Chapter 544:

Lanny nodded, giving Mabel a significant glance. The intense stares of the two men sent shivers down Mabel's spine, filling her heart with foreboding. Yet, she chose to trust Lanny; he was, after all, her father.

She couldn't believe her own father would harm her. Mabel tried to convince herself of this, squashing the rising panic.

Ten minutes later, Harley abruptly pulled the car over, and Lanny immediately got out. Mabel started to follow, but Lanny sharply rebuked her: "Have you lost your senses? Get back inside! Otherwise, you're not coming home." He slammed the car door shut, cutting off her response.

Staring after him in shock, Mabel's voice trembled. "Dad, I'm your flesh and blood! How can you treat me like this? You've completely lost it!"

Lanny retorted, "Don't you realize my company is on the verge of bankruptcy? You just spend money without contributing anything, just like your mother. I need money to survive. Can't you understand that?"

"I don't get it. You've actually sold me to someone for a million dollars?"

Mabel tried to open the door, but Harley yanked her back. Desperately, she screamed through the window, "Dad! Help me! I'm your daughter, your own flesh and blood!"

Lanny knew Mabel was his biological daughter, but he was desperately short of cash. Without money, he couldn't survive. His connection with Jayden had previously helped him scrape by, but after his falling out with Elyse, Jayden had cut him off completely. Now, Harley was offering a substantial sum. How could Lanny refuse?

He convinced himself it was a good trade, even if it meant giving up Mabel. In three days, he'd earn a million dollars—an astonishing amount.

Lanny stood by the roadside, his phone buzzing with a bank notification: a million-dollar transfer had been completed. He shook his head and murmured, "Mabel, you just don't get it. I'm doing this for our future, too."

He suspected Harley might marry Mabel after seeing her benefits over the next three days. This would also fulfill Glenda's dream of finding Mabel a good husband.

Elyse ended the call without speaking to Jayden. Instead, she went to meet Morgan. Knowing Elyse was pregnant, Morgan had forbidden her from coming near the funeral home, so they met at a café near the hospital.

Upon Elyse's arrival, Morgan eyed her belly with concern. "You should be in the hospital, stabilizing your condition. I could have come to your ward. Why insist on meeting here?"

Elyse took a sip of her milk. "I needed some fresh air, and I feel much better now. Besides, I'm checking out tomorrow to go home. I don't need to stay in the hospital the entire time."

After a moment, she set down her milk. "Did you see my message? Lanny Lloyd is still free. I can't stand it."

Morgan considered this. "You should talk to Jayden about this. He's well-connected. Lanny Lloyd couldn't have a mental illness. Jayden can uncover the truth."

After a pause, Elyse said, "I'll tell him later. He's at the company and busy right now."

Morgan looked insightful. "Elyse, are you trying to find out more details about your father's murder?"

Elyse, biting her lip, nodded with difficulty. Morgan had mentioned it before. For weeks, Elyse had been consumed with wanting to know the details, but Morgan hadn't brought it up again, and Elyse couldn't bear the wait any longer. Lanny's acquittal had intensified her desire for answers. She had to ask Morgan for the details.

Morgan, with a wry smile, said in a concerned tone, "I'd rather not talk about it now. You're pregnant, and I worry it might be too much for you and lead to complications. That's why I've kept quiet."

Elyse replied anxiously, "I understand you're looking out for me, Morgan, but I need to know how my father died. I want to seek justice for him."

Morgan looked at her intently. "Elyse, the truth is harsh. Are you sure you're prepared to face it?"

Elyse nodded gravely. "Yes, I've decided."

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