Chapter 577

Cathy’s mind went blank with shock. Her phone slipped from her hand and hit her instep.

It felt like a hammer blow to her heart. Her mind went blank, her whole body numb, and only her fingers trembled.

Cathy managed to pick up the phone and put it back. She leaned against the wall and stumbled into the room.

Lying on the guest bed, Cathy only then realized this was Donald’s bedroom. When she saw the family photo of four on the nightstand, she suddenly broke down completely.

After showering, Werner noticed Cathy wasn’t home. He figured she’d gone out and didn’t give it a second thought.

Late that night, Werner called Cathy, only to hear her phone ringing from the guest room. When he tried the door, he realized it was locked from the inside.

Werner banged on the door and shouted, “Why the hell did you lock the door? Open up now!” But all he got in response was silence.

No matter how desperately Werner called out to her, even threatening to break down the door, Cathy remained completely unresponsive.

Realizing something was seriously wrong, Werner immediately called Donald.

Jennifer had just gotten home when she saw Donald answer a call. His expression changed instantly. Without a word, he grabbed his things and hurried out the door. He was heading home, and Jennifer offered to accompany him.

On their way, Teresa called Jennifer, hoping to meet her. This was a rare call from Teresa to her.

Jennifer said bluntly, “Can’t talk now. Donald has an emergency. I’m going home with him.”

“Well, what happened?” Teresa asked.

“It’s probably nothing serious. Unless it’s urgent, we’ll talk another time.”

Teresa fell silent. She wanted to come clean about Michael, and Jennifer had to know. No matter what Jennifer said this time, she wouldn’t be swayed. She just hoped Jennifer would be prepared, because there was nothing more Teresa could do.

But with the emergency at Donald’s home and Jennifer away, Teresa said, “It’s nothing urgent. We can talk about it another time.”

Teresa hung up the phone. Jennifer didn’t give it a second thought, but then she noticed that Donald’s face had gone ashen. She took his hand, only to find it ice-cold.

Jennifer had to call his name several times before Donald finally snapped out of it. “What’s wrong?” he asked, looking lost and confused.

Jennifer asked with concern, “Are you okay? How about I drive instead?”

“Almost there,” Donald said tersely.

At the Lynn residence, Cathy’s door remained stubbornly locked. Werner was frantic with worry, pacing back and forth. Donald finally returned, unexpectedly, with Jennifer in tow.

Werner pulled Donald aside and whispered urgently, “I don’t know what’s wrong with Cathy. She’s locked herself in and won’t say anything. Did you say anything to your mother?”

Donald shook his head. “I didn’t say a word to her.”

“So, what the hell is going on with your mom?”

Donald was equally baffled. He knocked on the door, trying to get Cathy to come out. But from inside, there was only silence in response to Donald’s knocking.

Donald called out, “Mom, whatever’s wrong, please come out. Let’s talk this through properly.”

Werner chimed in, “Cathy, Donald, and Jennifer are all back. Come out. Don’t make a fool of yourself in front of our son and Jennifer.” But the door remained stubbornly shut.

Just as Werner and Donald were about to force the door open, it unexpectedly swung open from the inside.

Cathy’s eyes were swollen and red, as if she’d been crying her heart out. Her gaze first fell blankly on Werner, then turned deep and searching as it shifted to Donald.

“Mom,” Donald called out softly.