Chapter 297

Charlie bit into the bread, eyes on Hayden. "Is she still in the country?" he asked, his voice tight.

Hayden met his gaze. "I won't lie to you."

A happy laugh burst from Charlie, quickly fading into sadness. "Her mother… she must be devastated."

Hayden nodded gravely. "Yes. Comfort her, Charlie. Just be there for her."

Charlie nodded fiercely, finishing the bread. He pulled out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen. After a long silence, he whispered, "Any chance… of bringing Claire’s mother’s body back?"

Hayden paused. "Difficult."

Charlie sighed.

But then Hayden continued, "Not impossible."

Charlie’s eyes widened. "What? How?"

Hayden spoke cautiously, "The entire Jones Group direct line is dead. If Kelly doesn't press charges, Yowhayton might arrange a quick burial. When her body reaches the funeral home, we can… replace the ashes."

Charlie’s eyes lit up. "That’s feasible!"

"Don't get ahead of yourself. I'll send someone. If we get her ashes back, keep Kelly here, away from Yowhayton. They want her dead."

"Understood," Charlie said, already nodding.

Hayden continued, "Stay here with her. The Jones family might send mercenaries. Only the Hoggard family can protect her."

Tears welled in Charlie's eyes. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with gratitude. "I'm so sorry to burden you."

"We're family," Hayden replied earnestly.

Two hours later, they met Claire. Bodyguards immediately handed Kelly to Hayden. Charlie rushed forward, pulling her into a tight embrace. Kelly, fighting back tears, finally broke down in his arms.

Hayden gestured towards the car. It was reinforced, bulletproof. But he ordered the driver to Strico immediately. No time to waste.

On the way, Hayden texted Stacey, reassuring her. Stacey, who’d been frantic with worry, breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the message and photo. She quickly shared the news with the Carter family; their relief was palpable.

Debra packed her bags to help with the children. Patrick, though hesitant, couldn't stop her. Becky needed the help.

He firmly stopped the others. Kelly needed peace.

They agreed, but instructed Stacey to keep them updated.

Dawn broke as they arrived at Hoggard Villa. Kelly, calmer now, still wanted to return to Yowhayton. Hayden showed her Lydia’s messages. "Bring your mother back. Going back means giving them your life. Your mother wouldn't want that."

Tears streamed down Kelly’s face. "Mom never told me…" she choked out. "Never told me about… the past."

Charlie held her close. "She probably just didn't want you to worry."

"I misunderstood her," she sobbed. "For years! I thought she liked Ronan… If I’d known…"

Charlie nodded, his voice soft. "I know."

Stacey rushed to greet them. The children, curious, were quickly ushered away by Jeremy. "Don't bother them," he said sternly. "She's crying," Lillian explained to Abigail.