Chapter 729



Sophie tried to divert the conversation to cheer Elma up. “We’ve got plenty of fun activities here. There’s a theater room for movies and games, and if you’re bored of that, there’s a small petting zoo out back with loads of adorable animals. If that doesn’t appeal to you, we could head up to the mountain, although it’s not fishing season.”

Cradling her milk cup, Elma couldn’t resist asking, “Are you two always this happy every day? That’s really nice. You can enjoy anything, but I’m not allowed to touch anything.”

Elma knew Cara’s disdain for her laughter. Laughing openly in Cara’s presence meant punishment. So, Elma had adapted. She confined herself to her room, her days marked by solitude and silence, with a shadow of sadness always present.

Sophie empathized deeply with Elma. Pulling her into a hug, she reassured her, “Don’t worry. It’s wonderful here. You can find happiness here, at least for the time being. Remember, whether you’re happy or not, the days will still go by.”

Elma nodded eagerly, her eyes bright with excitement. Turning to Sophie and Calvin, she asked with hope in her voice, “May I go and see the animals?”

The three of them enjoyed a splendid afternoon, their joyful laughter echoing through the air.

Meanwhile, Trent watched Elma closely, noting her boundless energy and apparent immunity to illness. He wasted no time in reporting his observations to Kallie.

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․com, your source for inspiration Relieved, Kallie let out a weary sigh, massaging her forehead as she muttered, “Perhaps I’m just worrying too much.”

But a nagging doubt remained in Kallie’s mind. What were Cara’s true intentions in sending Elma here? Or was it Clayton’s doing? It seemed impossible that Cara was unaware of Elma being sent here.

After a moment’s hesitation, Kallie resolved to call Clayton. Mysteriously, her calls went unanswered.

Meanwhile, in a dark corner of the Morgan family’s basement, Clayton regained consciousness to find his wrists and ankles tightly bound.

Panic surged as Clayton struggled against his restraints, his voice echoing off the cold walls. “Is anybody around? Where did everyone go?”

The door creaked open.

Cara glided in with effortless grace, settling into a chair across from Clayton, offering him a faint smile. “Do you appreciate the surprise I’ve arranged for you?”

Clayton stared back at her, his body quaking. A sudden memory flashed through his mind. Before blacking out, Cara had handed him a cup of coffee, boasting that she had ground the beans herself. Having no reason to distrust her, he had gulped it down.

Clayton was puzzled. What was Cara’s motive? Could she have uncovered something? No, that seemed impossible. Jake wouldn’t have disclosed anything.

Trying to mask his panic, Clayton feigned irritation and said, “Cara, this isn’t funny. Release me. I know you might feel wronged again, but remember, I’m your brother. Just talk to me, and I’ll help you sort things out. Are you sure you want to vent your anger on me?”

Cara burst into laughter as if she’d heard the funniest joke ever. Her laughter was so intense that she almost bent in half.

Yet, as she laughed, her eyes shifted, becoming chillingly cold and predatory. She stormed up to him, seizing him by the collar, her eyes blazing with fury. “You still know you’re my brother, huh? I was beginning to think you’d forgotten!” she growled. “Why are you conspiring with Jake against me? Do you not see me as your sister anymore? Your actions have deeply wounded me!”

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