Chapter 28

Ivy’s face flushed crimson with anger. Storming forward, she shrieked, spittle flying, “Mind your own business! Who the hell do you think you are to tell me what to do?”

Sophia shot her a disgusted look. “And who the hell do you think you are? I’ll say whatever I damn well please, and you can’t stop me!”

Ivy, momentarily stunned, cursed. “You sharp-tongued bitch!”

“Look who’s talking—an angry, bitter, middle-aged hag,” Sophia retorted.

It suddenly dawned on Sophia that Ivy was solely after money. She had constantly beaten and berated Lola, and now had the audacity to ask her brother for cash.

Ivy, livid, her face contorted with rage, lunged. “I’ll tear that filthy mouth of yours apart!”

“Enough!” Xander grabbed Ivy, wanting to avoid a further scene in front of the neighbors. With an ingratiating grin, he turned to Daxon. “Mr. Harrison, we’ve raised Lola all these years. Even if we didn’t do a perfect job, we’ve invested time and effort. You can’t just take her away without…”

He couldn’t finish. Daxon’s cold stare silenced him, leaving him breathless.

Ivy’s screeching grated on Daxon’s nerves, bringing a frown to his face. He rubbed his temples, too weary to argue. “We’ll handle this through the courts,” he said, his voice clipped. He’d find out what he needed to know soon enough.

Turning to the tearful girl in his arms, he softened. “Lola, would you like to pack your things and leave?”

Lola glanced uncertainly at Ivy, hesitation in her eyes. “Can we really leave? Are we really allowed to go? Mom said we couldn’t.” What if we can’t? she thought.

“Of course we can. Trust me,” Daxon said reassuringly, his voice surprisingly gentle.

He offered his hand. After a moment, Lola cautiously placed hers in his.

Daxon’s voice was low and steady in Lola’s ear. “The truth is obvious. Look at all those people outside; they’ve seen everything, and they can testify.”

Lola glanced at the lingering crowd. For the first time in a long while, a smile crept onto her face. Some people were on her side. They hadn’t intervened before, believing Lola to be Ivy’s daughter, and hesitant to interfere. Now, seeing her leaving with her brother, they were genuinely happy for her.

“Hold it right there!” Ivy spread her arms, blocking the doorway.

The bodyguards stepped forward, but Ivy screamed, grabbing one. “Murder! Someone help—”

Quickly, Harry slapped a hand over her mouth, flashing a charming smile at Daxon. “Mr. Harrison, proceed with Miss Harrison. Leave the rest to us.”

Xander recoiled, sweat beading on his forehead as the bodyguards closed in. Panic filled his voice. “W–What do you want? You think you can just kill me with so many people watching?!”

Even the neighbors were panicking, clutching their phones. They disliked Xander and Ivy—who could tolerate the way they exploited their daughter?—but did they deserve to die?

Harry released Ivy, casually wiping his hand. Flashing another reassuring smile, he addressed the onlookers. “No need to worry. They’re just…overwrought. We’re taking other measures.”

He had the bodyguards set up a table and stack of paper. A man sat ready to take notes. Still smiling, Harry said, “I’m sure everyone here has a pretty good idea of Miss Harrison’s life here. If you’re willing to give a statement, we’d appreciate it. A $2,000 compensation will be provided.”

The crowd was stunned. They’re seriously gathering evidence already? they thought. This isn’t just for show.

Fear flickered in Ivy’s eyes. Gone was her haughty attitude. “I raised Lola for over ten years! I’m her foster mother, and we have a bond. Lola loves me. If she finds out about this, she’ll blame you!”

She’d yanked Lola from school before middle school, sent her to work, and never let her keep any earnings. Any workplace mistreatment was vented on Lola. The girl’s cries had brought the police multiple times. All that was on record. Ivy knew she stood no chance in court. Seeing how Lola’s brother was handling things, Ivy didn't want to burn bridges, as they hadn’t gotten any money from him yet.

Harry’s smile didn’t falter. “So, who did you buy Miss Harrison from?”

Someone stepped forward to give testimony.

Ivy bit her lip, refusing to speak at first, but the mounting evidence broke her down. “Fine, I’ll tell you everything…”

Harry calmly recorded.

Ivy wrung her shirt nervously. “I don’t know his real name. Everyone called him Alex. It’s been so long, I don’t remember what he looked like. But…I still have his number.”

Harry noted everything.

Ivy looked at him hopefully. “Can we stop this? Lola used to love my roasted lamb. I can visit her sometimes, right? She’ll be happy to see me.”

Xander chimed in. “And Roland, Lola adored him. She always saved him her favorite food. Roland’s still a kid, and Lola wouldn’t want her little brother to have parents with a criminal record.”

Harry chuckled, his cold sound like a bucket of ice water. “Mr. Harrison gave you a chance. You blew it.” He hadn’t promised them anything. From what he’d gathered, Lola couldn’t wait to escape them. No fond memories there.

At Crawford Mansion, Aurora slept in, enjoying the weekend. She drew back the curtains, letting golden sunlight flood the room. From her second-floor window, she viewed the vibrant gardens. Everything felt alive and bright. Aurora smiled, feeling lighter. Without anyone annoying her, even the air seemed fresher.

At breakfast, the maid, Emma Watts, asked, “Ms. Aurora, Ms. Maura is still in the hospital. Shouldn’t you visit?” Yesterday, Mrs. Crawford received a call about Ms. Maura falling into the water. A whole night has passed, and Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are still at the hospital. Shouldn’t Ms. Aurora visit? Emma thought.

Aurora leisurely dabbed her lips. “Well, I suppose I should pay my poor sister a visit.” She’d even stop at a flower shop on the way.