Elora went to beg Larry Lorenz, who readily agreed. However, as soon as he started investigating, Erik was informed.
"Erik, Larry Lorenz is poking his nose in."
Elora was entangled with Larry Lorenz, so his involvement wasn't surprising.
"Give him all the 'evidence' he wants. Since they want to play, let's play properly. On home soil, we're model citizens. We'll play by the rules, the legal way." Erik's tone was cool.
Soon, Larry Lorenz handed the fabricated evidence to Elora, who forwarded it to Mrs. Hill.
"Mom, this time, you must bring Janelle down," Elora urged, her dislike for Janelle palpable.
"Don't worry. This time, I'll make sure she never recovers!" Mrs. Hill crowed with delight upon receiving the damning files. "Qiqi, stick close to Larry Lorenz. He's a good man. See? He delivers whatever you ask for." They couldn't uncover anything, yet Larry Lorenz did it effortlessly. Such a man couldn't be let go.
"Mm, I know," Elora replied, swelling with pride. Larry Lorenz had significant clout in Imperial Capital. Even if he wasn't the Lorenz heir anymore, being part of the family was power enough.
"Good. The future of the Hills rests on you now. Make us proud, understand?" Mrs. Hill placed her hopes squarely on Elora's shoulders. Elora felt even prouder. Her mother had always pinned everything on Nelson. Who knew she'd one day rely on her?
The plane touched down at Graham City airport. Exiting the VIP channel, they were met by a horde of reporters.
Janelle frowned at the sight. "What's going on?"
Erik turned to Bryan. Bryan made a quick call.
"Erik, these reporters have been camped out. The internet is flooded with hate for Janelle right now." They'd been either in the border region or on a plane during the Hills' counterattack; there'd been no time to manage the fallout.
Sara pulled out her phone and checked online. Seeing the vicious lies spread by netizens, her eyes burned red with fury. "Disgusting! Nelson's mother is utterly despicable! I've never seen someone so shameless! Janelle, what do we do?"
Sara was seething, itching to tear into Mrs. Hill. But their priority was getting away from the airport; Godmother couldn't handle the stress.
"Get people here to clear these reporters out," Erik ordered bluntly.
Madalyn saw the reporters and the flashing lights. A sharp headache pulsed. She hated reporters, despised the glare of the cameras. The chaotic scene triggered vivid memories from five years ago flooding back: hands tearing at her clothes, cameras flashing relentlessly, nowhere to hide.
Janelle immediately noticed her distress. She wrapped her arms around her mother. "Mom, it's okay. Don't be afraid. I'm here."
Erik swiftly summoned his Graham City team. They formed a human barrier, forcing the reporters to either side.
Janelle guided her mother into the waiting car, shielding Madalyn's eyes from the chaotic scene outside. Even without seeing, the cacophony of voices assaulted her senses. The memories she'd buried came flooding back, viciously attacking her psyche. Janelle held her tighter.
Their car sped away. A few daring reporters chased them in their vehicles.
Erik's anger flared. He called Bryan. After hanging up, Bryan's expression turned dangerous. These reporters really had a death wish. Fine. If they weren't afraid, bring it on.
When the pursuing car drew close again, Bryan deliberately rammed it.
The driver jumped out, furious at the damage to his car, ready to unleash a torrent of abuse. But seeing Bryan's menacing stance, the words died in his throat.
"You... you..."
"Whoever sent you, stop following us. Now. Or next time, it won't just be your car," Bryan warned coldly before driving off.
The driver stood frozen, truly intimidated. He didn't dare follow again. That guy looked terrifying.
Erik's car pulled up directly to Janelle's newly purchased villa. It had been meticulously prepared; Simon had personally overseen the arrangements. With Madalyn returning, Janelle had ensured everything was perfect. Over a dozen professional bodyguards, personally trained by Janelle, secured the premises.
Erik got out and opened the car door, carefully helping Madalyn down. "Auntie, watch your step."
Madalyn's face was pale, visibly shaken by the earlier encounter with the press.
Janelle followed. Simon approached her. "Janelle, rest assured. The villa is secured with our own people. It's safe." The property had been extensively modified for maximum security.
"Mm, thank you. You've worked hard."
"Not at all."
Janelle led Madalyn to her room. It was spacious and bright, but it wasn't home. The press ambush had dredged up too much of the past.
Erik and the others stayed back. Only mother and daughter remained in the room.
"Mom, you must be tired. Rest for a bit. I'll have food brought up later," Janelle said softly.
Madalyn sat on the sofa. "Janelle," she began, her voice strained, "is Westin... is he with Amber now?" Her head throbbed, but she needed to know.
Janelle hesitated. She didn't want to cause pain, but the truth was inevitable now that they were back. Her mother's state was still fragile.
"It's okay. I can bear it. Truly. Just tell me the truth," Madalyn insisted, though a sharp ache pierced her chest. The betrayal, the memories – it was suffocating.
"...Yes," Janelle finally admitted, moving to embrace her. "Mom, you still have me. You must get better, understand?" She couldn't lose her. She was all she had left.
Tears streamed down Madalyn's face. In this moment of painful clarity, she realized how much her precious daughter must have suffered for her sake. "Janelle, Mommy will fight to get better. I still want to see you get married, have children..." Madalyn could never bear the thought of leaving her alone.
Janelle leaned into her mother's embrace. "Okay, you promised. Later, when I'm married with children, you'll help me look after them, right?"
"Right. Mommy will get better."
"Then rest now. I'll come get you when the food is ready." Janelle helped Madalyn into bed and tucked her in.
"Don't worry. I will get better," Madalyn whispered, wanting to reassure her daughter.
Janelle stayed until her mother fell asleep before leaving the room. Erik was still waiting outside. Seeing her eyes rimmed red, he gently pulled her into his arms, holding her without a word. At times like this, words were useless. His presence was the only comfort he could offer.
"The psychologist is downstairs. Once your mother wakes up, they can have a session." He had arranged everything.