Eric? Charlie and Thalia were caught off guard. They hadn't expected their son to overhear them. Instinctively, the couple looked behind him, relieved to find no one else.

Thalia stepped forward, stroking his head. "It's nothing, dear. You misunderstood. Your father and I were discussing a book we read yesterday."

"Really?" Eric remained rooted to the spot, his usually bright eyes now tinged with sternness. He wasn't completely ignorant; he didn't believe her.

Thalia was stumped, unsure how to pacify him. It was her fault; she'd lost control of her emotions, dredging up the past. Why had she done that? She blamed herself again.

Charlie intervened. "Eric, you're young. There are things you don't understand. Don't ask. Forget what you heard, and don't tell your sister."

"I was going to say the same," Eric said sullenly. "I don't want Tiffany to know."

"I'll pretend I heard nothing," he continued, pleadingly. "Mom, Dad, please keep this secret, like you always have. Don't bring it up again."

Eric knew his words might sound selfish, but he didn't want Tiffany to suffer over the past.

Charlie and Thalia were surprised. Their eight-year-old son was astute; he'd sensed something and pleaded with them like an adult. Thalia felt even more guilt. "Silly child, it's Mom's fault. We won't bring it up again, okay?"

"Okay!" Eric nodded earnestly.

Just then, footsteps sounded on the stairs. "What are you guys whispering about?" Tiffany called, entering the kitchen, smiling. She saw Thalia wiping away tears; it was obvious she'd been crying.

Tiffany stopped. Before she could ask, Charlie explained, "Nothing. Your mom cut her hand. It's a small thing."

"Oh? Really?" Tiffany was unconvinced. Something felt wrong.

"Everything's fine," Charlie said, shooing them out. "I'll call you when dinner's ready. Go play!" He even pretended to wipe sweat from his brow.

He then pulled Eric and Tiffany outside. "Come see the new camera!" Eric's excitement seemed genuine. Tiffany raised an eyebrow but dropped the matter.

That night, a full moon hung over the Harper residence, casting a gloomy atmosphere. Ryan Harper had been released, but faced restitution for the company's tax evasion and a hefty fine—the lightest sentence possible. His wife was relieved, but the setback was painful. It was Halloween, but no one was celebrating.

Upstairs, Alexia Harper finished reading an anonymous email—photos, videos, and information about dropped charges. She sat in the dark, only the computer screen illuminating her face. Her fists were clenched. Another email notification popped up; she read it, then turned off the computer and left her room.

In Kenneth Harper's vacation villa, Melody Princeton finished her herbal tea. She leaned into Kenneth's arms. "Kenny, are you going back tonight?"

"No. How can I leave you looking so unwell?" He'd been by her side since retrieving her from police custody, even arranging a doctor's visit. She was just weak.

His gentleness pleased Melody. "Don't you need to check on things at home?"

"No need," he replied.

"That's good," Melody smiled, her pale face flushed.

Kenneth gazed at her. "I need to ask you something. Answer truthfully."

Melody tightened her grip. She guessed his question. "Go ahead."

"Did you have anything to do with Alexia's kidnapping and humiliation?"

"Of course not! I have no reason to harm her. I was more anxious than you when she disappeared; I risked my life to save her." Melody was agitated.

Kenneth nodded. "Does Jade Payne's death have anything to do with you?" He'd seen the video of Melody confessing at Jade's grave.

He didn't want to guess; he wanted her answer.

Melody's eyes reddened. "It wasn't me! I didn't do it."

"But the videos are authentic," Kenneth countered.

Melody lowered her eyes. "Yes, but I didn't do anything wrong. I only left Jade Payne to die."

"What do you mean?"

"I left with the unconscious Alexia. In an alley, I saw those men kill Jade Payne. I was too afraid to help; I was scared we'd die, so I ran away" Her shoulders trembled. "That's the only thing I regret. I was cowardly, but Kenny, believe me, I didn't do anything else bad!"

Melody was deeply affected. Kenneth hugged her. "It's human nature. You were brave to save Alexia. You're not to blame."

"Sob I didn't dare say anything that night. I was afraid you'd hate me," she sobbed. "But I couldn't help it. I didn't have the courage to face those men. Please believe me."

Kenneth comforted her. "I understand."

What did he understand? Melody didn't know. Trust, however, needed to be repaired. She clenched her fists. Declan Jahn must die tonight. As for her brother Jansen his only use was to clear her name.