Chapter 262: The theft
Outside the house...
Hazel hurriedly called Zack as she walked briskly down the street, her fingers trembling slightly. When the call connected, she immediately blurted out, "Zack, I think Bella is growing suspicious of us. We need to tell her the truth. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up."
"What’s wrong?" Zack asked anxiously.
Hazel glanced around nervously, lowering her voice as she spoke. "She asked me to take her to our home," she explained. "She believes being there will help her recover her memory. I couldn’t outright refuse her—it would make her even more suspicious. So I told her she’d need your permission first."
There was a pause on the other end of the phone. "Stay calm, Mom," Zack said reassuringly. "I’ve got this under control. She is not going anywhere. I’ll handle everything when I get back. I’m a bit tied up right now, but don’t worry."
The call ended, and Hazel sighed as she slipped the phone into her bag. As she continued down the street, lost in her thoughts, a man brushed past her and snatched her handbag.
"Hey..." Hazel shouted, startled, but before she could react further, the man shoved her forcefully, sending her sprawling onto the pavement. Her heart raced as she watched him sprint away.
Hazel winced, her face contorted in pain as she tried to push herself off the ground. "Stop right there!" Her attempt to stand was futile; her ankle gave way, and she collapsed back onto the pavement with a groan. "Uh," she hissed, clutching her injured ankle. "Thief! Thief!"
Her cries drew the attention of a nearby man, who hurried over to her side. "Ma’am, are you alright?" he asked with concern as he crouched down, his eyes darting to her hand pressing against her ankle. "You look hurt. Let me help you to the hospital."
Hazel shook her head. "Forget me—catch that thief!" She pointed shakily in the direction the thief had disappeared. "He ran that way. He took my bag!"