Chapter 187: The couple exchanged looks, realizing that Sarah had deserted them. Left with no other option, they made their way out under the disapproving and inquisitive stares of the gathered crowd.
Once Sarah had exited, the throng of people within the house slowly dissipated, trailing after her.
It was only then that Kallie allowed herself a moment of relief. She exhaled deeply, composed herself, and straightened her clothes.
Walking toward the door, Kallie paused to bow respectfully to the senior man. Her eyes conveyed deep gratitude as she made gestures of thanks, acknowledging his timely help.
The senior man simply waved it off. "I simply spoke the truth. It wasn't much of a help, really. Besides, you helpedonce when I was in a bind, so it was only right that I stand up for you in your moment of need." The senior man then nudged the child toward Kallie.
"I'll leave him to you." The child stood timidly before Kallie, his head bowed, too frightened to meet her gaze.
Despite being deceived by the boy previously, Kallie's heart softened toward him upon seeing his distress.
She squatted down to his level, typed a message on her phone, then played the text aloud with the text-to- speech function to reassure him. "I know you're young and might not fully understand the consequences of your actions. I won't hold this against you." The child tentatively lifted his eyes, his voice quivering as he asked, “Really? You're not going to handover to the police?" Kallie shook her head, a gesture of her sincere forgiveness.
As she did so, she studied the boy more closely, her look thoughtful. Despite wearing a suit meant for a child, it hung awkwardly on him, revealing threadbare clothes beneath.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtKallie surmised that neither the couple who had argued earlier nor the individuals who later accused her of cheating were the boy's actual parents. It seemed likely that he was merely a destitute child whom Sarah had coaxed into playing a part, perhaps promising him sbasic necessities in return for his cooperation.
Latest chapters in glovesFrom a child's perspective, the boundaries of right and wrong were often blurred.
The boy likely didn't even know his actions were illegal. He only sensed that he had done something wrong. Suddenly, the boy covered his eyes with his hands and began to sob. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean any harm. I just wanted sof the leftover food from today's feast. But that intimidating lady said I had to help her, or she'd calla thief. I had no choice." Kallie exhaled deeply, a mix of frustration and pity settling in. She turned to Irene and asked her to help find the boy's real parents.
Irene looked back at Kallie, her expression filled with confusion. "This boy can confirm that Sarah was behind all of this. Kallie, are you really going to let this go?" Kallie shook her head decisively. Naturally, she had no intention of letting it slide, nor did she feel any inclination to forgive Sarah.
However, the boy was innocent. Dragging him into a public dispute to testify against Sarah would likely expose him and his family to serious backlash.
Kallie's expression grew stern as she considered further.
During the earlier argument between that couple, when the wife had implored Kallie to take the child away, Jake had been present. If Jake were to see this child now, he would understand the full scope of what had occurred. However, Kallie had little faith that Jake would support her. It was more likely that he might do something drastic for the sake of Sarah's reputation.
Despite having concrete evidence, Kallie felt powerless to act against Sarah. With Jake's support behind Sarah, her hands were effectively tied.
Kallie realized she had to let this incident pass for now, but she silently vowed not to forget it and to find a way to even the score with Sarah eventually.
As Irene led the boy away, Kallie turned and noticed the senior man had been watching her intently the entire time. His gaze seemed to carry a hint of recognition.
Curious, Kallie used gestures to inquire if he had located the person he was searching for.
The senior man shook his head sadly. "I can't recall her face or nanymore, but I know I need to find her." Kallie nodded, empathy filling her as she realized there was little she could do to assist him.
She extended an offer of help if he could recall any details about the person he was searching for. With her wide network of contacts, she felt confident in her ability to locate almost anyone.
The senior man, however, politely declined her offer. He insisted that it was a personal matter and did not wish to impose on anyone else.
After their conversation, the senior man chose not to rejoin the festivities. Instead, he slipped out through the back door, seeking a quiet exit.
Unbeknownst to the senior man, a group of Sarah's associates was waiting outside.
As he emerged, they quickly closed in around him, their faces twisting into malicious grins.
"Hey, you messed up Miss Miller's plans. Got a death wish?" one of them sneered.
"He's just an old bag of bones trying to play the hero. Pathetic! Should we break his hands or his feet to teach him a lesson?" The senior man met their threats with a cold, authoritative stare. “Back off!" he commanded sharply.
Their patience frayed, the group lost their composure and, brandishing clubs, advanced toward the senior man with menacing intent.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHowever, before they could reach the senior man, several burly men intervened, swiftly restraining the aggressors.
At that moment, a convoy of black cars pulled up, with a stretched Lincoln prominently in the center.
A figure quickly stepped out, opened the car door with deference, and assisted the senior man into the vehicle. The assailants watched in stunned silence, their hostile demeanor replaced by sheer astonishment. Who was this old-timer? Skind of big shot? Before the group could further process their surprise, they found themselves forcefully subdued by the burly men.
One burly man pressed his boot firmly against the backs of their hands, his voice icy as he issued a stern warning "You shouldn't disrespect your elders. Such mistakes could cost you dearly.
Cross our master again, and you won't live to regret it." Meanwhile, in the background, the window of a sleek Maybach lowered. A distinguished man with glasses surveyed the scene with detached interest. After a brief pause, he issued a dismissive command. "Let's go. This isn't worth our time." With that, he signaled to the driver. The window rolled up silently, and the luxurious car pulled away smoothly. The driver exhaled a heavy, resigned sigh, hinting at a deeper concern. "Sir, your grandfather's condition is deteriorating. This time, he traveled all the way from Ferelden to Avalon. Pursuing him has wasted you three months." "Wasted?" The man in the back seat scoffed sharply. "You think searching for my grandfather is a waste?" The driver, realizing his misstep, hurriedly backpedaled. "No, sir, that's not what I meant. I was just considering... if he truly wished to find..."
"Let him search," the man interrupted, his tone firm yet reflective. "After all, she is my aunt's daughter. It's high tshe reconnected with her family. With My father and uncles have all been waiting for this day. Increase the surveillance on my grandfather. If anyone bullies him again, consider yourselves unemployed." "Yes, sir," the driver responded promptly, nodding in earnest agreement as he focused on the road ahead.
The man absently twisted the ring on his finger, his gaze icy and sharp. "By the way, I heard someone exploited my grandpa's condition to bring him here. Who was it?" "If my memory serveswell, the surnis Miller," the driver replied cautiously.
"Look into it," the man commanded succinctly.
The convoy slowed to a halt outside the most opulent villa in the city.
As the man stepped out of the car, he muttered with a trace of scorn, e "Despite the family living abroad, we still need to keep this place pristine. My grandpa insists on moving back here, clinging to his 'returning to one's roots' sentiment.” A line of aides trailed behind him, each nodding and murmuring their agreement with palpable enthusiasm. Approaching the Lincoln, the man opened the door with due respect, helping the senior man out. His voice softened as he said, "Grandpa, we're home."