A week later, Valerie was in the kitchen preparing lunch while the kids were scattered around the house, engaged in various activities. The Miz was outside, fixing a few things in the backyard. Suddenly, her phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was from an unknown number. With a slight frown, she answered it.
"Hello, this is Valerie."
"Mrs. Mizanin, this is Detective Reynolds from the Carson City Police Department. I regret to inform you that we have some tragic news about your mother, Regina. There has been an incident, and she was found murdered in her home."
Valerie's heart stopped. The phone slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor. The room seemed to spin as she tried to process the words. "Murdered? No... this can't be," she whispered, her voice shaking.
The Miz, hearing the noise, rushed inside. "Val? What's wrong?" he asked, his eyes wide with concern.
Valerie looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. "It's my mom. She's been... she's been murdered," she choked out.
The Miz's expression shifted from concern to shock. He immediately wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as she sobbed into his chest.
"I'm so sorry, Val. We'll get through this together," he murmured, stroking her hair.
Valerie's mind was a whirlwind of grief, confusion, and anger. "Who would do this? Why?" she asked, her voice breaking.
"I don't know, but we'll find out. We'll make sure justice is served," The Miz said firmly, his protective instincts kicking in.
The rest of the day was a blur. The police arrived to take their statements, and friends and family called as the news spread. The Bella twins, Nikki and Brie, were among the first to arrive, offering their support and comfort.
"Val, we're here for you," Nikki said, hugging her tightly. "Whatever you need, just say the word."
Brie nodded in agreement, tears in her own eyes. "We'll get through this together. Your mom was such a strong woman. We'll find out what happened."
Valerie nodded, grateful for their support but still feeling numb and lost. She spent the next few days arranging the funeral, leaning heavily on The Miz and the twins for support.
At the funeral, Valerie stood beside her family, holding Paige close to her chest. The weight of the loss was almost unbearable, but the presence of her loved ones gave her strength.
As they laid Regina to rest, Valerie made a silent vow. "Mom, I promise I will find out who did this and make sure they pay," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.
The Miz squeezed her hand, sensing her resolve. "We'll find them, Val. Together."
Days turned into weeks, and the investigation continued. Valerie was determined to uncover the truth, no matter how long it took. She knew it wouldn't bring her mother back, but it might give her some peace and a sense of justice for Regina. Valerie gathered her children in the living room, her heart heavy with the news she had to deliver. She took a deep breath, knowing this would be one of the hardest conversations she would ever have.
"Kids," she began softly, her voice trembling. "I have some very sad news. Grandma Regina... she passed away."
The room fell silent. George, Legend, and Queen stared at their mother, trying to comprehend her words.
"What do you mean, Mom?" George asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Valerie swallowed hard, tears welling in her eyes. "Grandma Regina was... murdered. Someone hurt her, and she's not coming back."
