"Really?" Gordon's face filled with shock.

Carey had been missing for years without a trace. Gordon himself had dedicated significant resources to the search, but every lead had turned cold. And now, Caitlin had quietly found her. His girlfriend truly was a force to be reckoned with.

Caitlin nodded. "It's true. And a lot has happened. If you have a minute, I can tell you everything."

"Of course I have a minute. Tell me."

Caitlin began to recount the story, speaking slowly and deliberately. Gordon listened intently, absorbing every detail. They were like any other couple, sharing the day's events, their conversation filled with a simple, comforting warmth.

With their departure scheduled for the next day, Stuart and Carey arranged to take Tina out for a special dinner to thank her.

After the meal, they walked her to her car. Stuart pulled out a bank card and handed it to her. "Miss Tina, my wife tells me you love to travel, that your biggest dream is to see the world. This is a small token of our appreciation. We hope it helps you achieve that dream."

The amount on the card was enough for Tina not only to travel the world but to live comfortably for the rest of her life.

Tina immediately tried to refuse. "Mr. Gonzales, I helped Mrs. Gonzales because she was always so kind to me. It was a mutual friendship. I can't accept this!"

She had never expected any reward for helping Carey escape.

"Please, take it. The PIN is six zeros," Carey said, taking the card from Stuart and pressing it into Tina's hand. She smiled warmly. "Tina, I am so, so grateful to you. If you don't accept this, I won't be able to sleep at night. You wouldn't want that, would you?"

Only then did Tina relent. "Mrs. Gonzales, thank you."

"Don't mention it," Carey said, giving Tina a hug. "Tina, if you ever come to Eldermere, you must look me up in the Capital."

"I will, ma'am," Tina nodded. "I wish you, Mr. Gonzales, and your family a safe journey home."

"Thank you."

Meanwhile, Keira and Hannah, the two matriarchs, took the opportunity to 'visit' Diana and Rosemary at the royal police station. Compared to a few days ago, the mother and daughter looked significantly worse for wear.

Dowager Vance sat slumped on the floor. "Hannah Richards! Just kill me! Put me out of my misery!"

She couldn't bear another day of this life. She never knew that being imprisoned, being jabbed with needles, could be so torturous.

Hannah smiled faintly. "I am a woman of God. I do not kill."

"Bullshit!" Dowager Vance spat, her voice raw with emotion. "A woman of God is compassionate! Look at how you're torturing us! How dare you claim to be a believer!"

Hannah crouched down. "And when you were torturing my daughter, did you think of God then? A wicked soul like you isn't worthy of His name! You're nothing but a traitor to your country!"

"I'm a traitor?" Dowager Vance laughed, a hollow, broken sound. "If I'm a traitor, then what does that make your granddaughter? Don't think I don't know how she became a royal dignitary of Valerium!"

In her twisted mind, Caitlin must have done the same thing she had: sold state secrets to Valerium. How else could a young, inexperienced girl have gained such a title?

"My granddaughter is nothing like you!" Hannah kicked out in a burst of anger. "To a filthy mind like yours, everything looks filthy!"

An hour later, the two women left the station. On their way out, they handed Sanger a bank card with instructions to take 'extra special care' of Diana and Rosemary.

--

The next morning, the large family boarded their flight home. It was a chartered plane, so they had it all to themselves. The elder generation settled into business class, while the younger cousins took over the main cabin.

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Celeste had even brought a murder mystery game kit. With the thirteen Richards brothers, plus herself and Caitlin, they had a perfect group of fifteen.

The eight Richards wives formed groups and started a lively card game. The

entire journey was filled with laughter and cheerful chatter.

Two days later, the plane touched down at Capital Airport.

Keira had arranged everything in advance. The main gate of Gonzales Manor was adorned with red lanterns and silk ribbons. A thick red carpet stretched from the curb to the entrance, and even the hedges were decorated with tiny red lights. The entire estate radiated an air of joyous celebration.

As they stepped out of the cars,

Keira and Hannah walked with Carey at the front. Behind them were the

eight Richards ungles and their wives Caitlin, Celeste and

the

thirteen brothers followed in a grand procession.

The Gonzales family staff stood in two neat rows, their voices ringing out in

unison: "Welcome home, Madam!"