Emily lowered her head, concealing the emotions in her eyes.

"I had no idea. Ms. McKinnon suddenly confronted me. I thought she blamed me for taking Joseph away, but she mentioned Joseph being disabled. I don't understand..."

Brendan's dark eyes reflected her innocence. "So... you were unaware of Joseph's accident?"

"Absolutely." Emily nodded eagerly. "I only pleaded for Joseph's release. I have no knowledge of anything else. I'm uncertain if something happened to Joseph during his journey...