Leo relayed the information he had gathered in a voice message to Mia.
"Mia, it looks like the Byrnes have gotten themselves into a pickle this time," Leo said.
Mia remained silent upon hearing the news.
When Kendrick and Chad returned home, the sky was already starting to light up. Kendrick said to his son, "What has happened to us has nothing to do with Molly. I don't want Molly to know about my punishment or your suspension. She's got a good heart, but she's impulsive." Kendrick didn't want Molly to know about the situation and potentially cause a scene. He continued, "You were framed, and I was punished because I deserved it."
Despite knowing the laws and regulations, Kendrick, as an official, had treated Molly as his own daughter out of grief.
For any man, losing his job can be a hard pill to swallow. Chad hardly said a word on the way home. Once he came back home, he simply slumped on the sofa, closing his eyes with exhaustion. Suddenly, Chad said, "Dad, Molly adores policemen." His voice was tinged with regret. If he was no longer a policeman, how would his sister view him? Would she still admire him and see him as her idol?
Kendrick looked at his dejected son and tried to comfort him. "Clear conscience fears no accusation. Trust in our system. Consider this a vacation. Molly doesn't want to work either, so why don't you two go on a trip? She's been wanting to go on a road trip. Your mother and I never had time to accompany her. It's perfect timing for you to take her. It will keep her mind off work and stop her from nagging your mother."
Chad clenched his fists and placed them on his knees. "I was so close to quitting and taking over Chade Inc.," he said with a self-mocking smile. He explained his side of the story countless times, but they kept questioning him. In a fit of frustration, Chad thought he might as well stop being Molly's idol and just make money to support her. She was a pampered princess who had never experienced hardship. She just wanted to spend money. So why not take over the company and make money for her to spend? Being a wealthy heir would surely bring in more money than his salary, right? But this thought was fleeting. Chad still wanted to be Molly's idol, her hero.
Even though this was the first time Chad had been suspended from his job, Kendrick believed in his son's resilience. He patted his son's shoulder. "I'm going upstairs to check on your mother."
Not long after Kendrick left, Chad also got up. On his way to his bedroom, he found himself standing in front of Molly's door. He quietly opened the door and entered.
The curtains weren't drawn, and the early morning light filled the room, casting a soft glow on Molly. Chad sat at the edge of her bed, watching her sleep peacefully.
He gently brushed aside a stray lock of hair from Molly's face. Would he ever blame Molly for his suspension?
Chad stayed in her room until dawn.
In the morning, Coleen also found out about her husband and son's predicament.
"We need to keep this from Molly. If she finds out her brother was wronged at work, who knows what kind of havoc she could wreak," Coleen was also worried about her daughter's impulsive nature.
Kendrick suggested, "I think Molly should go on a trip with Chad. He could use her company right now, and she doesn't want to work anyway."
Coleen thought for a moment and agreed. "That sounds like a good idea. I'll have Finance transfer some money to the kids today."
However, at the breakfast table, Molly, the family's little princess, said outright, "Don't worry, Dad. Mom and I can support you."
Kendrick was taken aback. Did Molly know?
Looking at his determined sister, Chad asked, "Who told you?"
Molly took a bite of her toast and a sip of her orange juice before mumbling, "Um, we have our sources." There was a hint of pride in her voice. She then started peeling a boiled egg nearby.
So the news had leaked from the Cedillo family, as Bruce and Hansen had also been taken in for questioning yesterday.
Grandma Aubree and Grandpa Elmer were confused. "What do you mean?"
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