?<strong>Chapter 854:</strong>


    Dulce took a moment before responding, “Michael, you’ve done everything you could.”


    “Really?” Michael’sugh was tinged with bitterness. “Then why is Fiona’s son dead?”


    “He died because of Crowell and Cara.”


    “And why is Fiona so broken?”


    The answery in theyers of ongoing distress. Depression was not an affliction that appeared suddenly, but the result of endless letdowns.


    Michael turned away, his voice filled with regret. “I always saw her and Lacey as simr—both strong and independent. But Fiona isn’t Lacey. I thought I was helping her be stronger, but I forgot to protect her as Lacey once did.”


    His voice broke. “I failed to keep her safe. Why wasn’t I more vignt? She is Lacey’s only sister. What have I allowed to happen?”


    “Michael.” Dulce reached out to him, her voice gentle. “You can’t me yourself like this. You’ve given your all; none of this is your fault.”


    Despite her assurances, Michael had internalized the me, convinced of his failure. No matter Dulce’s attempts to console him, he continued to carry the burden of guilt.


    “Enough!” Dulce moved to stand in front of him, her hands firmly on his shoulders. “Stop wallowing in self-pity. Does your suffering evenpare to Fiona’s? What you need to focus on now is ensuring that Crowell and Cara are held ountable and helping Fiona rebuild her life!”


    Michael’s expression made her hesitate to continue. Despite his height, he seemed remarkably fragile in that moment.


    She bit her lip, stepped closer, and wrapped him in a supportive embrace. “Michael, lovepels us to feel indebted. You’re hurting for Fiona because you love her like a sister. But remember, not everything is within our control. Please, don’t me yourself.” Her voice was soothing, a calm whisper in the stillness.


    Her words didn’t resonate through the empty parking lot, but they reverberated deeply within Michael.


    “Stay still.” He embraced her tightly, her frame dwarfed by his arms. Though petite, her presence was profoundlyforting. “Just let me hold you for a moment.”


    He shut his eyes, giving in to his exhaustion.


    Dulce’s heartbeat elerated, and she reminded herself this was merely aforting embrace between friends. She was just momentary sce for Michael.


    Dulce had been away from her job for several days while caring for Fiona in the hospital. The day after leaving the hospital, she returned to work.


    During a quiet moment, she called her friend Fannie.


    Fannie warned her to be cautious. Michael had initiated a petition online, calling for the death penalty for Crowell and Cara, which had garnered significant public support.


    At times like this, the safety of witnesses became more precarious. Any unexpected development in the courtroom could sway the judge’s ruling. Judges, bound by theirmitment to impartiality, did not let personal sentiments affect their judgments. Thus, the oues for Crowell and Cara hinged entirely on the court’s assessment of the evidence.


    Fannie expressed her concern. “Why don’t you stay with me for a while?”


    “There is no need,” Dulce replied, taking a sip of her coffee. “Bobby would just get irritated and think I’m imposing.”


    “He wouldn’t darein.”


    “He may not say it out loud, but he’ll probably think it.” Dulce tried to alleviate her friend’s worries. “I have my brother, and we’re not defenseless. My family can ensure my safety.”


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