Chapter 329 Softened Heart
The phone rang a few times before Joshua's slightly muffled voice came through. "Diana, it's late. What's up?"
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "I need to talk to Anne."
There was a sudden silence on the other end, making me even more anxious. What would Joshua say?
After a moment, Joshua's voice became clearer as he slowly replied, "Diana, Anne's under investigation right now. The case is pretty complicated, and the rules don't allow visits."
I quickly explained, "I get that, but I really need to talk to her. Skylar's safe, but this whole thing has really shaken her up. I need to know what happened during those days."
My voice carried a hint of pleading. Given the complicated history between Anne and us, I desperately wanted to resolve this.
Joshua paused again before saying, "Given the circumstances, I'll make an exception and arrange a meeting for you tomorrow morning."
I responded quickly, "Thank you so much."
"But it has to be under police supervision, and an officer will be there the whole time," Joshua reminded me before I could get too excited.
I replied, "No problem. As long as I can see her, I'll follow the rules."
After hanging up, I paced back and forth on the balcony, eagerly anticipating the meeting.
I didn't know if Anne would be willing to see me or what we would talk about, but I knew this was a crucial step in helping Skylar overcome her fears and resolving our current predicament.
The next day, I arrived early at the meeting room arranged by the police. The room was small and windowless, making it feel stuffy and oppressive.
Soon, Anne was led in by an officer. She looked as thin as ever, with sunken eyes and dark circles, likely from a sleepless night of interrogation.
Anne sat down and spoke first, her voice hoarse, "Diana, I knew you'd come."
I tried to stay calm. "Anne, I need to know why you took Skylar that night."
Anne scoffed, "Your daughter was crying alone in a dark alley. I saved her."
I frowned and asked sharply, "How did you know she would be there?"
Anne lowered her gaze, her eyes wandering as she slowly said, "I started following Edward as soon as I got back to the country. At first, I just wanted to see how he was doing."
She paused, a flash of pain in her eyes. "One time, I saw him suddenly collapse and have a seizure. That's when I realized the medication completely controlled his body."
Anne licked her dry, chapped lips and continued, "I realized that Edward's condition might be related to the drugs I gave him back then. I was scared and didn't want to face it. I even thought about letting him fend for himself."
"How heartless," I said, shocked that Anne, who once loved Edward so deeply, could say such a thing."I can't even save myself," Anne replied with a bitter laugh.
She continued, "But when I saw Edward with Skylar, eating and going to the park, I felt a mix of envy for Skylar for having him and jealousy that she had taken him away from me."
Anne's voice trembled. "However, when I saw Edward collapse and Skylar crying in fear, I couldn't help it."
Anne looked up at me slowly. "Skylar is so small, so soft, so helpless, just like I was back then. I couldn't bear it, so I took her."
I listened quietly, starting to understand her actions a little.
"So you called the ambulance for Edward?" I asked.
Anne lowered her head again, silent for a moment, then said, "I didn't plan to call an ambulance. But then I remembered how good Edward had been to me. If I let him die, I'd regret it. So I called for help."
"Why didn't you wait for the ambulance or hand Skylar over to the police? Why did you take her?" I was still angry that Anne had taken Skylar without permission.
Anne looked up, her eyes defiant, and shouted, "Diana, do you really think you're a good mother? I took Skylar because, in a way, I was loving her for you. Look at you, always busy. How much of Skylar's childhood have you missed out on? What right do you have to judge me?"
I was stunned, not expecting her to say that. I opened my mouth to argue but couldn't find the words.
Anne's words struck a nerve. She was right about some things. I had given Skylar the best material conditions, sent her to the most prestigious and expensive preschool, and made time to pick her up every day. But I had also neglected her in many ways.
I glared at Anne, feeling like my anger could burn her. I retorted, "You have no right to judge how I raise my daughter. That's not a reason to take Skylar. She needs a stable, healthy environment, not to be taken away and scared like that."
Anne scoffed and looked away.
"Anne, you promised me you'd stay abroad and never come back. Why did you have to come back and mess up my life?" I said, struggling to contain my anger.
Anne's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Abroad? Do you think I had a good life there?"
She paused, then turned to look at me directly. "Why do you get to have so much while I'm alone with nothing? Every time I saw you sharing your life with Skylar on social media, I was consumed with jealousy. I longed for that kind of love and warmth."
Anne suddenly laughed loudly. "I took Skylar for a few days, and you couldn't handle it?"
At this, I couldn't hold back my anger any longer. I stood up abruptly, slamming my hands on the table and shouting, "Anne, you're unbelievable! Skylar is my daughter, not a tool for your selfish desires. If you want love and warmth, find it the right way, not through these extreme measures."
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