Chapter 23: Meeting the Family
Inside the house was much better than it looked from the outside. Harper was
worried the inside would be as rundown as the exterior, filled with trash.
However, upon entering, he found it exceptionally clean, decorated in a rare 19th–century rustic style with beautiful, intricate wallpaper, curved staircases, and paintings in gold frames on the walls
It was very cozy.
Stefan looked around, his gaze falling on an unremarkable oil painting on the wall.”
Irene was searching for something and noticed Stefan’s gaze. She said, a fake.”
That’s
Stefan raised an eyebrow.
“It looks real to me.”
Irene smiled. “Who knows.”
A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes. Stefan held her gaze for a few seconds before looking back at the painting.
The woman in the painting had full, fair skin and wore a black silk dress. This was the most famous work of a 12th–century master from Country F. If Stefan didn’t know that this painting had been bought by a collector, he might have. thought it was genuine.
“Irene, are you back?”
Mademe Kashi, leaning on a cane, walked out of the house. Seeing so many people, she was momentarily stunned but then smiled and nodded. “Hello, I am Irene’s grandmother.”
Assistant Walter smiled and greeted her. “Hello, ma’am! We are Irene’s friends!”
Mademe Kashi’s eyes shifted to Stefan.
“And this gentleman too?”
She asked, puzzled. It was clear Stefan’s demeanor didn’t match someone who would typically be Irene’s friend.
“Yes, hello, ma’am, Stefen said with a smile.
Irene finally found what she was looking for. Mademe Kashi glanced at it and nervously asked, ‘Irene, what is this for?”
Irene patted Mademe Kashi’s hand. “Grandma, I just made plans to go out with friends.”
Mademe Kashi seemed much more relaxed. “Okay, be careful and don’t always do extreme sports.”
Irene smiled and agreed.
Harper curiously glanced at what Irene was holding: a dark brown leather bag containing a flashlight, a rope ladder, a few candies, a pen, and a notebook.
Stefan noticed it too.
The leather bag was of good quality, looking quite old but well–made.
Irene looked at Mademe Kashi, her eyes deepening.
When she first regained consciousness and was unclear about many things, Helen had told her not to mention anything related to detectives in front of
Mademe Kashi.
Helen said that the old lady had wrongfully accused a good person, leading to
their suicide.
Although Mademe Kashi never spoke about it, it was clear this was her greatest sorrow.
Ever since Irene got involved in detective work, Mademe Kashi had been
worried.
Irene always felt that the events of that year were not that simple.
However, so much time had passed, making any investigation very difficult.
There were no surveillance cameras or internet back then, making it almost impossible to find evidence.
Mademe Kashi gently stroked Irene’s hair. Lost in thought, Irene unconsciously tilted her head, making it easier for Mademe Kashi.
This sight stunned Harper.
had both police enforcement records and the obedient girl before him beerned like a different person from the fierce Individual in the records.
Kademe Kasha cheerfully picked up a cup and poured some orange juice for the quests
This is the first time Irene’s friends have come to visit. Have fun. I’ll go buy some steaks to make something delicious for you all.”
Although Mademe Kashi knew that the imposing man before her might not truly be Irene’s friend, she was still very happy because it was rare for Irene to bring anyone home.
Helen and Mademe Kashi had always been at odds and didn’t want Irene tor
visit.
After trene grew up, each visit had to be sneaky, which pained Mademe Kashi greatly.
The child was caught between Helen and herself, living a hard life.
Mademe Kashi knew this well.
Three years ago, Irene fell and fainted at a school picnic. After waking up, she visited more often, asking many questions about detective work.
She even hired a young girl as a maid for Mademe Kashi, insisting that she not spend a dime.
That her granddaughter treated her so well made Mademe Kashi very happy.
Irene inherited her keen detective instincts. She was a natural, and often her observations surprised Mademe Kashi.
Mademe Kashi was very satisfied with her current life. Her greatest wish was for Irene to make more friends and not be so solitary.
These young people, though not students, seemed familiar with Irene.
Mademe Kashi’s enthusiasm made the usually rough and fierce Harper feel embarrassed and at a loss, looking to Stefan for help.
Stefan said nothing, glancing at Irene.
Irene smiled and said, “Grandma, we need to go see his sister. Do you still have
some pumpkin cookies you made? And could we have some of your tea?”
Stefan leaned in slightly so that the hard of hearing Mademe Kashi could hear.
Thank you so much. We’re sorry for the trouble. Let Harper help you.” Stefan smiled naturally, as if speaking to his own grandmother.
Harper nodded and went to the kitchen with Mademe Kashi to get some snacks.
Assistant Walter adjusted his glasses, looking puzzled in Mademe Kashi’s direction.
He hesitated and asked, “Miss Irene, is your grandmother’s surname Arnold?”
“Sorry, I don’t quite remember. You can ask her if you’re interested.”
Irene smiled, but there was no warmth in her eyes.
She didn’t want to talk more about this topic.
Assistant Walter frowned slightly.
Why did he think this old lady resembled someone who had driven a person to despair and suicide decades ago?
And that person was widely recognized as a devout Catholic.
It’s believed that Catholics who commit suicide cannot enter heaven.
Maybe he was mistaken.
Mademe Kashi slowly returned with a plate of snacks. “Irene, we’re out of sugar. I’ll go buy some.”
Stefan stood up. “No need to trouble yourself; plain tea is very nice too.”
“You child, you’re Irene’s friend, sit down.”
Mademe Kashi playfully patted Stefan’s shoulder and put on a pair of sunglasses. “I’ll be back soon.”
Stefan turned to Irene, who smiled and said, “Grandma hasn’t been out in a while. Thank you.”
Stefan gestured to Harper, who hesitated for a moment and then told Assistant Walter, “I still need to protect the boss. You go help the old lady with her bags.”
led and chatted with Mademe Kashi
