Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 501

I had spent a full week in the quaint little city, waiting for Carl's wounds to heal before we could fly back to Goldenvale Town.

As soon as we stepped out of the airport, there was Catherine waiting to pick us up.

Her eyes immediately fell on Carl's still bandaged arm, a look of concern washing over her face. She reached out to him, "Let me get a big hug for you, sweetie. How about it?"

Carl's head shook like a bobblehead as he burrowed into my shoulder, "I want Mommy!"

Ever since the injury, Carl had become clingy and quiet, sticking to me like glue.

We all piled into the car, and in a hushed tone, Catherine asked me, "Is Zora really..."

I glanced at Carl snuggled in my arms and gave her a look that said 'not now'. Carl these days was too perceptive, and I didn't want to upset him further.

Catherine clamped her lips shut.

The Rhylee family tragedy had rocked the little mountain village overnight. Their neighbors had heard the commotion that night, and when Zora Rhylee fled, villagers had curiously ventured into the Rhylee home—only to run out screaming, their terror awakening the entire village.

Of course, the police were called. As we cornered Zora up on the mountain, the police swarmed the place down below. After all, a triple homicide committed by one's own daughter sent shockwaves through the county and beyond.

Soon after, word spread that the perpetrator had been shot dead.

Ronan Stewart had squashed all the news, especially the part about Zora's child swap, to avoid any trouble and indirectly protect Carl and me from criticism.

Jerome's men had suffered — two dead, one critically injured. Ronan had deliberately let the survivor go.

In truth, not many knew Carl wasn't my child.

Rumors said Jaylan had been detained for a few days before being released. With Zora gone and no solid evidence, they couldn't hold him long. Plus, Medsafe Liyah Inc. had been working overtime to conclude the handover set for Monday.