Chapter 32

Once Kayla had her fill of satisfaction, she touched up her makeup and headed downstairs to play the concerned sister. Hearing of Felicia's disappearance, Kayla gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief. "Mom, you're saying Felicia was kidnapped? That's impossible! She was just brought home a few days ago. How could she have made any enemies?" Myra echoed her thoughts, but the situation demanded action. Their priority was finding Felicia.

Kayla handed Myra a tissue, hesitating before speaking. "Mom, there's something I'm not sure I should say. Please don't be upset if it's wrong."

"Just say it. How could I ever be mad at you?"

Kayla bit her lip. "Do you remember my high school friends, the twin sisters, Yvonne and Vivian Clayton? I had them over last year."

"I remember. Why do you bring this up?" Myra asked, her eyes red and curious.

Kayla continued, "Their family always favored Yvonne. Vivian often resorted to extreme measures for attention—running away, threatening suicide."

"So," Kayla said, "is it possible Felicia orchestrated this? Maybe she's pretending to be kidnapped to make you and Dad feel guilty, to get more attention and love?"

Kayla's voice was calm, persuasive. "Otherwise, why would kidnappers take someone and not ask for ransom?" People risked everything for money—like birds searching for food. The Fullers were among Khogend's wealthiest; a substantial ransom seemed inevitable.

Myra and Dexter exchanged doubtful glances.

"Mom, think about it," Kayla continued, her words planting suspicion. "Felicia has been unhappy lately. She might be angry because you favor me, neglecting her. Maybe this is her scheme to get attention." Myra hesitated, uncertainty creeping in. Felicia had only recently returned to the Fuller residence. Despite an extravagant welcome party, she'd shown no affection, not even calling them "Mom" and "Dad." Previous tension between Myra and Felicia existed, partly due to Kayla. Perhaps Felicia staged her own kidnapping to compete for attention.

Myra frowned, frustrated. "If that's the case, that girl is far too willful. She doesn't act like my daughter at all." Dexter remained silent, reserving judgment.

"Mom, don't be upset," Kayla soothed, a smirk playing on her lips. "Remember Felicia's upbringing. It's natural she might have picked up bad habits." Kayla needed to keep Myra calm, fostering negative feelings toward Felicia. Then, when they found Felicia's body, Myra's first thought would be Felicia's self-orchestrated kidnapping, leading to her accidental death. A classic case of reaping what she sowed. Myra and Dexter would feel only slight sorrow and guilt; Felicia's name would fade.

Suppressing her joy, Kayla adopted a sweet demeanor, massaging Myra's shoulders. A bodyguard rushed in, announcing, "Mr. Fuller, Mrs. Fuller, Ms. Felicia is back." Kayla's eyes widened. "What? Felicia is back alive?"

Chapter 33