---- Chapter 9 Jessica's face went pale the moment she heard those words. There was no way she could hand over that phone. If she did, everything would come crashing down. She shook her head desperately. "My phone went missing last night. I swear I don't know what happened..." However, no one in the room was buying it. Everyone there had lived long enough to see through a lie. Mom and Dad looked utterly shattered. Right there in front of everyone, they announced that Jessica was no longer part of the Brown family. The murmuring crowd was soon escorted out of the venue. Before leaving, Bella slapped Jessica hard across the face. "I was wrong about you," she said coldly. Jessica clutched her burning cheek, sobbing uncontrollably. It was over. She had lost everything. When the room finally emptied, Mom knelt down beside her, gripping her arm in desperation. "What did you do to Kayla?" she asked. ---- She hadn't heard from me in so long. That question had been a desperate shot in the dark, but to her horror, it hit the mark. Jessica snapped. She clutched her head and screamed, "T don't know! I didn't hit her! It wasn't me!" Mom stood frozen, and so did Dad. They had assumed I had simply run away. It never occurred to them that Jessica, the girl they cared for, might be involved in my disappearance. The shock was too much. Mom fainted on the spot. Dad's fury exploded. With a guttural roar, he kicked Jessica square in the chest. "Tell me the truth!" he shouted. "What did you do to her?" Jessica collapsed to the floor. After making sure everyone had left, she clung to his leg and began to sob. "T really don't know, Dad. Please don't be angry. Look at Rory-he's scared. Let me take him somewhere quiet, okay?" ---- Dad wanted to press her further, but when he glanced at the baby beside her, his resolve softened. "Fine. Hurry up," he muttered. He was filled with unease, silently hoping Jessica's earlier breakdown had been nothing but nonsense. But not long after, Jessica was dragged back in by Samuel. She had used the baby as an excuse to sneak out and try to flee. What she didn't expect was to come face to face with Samuel the moment she stepped out onto the street. Samuel threw her to the ground. "Where is Kayla?" he questioned. "Tell me-right now!" He had already combed through the surveillance footage and caught a glimpse of the truth in the corner of one frame. He saw me get hit by a car, followed by Jessica stepping out of the driver's seat and dragging my limp body into the trunk. His world shattered in that instant. He tried to trace my whereabouts after that, but there was no more footage. Title: Can't Say I Love You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Secret, Revenge, Office, Secret Reveal Status: ongoing In "Can't Say I Love You," Weldon and Chelsea's marriage appears to be a union of convenience overshadowed by secrets and betrayal. Chelsea finds herself ensnared in a complex web where she is merely a pawn in Weldon's affair with Celine. The story delves into the intricate dynamics of relationships within the backdrop of wealth and power, exploring themes of love, deception, and retribution. As Chelsea navigates the treacherous waters of her marriage to a billionaire CEO, she must confront the hidden truths that threaten to unravel her world. What sets "Can't Say I Love You" apart is its compelling narrative that intertwines romance with elements of suspense and intrigue. Readers are drawn into a world where trust is a luxury and loyalty is tested at every turn. Experience this captivating tale of love and betrayal by diving into "Can't Say I Love You" available to read at CrushReel. Embark on a journey filled with passion and deception as secrets are unveiled in this modern romance novel set against the backdrop of corporate intrigue.