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.

cry escaped her

then silently handed her a

them with trembling hands, her

shaky breath, forcing herself to push past the emotions. Breaking down wouldn’t bring Jeffrey back. Right now, the only thing

Yvonne. As soon as the call connected, she spoke urgently. “Yvonne,

“What? How? What happened?”

voice sharpened with alarm. “Wait—where are

file a case until he’s been gone 24 hours,” Rachel’s throat

full

tight, Rachel. I’m on

she flipped on the light and started changing out of

made Norton stir

the family estate that day and were

his eyes and shot an annoyed look at Yvonne. His tone was impatient as

and already on edge, Yvonne snapped, “Not now! Jeffrey’s missing, and

full attention, and