After a moment of hesitation, Absolon agreed.

They swiftly made their way upstairs, where Absolon requested someone to call Karol in.

Karol seemed to sense something amiss. She didn't dare to come alone and insisted on bringing Danna with her.

"What's the matter? Haven't you found her yet? Who knows if she's already left. You've searched everywhere at home; I don't think you'll find her." Danna snorted with a hint of satisfaction, mocking Gerard's futile efforts.

"Miss Morris, I will give you only one chance to tell me who took Lilah." Gerard fixed his gaze firmly on Karol, as if trying to pierce through any pretense or deception in her eyes.

Karol flinched and instinctively hid behind Danna. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

"Karol, what do you know? Tell me immediately. I won't hold it against you." Absolon sighed and added, "If you don't care about others' feelings, at least consider mine."

Absolon still struggled to comprehend how his two daughters had ended up in such discord. The rift between them was nothing short of a complete turnaround—an utter betrayal.

"Dad, are you suggesting that you think I'm responsible for this?" Gritting her teeth, Karol's frustration was palpable. "If you suspect me, then just have the police arrest me. I won't waste my breath explaining. If that's what you think, then just let them come and take me away."

Her vehement response only deepened Absolon's suspicion.

"Karol, the surveillance video shows that Lilah entered this study and never emerged. We searched the secret passage, but found no trace of her. The only plausible explanation is that you conspired with others to remove her. Whether you confess or not, you need to tell us where she is." Gerard's tone was icy as he inched closer to Karol.

His imposing figure loomed in the dim yellow light, casting a shadow that seemed to envelop her in an ominous embrace.

Karol's fear was palpable; her heart pounded furiously. She had no choice now but to depend on Danna, or risk being exposed.

"Bullshit!" Danna's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "If you're going to make baseless accusations against Karol, why don't you also claim that I'm responsible for sending that woman away? You're just picking on someone weaker than you. Gerard, how can you be so shameless?"

"Mom, please watch your language," Absolon interjected, his disapproval evident.

Danna's eyes narrowed, her glare directed at Absolon. "You always tell me to mind my words. If it weren't for your blatant favoritism toward that little bitch, I wouldn't have to go to such lengths to protect Karol." Karol felt a surge of relief at Danna's words.

No matter the outcome, as long as her grandmother was on her side, she would be alright.

Faced with Danna's unreasonable behavior, Absolon felt utterly helpless.

He sighed deeply, his disappointment clear.

"Mrs. Morris, are you truly going to cover up for Karol?" At that moment, Gerard spoke, his tone measured and deliberate.

His voice was not loud, but each word carried a chilling clarity that cut through the tension in the room.

Instantly, the atmosphere grew frigid.

Karol trembled with fear, her earlier feelings for Gerard long gone.

"No, Grandma, I didn't do it. I don't know what happened. Why would they target me? I have no idea..." Karol's voice was a mixture of panic and confusion, her tears flowing freely.