Jeffery s brow furrowed in deep reflection. I just don t understand why Joanne would suddenly turn against Alicia like that. Thank goodness Alicia made it through.

He turned toward Linsey, his voice growing solemn. I remember the police arrived in time. Joanne must have been taken into custody, right? I really hope she can come to her senses and stop hurting others. Of course, I ll be hiring a good lawyer to make sure Alicia gets the justice she deserves.

Linsey cast a glance toward Dolores, hesitating for a brief moment before replying with calm resolve, There s no need. Joanne is already dead.

A flicker of shock shadowed Jeffery s features. Dead? he repeated, stunned.

Linsey nodded slowly. The police feared she d try to harm Alicia again. They aimed for her wrist to disarm her but she moved too erratically. The bullet struck her in the chest. She died on the spot.

A heavy silence fell over the hospital room.

Jeffery s expression turned solemn, complicated emotions flashing in his eyes. I understand, he finally murmured.

Then, his gaze drifted to Alicia. But let s not tell her. I m afraid it would only deepen her trauma. She s already been through too much today.

Linsey nodded in agreement. You re right. It s better to spare her the pain. She needs rest, not more anguish.

The silence was interrupted by the soft creak of the hospital room door opening.

Jeffery! Myla rushed in, her eyes filled with worry. She hurried to his bedside, her voice laced with concern. How are you? Where are you hurt? Is it serious?

Cruz followed closely behind her, his expression equally concerned.

Seeing Alicia still unconscious, Myla lowered her voice and asked anxiously, She hasn t woken up yet?

Jeffery met Linsey s eyes briefly a silent exchange of understanding passing between them.

I m fine, Mom, he reassured Myla gently. It s just a minor injury. Alicia was badly frightened, though. She lost quite a bit of blood. The doctor said she needs time and rest.

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Relieved by his composure, Myla finally relaxed and quietly took a seat at Alicia s bedside.

Her gaze swept over the woman s pale face, and her heart clenched. Alicia still looks so pale The cut must be deep. It must have hurt so much Her voice quivered with emotion. She bit her lip, her eyes suddenly brimming with tears. Her anguish and concern for Alicia were genuine, impossible to hide.

Linsey stood quietly nearby, watching. She couldn t help but feel a growing sense of doubt about the claims Joanne had made before her death. If Alicia had truly schemed her way into the Lawson family, if she had manipulated or blackmailed them, wouldn t Myla be the first to resent her? Yet what Linsey saw now was nothing short of maternal affection and sorrow.

While she pondered, Myla addressed Jeffery again in a low voice. Two years ago, Alicia endured so much just to donate bone marrow to Jeffery. We tried to thank her, to offer her compensation but she firmly refused. She said it was something she did willingly, and she couldn t accept a single cent.

At those words, Linsey s eyes dimmed slightly, her heart tightening. In that moment, the truth of the past came into clear focus. Joanne had been living in a fantasy twisting memories and emotions into a story that had never existed.

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