Chapter 416
Lionel reached for Yvette’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Darling, you always understand me best,” he said with a warm smile.
After spending a little while with Lionel in the study, Yvette quietly slipped out.
She made her way to Teresa Harper’s room but found it empty. A wave of anxiety hit her, and she hurried out into the hallway.
“Teresa’s missing! Everyone, start searching-now!” she called out.
“Yes, ma’am!” came the immediate response from the staff.
Just then, Teresa emerged from around the corner.
Relief flooded Yvette’s face as she rushed over and took Teresa’s hand. “Teresa, why are you wandering off by yourself? This is a city hotel-there are all kinds of people around. It’s not safe.”
“Sorry, Mom,” Teresa replied, her tone apologetic. “I was just bored in the room and wanted to look around a bit.”
“If you ever want to go out, you have to tell me first. I’ll go with you, okay?” Yvette said gently.
Though Teresa wasn’t Yvette’s biological daughter, they had adopted her as a baby, and Yvette had long since loved her as her own.
Back when they’d lived in Blackmire, some criminals had found out Teresa was the daughter of a wealthy family and nearly kidnapped her. Ever since that incident, Lionel and Yvette had become much more cautious.
Teresa nestled into Yvette’s arms, her voice sweet and obedient. “Okay, Mom. I understand.”
“Hey, where did you get this jacket?” Yvette asked, noticing the pale pink coat Teresa was wearing.
“It’s from Suzan,” Teresa replied. “She told me it’s a designer brand, super nice quality.”
A flicker of complicated emotion passed over Yvette’s face. “Come on, let’s go. But in the future, don’t wear the clothes she gives you too often.”
Teresa looked up curiously. “Why not?”
“Because, sweetheart, I just don’t think those clothes really suit you.”
“Okay, I get it,” Teresa replied, nodding.
Yvette didn’t notice the tiny flash of triumph in Teresa’s eyes.
Meanwhile, Suzan hurried out to call Adeline. The two of them rushed to the police station, and after finishing the paperwork, Mitchell was
released on bail.
It had only been a day, but Mitchell already looked worn out. His stubble was
coming in, and he seemed exhausted and disheveled.
“Mitchell!” Suzan cried, throwing her arms around him in relief.
The heavy scent of her perfume hit Mitchell, making his stomach churn. He pushed her away a little, grimacing. “Ugh, that’s disgusting. Don’t get so close to me.”
Suzan froze, her eyes reddening as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
“You-“
“Mitchell, apologize to Suzan,” Adeline interrupted sternly. “If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t have gotten out so easily.”
Mitchell stared at his mother, stunned. “Mom, why? Wasn’t it you who called Director Nichols…”
At the mention of Director Nichols, a strange look flickered across Adeline’s face. She clearly didn’t wan to discuss what had happened the night before.
Just then, Lyman exited the police station as well.
Unlike Mitchell, Lyman was escorted out with respect. The officers and staff greeted him with polite smiles, an obvious contrast to Mitchell’s sorry state.
Lyman seemed to notice Mitchell watching him and glanced back in his direction.
Mitchell felt a sharp pang of inferiority and lowered his head. “Mom, I want to go home.”
“Of course, let’s go,” Adeline replied at once.
Suzan tried to follow, but Mitchell stopped her cold. “Don’t come with us.”