Ryder's voice, sharp with anger, carried through the night air, drawing everyone from inside the mansion to the backyard.
Lily was the first to step outside, followed by Vicky, James, Evelyn, and the grandparents. Their expressions shifted from confusion to shock the moment they saw the scene before them.
Silver sat on the cold tile, soaking wet, shivering slightly. Ryder was kneeling beside her, his face rigid with fury. Cici stood a few feet away, her face pale and her lips trembling.
"What's going on here?" James's deep voice cut through the tension.
Ryder's jaw clenched as he turned to his father. "Cici pushed Silver into the pool. Knowing full well she's aquaphobic."
Gasps echoed around them.
Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. "Cici… is this true?"
Cici's mouth opened, but before she could speak, Silver suddenly weakly grabbed Ryder's wrist.
"Don't… don't be mad at her," she murmured, her voice soft and pitiful. "It was just an accident… please, don't blame her."
