Chapter 2398:

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Bruce’s voice cracked as he tried to process the truth. “Are you telling me you did all this?”

Beneath her disguise of kindness and gentleness, Flora’s cunning and vicious nature left him reeling. How had his daughter managed to keep such dark deeds hidden?

“And where did you hide the children this time?” Bruce asked, his hands shaking.

“I sent them to an orphanage,” Flora replied quietly. “I thought it was the best place for them.”

Bruce’s face twisted with rage. He struck Flora with his cane. “You monster! Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You’re not leaving this house until I say so!”

Erica watched in stunned silence, realizing that her own methods were far milder. Flora was the most ruthless member of their family. It was no wonder Cathy had turned out the way she did.

Annabel’s phone buzzed just as she was merging onto the highway. It was Rupert. “Annabel, I know where the kids are!”

Annabel’s heart skipped a beat as she listened to Rupert’s directions. She tightened her grip on the steering wheel as she changed course.

Pulling up to an orphanage, Annabel spotted Rupert’s car already parked by the gate. There was no time for pleasantries; they exchanged a curt nod and walked briskly inside.

Annabel’s thoughts churned, a storm of emotions crashing within her. The family she once trusted had betrayed her in unimaginable ways. These children, innocent and unaware, were caught in the crossfire. She had narrowly escaped the same fate, and now she had to make amends. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined facing such a shameless family.

R𝖾а𝖽 𝘰n 𝗮𝗻у 𝘥𝘦𝗏i𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗀𝗮𝗹ո𝘰𝘷𝗲𝘭s.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Rupert led the way, silent but resolute. They entered a room filled with the soft glow of nightlights, revealing two small beds. Annabel’s breath caught in her throat as she saw the children, peacefully asleep like angels, their innocence untouched by the chaos around them.

Tears welled up as she rushed to them, scooping both into her arms. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I failed you. But I promise, this will never happen again. I’ll protect you as if you were my own children.”

Rupert stood by, a flicker of emotion crossing his usually stoic face. “I’m sorry too,” he said softly. “I can’t explain everything now, but you deserve to know the truth. I promise, once it’s all over.”

Only he knew what he meant.

Annabel nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Carefully, she carried the children to her car, Rupert following closely, his worry etched in every line of his face.

“Let me drive you home,” he offered gently. “It’s not safe for you to drive alone with the kids.”

There it was — the rare, tender Rupert. For once, Annabel accepted his help without protest. “Thank you.”

The drive back was silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

When they arrived, the nannies rushed out, overjoyed to see the children. They took them from Annabel’s arms, cooing and fussing. “Oh, my sweethearts, we’re so sorry you went through this. It won’t happen again.”

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