Samuel called the police, and they arrived quickly.

After assessing the situation, the officers explained that since Seline was kidnapped in Rivertown, they had the authority to file a case and conduct an investigation. They assured the family that they would work with the police in both Silverstone and Arcton to apprehend James.

However, as for the matter of who had leaked information to Zachary, the police stated that it was beyond their jurisdiction and would have to be resolved privately.

Once the officers left, Rowena, who had taken her medication, was still unwilling to let Tessa off the hook. She insisted that Tessa apologize to Jacqueline.

Tessa scoffed and replied, “Does she even deserve the apology?”

Rowena glared at her and snapped, “It’s a good thing we never let you be part of the Jacobson family.”

Sophia and Stephen frowned at the harsh remark.

Sophia tried to ease the tension. “Mom, please don’t say that. Tessa just went through a kidnapping and nearly lost her life. And let’s not forget, she was targeted because of our family. Her sister’s fate is still uncertain. Yes, she lashed out at Jacqueline, but that was just a moment of impulse.”

Stephen’s expression darkened as he spoke coldly, “I asked Mr. Yates for Tessa’s hand in marriage. She never tried to force her way into the Jacobson family. Don’t say things like that again.”

Samuel scoffed and said, “As if we care about the Jacobson family. Tessa, come home with me.”

Tessa replied, “Alright.”

She met Rowena’s gaze head-on, her expression ice-cold. “I’ll find out who leaked

the information. If I get proof that it was Jacqueline, I won’t let her off.”

With that, Tessa turned to leave. Before she could take another step, Stephen grabbed her wrist.

“Tessa…”

She lowered her gaze to his hand and said coldly, “Let go.”

Stephen pursed his lips together but didn’t move.

Tessa wrenched her arm free, her eyes burning with determination. If Jacqueline leaked the information, I re if it means making an

don’t care

enemy of you or the entire Jacobson family. She will pay.”

Stephen froze. An unbearable ache spread through his chest. Why didn’t she

believe that he would stand by her side?

If Jacqueline had leaked the

information to Zachary, he would be the first to make her pay the price. So why did Tessa assume that he would protect Jacqueline and turn against her instead?

Stephen’s Adam’s apple bobbed, but he couldn’t say a word.

Tessa, however, didn’t linger. She turned and left without hesitation.

Rowena snapped angrily, “Stop right there! Since when can you do as you please

to the Jacobson family? Do you think you can just walk away after hitting someone? What do you take us for?”

Stephen finally lost his patience and commanded, “Grandma!” It wasn’t loud, but it carried undeniable authority.

Rowena fell silent at once.

Tears welled in Jacqueline’s eyes as she bit her lower lip, her fingers trembling as she reached for Stephen’s sleeve. “I really…”

Before she could finish, Stephen shook her hand off without hesitation. Without sparing her another glance, he turned and strode upstairs, dialing a number as he went.

Meanwhile, Rowena continued her endless grumbling.

Sophia glanced at Jacqueline but said nothing. She turned and went upstairs as well.

Caleb felt a headache coming on as he listened to Rowena’s endless complaints.

His brows knitted together as he rubbed his temples wearily. “Mom, you’re being unreasonable. The Yates have already suffered enough because of us. Why do you still hold such a grudge against Tessa?”

Rowena became even more frustrated.