Chapter 734

A triumphant gleam flashed briefly in Rory's eyes her scheme had succeeded. Yet she continued her performance of mother-daughter affection with practiced ease. Tears streaming down her face, she shook her head vehemently. "No, Mom! I was the one who did all this. You only helped me. Besides, I'm still a minor the law protects underage offenders. Even if convicted, my sentence would be lighter." Her voice quivered with feigned distress. "And my baby brother... he's so young. He needs you. Please, Mom, let me turn myself in instead!" Aaliyah gently cupped Rory's face, her calloused thumb wiping away the girl's crocodile tears. Though her features were gaunt from exhaustion, her expression radiated maternal tenderness. "Silly child," she murmured, "a lighter sentence still means a permanent criminal record. You have your whole life ahead of you I won't let it be ruined." A frail hand brushed stray hairs from the girl's forehead. "I've just given birth that's a mitigating circumstance. The