Mara stórmed past her, slamming the door to her room with a force that echoed through the house.
Once she was safely within the confines of her own space, she let her temper loose, pummeling the punching bag in the corner until it swung chaotically from side to side.
For some reason, she was convinced that it was Balfour exchanging those sweet nothings with Victoria. Ever since they were kids, Victoria had a knack for taking what was Maraâs.
Plotting to swipe Victoriaâs phone and uncover the truth of her mysterious text exchanges seemed like a good idea, but before Mara could concoct a foolproof plan, calamity struck. Victoria vanished without a trace.
Elton, ever vigilant since the last incident, didnât waste a moment. He and Mara headed straight to school in search of answers. But, to everyoneâs shock, Balfour was missing too.
Initially, Mara was indifferent about Victoriaâs disappearance. âSheâs probably off flirting with some boy,â
she thought dismissively. But upon hearing that Balfour had also disappeared, panic set in.
âWhat the heck? Why would they disappear together? Could something terrible have happened?â
asked Mara.
Elton cast a sidelong glance at Mara. Who was this Balfour, and how were both his daughters connected to him? Mara seemed to know him well; her face betrayed her worry only when she heard he was missing. She hadnât shown this much concern when it was just her sister who was gone.
âDonât worry, sir,â the school teacher tried to reassure Elton. âWeâre reviewing the security footage as we speak, and we hope to locate them soon. They were both present during classes today, so itâs unclear where they might have gone after.â
The implication was clear â the two of them might have run off together. If they had a romantic relationship, it wouldnât be entirely unexpected.
But Elton was adamant. âMy daughter would never engage in such distractions. She knows her priority is her studies. She wouldnât create trouble for herself, and she certainly wouldnât go out without telling me. Sheâs never done that before.â
The teachers exchanged glances before gently saying, âWe understand your concerns, sir. But sometimes, we donât fully grasp whatâs going on with our kids. Of course, we hope thereâs no harm done to them. Letâs not jump to conclusions. Teenage escapades are not unheard of, and if they return safe and sound, thatâs all that matters.â
Elton was steadfast in his belief, but before he could continue, Mara cut in. Her voice was cold, yet clear, âDad, letâs not speculate anymore. Maybe Victoria did go off with that boy. Isnât that better than some other possibilities?â
Everyone understood the subtext of her words, but none expected such a blunt statement from a girl who seemed so quiet and introverted. It was as if she wasnât the least bit worried about her missing sister, disregarding her familyâs reputation while her father was still present.