Monica and Jade returned home, their disheveled appearances and downcast expressions catching the attention of Jade's mother, Mrs. Alice White.
"Good heavens, where have you two been?" she asked, crossing the room quickly. "Monica, your father has been beside himself looking for you."
Monica gave a slow, tired nod. "Please let him know I'm I'm home and that I need to be alone in my room for a while. I don't want any disturbances."
Alice softened, her voice gentle. "Of course, dear. Go rest."
Monica drifted past them like someone sleepwalking, her steps heavy and mechanical. Jade remained near the doorway, watching her disappear up the stairs in silence.
Alice turned to her daughter, brow creased with worry. "Jade… what on earth is going on? You both look like you've been through a war."
Jade met her mother's eyes and let out a long, unsteady breath. "I think I just want to go home, Mom. I'm completely drained."
"Is this about Jude?" Alice asked quietly. "About him and Monica now?"
Jade's throat worked and she blinked rapidly. "Honestly… I don't even know what to feel anymore. She got what she wanted. That's the end of it."
Alice stepped closer and laid a warm hand on Jade's arm. "You'll find someone who sees you, truly sees you. Jude isn't the only chapter in your story, darling. It's time to close this one."
Jade gave a small, brittle nod, the fight visibly draining out of her. "Believe me, he's already gone."
A proud smile touched Alice's lips. "I'm so proud of you, Jade. More than you know."
Jade let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the situation. "I should head home now."
I'll follow soon," Alice said. "I still have a couple of things to finish here."
"If you need help with anything…"
"You look dead on your feet," Alice interrupted gently. "Go home and rest. That's an order."
Jade managed a faint, grateful smile. "Thanks, Mom. See you later."
Alice watched her daughter walk out, then let out a quiet sigh filled with both relief and lingering worry before turning back to her tasks.
A few minutes later, steady footsteps sounded on the stairs. Albert appeared at the bottom, glancing around.
"Was that Jade leaving? Is Monica back?"
Alice nodded. "She's upstairs in her room. Asked not to be disturbed."
Albert's brows drew together. "Why? What's wrong?"
"I think she's just… spent," Alice replied carefully. "It's been a very long night."
He exhaled through his nose, shoulders easing slightly. "As long as she's safe. That's what matters."
Alice offered him a small, reassuring smile and headed toward the kitchen.
The following morning…
"Mom, do you need a hand?" Jade asked softly, already tipping the watering can over the potted ferns on the veranda.
Alice paused mid-step, studying her daughter. The shadows under Jade's eyes were deeper than yesterday.
"You barely slept, didn't you?" Alice said, voice gentle but searching. "You look like you've been running on fumes all night."
Jade managed a small, practiced smile and reached for the can her mom was holding. "Just hand it over. I've got this."
"Did you already tackle the dishes?"
"Yeah. Finished them earlier." Jade hesitated, then added quietly, "I thought about straightening Monica's room, but… she still hasn't come out."
Alice gave a slow nod and passed her the can. "Thank you, sweetheart."
"Mrs. White?" The gatekeeper's voice carried across the compound.
Alice turned. "Yes?"
"Police are at the gate. They're asking to speak with Mr. Albert."
Jade's heart skipped a beat upon hearing that and her grip tightened on the watering can, water sloshing over the rim and onto her sandal.
She didn't know why the word police landed like a stone in her stomach since she hadn't done anything wrong.
Alice nodded, her face showing concern. "All right. Show them in. I'll get Mr. Albert."
The gatekeeper dipped his head and hurried back toward the entrance.
Alice glanced at Jade. "I need to find him. Excuse me, darling."
Jade only nodded, throat too tight to speak. She stood frozen among the plants, listening to the soft drip of water she'd forgotten to stop pouring.
Inside the house, Alice's voice rose slightly. "Albert!"
He was in the study, phone pressed to his ear. He ended the call the moment he heard her and turned. "What is it?"
"The police are here," she said. "They want to speak with you."
Albert's brows knit together. "Police? About what?"
"I don't know." Alice shook her head. "They didn't say."
He exhaled through his nose, already moving toward the hallway. "They're coming in?"
"Yes."
"All right."
From the direction of the gate came the gatekeeper's call, louder this time, almost urgent.
"They're here!"
The front door opened, and two uniformed officers stepped inside, their expressions solemn and professional.
"Mr. Albert Patel?" the taller one asked.
Albert straightened. "Yes. That's me. How can I help you?"
The second officer met his gaze evenly. "We're here in connection with the death of Jude Peterson."
Albert blinked, the name hitting like cold water. "I'm sorry, what?"
"Jude Peterson was found dead this morning near the beach," the first officer confirmed. "It was a homicide."
Albert's eyes flicked to Alice, searching for some kind of anchor, then returned to the officers. His voice came out rough. "How? What happened to him?"
"He was killed, executed, more like," the taller officer said. "Single, clean wound. No murder weapon recovered at the scene."
"And you're here because..."
"The officers exchanged a brief glance. "Your daughter Monica was the last person seen with him. They were together at the beach last night."
Albert gave a sharp, incredulous shake of his head. "No. Absolutely not. My daughter is not capable of something like that."
"We're not here to make accusations at this stage," the second officer firmly said. "We only need to speak with her. Her statement could help clarify what happened, and potentially clear her name."
Albert exhaled slowly through his nose, the fight draining just enough for reason to take over.
He turned toward the veranda. "Jade!"
Jade, still clutching the watering can, set it down with a soft clink and stepped inside.
Her face was pale, eyes wide. "Yes, sir?"
"Please go fetch your friend."
She nodded once and hurried up the stairs without another word.