Chapter 115
Unsure where she found the courage, Linda stepped out of the car, rubbing her hands on her pants nervously. “I bought a dress that I thought would suit you.”
With that, she opened the plastic bag she held and retrieved one of the two dresses in it.
Quinlyn turned her head and saw Linda’s rough fingers delicately holding the corners of the dress in front of her chest. It was a pink polka dot dress with a sequined hem–just right for a ten–year–old.
Seeing no reaction from Quinlyn, Linda felt momentarily at a loss. “I just wanted to thank you, but I’m not sure if you like it
or not.”
–
“Can I hug you?” Quinlyn whispered.
Linda was taken aback, wondering if she had heard that right..
Quinlyn pressed her lips together and quietly repeated, “Can I hug you?“
Linda didn’t fully understand what it meant, and a moment of bewilderment crossed her face. But instinctively, she nodded. Quinlyn was her lifesaver, and she’d agree to any request Quinlyn made.
Quinlyn took a few steps closer, wrapping her thin arms around Linda. Linda was slightly chubby, with some extra weight at her waist, but she felt very warm. A faint scent of soap surrounded her, giving off a clean and fresh feeling
“Mom, Quinlyn closed her eyes and silently called out in her heart.
Linda seemed to sense something and gently returned the embrace. When she touched Quinlyn’s tense shoulders, her heart melted. She couldn’t help but whisper, “You’re so skinny. You should eat more and stop being picky with food.”
At that, Quinlyn buried her face deeper into Linda’s embrace. “Okay.”
As the police car drove away, Linda promised through the window that she would visit once her daughter got better. Quinlyn stood by the roadside, holding the dress and waving. Only after the car turned the corner did she walk away.
On the return flight the next day, Quinlyn sat by the window, wearing her pink dress and holding a box of Yocriton’s famous flower candies.
Stanley, sitting next to her, winced as he heard her munching on the candy. “Don’t eat so much; you’ll get cavities,” he said.
He reached over to take the candy, but Quinlyn dodged. “I haven’t had any for days,” she argued quietly, implying that the
amount wasn’t too excessive.
Is that how you calculate it?‘ Stanley found it both amusing and puzzling. “So, did you intentionally avoid sweets in Yocriton these past few days?”
“Yeah.” Quinlyn nodded, swinging her legs happily. She realized she had grown taller since she could now touch the ground with her toes. So, she curled further into her seat, continuing to swing
She continued, “When I eat sweets, I can’t help but smile.” But smiling wasn’t something she had experienced much of in the
borderlands.
“No wonder you’ve been like a cold–hearted assassin these past few days. Stanley suddenly understood. He then pulled a funny face that made Quinlyn burst out laughing.
05:18 Mon, 24 Mar
Chapter 115
Larry, who had been pretending to sleep, slightly opened his eyes and looked over
A beam of sunlight fell on the edge of Quinlyn’s skirt. The sequins reflected a brilliant array of colors, brightening her smiling face and enhancing her features. Gone was the coldness and gloom, only pure, clear brightness remained
After the plane landed, they went their separate ways at the airport entrance.
Even though the task force hadn’t managed to eliminate every threat and the car had escaped, there were still leads to follow, and many victims waiting to be rescued. There was a lot of work ahead.
Quinlyn had successfully completed her mission and was ready to go home and reassure everyone that she was safe.
“Quinlyn, wait a moment. Donny suddenly ran over from another car, holding something in his hand. “Here, I got this for
you
Quinlyn looked down, surprised by what she saw.
“Keep it. The photo in the file is way too small. Donny said, pressing the frame into her hands. “Since Nancy disappeared. my parents can’t bear to see her pictures. There’ll probably only be black–and–white memorial photos left at home.”
As he spoke, he sighed softly, his eyes a little red. But he seemed relieved. Thank you for finding the killer and for keeping her in your thoughts all these years.”
He had prepared the photo ahead of time. He thought if Nancy was watching over them from above, she’d want to be remembered beautifully. What Quinlyn received was not just a photo, but also a deep understanding.
“You’re welcome,” she replied softly, feeling the warmth of the frame in her arms.
Quinlyn returned to the Wilson residence and let Elowyn give her a thorough once–over to make sure she wasn’t hurt. She then went to the flower shop to buy some roses before taking the picture frame to the villa.
Quinton had just finished school and was playing a game of Flying Chess with Janet in the garden
Since returning from the cruise, Janet’s mental state had improved significantly. After moving into the villa, she seemed quite settled, though she sometimes appeared a bit distracted.
Seeing Quinlyn return, Quinton felt very happy. “You’re finally back. Is everything taken care of?”
Ever since Quinlyn left that day, he had been worried, fearing that something might go wrong. He’d prayed daily for her safety. Now, seeing her here, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Quinlyn nodded and greeted Janet before heading inside. She found a spot with a good view, carefully placed the picture frame, and set a vase of roses beside it.
Quinton walked over, curiously eyeing the photo. “Who’s this girl? She’s really pretty. But, um, this kind of flower arrangement is usually for someone who’s passed away.” He gently pointed out.
Quinlyn nodded and replied. “Nancy isn’t here anymore.”
Quinton fell silent. It seemed that aside from him and his mom, none of Quinlyn’s relatives were still in t.world. Suddenly, he felt a wave of sadness wash over him.
Quinlyn grabbed a towel and carefully cleaned the picture frame. Looking at the young, beautiful girl inside with her bright smile, she whispered, “Nancy, these flowers are for you. I think they’re really pretty, just like you.”
05:18 Mon, 24 Mar 70
Chapter 113
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“From now on, you’ll be part of my family too, she said. Even though this was her own decision, she felt a genuine sense of happiness about it.
That night, she stayed at the villa for dinner. Seeing Janet cooking with the servant in the kitchen, Quinlyn was amazed. “Has Janet’s illness gotten any better?”
Quinton, sitting next to her, served her some food and shook his head. “She’s still on medication. But the doctor says she’s much better. Maybe being in a familiar environment has helped stabilize her mood.”
Though he didn’t quite understand all the details, it was wonderful news to him. At least he could enjoy Janet’s cooking again, and it made him feel content.
Quinlyn watched the slim, graceful figure of Janet in the kitchen, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
After they finished dinner, another guest arrived at the villa
“Quinlyn, where have you been these days? I’ve been so bored at school all by myself. I even thought about asking Dad to transfer Quinton to my school, the guest said. Because of this, she had been visiting the villa every day recently.
After a pause, she continued, “But you came back just in time. I’m going to be on TV next week, and I’m feeling a little nervous. Will you come with me?”
AD
