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.

her lips, raw and

hesitated, then silently handed her a pack

trembling hands, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank

a shaky breath, forcing herself to push past the emotions. Breaking down wouldn’t bring Jeffrey back. Right now, the only thing that mattered was finding him. She needed a plan,

phone and dialed Yvonne. As soon as

“What? How? What happened?”

with alarm. “Wait—where are you?

case until he’s been

is full

tight, Rachel. I’m on my way,”

she flipped on the light

made

his grandfather insisted, the two had returned to the family estate that day and were now sharing

shot an annoyed look at Yvonne. His tone was impatient

edge, Yvonne snapped, “Not now! Jeffrey’s missing, and Rachel’s losing her

full attention, and he immediately