Chapter 428

Elyse's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're telling me Caiden is here? In a mental hospital? Why would your father be in such a place?"

Daniela had already entered before Elyse could complete her thought.

A gust of wind at the entrance made the light above sway ominously. Elyse realized they were isolated in the desolate surroundings.

She clenched her hand tighter and hastened inside with Nina's support.②

The chilling wind screamed into the darkness.

"This place is unsettling. I'm covered in goosebumps," Elyse murmured to Nina, feeling uneasy.

Their conversation was interrupted by a distant scream, accelerating their steps to catch up with Daniela.

Elyse called out, "Daniela, what caused your father's sudden illness? Were the medical checks comprehensive?"

Without a word, Daniela ascended the stairs, her silence thickening the air around them.

The dim lights threw unsettling shadows across the room. Each step was accompanied by the sound of labored breathing, heavy and ominous.

It was as if a wild beast lurked in the darkness, silently watching their every move.

The click of Nina's high heels echoed ominously off the sterile floors, amplifying the tension.

"Daniela, have we arrived?" Elyse asked.

In the enveloping darkness, Daniela halted and turned to them with a chilling smile

The sight drained the color from Elyse's face. For a fleeting second, she thought she saw Brylee.

Daniela's voice then cut through the heavy silence.

"Aunt,what scares you so?"

Elyse was about to dismiss her fears, but Daniela continued down the corridor before she could respond.

Leading them to the end of the hallway, Daniela stopped at a room divided by a glass partition, reminiscent of a prison visitation area.

They positioned themselves on one side of the glass partition as Caiden was escorted into view from the opposite side.

The moment Caiden came into sight, Elyse and Nina were struck motionless.

Could this really be Caiden?

"Daniela!" Caiden's voice was filled with desperation as he pounded on the glass, his actions reminiscent of a trapped beast. "Release me!"

Daniela observed silently, her expression one of chilling detachment, as Caiden, his head shaved and body marred by injuries, continued to yell. "Daniela! Let me go! I'm not mad! I'mn your father; you cannot do this to me! Let me out!"

The quiet of the night was shattered by Caiden's pained cries.

The guards forcibly restrained him, commencing a brutal beating with a baton right before Elyse and Nina.

The grim sound of the baton connecting with flesh was distinct and unsettling.

They ceased only when Caiden collapsed to the floor, a mere shadow of himself, gasping for air like a discarded puppet.

Elyse and Nina, immobilized by shock, witnessed the scene in utter disbelief while Daniela looked on,unaffected.

"Daniela," Elyse said tremulously, indicating the fallen Caiden. "Did you not hear? He claims he is sound of mind."

Daniela's laugh, cold and resonating oddly in the stark room, filled the air.

"Aunt, it's common for those afflicted with mental disorders to believe they are well," Daniela responded,locking eyes with Elyse. "Were you aware? My father is indeed insane. He even alleges that my mother's death was actually a homicide."

At those words, Elyse became completely numb. Her thoughts ceased. She could no longer remember how to even muster a smile.

A nervous chuckle was all that Elyse could muster. "How is that possible? But the police said it was suicide."

The corners of Daniela's mouth turned up slightly, seemingly enjoying the gravity of the revelation. "That's precisely why I'm convinced he's lost his mind. He needs professional care. Don't you agree, Aunt?"

Elyse felt a pang in her chest. "Indeéd, you're right. Caiden must be suffering from a severe mental disorder!"

Daniela's smile radiated a chilling beauty. "Did I ever mention? I had cut off all ties with my father years ago.Yet,upon realizing his condition, I reconsidered. I've since renewed our bond. It turns out, that only a direct relative can commit someone here. Isn't that the hallmark of a devoted daughter?"

A cold shiver ran through Elyse.

Daniela turned slightly to look at Caiden, who was still prone on the floor.

She told her father, "This way, we remain bonded as father and daughter, just as you always wished, right?"

Caiden, drained of all resistance, his eyes brimming with despair, was helplessly dragged away

Daniela turned her gaze to Elyse and Natalie, observing their ashen faces.

During the silent drive back to the city, Elyse and Natalie shuddered in their fine garments, overwhelmed by their thoughts.

It became starkly clear to them that Daniela bore no resemblance to Brylee. ndeed, Daniela was infinitely more cold-hearted and calculating than Brylee ever was.