Though Deanna spoke with a calm demeanor, worry was evident in her eyes. The injury was on her face, and even if Lance didn't mind, she certainly did. However, she masked her emotions well, not wanting to cause further concern among everyone. Unbeknownst to her, Lance noticed every shift in her mood and silently took note of it.
At that moment, Deanna thought of Gregory's injury from the day before and called the little one over. "Come here, let Mommy see your belly."
"There's nothing to see," Gregory responded, holding his stomach and standing still, not wanting to worry his mother.
Deanna said, "There might be nothing to see, but Mommy wants to check. Are you coming over, or should Mommy come to you?" Left with no choice, Gregory walked over to her.
Upon seeing him approach, Deanna quickly pulled him close and lifted his shirt, revealing a stark purple-black bruise beneath his skin, which made her gasp sharply. "Mommy, it looks worse than it feels. It doesn't hurt anymore," Gregory said, noticing the change in his mother's expression. He quickly pulled down his shirt and gently reassured her, "Don't be upset, Mommy. Doctor Uncle said you need to rest well now."
Seeing her son's understanding nature only intensified Deanna's resolve to ensure Leticia faced the consequences she deserved. Lance shared this sentiment.
That afternoon, Lance had Xavier go to the police station to press charges against Leticia for assault. With ample evidence available, the case was quickly accepted and was certain to succeed. This meant that Leticia's conviction and imprisonment were inevitable.
Leticia panicked upon hearing this news from a prison guard. "I want to see my family! Someone get my family!" She clung to the barred gate, shouting at the guards in the corridor. Perhaps finding her too noisy, a guard relented and allowed her to contact the Walsh family. However, only Mr. and Mrs. Walsh came.
Seeing them, Leticia was somewhat panicked. "Mom, Dad, where's Grandpa? Why didn't he come?" Clearly, she knew that only her grandfather could save her; after all, her parents had no say at home.
Ernest couldn't help but snort disdainfully at her expectation. "You still have the nerve to ask about your grandfather? Do you know he almost fell ill again because of you?"
"Why bring that up? She's already feeling terrible, and you're scolding her," Mrs. Walsh snapped back, not wanting her husband to lecture their daughter any further.
Seeing his wife's reaction only angered Ernest more. "She feels bad? What about me? They say a doting mother leads to a spoiled child, and I see now how her reckless nature is tied to your indulgence!"
"Was I the only one spoiling her? Don't forget who used to spoil her even more unprincipled than I did!" Mrs. Walsh retorted.
As their argument escalated because of her, Leticia clenched her fists and shouted, "Stop fighting! I didn't ask you here to watch you argue!"
At her words, Mr. and Mrs. Walsh fell silent and turned to Leticia, asking in unison, "Did you call us here for a reason?"
"Two hours ago, Lance officially filed charges against me for assault. The case has started processing, and I heard from the guard that given the solid evidence from Lance's side, my conviction is almost certain," Leticia explained.
Mr. and Mrs. Walsh's expressions turned grave upon hearing this; they hadn't received any news of the situation.
Or rather, their father had known but hadn't informed them.
Realizing this deepened their despair as they guessed Old Walsh's intention was likely to prevent them from interfering as before, which could provoke Lance and bring disaster upon the Walsh family.
Seeing her parents' silent despair, Leticia became anxious. "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you really going to just watch me go to prison?"
"Isn't that what you brought upon yourself?" Ernest burst out angrily.
Leticia quieted down at his words but was not resigned. She turned to plead with Mrs. Walsh. "Mommy, please save me. I really don't want to go to prison."
"Don't worry, Mommy will definitely find a way to save you," Mrs. Walsh replied without hesitation, moved by her daughter's pleas.
Hearing this, Ernest laughed sarcastically. "And how exactly are you going to save her?"
"I don't care if you're heartless towards our daughter; I am not!" Mrs. Walsh yelled back at Ernest and then took Leticia's hands through the bars, comforting her: "Just wait for Mommy; I will definitely find a way to get you out."
Leticia nodded repeatedly and broke into a relieved smile. "I knew Mommy loved me the most."
Ernest shook his head at their interaction, thinking they were deluding themselves.
Later that evening, after talking for a while longer as visiting hours came to an end, Mr. and Mrs. Walsh left the police station.
On the way home, observing his silent wife, Ernest couldn't help but ask, "How do you plan to save Leticia?"