Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 523

Helga's yell drew the attention of everyone in the room.

We all turned to look, only to find her staring, slack-jawed, at the entrance. Our gazes followed suit. There was Hannah, back from her brief exit, with Monique and Probert in tow, including Fidelia.

We were all baffled when suddenly Camilla let out an unsteady roar, "Fidelia!"

Fidelia visibly flinched, stepping back.

Her normally pristine face was smudged as if she'd been in a tussle with a chimney sweep, utterly disheveled. Her eyes were wide with panic as they met Camilla's furious glare.

I shot Camilla a look, urging her to take a seat. Camilla swallowed her next words and begrudgingly sat down.

I got up and went over, taking Fidelia by the arm, and said in a gentle voice, "It's okay, you're back now. Next time, you should talk to your mom before you take off, okay? Running off alone in the middle of the night is dangerous! Do you have any idea how worried we were?"

At my words, Fidelia threw her arms around me, bursting into tears, "Auntie Alliyah, I don't wanna go back! I wanna stay here and go to school with Monique!"

My mom hurried over, "Brenda, fetch a towel, quick!"

Carl, pale with fright, clung to Helga, sneaking peeks at us while nervously chewing on his fingers.

I patted Fidelia, whispering consolations. Camilla at the scene couldn't help but start to cry herself.

I led Fidelia to Camilla, coaxing softly, "Go apologize to your mom. She's come a long way to find you, tired and worried sick all night!"

Hearing this, Fidelia timidly approached Camilla, "I'm sorry, Mom! I'm wrong!"

The room breathed a collective sigh of relief. I quickly turned to Hannah, "Notify the police right away! The child has been found, safe and sound!" Hannah grinned, "Already done, and I've called off the search! I'll need to go down to the station later to give them the full story."

I nodded, telling her to make sure she did.

Then, turning to Monique and Probert, I noticed the defiant look on her face and knew there was more to the story.

"Out with it! What happened?" I asked Hannah, who gestured to the two kids still standing outside, "Come in, you brave souls!" Monique glanced at me with her large eyes and nervously bit her lip, staying silent.

Probert met my gaze more boldly, pulling at his sister's arm, "Come on in."

As they entered, Hannah explained, "They actually went to the Damon family's place, not to see Andrea, but to beg for some food!"

I gasped, "Food for dinner?" But then with my thoughts raced back to Fidelia, I pieced it together.

Hannah nodded, "Yes, to get food for Fidelia. They ran home earlier to bring back something to eat."

I realized how difficult their meal must have been to swallow. True loyalty, indeed.

Hannah glanced at Monique and continued, "After getting food from the Damon family, they darted straight into Wood Manor."

Fixing my gaze on Monique, I was sure she was the ringleader.

Hannah went on, "At first, I thought they hadn't had their fill at home and snuck out because they were afraid of our refusal. But when seeing they didn't go to Andrea, I followed them quietly, only to lose sight of them as soon as they entered the Wood Manor!"

I frowned, "You didn't find them in Wood Manor?"

Hannah gave a wry smile, "Nope. I was about to be at a basket case when I noticed a stack of books and remembered the attic."

She eyed Monique, "I have to admit, this kid's sharp as a tack."

Monique snorted under her breath, "You idiot!"

I shot her a stern look and she clammed up with apparent defiance.

"Go on," I urged Hannah.

"I realized something was off. I'd watched them go in with my own eyes. It didn't make sense that they'd just vanish until I remembered the attic," Hannah said, still eyeing Monique, "I have to admit, Monique is sharp as a tack."