?<strong>Chapter 294:</strong>


    Joelle and Aurora began to dispute who truly owned the ring. Shawn assumed the role of mediator and started by asking Joelle, “Where did this ringe from?”


    “I found a hurt boy by the roadside when I was younger. I helped him get to a hospital, and he gave me this ring as a thank you. That was thest time I saw him.”


    Shawn raised an eyebrow. “Why haven’t I ever heard about this?!”


    “I’ve told you about it!” Joelle responded emphatically. “I’ve brought it up more than once. Everyone knows this story. You’re the only one who forgets, and you’re supposed to be my brother.”


    Shawn, who tended to remember only certain things, grabbed the ring for another look. Next, he tossed the ring toward Aurora, allowing her to fidget with it as though it were just a toy.


    “Really? Hepensated your heroism with a fake ring? That doesn’t speak highly of him.”


    “Don’t say that.”


    Back then, Joelle had been captivated simply by the ring’s bright color. As a young girl, she hadn’t known much about value, so anything unique appeared invaluable. “I was taken by its stunning color. I even showed it to Kathyter, and she suggested it could be priceless.”


    “Priceless?” Shawn chuckled, but hisughter was quickly silenced. Katherine, well-versed and worldly, was not likely to be wrong. Exchanging looks, Shawn and Joelle made their way to the basement.


    There, they had a box for keeping precious things. One by one, Shawn pulled out the contents. “Fake, fake, all fakes!”


    Joelle’s eyes grew wide. “Who would do such a thing?”


    Shawn paused to think, then suddenly snapped his fingers. “Gina! We were all overseas, and she was the only one with the key!”


    Given the circumstances, Gina was the prime suspect. However, with her whereabouts unknown, Joelle could only exhale in frustration. “Forget about it. Besides the ring, there wasn’t much of value anyway.”


    “Come on, let’s go upstairs. You have your meeting with Katie tomorrow.”


    The following day, Joelle left her home by herself. A car awaited her at the gate. She entered the car, settled in the back, and instructed the driver, “Head to the port.”


    The driver nced back briefly, and Joelle noticed he was disguised with a mask and a baseball cap. However, it was his eyes that truly captured her attention.


    “You—”


    Before she could continue, Adrian’s even voice cut in. “Buckle up.”


    Overwhelmed, Joelle remained silent. The confrontation for today had evidently started. She regained herposure and secured her seatbelt.


    “Make sure to take Central Avenue.”


    “I know.”


    Central Avenue wasn’t the only way to the port, but Gina had specifically instructed Katie to ensure Joelle took this route. The avenue was usually congested, offering a perfect cover to stay inconspicuous.


    As they entered Central Avenue, the traffic slowed them down. They stopped at numerous red lights, and a long line of vehiclesy ahead. Just then, an old beggar woman carrying a basket began moving from car to car asking for help. When she reached Joelle’s car, she stared at her, locking eyes through the window.


    Joelle caught her breath, suspecting this could be a part of Gina’s scheme. “Stay calm,” Adrian advised her. Joelle’s heart raced, unsure of the potential threats that might still await. The elderly woman approached her window and tapped on the ss.


    Joelle lowered it and asked, “Do you need something?”


    “Could you possibly give me some money?”


    Joelle tensed up nervously but tried to maintain her poise. Under the old woman’s prating stare, Joelle dug out some coins and handed them over.


    The woman pulled out a tiny cross and murmured a prayer under her breath. She then traced a cross over Joelle’s face as if to bless her. “May peace be with you!”


    At that moment, Joelle detected an odd odor drifting her way. The car began to move again. As Adrian elerated, Joelle hurriedly closed the window. They continued in silence for about half an hour until they reached the harbor.


    Adrian checked the rearview mirror and noticed Joelle had slumped over in the back seat. He stepped out to check on her, but was suddenly knocked unconscious from behind. Katie was the one who attacked him. It was her first time doing such a thing, and she was so frightened that she dropped the stick as soon as Adrian fell.


    A cruise ship was anchored at the port. Katie nced up to see Gina standing on the deck. Her phone rang, and Gina’s voice emerged clearly. “Move him into the car. Once both he and Joelle are gone, the Miller family will be yours.”


    “I’m scared!”


    “What are you afraid of? Once they’re here, this is my turf. Nobody will trace it back to you. Remember your dad and brother. Adrian and his mother had it all, while you and your mother had nothing.”


    “Adrian, please forgive me,” Katie murmured and struggled to haul Adrian into the car. When Adrian regained consciousness, his wrists and ankles were tied. Even the steering wheel and brakes were gone. The car was speeding towards the sea. If they didn’t stop, both he and Joelle would perish in what would appear to be a tragic ident.


    Suddenly, Joelle’s voice echoed from the back seat. “They’re still watching us.”


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