"Don't worry, everything's going great over here. We're sticking to the plan, doing our best, and honestly, I think we might see results soon. Just hang in there a little longer, okay? You really don't have to stress so much."

Isabella's mom wasn't having it. "Amelia, come on, tell me what the plan actually is. I promise, I won't tell anyone. You know it's all for Isabella. I get it, I really do."

Plan? Amelia pressed her lips together. Kevin had only just agreed to help... There wasn't a real plan yet.

She felt a little lost herself, anxiety bubbling under the surface, but she had to keep Isabella's mom calm.

"You can trust me, honestly. I'm doing everything I can for Isabella, I swear. Even Dennis knows what's going on and he's worried about her too."

Hearing Dennis's name made Isabella's mom soften. "Dennis... Is he alright? Has he been sad? Has he cried? I haven't had time to see him lately. I feel terrible."

"Don't worry, Dennis is doing fine," Amelia replied gently. "You just focus on Isabella, okay?"

"That's good. Dennis is part of the Lane family, you all need to look after him."

"Of course, we will."

Amelia put her phone down and thought for a second. It was still early. If she'd timed it right, Kevin would still be awake. She decided to go find him and get some answers. Maybe then she'd finally feel a little better.

She tiptoed up to the third floor and knocked softly on Kevin's door. His low voice answered from inside. "Come in."

Amelia eased the door open and peeked in. "Grandpa, are you still awake?" she whispered.

He glanced up, set his newspaper aside, and said, "Obviously. Come in if you've got something to say."

Amelia flashed a sheepish smile and slipped into the room, trying to look as sweet as possible. “Grandpa, I wanted to talk to you."

Kevin frowned. “Just spit it out, no need to drag it out.”

She walked over and stood in front of him. “Grandpa, you already punished me, right? You're not mad anymore?"

He snorted. "If you mess up again, it won't be this easy."

"I know, I know," Amelia said quickly. "But I wanted to ask you about something else."

"Then hurry up. I want to go to sleep."

Amelia hesitated, then asked quietly, “It's about Isabella. Grandpa, do you have any ideas yet?"

Kevin looked up at her. "What, you have a plan?"

She shook her head. "No, that's why

I'm asking you. You're so smart,

figured you'd have come up with

something already. Can you tel me?"

He rustled his newspaper. "You'll find out soon enough. Why are you in such a rush?"

Amelia's eyes lit up. “So... you do have a plan?”

He gave her a look. "Don't get too excited. I told you, there's no guarantee we can

get her out. Don't go celebrating yet."

Amelia waved her hand, grinning.

"Grandpa, you're amazing. If

you can do it, I believe you

youll make it happen

She leaned in a little closer, lowering her voice. "So, can you tell me what you're

going to do? Maybe I can help."

"You can't help."

Kevin's answer was sharp. Amelia

frowned, not backing down. "Younet

it is yet.

no told me what it i

How do you know can't help?"

He lifted his chin, looking stubborn. "I said you can't, and that's that. Go on, I'm

going to bed."