Howell and Tabitha exchanged flustered glances. Gabrielle's entourage finally departed, leaving them behind.

Kayla, sharing a car with Gabrielle, asked, "Aunt Gabrielle, are we going to Seldvale?"

Gabrielle replied without hesitation, "No. We'll stay in Khogend for a while."

Kayla was about to nod when a soft cough from the back seat startled her. She turned to see a pale wrist adorned with a shining rosary bracelet. The man's face then came into view.

Pete Carrell possessed good features; he was handsome, though sickly. This perhaps contributed to his soft, noble, yet unassuming demeanor. He wore a gentle expression, appearing poised, quiet, tender, and welcoming.

In that instant, Kayla recognized him as Gabrielle's son, making him her cousin. Smiling sweetly, she greeted him, "Hi, Pete…"

Pete coughed again before offering a nod in response. Silence ensued. Kayla decided to remain composed, determined to be on her best behavior. The driver remained silent as well, seeming somewhat out of place.

Felicia remained unaware of the hospital incident. Having rescued Dexter and Myra from the thugs, she felt no guilt about what followed. She assumed they were safe, having been immediately hospitalized. Weeks later, however, she received an urgent call, summoning her to the hospital.

Expecting a critical medical emergency, she found Dexter in a ward. Stunned, she thought, "What's going on?"

The physician whispered, "He arrived two hours ago, bruised and scratched, but those wounds are healing. It's just that…" He pointed to his temple. "Mr. Fuller suffered a severe head injury and extreme mental stress. Simply put, he's lost his mind."

Felicia replied calmly, "I understand. Please continue. I won't take up more of your time."

"Sure," the physician said, leaving.

Felicia stood at the ward door. Myra, having lost considerable weight, was a shadow of her former self. She slept, her head resting on the bedside table, dark circles under her eyes hinting at exhaustion from caring for Dexter.

Dexter's limbs were restrained to the bed. He lay motionless, staring at the ceiling, making noises and drooling.

Myra stirred at the sounds, quickly grabbing tissues to wipe the saliva from his mouth; a seemingly habitual action.