Chapter 18: Seeking Death
“I will send the photo to your email later,” Assistant Barton said, glancing at the dark alley. “Let me walk you home. It’s quite dark here.”
Although Irene had high combat skills, she didn’t refuse his kindness.
They walked for about five minutes before Irene led Barton to the door of a three–story white house located next to a dilapidated road.
The house seemed to have not been maintained for many years.
The roof was in disrepair, the iron gate at the entrance was rusty, and there was no trace of the house’s past grandeur from decades ago.
–
A sign hung on the gate: “Knitting clothes 30, knitting sweaters 50, knitting
socks – 10.”
Assistant Barton had seen many such houses.
Most of the homeowners were workers with meager wages who had to do some side jobs after a long day of heavy work to make extra money.
Such businesses obviously did not pay taxes; they just needed to take the sign
down and hide it when the police came to check.
And of course, there were no formal procedures.
“Miss Irene, do you live here?” Barton looked at Irene with a compassionate
gaze.
“No, this is my grandmother’s house.”
Irene carried her small bag, smiled, and examined the house.
“It looks good; at least it didn’t leak this summer.”
Barton’s heart ached at her words. Such a good girl, yet living in such a place.
Considering Irene’s age and strong self–esteem, Barton tactfully said, “Miss Irene, my boss, after hearing about your story, asked me to bring you some gifts, which will arrive tomorrow.”
Irene was smart, she immediately understood Barton’s intention.
Irene chuckled, “Thank you, and please thank your boss, but I am not poor.”
Barton clearly did not believe her.
“Don’t be polite, Miss Irene. It’s what we should do for our savior.”
“He will definitely repay you too. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you receive all the social benefits you deserve. I know a lot of people in the government.”
Irene felt a bit helpless.
She didn’t want to explain too much as it was too troublesome, so she let Barton misunderstand.
Barton quickly left.
Irene looked at the familiar building and smiled. She skillfully took a wire from her pocket, inserted it into the lock, and twisted it to open the door.
It was already late, around ten o’clock.
Her grandmother should be asleep by now, so she intended to sneak in quietly and surprise her in the morning.
With this in mind, Irene smiled and pushed open the door.
To her surprise, she was greeted by chaos.
Her grandmother’s favorite display cabinet had been violently knocked over, its contents scattered all over the floor.
Her grandmother’s beloved flowerpots, water cups, and dishes were thrown onto the carpet, many of them shattered.
The sofa was toppled, and the contents of the cabinets and drawers were pulled out and strewn everywhere.
The most noticeable was a large hole in the display cabinet.
Where the gun rack used to hold her grandmother’s prized firearm, there was now only dust.
Irene remembered how, as a child, she would beg to see her grandmother’s heirloom gun. Everyone said such a precious item shouldn’t be given to a child, but her grandmother, doting on her, would always laugh, pat her head, and let her hold the gun.
Seeing the scene w made tram’s face Harken Instantly
the exuded a chitting, lethal aura
Taking a deep breath, trane slowly walked into the house observing every
Hearing the noise, a young girl emerged from the depths of the house.
Seeing Irene, she immediately ran over, tears welling in her eyes.
Miss, you’re finally back!”
She put down the water basin she was holding an ished into Irene’s arms, sobbing.
“Emma, what happened?”
Irene gently patted the girl’s thin back and asked.
Emma was a maid hired by Irene’s grandmother. Forced out of her home at thirteen because of poverty, she had been working here for four years now.
At home, she was underfed, poorly clothed, overworked, and often beaten and scolded, making her timid and introverted, speaking in a voice as small as a mosquito’s buzz.
But with Irene and her grandmother’s care, she had become much better.
“Miss, your grandmother’s son brought people here. They came for the gun, but when she refused to give it, they not only took the gun but also trashed the house.”
Irene held Emma close, comforting her, while her face remained cold and frightening
“Did you tell them I wasn’t here?”
“I did, but they said…” Emma’s voice trailed off, looking at Irene with concern.
“It’s okay. I’m fine.”
Irene walked around, and Emma, seeing no injuries on her, finally smiled in relief.
“Grandma was very worried about you.”
Emma led Irene into the house.
The bedroom, usually lit with warm orange lights, was now pitch black, with no sign of the usual beautiful lace and blooming flowers.
Madame Kashi lay on her side. Irene sat on the bed, bending over to see the tear streaks illuminated by the pale moonlight on the old woman’s face.
“She’s doomed.”
Irene tucked the blanket around Madame Kashi, then stood up and said softly..
Emma was startled by the icy tone in her voice.
“But they are your parents.”
Madame Kashi sat up, sighing as she gently looked at Irene, “You’re back. Have you been eating well recently?”
Irene’s fierce aura melted at the sight of Madame Kashi.
“Grandma, I understand. But they can’t treat you like this. She took over the
I understand. But they
Kashi family, and you didn’t mind for the sake of the children, but now she’s going too far! Sometimes it’s not the daughter–in–law’s ungratefulness but the son’s, making them both unworthy!”
Madame Kashi sighed softly.
“I understand what you’re saying.”
Irene looked at Madame Kashi, her eyes flickering.
Many parents would make excuses for their ungrateful children, hoping they would suddenly realize their mistakes and change for the better.
If her grandmother were such a person, indifferent to having her property taken by force, then Irene could only respect and bless her.
All this would influence whether Irene stayed in this country or returned to the mercenary camp.
“Irene,” Madame Kashi gently stroked her hair, “I don’t want you to confront them. You must know that no matter the reason, some people will always accuse you of being ungrateful for not appreciating your parents. I don’t want you to get into trouble because of me.”
Ion Casting with
Madame Kashi sighed, “This incident has completely disappointed me. From now on, I will consider him no longer my son.”
