparing herself, a sense of unease settled in her chest. As she stepped out of the car and made her way inside, the tension only grew stronger.
***
Inside the café, Eveline sighed.
Sherlyn had reassured her, but she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of guilt about keeping this from her uncle.
Her eyes flickered to the ti on her phone before shifting back to the glass door. She was supposed to be eting Ella to discuss how they would get Michelle out of Jedrick's grasp.
Tapping her fingers anxiously against the table, she continued to wait. A few minutes later, Ella finally arrived.
"Sorry, I got stuck in traffic," Ella apologized, slightly out of breath.
Eveline offered a small smile. "That's fine."
Ella settled into the seat across from her, and after placing their orders, they turned their attention to the real reason they had co.
"Confronting Jedrick would be useless," Ella said, her voice laced with disgust. "That man will never admit that he forced Mom into marriage."
Despite her anger, a deep worry gnawed at her. Her mother was still trapped with him, and she had no idea what had driven Jedrick to take such a drastic step in the first place.
"You think he did it out of necessity rather than intent?" Eveline asked, her brows furrowed.
Despite all their assumptions, sothing about Jedrick's motives didn't quite add up.
Ella frowned, not fully grasping Eveline's point. "What do you an?"
Eveline hesitated but decided to voice her thoughts.
"What if he actually likes her and wants you and your mother to accept him?"
Ella's expression froze for a mont before she suddenly burst into laughter, leaving Eveline feeling embarrassed.
"You think Jedrick had a change of heart?" she asked, amusent still evident in her voice.
Eveline knew the idea sounded absurd, but sothing about Jedrick's actions didn't make sense. Why would he go to such lengths to trick Michelle into marriage if there wasn't a deeper reason behind it? That uncertainty was unsettling.
"Anyway," Ella said, shaking her head, "what are your ideas on how to get Aunt Michelle out?"
Ella sighed and leaned back in her seat, a helpless expression on her face. "She's practically on house arrest. She can't even breathe freely in her own room."
Eveline frowned. "Did she call you or sothing?"
"No," Ella admitted. "After that day when she abruptly ended the call, I haven't heard from her again."
They all knew Jedrick was capable of anything, but the uncertainty of what he might do next kept them from making reckless moves.
Their coffees arrived, and they quietly sipped their drinks. The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken worries.
Then, suddenly, Ella's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and instantly waved at Eveline.
"I think it's Mom," Ella said, staring at the unknown number flashing on her screen.
She trusted her instincts, and ever since she lost contact with her mother, she had been expecting her to find another way to reach out.
Eveline imdiately set everything aside, her full attention on the call.
Ella answered, but noticing Eveline's curiosity and concern, she quickly put it on speaker.
"Mom? Is that you?" Ella asked cautiously.
"Ella…" Michelle's voice filled the space, bringing both girls a mont of relief. But that relief was short-lived—there was sothing off about her tone.
"Mom, what's wrong? Why are you talking so slowly?" Ella asked, her heart pounding.
anwhile, on the other end of the call, Michelle stole a glance at the guard standing outside the pharmacy and quickly turned away, hiding herself behind a shelf.
"Ella, I can't talk for long," she whispered. "Jedrick took my phone, and I doubt he'll give it back."
Ella and Eveline exchanged a worried look.
"Are you okay? Did he find out about us?" Ella asked urgently.
"I don't know if he did or not," Michelle admitted, "but there's sothing I need to ask you."
Ella swallowed, sensing the weight in her mother's words. "Go on, Mom."
"Is Dr. Sherlyn Norman the sa Sherlyn that Kaden is dating?"
Both girls froze, stunned by the unexpected question.
"Yes, Aunt Michelle," Eveline answered. "They're the sa person. Why?"
Michelle was montarily surprised to hear Eveline's voice in the background, realizing the two girls were together. But she didn't dwell on it and pressed forward.
"Did you know she's working for Jedrick?"
The words hit them like a shockwave. Ella and Eveline exchanged stunned glances, trying to process what they had just heard.
Before they could ask anything further, Michelle spoke hastily, her voice filled with urgency.
"I need to go. The guard could co any minute."
And with that, the call abruptly ended, leaving the girls in utter confusion.
"What did she an by Aunt Sherlyn working for Jedrick?" Ella asked, her brows furrowing.
Eveline didn't respond imdiately. A new thought had started brewing in her mind—one that made her uneasy.
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