Keaton and Yanni left with Ella, but Denise chased after them. As dusk fell, the fading light concealed her exhaustion, but it could not hide her guilt.

Denise's voice trembled slightly as she cried out, “I am her mother, Keaton!”

Keaton’s body stiffened for a moment. After a brief pause, he opened the backseat door and turned to Yanni. He spoke softly, “Take Ella into the car first.”

Yanni understood that Keaton intended to confront Denise personally. She didn’t spare Denise another glance,