Jeniffer's face was etched with worry, and she spoke cautiously, shooting nervous glances at Lance's expression.
At the mention of Silvania, anxiety and a deep sense of unease washed over Camilla's face.
Her own father had vanished at the borders of Silvania years ago.
Just the name of the place sent a chill down her spine.
Sarah had been staying in Novaria. For her and Tessa to suddenly end up in Silvania meant there was something incredibly fishy going on.
Lance's expression hardened. He turned to Jeniffer. "You stay here and keep an eye on Camilla. I have to go back."
"Lance, are you..."
"I've been there before. I'll go scout the situation first," Lance said.
Even though he harbored deep resentment toward Tessa, she was still his mother. He naturally didn't want anything bad to happen to her.
Jeniffer looked anxious. "Lance, don't rush into this. Why don't I ask my dad to see if he can..."
"There's no need to bother Julian. I'm just going to assess the situation. I'll be fine," Lance insisted.
Tessa's disappearance was a Charles Family matter. With the situation so unclear, it wasn't right to ask Julian to bend the rules for their family issues.
Besides, this whole situation...
Lance had a sinking feeling that this was all aimed directly at him.
Jeniffer looked at Camilla, her eyes pleading. "Camilla, talk him out of it! He..."
Camilla's eyes met Lance's. She saw the unwavering resolve in his gaze and spoke with equal conviction. "No. I trust him.
Actually, since you're both up, Grandpa must be feeling pretty lonely. Let's pack up and head back to keep him company."
They weren't going to get any concrete answers here anytime soon. Clement was as slippery as an eel; they simply couldn't pin anything on him.
And after that incident, Clement was definitely suspicious of Camilla. She couldn't risk any more reckless moves. Right now, her best bet was to rely on Chief Mahoney.
Meanwhile, with Tessa suddenly missing, and Darwin getting on in years, he needed his family around more than ever.
Especially once Lance left, the old man was bound to be wracked with worry.
He said the word 'Dad' so quietly, watching her face intensely for a reaction.
Seeing the worry in his eyes made Camilla's heart ache. She crouched down and pulled him into a tight hug. "We did. I'm so sorry, sweetheart. It's all Mom's fault for making you worry."
"Then you guys aren't going to break up again, right?" Jasper asked, still radiating anxiety. He pressed his lips together, staring at her with wide, worried eyes.
Camilla knew how much he adored Lance. But lately, because of her, he had been forcing himself to keep his distance.
Thinking about it now, she realized it was her failure as a mother that had made her son walk on eggshells.
"We won't," Camilla promised. "Mom swears that from now on, our family of three will never be apart again."
A massive smile finally broke across Jasper's face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a woven red string. "Aunt Jeniffer was right! The love knots really work! Mom, I made this for you. And there's another one for Dad."
Camilla looked down at the slightly clumsy, hand-woven bracelet. She held her wrist out to him. "Will you help Mom put it on?"
Jasper nodded eagerly. Recalling the knot-tying trick he learned yesterday, he fastened the bracelet around her wrist. He handed the other one to her. "Mom, can you give this one to Dad for me?"
His eyes were shining with an earnest plea, clearly trying his best to play matchmaker. Camilla couldn't possibly refuse and agreed immediately.

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