Chapter 24. The Bitter Truth

“Do you mind if I talk?” Lola asked, breaking the silence that filled the car, a mixture of engine noise and stillness. Usually, these sounds would lull Lola to sleep, but this time they only made her more anxious. She needed something, anything, to break the silence, even if it meant engaging with the angry man beside her.

Edgar continued driving without responding or showing any reaction. He seemed almost robotic.

Lola looked somber, sighing and gently rubbing her forehead to ease her nerves.

“How are Charlotte and Carl? I left them at the ball and haven’t heard anything about them since,” Lola inquired.

“They’re in a lot of trouble. The kids were heartbroken when you left so abruptly,” Edgar replied coldly.

Lola was taken aback, almost jumping in her seat. “What do you mean?”

In a harsh tone, Edgar stated, “If you truly cared about them, why did you leave? It’s pathetic. You can’t even stay by the side of those you care about.”

His cruel