Chapter 18: Jane’s return.

Two weeks after the blackmailing incident, Agent Lee's investigation had reached a dead end. Despite Iris's confession, there wasn't enough evidence to link Richard to the crime. He was so smart that he met Iris in a secluded place, where his face or their conversation won’t be captured and recorded. He was careful enough.

Richard walked out of the police station, a smug smile on his face. "No charges will be filed," his lawyer announced. He nodded before boarding his car and took off.

Iris, on the other hand, was sentenced to five years in prison for blackmail and extortion.

Weeks passed, and the Lockwood family continued searching everywhere for Jane.. Evelyn’s health began to decline, her worry for Jane consuming her.

When Jane ran away from home, her family thought she was throwing a tantrum, but as days turned into months, and months turned a year, they came to realize she was serious when she told her father she ceased being his daughter that year.

They’ve looked for her everywh