Chapter 734



Elma grappled with the possible future repercussions—Calvin and the others might blame or harbor resentment toward her. Dread washed over her at the thought, pulling her into a sullen state.

Noticing Elma’s sadness, Sophie tried to lift her spirits.

Lifting Elma effortlessly, Sophie suggested, “It’s quicker if I carry you. Let’s zip through our shopping so we’re back before my mom gets home. She’s planning a feast of treats and games tonight. I’ll talk to her about having you over for a sleepover. It’ll be fun!”

Elma couldn’t muster a smile. Tears were almost falling. Sophie’s kindness only intensified her guilt for pulling off the stunt Cara had requested. She condemned herself as vile. On the verge of exiting through the back, Elma’s conscience fought to voice her remorse.

However, Sophie dashed ahead, unyielding. Setting Elma down, she eagerly asked, “Which way now? If it’s a long walk, we can ask the driver for a ride.”

Elma remained mute, staring at Sophie, her expression filled with turmoil.

At that moment, footsteps echoed from behind them.

Sophie felt a sudden sense of unease and quickly spun around. There stood the bodyguards who had brought Elma.

“Why are they here?” Sophie’s expression darkened. She never trusted these men.

Sophie glanced at Elma and asked, “Did your mom send them to fetch you?”

Elma shook her head and whispered urgently, “Sophie, run.”

Unfortunately, it was already too late.

Before Sophie could react, she was encircled, trapped with no escape route.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sophie turned to Elma, her face a mask of shock.

Elma, overcome with guilt, avoided Sophie’s gaze, her head bowed.

The bodyguards swiftly subdued Sophie. She fought back, but they overpowered her easily.

Elma watched, tears streaming down her face as the bodyguards forced Sophie into a car.

Elma couldn’t stop wailing. “I’m such a terrible friend. I’m so sorry, Sophie…”

Keely stood as the group’s undisputed leader. She pinched Elma’s cheek harshly. It was more a reprimand than affection. Her eyes held a dark glint as she said, “You are right. It’s all your fault. You’re nothing but trouble. Elma, when the truth comes out, Calvin and Kallie will despise you. The only one you can rely on in this world is your mother.”

Elma’s hands balled into fists, her resolve battling her despair. With a swift motion, she knocked Keely’s hand aside, her expression cold. “I’ve done everything my mother asked. Isn’t it time you released Clayton?”

Keely’s smile twisted, growing more unsettling. “You want to see him, huh? Very well, I’ll free him now and take you to him.”

Meanwhile, Kallie rushed home. Upon entering, she found Calvin engrossed with a gaming console, two more consoles lying nearby amidst a clutter of toys and snacks strewn across the floor and table.

Despite the chaos, a wave of relief washed over Kallie. The children seemed to be getting along, enjoying themselves without any mishaps.

Sitting beside Calvin, Kallie asked, “Calvin, where did Sophie and Elma go?”

Glancing up, Calvin’s face lit up with a warm, bright smile upon seeing Kallie. “They headed out for some shopping and will be back shortly.”

.

.

.