Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 74

Chapter 74:

She couldn’t afford to break down—not now.

Over and over, she told herself to stay in control.

Losing it wouldn’t help Jeffrey—she had to think clearly.

But when the officer delivered that indifferent response, something inside her cracked.

She dropped to her knees, her hands gripping her head, and she sobbed as though the weight of the world had finally crushed her.

Overwhelmed by desperation, she tugged at her hair, her nails digging into her scalp, as if the pain could drown out the unbearable guilt.

This was all on her. Every bit of it.

If she had been more vigilant, if she had fought off exhaustion, Jeffrey wouldn’t have wandered off alone.

gut-wrenching cry escaped her lips, raw

silently handed her a pack

trembling hands, her voice

wouldn’t bring Jeffrey back. Right now, the only thing that mattered

her phone and dialed Yvonne. As soon as

“What? How? What happened?”

with alarm. “Wait—where

won’t file a case until he’s been gone 24 hours,” Rachel’s

is full of

tight, Rachel. I’m on my way,”

hung up, she flipped on the

made Norton stir beside

returned to the family estate that day and were

annoyed look at Yvonne. His tone was impatient as he asked, “What the

now!

full attention, and he immediately sat