The next morning, Mrs. Anna went straight to the police station with one of Elian's men.
After finally being allowed to see him, she entered the room and immediately froze.
Elian looked exhausted. His face was bruised, and he had clearly been through a terrible night.
"My boy..."
Elian looked up.
"Lola."
Mrs. Anna hurried toward him.
"What did they do to you?"
"I'm okay."
"No, you're not."
She gently touched his face, her eyes filling with tears.
Elian lowered his gaze.
"I told them the truth. I didn't push Mrs. Jennie."
"I believe you."
Mrs. Anna sat beside him.
"I know you wouldn't do something like that."
Elian was quiet for a moment.
Then he suddenly asked,
"How's Cherry?"
Mrs. Anna stared at him.
"Elian..."
"Is she okay?"
"You're sitting in a police station covered in bruises, and you're asking me about Cherry?"
Elian looked at her.
"Lola—"
"You should be concerned about yourself!"
Her voice rose, frustration and fear mixing together.
"Look at you. You're injured, you've been arrested for something you swear you didn't do, and the first thing you're worried about is that girl!"
Elian sighed.
"She's been through a lot too."
"And so have you!"
Mrs. Anna shook her head.
"Elian, for once, think about yourself."
He remained silent.
Mrs. Anna softened slightly.
"Cherry is safe. Her mother is out of danger."
Elian finally released a breath.
"Thank God."
Mrs. Anna looked at him seriously.
"Now promise me you'll stop worrying about everyone else until we get you out of here."
Elian gave a tired smile.
"I'll try."
Mrs. Anna sighed.
"That's not good enough."
Elian nodded.
"Okay. I promise."
After leaving the police station, Mrs. Anna refused to go home.
"Take me to the hospital."
Elian's men exchanged a glance.
"Ma'am, are you sure?"
"Yes. Take me there."
They immediately did as she ordered.
When they arrived at the hospital, Mrs. Anna went straight to the waiting area.
Nicholas was there.
The moment he saw her approaching, his expression hardened.
"Mr. Nicholas," Mrs. Anna said, her voice trembling. "Please."
Nicholas didn't respond.
"Elian didn't hurt Jennie. I know him. He would never do something like that."
Nicholas looked at her coldly.
"Your grandson is responsible for what happened to my wife."
"No."
Mrs. Anna shook her head.
"He told me exactly what happened. He found her already unconscious."
Nicholas turned away.
"I don't want to hear it."
Mrs. Anna followed him.
"Please, I'm begging you. Don't let them destroy his life over something he didn't do."
Nicholas stopped and looked at her.
"You should tell Elian to pray that nothing happens to Jennie."
His voice was low and threatening.
"Because if she doesn't survive, he won't live to see another day."
Mrs. Anna's face went pale.
"Please don't say that."
"I'm serious."
"Mr. Nicholas, please!"
Mrs. Anna suddenly dropped to her knees.
"Please forgive him."
Nicholas stared down at her.
"I'll do anything. Just don't hurt Elian."
Nicholas's expression remained cold.
"He should have thought about that before touching my wife."
"He didn't!"
Mrs. Anna's voice broke.
"He didn't do it!"
Nicholas turned away.
"Get up."
"Please..."
But Nicholas simply walked away.
Mrs. Anna remained on her knees, tears streaming down her face.
One of Elian's men hurried over and helped her stand.
"Ma'am..."
She wiped her tears.
"Take me home."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
But the fear in her eyes remained.
She knew Nicholas wasn't making an empty threat.
Mrs. Anna slowly walked toward the hospital exit, supported by one of Elian's men.
She wiped the tears from her face, trying to regain her composure.
Just as she reached the entrance, someone walked in.
Cherry.
She stopped when she saw Mrs. Anna.
"Lola?"
Mrs. Anna froze.
Cherry looked at her worriedly.
"Why are you here?"
Mrs. Anna quickly wiped her face again.
"I came to speak with your father."
Cherry noticed her red eyes.
"Are you crying?"
Mrs. Anna forced a small smile.
"No, dear. I'm just tired."
Cherry stepped closer.
"Something happened, didn't it?"
Mrs. Anna shook her head.
"Take care of your mother."
She gently touched Cherry's arm.
"She needs you right now."
Cherry looked confused.
"But—"
"Just stay with her."
Mrs. Anna didn't give her a chance to ask anything else.
She walked past her toward the exit.
Cherry turned and watched her leave, concern growing across her face.
"Lola..."
Mrs. Anna didn't look back.
Cherry quickly followed Mrs. Anna toward the entrance.
"Lola, wait."
Mrs. Anna stopped.
Cherry caught up with her, looking concerned.
"You came here because of Elian, didn't you?"
Mrs. Anna hesitated.
Cherry stepped closer.
"Where is he? Which police station is he being held at?"
Mrs. Anna looked at her sadly.
"Cherry..."
"Please tell me."
Cherry's voice softened.
"I need to know where he is."
Mrs. Anna sighed.
"He's being held at the central police station."
Cherry's eyes widened.
"Is he okay?"
Mrs. Anna couldn't answer immediately.
Cherry noticed her hesitation.
"Lola, what happened to him?"
Mrs. Anna looked away.
"They hurt him."
Cherry's face fell.
"What?"
"He has bruises. He's exhausted."
Cherry covered her mouth, stunned.
"Why didn't anyone tell me?"
"Because everyone is angry and confused."
Mrs. Anna reached for her hand.
"But Elian keeps insisting he didn't hurt your mother."
Cherry lowered her gaze.
"I know."
Mrs. Anna looked at her.
"You know?"
Cherry nodded slowly.
"I don't know who did it."
She looked toward the hospital corridor.
"But I don't believe Elian would hurt my mother."
Mrs. Anna squeezed her hand.
"Then be careful, dear."
Cherry looked back at her.
"I'm going to see him."
Mrs. Anna nodded.
"Go."
Cherry took a breath and turned toward the hospital doors.
Then she stopped.
"Lola?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for coming for him."
Mrs. Anna smiled sadly.
"He's family to me."