Winnie tried to comfort him, wrapping her arms around him, but he shoved her away with such force that her hand scraped against the floor, leaving a smear of blood.

Her eyes widened, uncomprehending – this was the first time she’d ever been pushed aside like this.

Ignoring her, I turned to Sean, my expression hard.

“Guess who’s involved in that kidnapping case you’re handling – the victim and the plaintiff, to be exact?”

The truth dawned on them, their gazes sharp with sudden suspicion as they looked at Winnie.

“N-no, it wasn’t me. I swear!” she stammered, looking terrified. “I was just at the mall that day – I was a victim too! How could it be me? How could I know it was Maisie who’d been kidnapped?”

In the past, her teary defenses would have melted their hearts instantly, prompting them to rush to her side.

But now, neither of them moved to comfort her. Instead, they exchanged silent glances, their expressions clouded with something between contempt and realization.

I stepped closer, my voice calm but carrying a deadly finality. “I never mentioned where or when it happened. So tell me, Winnie – how did you know I was at the mall?”