Peter and Michelle had been so good to me, to the point where I would feel guilty even considering doubting them.


    But now, even Jasmine started thinking the same way. My heart felt like it was plummeting from 30,000 feet, and a deep sense of panic crept in.


    “I have to investigate!” I shouted it out.


    The more this doubt lingered, the more I had to find the truth. For Eliseo, and to clear Peter’s name.


    Jasmine understood my resolve and didn’t say much, only offering, “No matter what, I’m always here for you.”


    What she said made me realize she must have known the answer all along. But I won’t stop until I discovered the


    truth.


    As I left the emergency room and headed outside to grab a cab, I was surprised <i>to </i>see Tristan hadn’t left yet. He was holding a bag of medicine, talking on the phone as he walked. “Yeah, the disy screen in the car got activated… She said she was listening to music…”


    I could feel my whole body go cold, even under the scorching sun. I didn’t need to ask to know who Tristan was


    reporting to,


    But why did he need to report? And if there was nothing to hide on the disy, why did he report every little thing!


    did?


    ‘My mind was spinning as I watched Tristan’s figure disappear. I couldn’t waste any time–I needed to get to the Evergreen Rehabilitation Center before it was toote. If I waited too long, I might miss my chance at the answers! desperately needed.‘


    To my surprise, Evergreen Rehabilitation Center had strict security. I was stopped at the entrance and asked for the name and room number of the person I was visiting.


    I knew the name but had no idea the room number. But I couldn’t risk mentioning Brannon’s name. If the security calls to verify, I’ll bepletely exposed.


    In the end, I imed I was there to inquire on behalf of my family, but the guard quickly declined, exining that only pre–arranged appointments were permitted.


    This ce wasn’t just open to anyone. This high–end rehab center was as exclusive as theye. I couldn’t even get through the door.


    Two cars suddenly pulled up as I was thinking about how to get inside. Their windows rolled down. I instantly recognized one of the <b>men</b>–a bald head shining under the sunlight.


    It was the same man who had led the group that attacked Josh just a few days ago.


    “Head to Mr. Langston’s,” the bald man said to the security guard.


    13:05


    The guard immediately opened the gate, clearly recognizing him.


    The name “Langston” wasn’tmon, and this had to be one of Brannon’s people.


    He was part of the group targeting Josh, and if Josh had traced it back to Brannon, could it mean Brannon was somehow involved in Eliseo’s death, too? It was too much of a coincidence to ignore.


    I never managed to see Brannon, but at least that bald guy didn’t let me leave empty–handed.


    After leaving the rehabilitation center, I headed home, and on the way, I received a call from Michelle. “Zoe, I heard from Tristan that you’re sick. How are you feeling now?<i>” </i>


    Her voice was hoarse, and remembering how distressed she had been seeing Peter’s white hair, I could tell she’d


    been crying.


    My mind was a whirlwind, full of doubts I wasn’t ready to confront. I pushed them aside, trying to keep myself focused. “I’m fine, Michelle. Just had some stomach issues, took some medicine, and I’m feeling better now.”


    “That’s a relief. Peter and I were worried. We were nning to visit you at the hospital,” Michelle said, bringing an


    unexpected guilt.


    They were hurting so much, and yet they still worried about me.


    “I’m fine, Michelle. Just take care of Peter and yourself. Try tofort him a bit as well,” my heart heavy as I thought about Peter and his white hair.


    Michelle sighed deeply, a sound that weighed on my heart.


    I didn’t know what to say next, and the phone call fell into a long, suffocating silence.


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