Amelia's heart skipped a beat, and she felt even more moved by what she saw. To go to such lengths for a daughter you'd just been reunited with... it was impossible not to be touched.

Isabella's mom's words only made Amelia more determined to help. She pressed her lips together, then spoke with quiet resolve. “I understand, Mrs. Austin. I'll talk to my family about this. We'll do everything we can."

Wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes, Mrs. Austin nodded. "Thank you, sweetheart."

Amelia gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Mrs. Austin, is it okay if I see Isabella? Just for a little while?"

A look of regret and uncertainty crossed Mrs. Austin's face. She shook her head. "We've already used up this month's visits. You'll have to wait until next month."

Disappointment washed over Amelia, but she tried to hide it. “Alright. Then... what are you and Mr. Austin doing here at the police station today?"

Mrs. Austin lowered her voice. "We brought a lawyer, just in case. We're hoping they can find some gap in the evidence, anything that might turn things around."

Amelia leaned in, hopeful. “Did the lawyer find anything?"

Mrs. Austin shook her head again. "We come here every day, but nothing's changed."

Amelia felt a surge of anxiety. "Okay. I'll go home and talk things over with my brother. I'll come back soon. Let's keep in touch, alright?"

Mrs. Austin smiled just a little and nodded, saying goodbye to Amelia and Ethan.

When they'd gone, Mr. Austin stepped forward, his voice low and heavy. "The Lane family hasn't really made their position clear. With Dennis doing that paternity test, I doubt they're as supportive as Amelia says."

Mrs. Austin let out a tired sigh. "What else can we do? We're desperate. Even if it's a long shot, it's still hope for Isabella."

He didn't say anything, just squeezed her shoulder.

When you're at your lowest, ugly thoughts start to take root. Mrs. Austin lowered her head, biting her lip. This is all because of Emily Blair. When this is over, I won't let her off easy And Rose Ward-she took Isabella's money and then turned her back on her. People like that make me sick."

Her husband patted her shoulder, his voice weary. “Let's not talk about this here. We're in a police station. Be careful."

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, then leaned her head against his shoulder. "Isabella only has us now. We can't abandon her."

His reply was soft, barely above a whisper. "I know."

On a bench nearby, Tate Vargas sat quietly. Age was catching up with him, and his body was no longer strong. He couldn't hear much of what Isabella's parents were saying, but he didn't really care to know.

He understood their intentions, but he couldn't agree with them. In his mind, Isabella had made her mistakes and she needed to face the consequences. He wasnt there' to help them get Isabella out just to make sure they didn't do anything reckless.

Melisa Vargas saw things clearly, too.

Isabella's parents had already tried to stir things up at the station once today, but nothing had come of it. They probably wouldn't try again.

Melisa leaned in and spoke softly by her father's ear. "Dad, let's head home. You need your medicine."

Tate nodded, slow and deliberate. “Alright.”

She helped him up, and together they walked over to say goodbye to Isabella's parents before leaving the police station.

As they left, Mrs. Austin's gaze followed them, her face growing colder. She muttered to her

husband, "He only found his real golate of course

daughter so late ur life.

doesn't care about Isabella. That's

why he won't help us get her out,

just keeps making excuses. He's no help at all."