Albert nodded, acknowledging that Grace had a point.


    Since she agreed, it meant there was still room to turn things around.


    The chief, seeing that the two had finally reached a decision, quietly let out a breath of relief.


    Finally, these two troublemakers were about to be sent on their way.


    If they stayed any longer, they might just turn his entire station upside down.


    “Alright then.”


    The chief cleared his throat.


    “But during this period, both Miss Tessa and Mr. Julian must remain under our surveince, and neither of them is allowed to leave Ravenshore without permission.


    “Otherwise, we’ll be forced to take action, and there won’t be any room left for negotiation.”


    Grace and Albert nodded in agreement.


    Their families might have powerful businesses, but no matter how sessful they were in the corporate world, they still had to y by the government’s rules.


    Just like in the old days, merchants were always rankedst in the social hierarchy.


    Both Grace and Albert understood that all too well.


    And because they did, they knew better than to cross someone like the chief.


    “We understand, Mr. Winter. I’ll take the kids home for now.”


    The chief gave a small nod and unlocked their handcuffs


    The moment freedom returned, Tessa felt a strange sense of disorientation.


    She looked down at her bare wrists, suddenly free of restraint, and a wave of emotion rose from deep inside.


    Freedom–there was nothing moreforting than that.


    Grace could no longer hold back her feelings.


    She stepped forward and pulled Tessa into a tight embrace, refusing to let go.


    “Tessa, I’m so sorry… I failed you.”


    Tessa raised her arms, just about to return the hug, when she suddenly felt a warm tear fall against her


    neck.


    Her hands froze in midair.


    She had always assumed her mother hadn’te for he because she was ashamed of her.


    But now, it didn’t seem that way at all.


    Tessa realized she had been too harsh in how she’d viewed her mother.


    Grace clearly cared about her.


    Just moments ago, it was her mother who had stood up to Albert without backing down.


    And through it all, she had respected Tessa’s wishes.


    That thought made Tessa drop all her defenses as she wrapped her arms tightly around Grace.


    “I’m sorry, Mom. I made you worry.”


    Her voice was still hoarse and grating to the car.


    She hated how she sounded.


    But the fact she could still speak at all felt like a small blessing.


    Hearing her daughter’s broken voice only deepened Grace’s hatred toward Julian.


    Her daughter had left home perfectly fine, and now she was like this.


    And it was all because of him.


    Fury surged in her chest as she let go of Tessa and turned around, ring daggers at Julian.


    But Julian kept his head down, hiding behind Albert, too afraid to make a sound.


    He clung tightly to his father’s coat, refusing to let go.


    It was obvious–he’d been pushed to the edge and now cowered in fear, unable to face anyone.


    Albert could only sigh inwardly.


    His once confident, spirited son had been reduced to this.


    Once so full of promise and now this.


    But Tessa felt no pity.


    Her ruined voice was thanks to him.


    If it hadn’t been for Julian, she wouldn’t be in this state.


    And now he had the audacity to keep up the act, still pretending to be insane.