Chapter 609:
Morgan nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a sensible plan. When are you thinking of doing it?"
Elyse paused, then replied, "In the spring. It's too cold now. I worry they'd feel the chill."
Morgan smiled supportively. "You're right. It's better to wait for warmer weather."
Later, Elyse and Morgan returned to the hospital. Upon their arrival, Jayden put down his paperwork and asked, "I heard Lanny killed his wife. He's something else."
Elyse shrugged nonchalantly. "It was inevitable. He's always been cruel and heartless. He's been arrested and will soon be sentenced. His cruelty will finally catch up with him."
Jayden said, "Understood. I'll ensure a swift sentence."
Elyse nodded. "Good. You should also let Mabel know about Glenda's death and Lanny's impending sentence. If she's too far away, her creditors won't be able to find her."
Jayden immediately dispatched his men to handle the matter.
Five days later, the trial commenced. Lanny's defense collapsed under the weight of overwhelming evidence. By the trial's end, his arrogance was gone. Defeated and haggard, he was a shadow of his former self.
Following the trial, numerous reporters, tipped off by Jayden, gathered outside the courthouse to ensure Mabel learned of her parents' fates through the media.
Mabel, who had fled Watscar, saw the news on television. The newsโthat her family's business had closed, her mother was dead, and her father was imprisonedโoverwhelmed her. She collapsed.
Back in her hotel room, she began packing, determined to return to Watscar. She couldn't accept her mother's death and her father's arrest. She was skeptical of the news report and wouldn't believe it until she verified everything herself.
As she packed, her phone rang. It was Kaelyn. Assuming Kaelyn was calling to offer comfort, she answered.
"Hello, Kaelyn. What can I do for you?"
Kaelyn's voice was frantic. "Where are you? I'll come get you."
Mabel was puzzled. "What's going on, Kaelyn? I'm in Yalara City, planning to go back to Watscar. I just saw on TV that my mom is dead and my dad is jailed. I won't believe it until I see it for myself."
Kaelyn replied gravely, "You shouldn't go back. The news is accurate. If you return, your creditors will find you. It's all part of Elyse's scheme."
Mabel was shocked. "Why would you say it's her scheme? What has she done to my parents?"
"I don't know all the details. But your old creditors have been seen with her, near your apartment. They're probably waiting for you."
Mabel's hands went cold. "Elyse orchestrated this? Why would she target my family? What have we ever done to her? Has she lost her mind?"
Kaelyn sighed. "I don't have all the details. But she clearly isn't sparing anyone in your family, including you. That's why I'm urging you not to go back. Stay hidden. You're not in a position to confront her."
Mabel laughed bitterly. "Kaelyn, you mean my family is destroyed and I have to flee because Elyse holds a grudge? Why should I run?"
Kaelyn paused. "Since you're at a crossroads, why not come with me? I'm planning to move abroad. You could come along. What do you think?"
She added, "I can also help you cover your tracks. Elyse won't be able to find you. You'll be safe."
Mabel was tempted. Going abroad with Kaelyn seemed like her only option. Yet, she felt compelled to return for her mother's funeral. She didn't trust Elyse to respect her mother's ashes, given her hatred for her family.
Kaelyn continued, "Come with me overseas. Once you're stronger, you can seek revenge against Elyse."
After considering this, Mabel said, "Okay, Kaelyn. I'll come with you."