Observing Rita's silence, Sierra, with a hint of desperation, implored, "You've got to help me, Rita."

Rita snapped back to reality, her voice a gentle murmur, "You were quick to pin it on Brady, remember? If the cops aren't sniffing around you, you're in the clear. No need to stress."

Sierra's heart raced, anxiety etched across her face.

“But what if he decides to unload his guilt on me at the police station? And the Garretts... What if they start pointing fingers my way? Will Horace throw me under the bus to keep the peace between the two families?"

Brady wasn't on Sierra's worry list. His love for her was unwavering.

Besides, he had promised not to turn her on no matter what.

Sierra was more apprehensive about the Garretts, a shrewd bunch. They could easily connect the dots, suspecting her of manipulating Brady and demanding answers from the Fowlers.

Just as Rita poised to speak, a commotion erupted downstairs.

Sierra rushed to the window, spotting a sleek black car pulling up to the Fowler estate. Exiting from the back seat was none other than Brady's uncle.

As Brady's uncle inadvertently scanned the second floor, Sierra, her complexion drained of color, pulled Rita close, urgently whispering, "Someone from the Garrett clan is on their way up! You've got to protect me! My parents passed away early, and you're all I have!"

Sierra's parents had met a tragic end in a car crash. At that time, they had just arrived in Violetholt, utilizing the car often driven by Rita.

Originally, Rita was supposed to accompany them, but fate intervened.

Rita insisted Sierra's parents leave first, unknowingly putting Sierra's parents into a fatal accident that claimed even the driver's life.

Back then, upon arriving in Violetholt, Sierra's parents had emphasized the importance of pleasing Rita to Sierra. So, against the odds, Sierra stuck with Rita, steering clear of the impending disaster.

Following that, Sierra clung to Rita, their bond forged over numerous years evolving into a deep, almost maternal connection. The idea of letting Sierra face the impending questioning alone was inconceivable.

Although Horace treated Rita kindly, his demeanor toward Sierra lacked warmth. Rita harbored a belief that if the Garretts pressed for it, Horace would readily let Sierra face the music.

After a thoughtful pause, Rita assured, "Sierra, don't worry."

She then strolled to the other side of the room, opening a cabinet and retrieving a stack of cash. Handing it to Sierra, Rita advised, "Take this. Head to another city and unwind a bit. I'll handle it for you. Come back once this blows over. Slip out through the back door."

Grateful, Sierra responded, "Thank you. You're incredibly kind."

The money in her grasp stirred a profound gratitude within Sierra.