Chapter 189

“Gladys, Gladys, I’m sorry, Mom is late…” Cecilia knelt on the ground, crying uncontrollably. The despair she felt at the seaside and the terror she experienced upon learning Gladys might be dead surged through her. Cecilia cried so hard she nearly fainted. Alston, looking down at the two crying figures, felt an unexpected sense of relief. He couldn't deny that seeing Gladys again brought him some joy. His lips curved slightly, but as his body relaxed, the lingering pain from his injuries resurfaced, causing him to grimace involuntarily. As he leaned down a bit, he clearly saw a pair of small, dirty hands reach out from Cecilia's embrace and smear mud on her face. “Mommy, I knew you would come to save me.” “Mommy, don’t cry.” Gladys's voice, though clear, was still laced with the innocence of a three-year-old. Cecilia’s heart felt like it was being torn in two. The commotion caught the attention of Caleb and Boyce, who had been following them. They came over and were stunned at the sig