?<strong>Chapter 365:</strong>


    The police officer strode toward Joelle with a stern countenance. “Is this earring yours?”


    “Yes.”


    “What were you doing when the incident urred?”


    Joelle pointed to the house across the street. “I was cooking inside.”


    “Is there anyone who can confirm that?”


    “Yes! I can verify it!” Leah approached, leaning heavily on her cane and draped in a thick coat. She had ventured outside to investigate themotion and was shocked to discover Joelle on the brink of being used of murder. “Joelle was in the kitchen the entire time. I can personally vouch for her.”


    The officer maintained a neutral and grave demeanor. “Are you certain you saw her in the kitchen the entire time?” He briefly nced at Leah’s foot, contemting the possibility that she might have been resting in her own room.


    Leah hesitated, unwilling to deceive the police. “I can guarantee you that she would never be capable ofmitting murder!”


    “Then how do you ount for this earring?”


    “There has to be some sort of misunderstanding!”


    Aurora also rushed over. “Officer, my mom could never kill anyone!”


    In the presence of the child, the officer’s tone softened marginally. He turned his attention to Joelle. “Kindly cooperate with our investigation and apany us to the police station to clear up the situation.”


    It was the civic duty of every citizen to coborate with the investigation, and Joelle was resolute in understanding how her personal belonging had found its way to Raelyn’s house.


    “Alright.”


    “Mom!” Aurora’s expression was fraught with anxiety.


    “It’s okay.” Joelle nced at Gracie and Fred. “Please take care of Aurora and Rnd for me.”


    Having ensured the children were settled, Joelleposed herself and entered the police vehicle with calmposure.


    Upon arrival at the police station, her initial inquiry pertained to Raelyn’s medical condition. Raelyn had sustained three stab wounds, yet none were deemed critical, though she remained in an unconscious state. As Raelyn had not yet regained consciousness, Joelle was unable to exonerate herself. The foremost concern was exining to the police how her item hade to be in Raelyn’s possession.


    “This morning, I was wearing this pair of earrings when I met my daughter’s kindergarten teacher. After the teacher left, I realized one was missing. I have no clue how it ended up at Raelyn’s house.”


    The police found no incriminating evidence against Joelle. If someone had perpetrated a wrongful act, they would inevitably exhibit some telltale signs. Her candid demeanor gradually convinced the police of her innocence.


    “Who do you think might have harmed Raelyn?”


    Joelle pondered momentarily. “The motive is clear—to harm Raelyn and pin the me on me.”


    Once this point was articted, the situation became transparent. “Not many people have problems with both Raelyn and me; I could count them on one hand.” Given that Amara had persistently caused her distress, Joelle saw no reason to extend any respect to her.


    Meanwhile, Aurora was consumed by profound worry. Gracie meticulously sliced some fruit and instructed Dunn to deliver it to Aurora. “Aurora, don’t worry. Your mom will certainly return.”


    “Dunn, I’m scared.”


    “Don’t be.” Fred skillfully picked up a piece of apple with a toothpick and offered it to her. The sweetness of the apple momentarily alleviated her anxiety.


    Her smartwatch emitted a cheerful beep, prompting Aurora to think it was Joelle calling tofort her, so she answered in an upbeat tone. “Hello? Is it Mom?”


    “Your mom is a murderer and will soon be locked away. You’re the daughter of a murderer!”


    Aurora was so taken aback that she almost choked on the apple in her mouth. She shouted back defiantly, “You’re lying!” Sensing the unsettling atmosphere, Dunn leaned in to listen closely.


    The voice on the other end was distorted, making it impossible to determine if it belonged to a man or a woman, but its malice was unmistakable. “It doesn’t matter whether you believe it or not. Your mom won’t being back. She’s a murderer. She allegedly stabbed Raelyn three times. Why else would the earring be found with her?”


    Aurora felt herself being pulled deeper into the disturbing conversation, and Dunn ended the call.


    With a swift motion, he removed her smartwatch and tossed it far away. “Aurora, don’t be afraid. This person is definitely lying to you.”


    “Dunn, why did the police take Mom away? Did she really do something terrible? Will that beautifuldy die?”


    “Of course not.” Dunn gently brushed away her tears. “Believe me, your mom is not a criminal, and that lovelydy will be alright as well.”


    Luckily, Dunn was there; otherwise, Aurora would have been left alone to grapple with her anxious thoughts.


    “Okay, thank you, Dunn!”


    Dunn assisted her in getting ready for bed. “Try to fall asleep early. Perhaps your mom wille back tomorrow.”


    “Alright!”


    Dunn switched off the light for her, casting the room into a cozy darkness. As he departed, he took her smartwatch with him, ensuring she wouldn’t be disturbed.


    He found Fred. “Dad, someone called Aurora and said some very odd things.”


    Fred arched an eyebrow in curiosity. “Oh, is that the case?”


    “Would you mind investigating it for me?”


    “Sure.” Fred epted the smartwatch and agreed without hesitation.


    He observed Dunn’s remarkably calm andposed demeanor, a maturity that far surpassed that of most five-year-olds.


    “Dunn, what if your mom and I were to give you a little sister as beautiful as Aurora?”


    Dunn gazed at him earnestly and inquired, “Can you promise it will be a sister?”


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