Chapter: 1142

“We all believe Joanna is innocent. But she's consumed by guilt and has isolated herself in her room," Bryson explained heavily.

"The Carters are threatening to release the surveillance footage, putting immense pressure on us. My dad has tried negotiating, but they insist Joanna apologize to Madeline. She's stressed out."

Norah vividly recalled the day Joanna nearly died at Silver Boulder while trying to help someone. The incident had left Joanna grappling with self-doubt upon waking up.

“Please put her on the line. I'll talk to her," Norah insisted firmly.

She had unwavering faith in Joanna's character. They had been friends for years, and she knew Joanna wouldn't even think about pushing Madeline down the stairs, much less carry it out.

They all believed that children were innocent, regardless of how wicked their mothers might be.

“Joanna won't answer your calls. She's been having nightmares, skipping meals, and doesn't want to talk right now," Bryson informed Norah solemnly.

As she listened to him, Norah felt a pang of familiarity.

The same thing had happened to Susanna.

“I haven't spoken to Susanna in a while. How's she doing?" Norah asked, but Bryson's response was interrupted by a call from Kaiden.

"Norah, it's Kaiden calling. I need to take this. I'll talk to you later," Bryson explained hurriedly.

With Joanna refusing to go to the hospital, Bryson stayed by her side. He asked Kaiden to update him after visiting Susanna.

Bryson called back just five minutes later.

Norah answered his call, and Bryon's trembling voice came on the other end.

“Norah, Susanna has cut her wrist again."

Norah was at a loss for words. Every time she spoke with Joanna, Joanna told her that Susanna was recovering. Why would Susanna attempt suicide again?

Norah's face looked strained. She felt unnerved about the situation in Glophia. She couldn't stay here any longer and decided to return.

Norah spent the afternoon negotiating with Concord Hospital and Silver Boulder Private Hospital to wrap up her time in Silverdale earlier than planned.

She packed hastily and decided to arrange for items that couldn't come along to be shipped. Then, she grabbed her car keys and left.

With resolve, Norah hit the road, opting for the expressway.

If all went smoothly, the journey back to Glophia would take five or six hours.

As she drove, she mumbled to herself, “Susanna, Joanna, pull yourselves together."

Norah had left in a hurry, unaware of the commotion at the hospital's entrance.

A patient suffering from poisoning had been rushed to the hospital.