On the way back, Mike rubbed his palms together. After a moment of hesitation, he said to Avery, "I haven't told Layla yet, but she has already guessed that something has happened to you. I wanted her to come and pick you up together with me, but she refused."

Avery's lips quivered, but she could not make a sound.

Even if they were to hide this from the children, one day, they would surely hear this from someone else or see it on the news.

At Elliot's mansion, Mrs. Cooper had made a feast. She was waiting by the entrance.

Layla and Robert were waiting in the living room. They did not play with their toys or eat anything.

Robert wanted to head to the courtyard, but Layla held his hand, not letting him go. She was feeling terrible and wanted someone to stay with her.

For the past few days, she had been secretly calling Avery and Elliot but neither of them had answered their phones.

She had asked Mike why she could not get through to them. Mike had been evasive and avoided talking