The back of the mountain bustled; flashlights swept back and forth, illuminating the area. When they arrived, Arnold learned from the villagers that Felicia’s attacker was her half-brother, Shawn.
The locals described Shawn as a lifelong troublemaker, a thief and scoundrel. But something felt amiss to Arnold. Felicia had already returned to the wealthy Fuller family as their rightful heiress, and Shawn had even extorted a large sum from them—a fact known to everyone in Khogend, including Arnold. Why would Shawn risk attacking her now? Revenge? Would he risk the wrath of Dexter and Myra?
Arnold asked if they had apprehended Shawn. The villagers replied without hesitation, "Yes, we caught him. He was badly injured and unconscious, so Mr. West arranged for him to be taken to the county hospital. They should be there by now. If he makes it, we'll watch him closely until we can properly charge him. If not… well, it's what he deserves."
With the attacker in custody, justice seemed assured—assuming he survived. Arnold nodded, casting a complicated look at the rushing water below. If Felicia were truly gone, he would be free from the family’s pressure to interact with her, let alone marry her. But still, an odd unease lingered. To his annoyance, he even felt a tinge of worry.
He laughed at himself, reminding himself that he and Felicia barely tolerated each other. She was insufferable, and they constantly clashed—so why should he care? He reassured himself his worry stemmed solely from concern over Matthew's reaction to the news, and had nothing to do with Felicia.
Lost in thought, Arnold didn't notice Kayla's shifting expression behind him. Shawn caught? In a coma, en route to the hospital? If he survived and woke up, would he reveal her orchestration of the events during interrogation?
A chill ran through Kayla. She couldn't bear to imagine Myra and Dexter's reaction if they discovered the truth. She decided to cut her losses. Shawn had served his purpose; there was no reason for him to live.
Resolving to take matters into her own hands, she slipped away to a secluded spot and attempted to call someone who could “handle” the problem. But the mountain signal was weak, and she couldn't connect.
Growing more anxious, Kayla looked up as Arnold turned toward her. Quickly hiding her phone, she pretended to weep, overcome with sorrow for Felicia’s misfortune.
He tried to comfort her. "Kayla, don't cry. Things haven't reached the worst-case scenario. There might still be hope."
With teary eyes, she wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face to his chest, choking back sobs. "Amnie, I don't even know how to face my parents… I just wish it had been me instead. Maybe it would be easier for them to bear that way."