Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 401

Just as the lights of the police car flashed at the front door, Gemma slumped onto the ground, her eyes locked onto mine, void of any spirit. She asked in a hollow voice, "Is Marissa really dead? Is that true?" I stood up, ignoring her completely, and began to talk to the officers about filing the report, handing them all the documents, and even the cellphone.

Hannah made a point to remind the police to keep the details under wraps for the time being.

As Gemma was about to be taken away, she suddenly lunged forward and yelled at me, "Did you kill Marissa? You wretched woman, you'll pay for this! Officer, she's a murderer, and she killed my niece!"

I looked at her calmly, and spoke with deliberate clarity, "Gemma, the precious child you speak of was killed by her own father, pushed down a drain, and the police are on his tail. Marissa took her own life by jumping from a building, but the authorities have ruled it a homicide. I'm sure they'll let you know who's responsible."

Hearing this, Gemma collapsed, her fight gone, as the police led her away. The officers arrived quickly and left just as swiftly, and since it was still early, not many were aware of the incident.

I breathed a sigh of relief; tranquility was restored to the home.

Just then, Helga came downstairs cradling Carl in her arms. When Carl saw me, he scrambled forward with his little legs, cheerfully proclaiming, "Mommy, I'm hungry!"

That reminded everyone - we'd been so preoccupied with Gemma that we'd all forgotten about breakfast!

Helga and Hannah shared a laugh as they made their way to the kitchen, while my mom stood up and said, "I'll check what we've got to whip up something quick. The other three kids will be down soon, too!" Seeing them all bustling to prepare breakfast, I took Carl off Helga's hands.

I played with Carl while chatting with my dad, "Dad, Hannah and I might need to head back to Goldenvale Town soon. We'll set off right after breakfast."

My dad looked up from his tablet, puzzled, "I thought you were staying a few more days. What's got you thinking about heading back to Goldenvale Town?"

I hesitated, debating whether to tell my dad about Catherine's situation. But then, considering my dad's experience and wisdom, there was no point in hiding it.

"Dad... Catherine might be in trouble. We don't know the details yet, but I have a feeling something's wrong," I confided in a soft voice.

Instantly, my dad set his tablet aside, looking up sharply, his voice taking on a severe tone, "What's happened? Didn't she return to Goldenvale Town yesterday? How could something have gone wrong?" After I shared the details with my dad, he slammed his hand on the armrest of the sofa with a curse, "That beast!" Then he looked at me and said, "Get on your way after breakfast. Have the driver take you to the airport. If there's any news, let me know immediately."

I nodded, trying to be reassuring. "We don't have any concrete information yet, so don't worry too much. Besides, Ronan and the others have already deployed people in Goldenvale Town to look for her. We should hear something soon."

My dad nodded. "I hope we're just overthinking it."

"I want to go back just in case. I can't stand the thought of her being alone in Goldenvale Town dealing with everything. No matter what, I have to go back to be there as soon as there's news. If something has happened... I want to be there to take care of her."

I said with a touch of guilt, "After all, if anything does happen, the Dawson family is involved; we can't just stand by."

My dad agreed, "You're right, my girl. You need to go back. This is serious. We can't let Catherine feel alone in her time of need. You must find her and bring her back from those animals!"

It was clear he was truly infuriated. He stood up and paced before instructing me, "Be careful when you go back. Don't take any risks. These people are desperate and dangerous. Make sure you're safe while trying to find her, to give me peace of mind. Head to the airport right after breakfast. The sooner the better."

I nodded again and, after a moment's thought, asked with concern, "Dad, do you think we should let Kenney know about this?"