Chapter 411

Adeline could hear the strain in Mitchell Lloyd’s voice, and her nerves instantly tightened. “What’s wrong? Who’s in trouble?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Mitchell’s reply came quick and anxious. “It’s me.”

A chill ran through Adeline; an ominous premonition seized her.

After Mitchell finished explaining what had happened, Adeline couldn’t help but snap, “You little… sweetheart!” Her words were sharp but laced with anxious affection.

Mitchell was too desperate to care about her scolding. “Mom, please, you have to help me. I… I don’t want to go to jail.”

Adeline’s mind raced. She would never let Mitchell end up behind bars. If he went to prison, she’d lose every bargaining chip she had left.

“I know what to do. Don’t move, just stay where you are and wait for the police to find you,” she instructed, her tone urgent.

If Mitchell ran, it would look like he was trying to flee from his crime.

She hung up, ready to rush out the door, but Mitchell’s father blocked her path.

He looked at Adeline with a steely, almost threatening gaze. “As long as you agree to sort out the residency papers, I’ll help him.”

Rage flared on Adeline’s face. She shouted, “Are you even human? That’s your son! And you’re using him to threaten me?”

He just shrugged, looking at her with a smirk and that shameless air he always wore. “My hands are tied. You’re the one who forced me into this.”

He was convinced Adeline was cornered now, certain she’d come begging.

But seeing there was no room to negotiate, Adeline stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Mitchell’s father watched her go, the corner of his mouth curling into a smug smile. He was sure Adeline would be back.

Effie Bagnold followed Lyman Etheridge out of the airport. The

moment she spotted her grandmother’s car at the curb, she broke away from Lyman’s hand and sprinted toward it. “Grandma!”

“Effie!” her grandmother called, her voice trembling with relief. In that instant, the

worry that had weighed on her heart melted away.

Effie threw herself into her grandmother’s arms, hugging her tight, just like she used to as a child whenever she wanted comfort.

Her grandmother gently patted Effie’s back, voice soothing and warm. “There, there, sweetheart. It’s all right now. Everything’s fine.”

Effie’s eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill over. Her face was swollen from holding back the emotion, and the next second, she couldn’t keep from crying.

It had been so long since she’d let herself cry. Ever since losing her mother she’d learned one harsh lesson tears win no sympathy. They only show weakness, making you an easy target for cruelty.

But now, holding her grandmother, it felt like she’d gotten back something precious she thought she’d lost forever. She clung to her, determined never to let go again.

Suddenly, the piercing wail of sirens echoed from not far away. Effie realized the police must have come to arrest Mitchell. Serves him right, she thought. He had it coming.

“Grandma, did they do anything to you?” Effie asked, eyeing her grandmother anxiously, searching for any sign of harm.

Her grandmother was touched by Effie’s concern. “Oh, darling, I’m fine. They just wouldn’t let me leave the house or call you. That’s all. Nothing else happened.”

“Even so, he still held you hostage and used you to threaten me!” Effie said through gritted teeth. She would never forgive Mitchell.

Her grandmother nodded. “He deserves a lesson. Otherwise, he’ll think he can get away with anything.”

“I’m just so glad you’re okay,” Effie murmured, nuzzling into her grandmother’s shoulder like an affectionate kitten, completely forgetting about Lyman.

Watching Effie snuggle in her grandmother’s arms, Lyman couldn’t help but think —if only Effie would act that sweet around him, he wouldn’t mind at all.