Chapter 5 The first page, in a childish scrawl, read, "Lyra had another tantrum today. Mom said it's because I did too well on my test. I've decided to do poorly on purpose next time..." Dad's tears fell onto the page. He flipped through it. "Lyra tore up my painting. She said the paint smell gave her a headache. I don't dare tell Mom and Dad..." "Locked in the bathroom stall again today. They said I was unwanted trash. I didn't dare fight back, afraid the noise would upset Lyra..." "Dad yelled at me again. He said I broke the bowl on purpose to scare Lyra. I really didn't mean to... Sometimes I wish I were the sick one. Then maybe they'd hug me too..." The last entry was from yesterday, just one short sentence, "I'm so tired. If I disappeared one day, would anyone notice?" Dad's knees hit the floor with a thud. The diary slipped from his hands. He hunched over, like an empty shell with its soul ripped out. Mom crawled over, picked up the diary, and broke down after just one glance. "What have we done..." Dad's voice was fractured. The officer watched silently, giving a look to his colleague. "Mr. Campbell, you are suspected of involuntary manslaughter. Please come with us.' Dad sat numbly in the chair at the interrogation room of the police station. "Based on the scene investigation and the medical examiner's report, your daughter died from a craniocerebral injury." The officer pushed a stack of photos forward. "The blood and hair on the table corner match your daughter's DNA." "What happened at the time?" the officer asked. "I pushed her..." Dad's voice was hoarse. "Lyra was screaming, I was too frantic. I didn't notice she hit the table..." "Did you often treat your daughter this way?" "No! Of course not!" Dad looked up sharply. "At least, I don't think so..." The officer opened another file. "We pulled your daughter's medical records from the last three years. Six instances of abrasions, three hairline fractures, one minor concussion. The hospital recorded suspicions of domestic abuse each time, but you and your wife always insisted they were accidents." Dad's face turned ashen. Memories he had deliberately ignored suddenly became clear-after every one of Lyra's episodes, Claire 50 00 would always somehow end up with new "accidental" injuries. "We spoke to your daughter's teachers and classmates." The officer continued. "Everyone said she was a quiet, well-behaved child. But in the last six months, she often came to school injured, saying she fell." A photo was pushed towards Dad-bruises covered my arm from where those girls had pinched me last month. "The school bullying went on for nearly a year. As a parent, you never noticed?" Dad's tears finally fell. "She never said anything..." "According to classmates, your daughter once said, "Telling my parents is useless. They'll just think I'm causing trouble."" The officer's voice was cold as ice. "We also found this in her locker." A medicine bottle was placed on the table-antidepressants. Prescribed three months ago, still more than half full. Dad froze as if struck by lightning. He tremblingly picked up the bottle, looking at the prescription label-City Central Hospital, Psychiatry, Claire Campbell. "That's impossible!" His voice was hoarse. "Claire was perfectly healthy!" "Healthy?" The officer's mouth twisted into a skeptical smirk. "Mr. Campbell, your daughter weighed only 82 pounds at the time of her death. Severely malnourished. There were self-harm marks on her wrists, extensive old bruising on her back. Is this what you call healthy?" Dad's breathing became ragged. He gripped the table edge to keep from sliding to the floor. All the details he had ignored suddenly connected-Claire's increasingly pale complexion, her always wearing long-sleeved uniforms, her dwindling appetite... 50.00% In the world of "Crimson Heiress" by CrushReel, business magnate Zelda falls victim to a treacherous plot orchestrated by her own brother and husband, unwittingly surrendering her empire to the cunning Yasmina. As Yasmina's sinister intentions unravel, Zelda meets a tragic fate. However, a twist of fate brings Zelda back to life, setting the stage for a riveting saga of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Exploring themes of deceit, power struggles, and the complexities of relationships, "Crimson Heiress" delves into the intertwined lives of its characters against the backdrop of a captivating blend of CEO dynamics, time travel elements, and mysterious reincarnations. The narrative unfolds within the opulent setting of a grand mansion, where secrets are as abundant as the characters' ambitions. As Zelda navigates through her journey of transformation and retribution, readers are drawn into a web of drama that promises unexpected twists at every turn. What sets "Crimson Heiress" apart is its seamless fusion of suspenseful storytelling with elements of glow-up narratives and intricate character developments. With its gripping plotline and immersive exploration of vengeance and second chances, this ongoing tale captivates audiences seeking a compelling blend of mystery and drama. Discover the allure of "Crimson Heiress" for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.