Kevin showed them what he had found on Kelly's phone.
"Please—stop there, Kev," Kenneth said quietly.
Kevin immediately complied, locking the phone and slipping it away.
"I didn't know you had that evidence," Dave admitted.
"Don't blame me," Kevin replied. "I showed it to Kenjie before. He said it might be useful someday."
Kenjie nodded. "It wasn't under my jurisdiction back then. I was still in senior high. Even if I wanted to interfere, I couldn't. But now… it finally matters."
"It explains everything that never made sense," Chris sighed. "When we were in grade nine, we handled records—but we never knew the truth behind them."
"And now," he continued, "Kelly's story ties back to Crisha… and to Claire and her cousin Dawn."
"Airah was expelled after being proven guilty of severe bullying," Dave added. "That's why she never returned. But those three stayed."
"So what now?" Kevin asked.
Cielo straightened. "That passbook. I need to know what happened to the twenty-five million. What Dawn did with it."
He clenched his fists. "I promised Crisha at her grave that I'd uncover the truth. Kelly was dragged into this alone—now I finally know why."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Kevin asked carefully.
Cielo fell silent.
"Cielo," Kenneth said softly, "you have Julie now."
"I know," Cielo replied. "But this is part of the plan. I'll make Dawn admit everything."
"That'll hurt her," Jason said.
"You're going to use the hoax about you and Dawn, aren't you?" Kevin sighed. "That's risky. Julie is already here."
Cielo didn't answer.
"Cielo," Julie finally spoke. Her voice was calm—steady. "Is that what you wanted to tell me?"
He turned to her. "Julie… if you don't agree, say it. And let's decide what happens to us."
She frowned slightly. "I'm only asking if that's really all you're planning to do."
Silence settled between them.
*****
"What do you mean?" Cielo asked quietly.
"Have you really decided?" Julie asked again.
He exhaled. "Yeah. I decided a long time ago. I'm sorry if it feels like I'm choosing this over you—or over Crisha. It's not easy."
Julie smiled gently. "Then I'll take the risk with you."
He froze. "You're… breaking up with me?"
She laughed softly. "No. We're not breaking up."
She met his eyes. "You're planning to hide our relationship from Dawn and her circle, right? Then let's do that. Keep it hidden—except from the people here."
"Julie… it's not just hiding," he said. "I'll have to fake something with Dawn. That might hurt you."
"It won't," she said lightly. "Because I know the truth. And I know you love me." She paused, cheeks warming. "Well… maybe I'll feel a little jealous."
Cielo pulled her into his arms without hesitation. "If you're willing… then let's do this. I love you."
"Good," she grinned. "Then we're doing this together."
"You annoying brat," he whispered. "That's why I love you. I was scared of losing you—that's why I hesitated."
"I'm not going anywhere," she replied. "Calm down. The Cielo I know thinks clearly."
"I don't think clearly when it comes to you," he admitted.
Someone cleared their throat.
"So… what now?" Raymond asked.
Julie blushed as Cielo wrapped an arm around her.
"It's settled," Cielo said firmly. "We're going through with the plan."
Kenneth and Jason exchanged looks.
"Just one thing," Kenneth warned. "If Julie gets hurt too much—stop."
"I know my limits," Cielo replied. "And you'll back me up, right?"
"Yeah," Kenneth sighed. "You're lucky Julie's here. Your mind's clear now."
Julie leaned against Cielo's shoulder.
"Well," Dave said, "the actors are ready. Dawn's preparing her move—I can feel it."
"Depends who's more cunning," Kevin added.
Cielo nodded. "Yeah."
He turned to Kelly. "Have you visited her grave?"
She shook her head. "I can't… What if her mother is there?"
"Once this is over, you can," Cielo reassured her. "Crisha would be happy to see you again."
"We'll clear your name with her family," Kevin added gently.
Kelly nodded.
Crisha, we'll bring you justice, Cielo thought.
Julie tapped his shoulder lightly, smiling.
I really am blessed to have her by my side, he realized.Let's see how this ends.