Chapter: 1149

Under the dim glow of the street lamps, life buzzed around them, the area bustling with activity.

"What do you want to say to me, Alice?" Joanna asked, halting under the streetlight.

Though people passed by her, she felt a profound isolation amidst the crowd. ALL surrounding noises had faded, Leaving only the distant sound of a baby crying.

The sound pierced the air, a shrill and miserable cry that drilled into Joanna's ears.

"Joanna, raise your head."

Joanna obeyed, lifting her gaze to see a small, indistinct figure across the bridge.

It was too blurry to discern its features, yet she was certain the cries emanated from it. Anxiously, she scanned her surroundings.

Where had Alice and the others gone? Why was she left alone?

"Alice! Alice!" Joanna's voice broke through the silence, fear sharpening her cries.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed the figure drawing nearer.

Terror gripped her, and she bolted. "Please, don't come any closer! I didn't mean to do it! I didn't push Madeline! I didn't even see how she fell!" she pleaded silently, her heart pounding as she ran.

Despite her efforts, the figure relentlessly closed in. With a sense of impending doom, she shut her eyes tight, convinced it had come for vengeance, perhaps even her Life.

Then, the crying ceased. Joanna hesitantly opened her eyes to see an adorable infant sitting beside her, its large black eyes gleaming as it offered her a silent smile. The fear melted away instantly.

Tentatively, she reached out to touch him, but in a flash, it was gone.

Joanna's eyes snapped open to the reality of her surroundings, with familiar faces all around.

Alice rested a comforting hand on her head. “Joanna, don't be afraid. The baby doesn't blame you. This was its destiny, and it's not your fault."

“Was it you?"

"Yes, I've mastered hypnosis," she revealed. "It began right after you exited the car. Joanna, death isn't truly terrible. I understand your guilt over the baby, but you must realize, it's not your fault. You need to stop blaming yourself."

When Joanna heard Alice's tender voice, she threw herself into her arms and began sobbing uncontrollably.

"Alice, thank you so much."

The comfort she felt was more powerful than mere words. For a moment, Joanna felt it was an illusion.

Everyone had faith in her. She felt she had to be confident in herself and not blame herself for things she hadn't done.

“I'm glad that you could think it through, Joanna." Alice patted her back.

Fortunately, she came here today and discovered Joanna's condition.