Chapter 619: The Last Chance
Chapter 619: The Last Chance
Melinda thought Hugo was hiding in that corner, but she never expected him to sneak off to Polandale.
If she guessed right, he was still trying to take Jonathan away.
"Better safe than sorry. Remember what I said earlier, and tell me immediately if anything happens."
"Got it."
Putting down her phone, Melinda felt her heart racing.
Elmwood overheard most of their conversation and frowned, "No wonder we couldn't find him despite all our efforts. He ran off to Polandale to cause trouble."
Melinda urgently said, "That lunatic almost got Jonathan. Honey, contact Stanley right away and have him send people over. We need to find him before the police do."
Elmwood understood. If the police found Hugo first, he'd only face legal consequences.
That would be too lenient. After all the harm he caused Melinda and Stanley, even a death sentence would be too easy on him.
Someone like Hugo deserved to suffer endlessly to truly pay for his crimes.
"I'll take care of it. I just wish I could go there myself and give him a good beating."
Elmwood's heart nearly broke when he found Melinda yesterday, seeing her swollen face and exhausted state. She almost lost their baby.
That baby was something Elmwood had longed for, especially since they were boy-girl twins. If anything happened to them, he'd turn Hugo into minced meat.
Melinda gently pried open Elmwood's clenched fists.
"Don't be so angry. He'll fall into our hands sooner or later. I have faith."
Elmwood nodded, "Absolutely. I have some connections in Polandale. I'll ask them to help. No matter what it takes, we'll find him."
Elmwood usually avoided using underground channels for information, but now he'd do anything to locate Hugo.
"I'm sure Stanley's on the same page. We'll catch him this time."
Elmwood nodded firmly and immediately called Stanley to discuss their plan.
Melinda took a deep breath, hoping they'd catch this scumbag and stop him from hurting anyone else.
Evander looked at her curiously, "Melinda, is there a bad guy hurting you? When I grow up, I'll protect you."
Melinda was surprised by his heartfelt words at such a young age.
"Evander, you're so sweet. You're still a child, so you need to learn to protect yourself. Promise me you'll be brave no matter what happens, and come to us if you face any problems."
Looking at his innocent face, Melinda felt he was just a victim in all this and didn't deserve a tragic outcome.
Stanley immediately mobilized his people upon hearing the news. He bribed everyone on the streets to help find Hugo. Today, they'd turn Polandale upside down if they had to.
Oddly, despite searching everywhere and the police's efforts, Hugo's whereabouts remained unknown.
Logically, if Hugo was in Polandale, they should have found him. He couldn't be hiding in the woods or the sewers.
If he was in such places, finding him would be tough.
Elmwood waited all night, but by morning, there was still no sign of Hugo.
As long as Hugo was free, he was like a pest, making Elmwood uneasy.
Yvonne's test results came back in the morning, showing her condition had worsened. Fortunately, she now had a clear understanding of her situation. With regular medication and support, she still had a chance to recover.
Allannah handed Melinda Yvonne's medication.
"Mel, I think it would be better if you explained things to her."
Melinda nodded, "I get it. I'll make it clear to her. This is her last shot."
Melinda had done enough for Yvonne, and now she was willing to bring her and her son back to the States. If Yvonne remained indifferent, she was beyond saving.
"I trust your decision. The psychologist said she's conflicted inside and needs more guidance. A change of environment could help. Charlington is a mess; I don't like it here."
Melinda smiled wryly, "Once you experience life on the farm, you'll see how good the air is and how friendly the people are. You won't want to come back."
If it weren't for Elmwood's decision, Melinda wouldn't have wanted to come here.
But she always thought about Polandale because her parents' graves were there.
Now, they had moved the graves abroad, so there was no need to return.
However, she now had another concern—Jonathan and the others.
After everything, their relationship was improving. Just hearing the kids call him "uncle" meant they had to maintain this bond.
Jonathan had become her only family.
Allannah beamed, "I can't wait to go."
"You and Rafferty can go with Yvonne and her son. It'll be good to have someone looking out for them." Melinda couldn't leave immediately but wanted to send them off.
Allannah reminded her, "Does Preston know you're taking them in? Will he have any objections?"
Melinda laughed, "What objections could he have? He hasn't made a peep since he left yesterday. He's probably busy taking over the Blackburn family business. He made his choice."
Melinda respected his decision and Yvonne's. Since Yvonne wanted to move on, Melinda would give her that chance.
Allannah nodded, "That's for the best. That child won't be happy with a father like him. Being with you is his good fortune."
Melinda smiled, "You always make me sound so good."
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have Rafferty as my wonderful boyfriend. We've already planned to prepare for our wedding when we get back. He wants to give me a grand wedding, and I'm really looking forward to it."
"Rafferty is a sensible guy. If he promises something, he won't let you down. You're such a great girl; marrying you is his luck."
Allannah hugged her, "Mel, having a friend like you is such a blessing. Knowing we won't be separated makes me so happy."
Melinda smiled, "I'm the one who can't be without you, so I'm keeping you close."
"That's the right idea."
They exchanged smiles, feeling excited about becoming family.
After Allannah left, Melinda took the medication to Yvonne.
"Yvonne, did you remember the doctor's instructions?"
Yvonne nodded, "I remember. I need to take my medication on time every day, stay positive, and share any problems with you."
Melinda nodded, "It seems you remember. Here are three months' worth of medication. If you take it regularly and follow the treatment plan, you'll get better soon. This is your last chance, understand?"