Chapter 281

Rowan relayed Kayla's message honestly. "Ms. Kayla said this is a simple charm made during an activity at the sanatorium. She tried making a protection charm and wanted to give it to you, hoping for your safety and well-being."

Myra examined the charm in her palm, her emotions a tangled mix. It was an inexpensive trinket, the kind one might find on the street for a few dollars. What was truly special, however, was that Kayla had made it herself, with sincerity.

"Silly girl..." she murmured, gently stroking the charm. Then she asked, "How is Kayla doing at the sanatorium? Has anyone been mistreating her?"

"Well..." Rowan hesitated, uncertain how to answer.

Her heart sank at his hesitation. "Just tell me!" she urged.

"Ms. Kayla has lost a significant amount of weight. She looks weak, and her complexion is poor. She also has a serious head wound; it appears she fell and injured herself," Rowan reported. "The sanatorium staff say she injured herself in a fall."

"What?" Myra's temper flared. Only a sliver of restraint prevented her from rushing to the sanatorium to demand answers about her daughter's treatment. How could Kayla have been so severely injured? She was clearly being mistreated!

At that moment, Dexter returned from work. Myra quickly put away the charm and gestured for Rowan to leave. He departed immediately.

Dexter changed his shoes at the entrance. Myra took his coat, hanging it up as she gently asked, "Darling, why are you back so late again today?"

He rarely shared his company woes, unwilling to worry her. But with recent pressures mounting, he revealed the truth.

"Another department was disbanded these past two days. Some employees caused trouble, and I had to intervene, resulting in my late arrival."

"Why disband the department?"

"A project was lost, leaving no option but to shut down the entire department."

"I see," Myra replied, walking behind the sofa to massage his temples.

They conversed for a while longer. Then, during their conversation, she nudged Dexter's shoulder and softly said, "Darling, the New Year is approaching. The house feels so empty. I was thinking..."

"Thinking what?"

"I want to bring Kayla home for the New Year."

"No!" He instantly rejected the idea. "Too many eyes are on us right now. Public opinion is only just beginning to calm down. We can't give them any further reason to criticize us."

Frustration welled up within her. "You're always overthinking, afraid of everything! I just want to bring my daughter home for the New Year. What business is it of outsiders? Let them gossip if they wish."

He was speechless, sighing in helplessness. "But didn't you say before that you'd treat her as if she no longer existed, that you'd never see her again, that you'd sever ties completely?"

"I..." Myra paused, feeling no guilt. Instead, she grew even more insistent. "I did say that, but people change! Kayla has always been an obedient child. If it weren't for Shawn's instigation, how could she have made such a mistake? Shawn has been sentenced. He got what he deserved! As parents, we should give our child a chance to change!"

She continued to plead, but Dexter remained firm.

"This is non-negotiable! Even if you want to bring Kayla home, it will have to wait at least a year or more until this matter is entirely forgotten."

She fell silent, then, frustrated, turned and stormed back to their room, slamming the door shut and locking it. He shook his head, helpless and resigned.