Chapter 197

With Royce's comforting words, I gradually calmed down. I said, "I think it was either Shirley or Paula who did this."

"Please, keep a close eye on those two. They're definitely involved."

Simon nodded and made a call. "Don't worry, I'll get our people to track their phone locations right now."

"As soon as they show up, our team will track them down immediately."

I nodded, feeling restless as I sat on the couch. Even though I knew I shouldn't dwell on these thoughts, I couldn't help but worry about Jason's fate.

Royce seemed to notice my anxiety and sat beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears in his embrace.

"I can't bear the thought of my child ending up like Jason. Please, you have to help me find him. I'll do anything, just please help me find my child."

Royce held me close and whispered, "Don't worry, the kid will be fine. Trust us, okay?"

Soon, Simon returned with footage from the neighborhood's exit. "We've confirmed that Shirley took your child. She's in the passenger seat, and you won't believe who the driver is."

I looked at him, stunned. "Who is it?"

"It's James. The two of them are together again, driving the car."

"Our system is tracking their vehicle, and it looks like they're heading out of town, trying to take the child away."

My legs gave out, and I collapsed onto the couch, feeling utterly lost. "Where are they taking my child? Why are they leaving town?"

Simon gritted his teeth and said, "Don't worry, Savannah and I will head over there right now. We'll bring your child back safely."

Savannah nodded. With limited manpower, she had to go help. She gave me a worried look before rushing out.

Now, it was just Royce and me.

Holly, looking guilty, said, "It's all my fault. If I hadn't insisted on taking the child outside, this wouldn't have happened. They wouldn't have dared to come into the house to snatch him. It's all my fault."

Despite my anxiety, I tried to comfort her. "Holly, don't blame yourself. This has nothing to do with you. Shirley and the others had planned this for a long time. They were determined to take my child."

"They would have found a way no matter what. Even if the child was with me, they would have taken him. Don't blame yourself. The most important thing now is to work together to bring the child back as soon as possible."

Holly nodded vigorously. "But what can I do to help?"

I patted her shoulder. "Taking care of Yves is your most important task right now. If you take good care of Yves, we can focus on finding Aria."

She nodded quickly. "I'll go check on Yves right now. I won't let anyone take him."

She bit her lip and went into the nursery.

After using the last bit of my strength to comfort Holly, I collapsed on the couch. Royce held me and said, "Don't push yourself too hard. Everything will be okay. Shirley wouldn't dare harm your child. Remember, she raised Yves and Aria."

I nodded, realizing Royce was right. Shirley had a strong attachment to Yves and Aria. She wouldn't hurt Aria.

Feeling a bit better, I said, "I will make sure Shirley ends up in prison. She won't get away with this."

Royce whispered in my ear, "Don't worry, I'll help you."

We sat on the couch until midnight, my anxiety growing with each passing minute.

Just then, Simon called, his voice somber.

I knew something bad had happened. "What is it? Tell me."

"I'm sorry, Caroline. We lost them. James and Shirley have likely left Skyview City."

My head buzzed, and I couldn't hear anything else. The phone slipped from my hand as I collapsed.

"Why? Why are they taking my child?"

"Caroline, don't worry. We've set up roadblocks. We'll catch them."

"Unless they grow wings and fly, we'll find them. Trust us."

"Also, I noticed another group tracking Shirley. I'm not sure if it's Brandon's or Renee's people, but it's likely one of them."

"We need to find Shirley before they do. If the child falls into their hands..."

Whether it was Brandon or Renee, it would be a disaster for me.

If Brandon found the child first, he would use Aria to threaten me, making outrageous demands that I would have to comply with.

As for Renee, I couldn't even imagine the consequences. Renee was cold and ruthless, with no sense of family. Aria would be in grave danger with her.

"Don't worry, Caroline. We're monitoring them closely. We'll intervene if necessary."

I nodded and thanked him.

Just then, I received a call from Leo.

He seemed unaware that Aria was missing. "Caroline, is it true that Jason was killed by Earl?"

I responded affirmatively.

"I know where Earl is. He's with Renee. If you want to catch him, now's your chance."

"Really, believe me. I'm not lying. I lied before because Renee threatened to send Briar abroad if I talked."