"What's wrong, Chris?"
"Oh, nothing." Chris snapped back to reality.
The director followed his gaze and chuckled, explaining, "You're looking at them? They're likely family members of
some of the residents here at the rehab center. Visits are strictly controlled. They're waiting here for clearance.
Only after they get permission can they go in for a visit."
"Okay." Chris nodded.
Jodie and Cindy casually shifted their gaze in their direction. Although neither recognized Chris, his special forces
background endowed him with a talent for facial recognition.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtConfidently, Chris identified the stylish young woman as Harvey's elder sister, Jodie Newhouse—the same person
from the family photo at the Newhouse residence.
As for the middle-aged woman, Chris recalled Maisie holding her hand and referring to her as "Mom" during the
hotel reception hosted by Daniel. Back then, Maisie had left to get Persephone cotton candy while Chris went to the
restroom. He didn't dwell on it much at the time, just a fleeting glance during his meal. Yet, his memory served him
well—this middle-aged woman was Maisie's mother!
The puzzle lingered: Why was Maisie's mother there with Jodie?
Jodie noticed Chris. His looks were exceptional, but his eyes held a vigilant and icy demeanor akin to a wolf in the
jungle. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively turned away from him. She found it risky, so she decided to
leave first.
"Hey, where are you going?" Cindy grabbed her. "We'll be allowed in soon!"
"I'm not going."
"You—" Unable to tolerate Jodie's inconsistency, Cindy shouted, "That's your brother in there, enduring hardships.
What's so hard about visiting him?! "
"Shut up!" Jodie glared, each word biting. "I've said it before: I have no relationship with you! Get lost!"
Cindy stumbled back from Jodie's push, and Jodie ran off without looking back.
Just as Cindy almost fell, Chris supported her from behind. "Ma'am, watch your step!"
Cindy didn't recognize him.
However, at a closer distance this time, Chris was 100% sure she was Maisie's mother, the same woman he saw at
the hotel.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Ma'am, that was—"
Cindy lamented, pounding her chest, "Why is my life so bitter... My son is in rehab, and my daughter ignores me...
My life is so miserable!"
Chris said nothing more. He handed Cindy over to the guards of the rehab center for her visit.
"Bro, I know you have a good heart," the director said in a lowered voice, "But keep your distance from such elderly
women in the future. Don't rush to help. Otherwise, you might get into trouble if they decide to frame you!"
"Hey, I'm not scared of that."
"That lady just now." The director grimaced. "I remember her. She's a pro at throwing tantrums! Her son is in rehab
here, and she offended Daniel from the Quimby Group... In short, avoid her if you see her in the future, got it?"
"And the girl just now, is she her daughter?"
"I'm not sure. I have never seen her before."