Chapter 683:
Calvin looked at her, puzzled. “Why would I tell you off? Everyone loses their temper now and then. It’s perfectly normal.”
Elma shook her head dismissively. “No, it’s not like that.” At home, any outburst from her would be met with scolding and punishment. Cara insisted that while others might be allowed their bouts of temper, she was an exception, as her very existence was granted by Cara.
But Elma kept these thoughts to herself.
As Calvin prepared to leave, he scribbled his classroom and student number on a piece of paper and handed it to Elma. “Feel free to seek me out if you’re feeling down. Remember, it’s better not to lose your temper around people you don’t know well.”
Elma accepted the note, her gaze fixed on the floor, remaining silent.
Just as Calvin reached the doorway of the classroom, Elma hastened after him, her small legs barely keeping up. She clutched his shirt and looked up at him with timidity. “Calvin, do you know how to find someone who’s gone missing?”
Calvin couldn’t fully grasp Elma’s words, but when she called him in that soft tone, it stirred something unfamiliar within him. A newfound sense of duty and purpose seemed to wash over him.
Was this what it felt like to be an older brother? If Chloe were around, would she cling to his shirt, calling him in the same tone?noveldrama
Calvin didn’t dismiss Elma’s question lightly. He responded earnestly, “Missing? Who’s missing? If someone’s missing, you need to tell the police. They’re here to help.”
“Forget it.” Elma pulled her hand back, her expression turning melancholic. It was futile. Betty had disappeared, yet Cara forbade anyone from searching for her or asking about her, insisting that Betty had left on her own. Even when Jake had suggested contacting the police, Cara had vehemently opposed it, threatening to throw out anyone who dared to do so.
Worse, Cara had warned Elma not to speak of Betty’s disappearance, saying that it would cost her the chance to see Jake. Yet, Elma longed to see Betty. Despite her youth and naivety, Betty had always shown her genuine kindness—something rare in her life.
Suddenly, Elma’s thoughts shifted to Kallie. Kallie had been there to help her bathe and change when she was sick, soothing her with nursery rhymes when she cried uncontrollably. It was something Cara had never done for her.
As Elma watched Calvin walk away, her heart sank. Calvin and Sophie were indeed fortunate to have such a wonderful mother like Kallie.
Upon arriving back at the Morgan residence, Keely went directly to Cara’s room.
The room was a mess, with Cara sitting on the bed in a camisole, looking as though she had just had a meltdown. Keely paused at the door, her mind racing with the gossip she had picked up upon her arrival.
Jake had come back to collect his belongings. Whatever he and Clayton had discussed in Burmoos had convinced Clayton to let him move out. Jake wasted no time packing.
Despite Cara’s objections, Clayton had stood his ground. Rumors had it that Cara intended to charm Jake once more upon his return, but the unfolding scene suggested her attempt had fallen flat.
Keely made to leave, but was stopped by Cara’s icy voice. “Keely, where do you think you’re going? Am I that frightening? Do you feel the need to flee at my mere sight?”
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