With a yful glint in her eye, Lucinda sped her arms around his neck, feigning concern.


    “Don’t I need to give a statement?”


    “No,” Nathan assured her with a smile.


    “And evidence of my innocence isn’t required?”


    “No need for any of that.


    I’ve taken care of everything,” he affirmed.


    Their affectionate disy drew the attention of the police station’s staff as they made their way out.


    Once outside, Lucinda retrieved her phone, immediately noticing missed calls from Violeta and Jennifer, all ced just before Nathan’s attempts to reach her.


    Among the calls, one unregistered number stood out, calling repeatedly.


    Though no name was attached, Lucinda recognized it as Graham’s, a contact she had previously erased.


    Her MSN was flooded with unread messages.


    Violeta’s message was urgent.


    “Lucinda, the police are here to take N away.


    I can’t hold them back.


    Why aren’t you picking up? Please,e back as soon as you get this.


    ”


    Jennifer’s message was sinct.


    “Lucinda, there’s a problem.


    Where are you?”


    As Nathan was about to navigate their car back to the Paynes’ house, Lucinda, her face etched with resolve, turned to him.


    “Darling, you can head back to the Paynes’ house first.


    I need to make a trip to Peace Mountain.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ”


    Nathan, ready to support her, offered, “I’ll go with you.


    ”


    Lucinda, however, gently refus


    ed.


    “You might already know N‘s true identity as Valerie.


    I’ll handle this.


    Meanwhile, your grandfather’s health scare was due to medication mishap.


    He consumed something that negated his medicine.


    The Payne family’s medical team and Hilliard are working to uncover the truth.


    I suspect foul y, and I believe you should personally oversee this investigation.


    ”


    With Nathan’s return, the responsibility of addressing the Payne family’s issues fell upon his shoulders.


    Should the inquiry reveal a traitor within, Nathan, as the family’s patriarch, would deal with the betrayal decisively.


    His authority in the Payne family was undisputed, and as his wife, Lucinda understood her ce was not to dictate actions for the family.


    Simrly, Nathan’s involvement in the Simmons family’s affairs was not suitable.


    Lucinda mulled over the notion that tackling their significant challenges independently was the wiser course of action.


    Though she left her thoughts unspoken, Nathan grasped the unvoiced n between them.


    “Alright, I’ll drop you at Peace Mountain and then head back to address the Payne family’s situation,” he concurred, receiving a nod of agreement from Lucinda.


    The journey was enveloped in silence as each lost in thought, reflecting on the recent turmoil that had beset both their families.


    Despite theck of conversation, a solemn yet peaceful atmosphere filled the car.


    Upon arriving at Peace Mountain over twenty minutester, Lucinda exited the limousine at the entrance to the Graham residence.