Chapter 25

The seller claimed he had seen the bisal spate in Kellynobia. He'd originally purchased it from a plainly dressed couple who seemed desperate for cash. Despite their appearance, the quality was decent, so he’d readily spent several thousand dollars on it.

As soon as Haron learned of this, he was restless. That same day, he brought the dealer to Kellynobia. Dustin Angles, the seller, was currently riding in the car behind them.

"How's the Maxwell family doing?" asked Dason.

Harry glanced at Dason, whose expression remained unchanged, leaving Harry feeling uncertain. He stammered, "The Maxwells are… simple. Ivy and Xander Maxwell, married for three years without children, bought a girl. They named her…"

Lola was actually Annie, Dason's missing younger sister.

Harry paused before continuing. "At first, the Maxwells treated Lola well, but five years later, they had a son, and…" Their treatment of Annie—who deserved to be pampered—became harsh.

Harry glanced at a photo on his phone; a skinny girl with a vacant stare. He silently prayed his boss wouldn't be distraught upon seeing her.

The sun cast its last rays, and streetlights flickered on, attracting swarms of buzzing insects.

Lola sighed, massaging her aching back as she finished sweeping trash. She paused to catch her breath, but there was no time to rest—she needed to prepare dinner for her brother. If he went unfed, her parents wouldn't let her off easy.

Upon entering, she found Roland sprawled on the couch, watching television. His lips were bright red, and several empty snack wrappers littered the coffee table.

He panicked momentarily at the sound of the door, but seeing it was Lola, he assumed a bossy tone. "Lola, take these wrappers out. And don't tell Mom and Dad I had snacks."

Lola picked up the wrappers, her fingers unconsciously licking them; she wished she could have some too.

After tidying, Xander and Ivy entered, laughing and joking, their faces alight with anticipation.

Ivy glanced towards the kitchen and, through the grimy window, saw Lola stirring food.

"Dinner's ready," Lola called, her voice faint.

Once the food was on the table, Ivy did something unusual. She beckoned Lola from the kitchen, where she usually ate, saying, "Lola, come sit by Mom." She smiled and offered Lola some food. "Here, Lola, have some."

Before Lola could settle, Ivy stated, "You don't have to sweep the streets anymore. I've found you a new job. Starting tomorrow, you'll be working at Pleasure Bar."

Xander added, "Pleasure Bar has food, lodging, and uniforms. It's a great opportunity. Just give them your mother's bank card number. We'll save the money for you."

Lola froze, her face falling. It wasn't the money—she'd never cared, especially since her parents had always promised to save for her, but she'd never seen any proof. What terrified her was the job.

She had cleaned there before and knew what it was like: frequent fights, scantily clad women assisting intoxicated patrons, and the sordid activities within. She recalled a previous encounter where men had groped her. The memory haunted her, making even walking down that street unbearable.

"I—I don't want to…" Lola stammered, twisting her shirt hem, anxiety etched on her face.

Ivy, unprepared for Lola's refusal, slapped her across the face, knocking her and her chair over with a loud crash. "You think you have a choice? I raised you, not for you to freeload! I've already spoken to the manager, and you start tomorrow!"

Ivy examined Lola's stinging cheek. "The manager sees her tomorrow; now she'll show up swollen."

Ivy seemed annoyed at this oversight. There was no way she was going to waste a perfectly good cream to reduce the swelling.

"Dason and Rai," Xander sighed.

Lola glared at Ivy, but without further objection, took her seat. The sight of Lola, meek and pathetic, only fueled Ivy's anger. Without thinking, she struck Lola hard on the back, sending her flying onto the table. Food spilled, plates shattered.

Lola's face paled, tears welling. She pleaded, "Mom, I—I didn't mean to…"

"You useless brat! You want us all to starve?" Ivy's eyes blazed. She grabbed a stick and beat Lola. "How dare you? I raised you, and this is how you repay me? I'll beat you to death!"

The apartment building's poor soundproofing allowed Ivy's shrill voice to carry. "The Maxwells are at it again, beating that poor kid," one neighbor remarked. "Lola's such a good girl. She earns money and does all the housework—she's way better than their son." Another sighed, "Oh, the Maxwells are too much…" Several neighbors shook their heads in disapproval.

Roland, distracted by honking, spotted a Rolls-Royce Cullinan outside. "Dad, look! A Rolls-Royce Cullinan! I've only seen it on TV!" He pressed his face against the glass. "It's real! And a McLaren, a Bugatti… so many!"

A convoy of luxury cars paraded down their street. After his initial shock, he frowned. "Are they lost?" This was the most dilapidated street in Kellynobia—no one important would be here.

Xander peered out, confidently stating, "They're just passing through."