Chapter 404

Joseph's eyes glinted slightly as he smiled. "Hold on a second. There's been a lot happening at home lately. Why not have your friend stay for a few days? When things settle down, I'll personally take her back to the Turners." Melina immediately understood—"a few days" meant after Wallace passed. Her expression darkened. "Joseph, if Lyla doesn't go home, the Turners will definitely come looking for him. I'm pretty sure you don't want anyone stumbling upon what's going on here, do you?" Joseph's voice remained calm. "It's college season right now. I'll make arrangements to excuse both of you from class." Melina's face tensed. She and Lyla had snuck out during school. The Turners didn't know she had left, which gave Joseph the upper hand. It was clear Joseph didn't want any unexpected complications right now. The mansion was locked down tighter than a drum—people could enter, but no one was leaving. Melina felt a pang of guilt. She had dragged Lyla into this mess. Her eyes brimm