?<strong>Chapter 600:</strong>


    Two agonizing hours crawled by as Mabel waited outside the ER. Finally, a nurse emerged, pushing Glenda’s gurney. Relief washed over Mabel as she realized her mother wasn’t in immediate danger.


    Following the medical staff to the ward, Mabel’s heart ached at the sight of Glenda’s pale face. Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her worry. It was Kaelyn.


    Feigning concern, Kaelyn’s voice dripped with forced sympathy. “How’s your mom? I’m worried sick, but I’ve been out of town and couldn’t rush back.”


    Mabel, deeply touched, tears welling in her eyes, choked out, “Kaelyn, you’re a true friend. Without your loan for the surgery, my mom wouldn’t be saved.”


    Kaelyn asked, “Are you handling everything alone? Where’s Elyse? Isn’t she supposed to be your sister?”


    “Don’t even say her name,” Mabel spat, her voiceced with undisguised hatred. “She doesn’t deserve the title. I could kill her!” A satisfied smile crept across Kaelyn’s face as she heard Mabel’s venomous words.


    Picking up a ss of red wine, she gazed out at the nearby racetrack. On the table before hery photographs of Mabel, Freda, and Vicky.


    Her crimson-painted nails hovered over the photos. With a flick of her wrist, she sent Freda’s photo flying. Only Mabel’s and Vicky’s remained.


    Kaelyn’s admiring gaze lingered on Mabel’s photo before she casually nudged Vicky’s picture aside with her finger.


    “Elyse is indeed heartless,” Kaelyn said into the phone, “but violence isn’t the answer. Want Elyse to suffer? We’ll find a different way.”


    Mabel gritted her teeth. “I want her gone. Eradicated from this world, no matter what.”


    Kaelyn’s voice turned sly. “I have an idea. Need help in the future? Come to me. But for now, focus on your mom.”


    Mabel’s eyes shone with gratitude. “Really, Kaelyn? You’d do something like that for me?”


    Kaelyn smirked. “Of course. My time in the circle hasn’t been in vain, has it?”


    Mabel’s eyes flickered with envy. “I should’ve built connections like yours. I’m alone, with no one to turn to. You’re the only one who cares.”


    Kaelyn’s gaze danced across the racetrack. “We’re like sisters, that’s why. Stop thanking me, it distances us.”


    Mabel replied, “Okay, I won’t forget your kindness. Need help, I’ll be there.”


    “Likewise. You’re family to me. We need to help each other.”


    Mabel’s mood lifted after hanging up. Turning to Glenda, she resolved to help her mother escape Lanny’s abusive clutches. That madman wouldn’t get away with hurting them.


    Furious, Mabel dialed Lanny’s number. It went straight to voicemail, each unanswered ring fueling her anger.


    “What a jerk! Where’d he go after assaulting us? Can’t believe I’m stuck with him as a father!” she muttered under her breath.


    Meanwhile, Lanny, having retreated to a familiar restaurant near Morgan’s apartmentplex, drowned his sorrows in beer and a heavy meal.


    Morgan, tipped off by Tobin, hurried home. She copsed onto the sofa, drying her hair. ncing at her phone, she saw a message from Tobin.


    It detailed Lanny’s suspicious purchases: rope and gag tape—all bought from different stores to avoid raising suspicion.


    A chill ran down Morgan’s spine as she called Tobin. “He’s ready to make a move, right?”


    “Yes,” Tobin confirmed, his voice grim. “He even wants to get on with his life after he kills you.”


    Morgan raised an eyebrow, a cold snort escaping her lips. “On with his life? Scum like him should be rotting in a cell.”


    She reflected on Lanny’s actions, his luxurious lifestyle founded on acts of murder and theft, exploiting the wealth of his victims.


    She knew she had to stay one step ahead of him, or she might end up like all the others who had crossed Lanny’s path.


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