Chapter 978

Even Elena found the crying Annie manipulative compared to Hazel's straightforward charm. "Where's your family?" she asked. "Not here," Annie replied softly. "Then why did you come here?" Elena pressed. Annie glanced at Elizabeth. "I came to take care of Aunt Elizabeth when she was sick. After she recovered, our grandparents needed care, so I stayed." Her words effectively placed a moral chain around the Prescotts. They would look heartless if they refused her now. After all, she came to Zenith City for them, and now their daughter was a suspect while Annie needed to borrow money for a hotel and someone to stay with her. Myra said, "Elise, I won't be staying at home tonight—" "No way!" Hazel immediately shouted. Everyone looked at Elizabeth, who had not spoken throughout the entire exchange. She finally understood Annie's manipulation. It was clearly a ploy to stay at their house. She knew that Myra did not want to but would agree to the hotel stay to prevent embarrassing their