Chapter 91  Hank’s words hit Chase like a cold shower, leaving him soaked and shivering. Sensing Chase’s grim look, Hank tried to soften the blow. “But hey, there are always exceptions. Maybe the person you’re searching for is alright.” Yet, anyone could tell he didn’t really mean it.  I wasn’t focusing on Chase’s reaction; I was more worried about whether my dad would feel even a hint of concern if he knew I was in trouble. The car was cloaked in darkness, and my dad sat there, eyes shut, resting against the seat. All I could see were his tightly pursed lips and his clenched fists on the armrest.  I thought back to when my father was tender and caring, like when Nicole vanished. He cherished me, calling me his precious gem. But ever since Nicole’s scheming, my family’s trust in me had faded, and my parents‘ obvious favoritism towards Nicole had pushed us apart. It had been ages since I last saw him smile at me.  His phone rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. After the call with my mom informing him about my grandma, he looked visibly unsettled. Even though he wasn’t one for words, I knew he was worried sick about her; he was the most devoted son.  e rubbed his forehead, and Chase mumbled some comforting words before the car fell silent again. The silence was suffocating. We drove all night and finally reached one of the parks just before dawn. The sparse streetlights outside offered little illumination, with darkness swallowing everything beyond their weak glow. I thought I heard cries–both men and women–echoing through the air, sending chills down my spine.  Chase fiddled with the rosary beads on his wrist, trying to find a bit of comfort. “Is Amanda… here?” he asked, his voice rough.  My dad looked stern. His expression conflicted. He was torn, wishing both that I was and wasn’t there. Like Hank had insinuated, what good could come from anyone ending up in a place like this? Even if they found me, could a damaged version of me still be Chase’s wife or a lady of the Kennedy family?  I felt like a joke. Yet, I wasn’t even worth being a joke; I was already shattered to pieces.  A black SUV zipped by, the driver–a typical local in a floral shirt–tossed a cigarette butt out the half–open window with a look of annoyance. Just as I was about to look away, I spotted someone in the backseat.  It was him–Derek. Mark had mentioned he’d flown to Shadowmoor, too, but what was he doing here? Could he be looking for me? The thought barely crossed my mind before I shook my head, pushing it aside. What was I to him? Even Chase was hesitant to come here for me. Derek had trouble moving. Why would he travel her to find me?  The car window rolled up quickly, hiding Derek’s cold, detached face. Chase, lost in his own thoughts, didn’t catch this detail.  We stopped, and someone who had arranged things ahead of time came to lead us. As Chase stepped out, a man in slippers appeared to guide us inside. This place was the very essence of hell. You could hear women’s cries through the walls, sometimes accompanied by the harsh slap of a hand.  セ  “Stop, please stop! I’ll do anything; anything at all,” a woman’s desperate voice echoed.  Chase’s fists clenched, maybe picturing the ordeal I might be going through. He asked urgently, “Where is the person I’m looking for?  Chapter 92