The back of the mountain was bustling, lights from flashlights sweeping back and forth, illuminating the area.
When they arrived, Arnold got the full story from the villagers the person who attacked Felicia was none other than her half-brother, Shawn.
According to the locals, Shawn had always been trouble. He was a thief and a scoundrel.
But something felt off to Arnold. Felicia had already returned to the wealthy Fuller family as the real heiress. Shawn had even extorted a large sum from the Fuller family. Everyone in Khogend knew about it, including Arnold. Why would Shawn risk attacking her now? Was it revenge? Would he risk the wrath of Dexter and Myra?
Arnold asked if they had managed to apprehend Shawn.
Without hesitation, the villagers replied, “Yes, we caught him. He was badly injured and unconscious, so Mr. West arranged for him to be taken to the county hospital. They should be there by now.
“If he makes it, we’ll watch him closely until he can properly charge. If not, well… it’s what he deserves.”
With the attacker in custody, there would be no trouble ensuring he faced justice-assuming he survived his injuries.
Arnold nodded, casting a complicated look at the rushing water below. If Felicia was truly gone, he could be free from the family’s pressure to interact with her, let alone marry her. But still…an odd, uneasy feeling lingered. To his annoyance, he even felt a tinge of worry.
He laughed at himself, reminding himself that he and Felicia barely got along. She was insufferable, and they often clashed-so why would he care?
He reassured himself that he was only worried about how Matthew might take the news, and it had nothing to do with Felicia.
Lost in thought, Arnold didn’t notice Kayla’s shifting expression behind him.
Shawn actually got caught? And now he was in a coma, being rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment?
If he made it through and woke up, would he reveal that she orchestrated everything from behind the scenes during the interrogation?
A chill ran through Kayla. She couldn’t imagine what Myra and Dexter might think if they found out.
She thought it was better to cut her losses.
Shawn had already served his purpose. There was no reason for him to live now.
Resolving to take matters into her own hands, she slipped off to a secluded spot and tried to call
someone who could “handle” el
problem for her.
But the signal on the mountain was weak, and she couldn’t get through.
Growing more anxious, Kayla glanced up just as Arnold turned toward her. Quickly stashing her phone, she pretended to wipe away tears as if overcome with sorrow for
Felicia’s misfortune.
He tried to reassure her, “Kayla, don’t cry. Things haven’t reached the worst-case scenario. There might still be hope.”
With teary eyes, she wrapped her
arms around his waist and pressed her face to his chest, choking back sobs. “Amnie, I don’t even know how to face my parents… I just wish it had been me instead. Maybe it would be easier for them to bear that way.”