Chapter 214: Novel Drama

Lanny, though puzzled, remained focused on finding the old woman. He'd searched nearly a dozen city nursing homes after learning she'd been placed in one; this was his last stop. If unsuccessful, he planned to expand his search to the neighboring city.

However, the nursing home proved vigilant. To avoid suspicion, Lanny didn't show her photo. Instead, he conversed with residents in the garden, hoping to build rapport and gain entry. After spending the afternoon talking to an elderly man, he befriended him.

At 4:00 p.m., when the man returned to his room, Lanny seized the opportunity, pretending to accompany him. Cautious about being discovered, he discreetly navigated the corridors, peeking into rooms. Starting on the fifth floor, he worked his way down. But on the fourth floor, he encountered a nurse and two security guards.

Feeling uneasy, Lanny avoided the nurse's gaze and politely asked, "Is there something I can assist you with, miss?"

The nurse eyed him warily and turned to the guards, declaring, "It's him—the individual caught on surveillance cameras. There's no record of his visits. Remove him immediately."

Two large security guards flanked Lanny and escorted him out. "It's a misunderstanding! I just needed the restroom. I didn't mean any trouble," he pleaded, but the guards remained unmoved, ejecting him and closing the gates. Outside, Lanny paced. "Damn it," he muttered. "Just a few floors left." Frustration gnawed at him as he trudged home.

Entering the living room, he saw Glenda and Mabel displaying their shopping spree on the table and sofa. "Mom, look at this dress! It's stunning," Mabel exclaimed, holding it up.

"Gorgeous," Glenda replied. "And look at this necklace—perfect with your dress. Isn't it stunning?" She revealed a necklace from its box.

Mabel accepted it delightedly. "Mom, when did you get this? It's perfect!"

Lanny noticed a receipt on the floor. Seeing the necklace's price tag—over $100,000—he grabbed Glenda's hair. "You've been partying on my money while I slave away! How dare you spend over a hundred thousand dollars on a necklace?"

Glenda shrieked, anguish etched on her face. "Are you out of your mind? Let go!"

Terrified, Mabel dropped the dress and frantically tried to calm Lanny. "Dad, what's wrong? Let go of Mom!"

Lanny's rage simmered, fueled by their spending. He released Glenda forcefully, crumpling the receipt and throwing it at her.

Mabel defended her mother. "Dad, you've gone too far! What did Mom do? We're your family! Why are you doing this?"

Mabel's defiance enraged Lanny further, recalling her previous captivity. He struck her across the face. "Who do you think you are? You squander our money and offer nothing in return. You're worse than your sister."

Enraged, Mabel seethed. "I know you blame me for spending, but I won't sell myself like my sister for your gain!"

"How dare you speak to your father like that!" Glenda interjected.

Pushing Glenda aside, Mabel retorted, "I'll make it big in entertainment. I'll get an agent and a job. And when I'm rich, you'll apologize for hitting me."

Lanny remained resolute. Even if she succeeded, she'd still answer to him. "I hope so," he said, fixing Glenda with a steely glare. "Come to the room with—" (The passage ends abruptly here.)