?Chapter 1677:


    Her phone’s sudden ring shattered her reverie—Hardy’s name zing across the screen. Her movements were mechanical as she answered.


    “Well done. Elyse gave up and left,” Hardy reported. “Your cover’s blown, but we can buy you some time.”


    Tracy’s voice wavered. “She was crying just now… so heartbroken. It’s tearing me apart.”


    Static crackled through Hardy’s weary sigh. “Nothing can be done. We’re near our goal. Elyse will understand when the timees.”


    “But I don’t want her to see me,” Tracy whispered, the confession weighing like lead on her tongue. “If the n seeds, if I get the chance, I just want to disappear.”


    A heavy silence stretched between them before Hardy responded with quiet resolve. “Running isn’t the answer, Tracy. You need to face this.”


    Tracy’s voice trembled with raw emotion. “She didn’t see me. She must be devastated, right?”


    “Yeah,” Hardy confirmed solemnly. “I witnessed it. She was inconsble. Wasn’t easy to watch.”


    Tracy’s fingers curled into tight fists as she battled to contain the tempest of emotions within her.


    Drawing artificial strength into her voice, she pivoted the conversation. “Has Lowell returned yet? When should we expect him?”


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    “He’s still tied up at the office. No need to worry,” Hardy replied. “Listen, I’ve got matters to attend to. Stay inside and keep out of sight.”


    The moment the line went dead, Tracy’s strength crumbled like a house of cards. She slid down the wall, copsing in on herself. Tears traced silver paths down her cheeks.


    “I’m so sorry, Elyse,” she choked out between sobs. “I’m so, so sorry. I never meant to shut you out. I just can’t return. I can’t.”


    Elyse’s anguish erupted in soul-deep sobs.


    She found sce in Jayden’s protective embrace, weeping until exhaustion finally imed her.


    Jayden attempted every constion he knew, but her grief remained imprable.


    Atst, she drifted into fitful slumber in the car, granting him his first breath of relief.


    As he steered toward home, his phone chirped with news that Lucille and Leon were heading to Shaun’s residence.


    Comprehending their intentions, Jayden swiftly altered course toward Shaun’s home.


    Though Shaun had anticipated Lucille and Leon’s arrival, his fixation on Tracy’s situation left him with no patience for their intrusion. He abandoned them at his threshold without ceremony.


    Upon arrival, Jayden discovered the couple clutching a document, their determination unwavering despite their frail appearance.


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