Chapter 671

Thalia was annoyed. "I don't have time. Eric's school has a contest tomorrow, and I need to be there to cheer him on."

Daisy replied, "Oh, I see. Then what about the day after tomorrow? Surely you'll have time then!" Daisy giggled, linked arms with Thalia, and said, "I'll pick you up in the morning. It's settled then! Aunt Thalia, no backing out!" She quickly slipped away, giving Thalia no chance to refuse. Jeffrey often used the same tactic, and it almost always worked.

But Thalia wasn't falling for it. She replied coldly, "I'm busy the day after tomorrow, too. Go have fun on your own."

"Aunt Thalia…" Daisy's eyes darted around, and she remembered today's news. Affecting a concerned expression, she said, "Aunt Thalia, we're going to Sanctuary Mountain. Wouldn't you like to make a wish for Tiffany? What if the news is true, and she's abandoned after her wedding?"

Thalia remained silent. This struck a nerve; no mother would wish harm on her daughter. Finally, she conceded, "Fine."

Daisy smiled. "I'll pick you up first thing in the morning!"

Having fulfilled her father's request, Daisy left, feeling pleased.

After she left, a maid whispered cautiously, "Mrs. Kelley, why do your family members behave this way? They're very manipulative." They weren't just manipulative; they were forcing people into corners. Their domineering approach left Thalia with no choice.

Thalia shook her head, her expression clouded with annoyance.

That evening, Tiffany, lounging on a chaise after her bath and applying hand cream, received a message from June: "[Ms. Kelley, Daisy has invited your mother to hike Sanctuary Mountain the day after tomorrow.]"

Sanctuary Mountain was reputed to be Lovell City's most spiritually potent place. This attracted many visitors. However, the climb was challenging, and not everyone reached the top. Jeffrey was clearly up to something. Tiffany replied: "[Keep watch.]" June replied: "[Understood!]"

Chapter 671

The next day, Eric's school held a large sports contest. Tiffany attended. In the bustling arena, Eric, small for his age, stood out. Having skipped a grade, he was much younger than his classmates. Yet, he was a favorite. When he struggled in a race, a tall boy carried him on his back while others cheered. They treated him like a younger brother.

Tiffany chuckled, and when Eric glanced at her eagerly, she gave him an encouraging thumbs-up. The contest lasted all day.

At the end, Thalia suggested Tiffany come home with them, but Tiffany, knowing Jeffrey's plans for the next day, declined with a different excuse. Staying home would hinder Jeffrey. However, Tiffany's refusal worried Thalia, who resolved to go to Sanctuary Mountain.

The next day, Daisy arrived alone at Cedar Ridge Villa at dawn. Thalia, an early riser, joined her, and they set off.

At the foot of Sanctuary Mountain, the parking lot was nearly empty. The place felt desolate.

Daisy smiled brightly. "Aunt Thalia, let's start climbing!"

"Alright," Thalia nodded, and they began ascending the stone steps.

After climbing for a while, Thalia asked, "Daisy, why are we hiking today? I remember you hate this."

Daisy pouted. It was her father's idea; otherwise, she wouldn't be missing her sleep. She replied, "I've heard people make wishes here. It's miraculous, so I wanted to make a wish, too."

The excuse was plausible, and Thalia didn't press further. Breathing heavily, she continued climbing, determined to reach the top and make a wish for her daughter's well-being.

Thalia didn't notice Daisy glancing at her phone with a smug expression. Daisy then plopped onto the steps, complaining, "I can't go any farther, Aunt Thalia."

"We're only halfway," Thalia said.

"You go on. I really can't make it."

"Alright." Thalia didn't think much of it.

Thalia climbed the rest of the way alone.

Chapter 671

At first, she passed a few hikers, but as a light mist rose, she found herself alone. Exhausted, she leaned against a tree, gasping for air. The summit wasn't far, and Thalia pushed forward. However, a trap awaited her.

Jeffrey hid in the branches above. He hadn't told Daisy the real reason, fearing she'd reveal it. He wore rubber gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. He waited for Thalia to reach the summit and planned to push her off.

He'd been there since before dawn. He smirked as Thalia's silhouette appeared through the mist. He thought, "Finally, she's here!"

Bent over with fatigue, Thalia looked joyful. At the summit, the sacred spring gleamed, shrouded in mist. Thalia clasped her hands, closed her eyes, and whispered her wish.

Hiding in the tree, Jeffrey smirked. He leaped down. The sound startled Thalia, but before she could react, he struck her. Her scream echoed as she plummeted. Jeffrey thought triumphantly, "It's done!"

He was about to leave when a gust of wind dispersed the mist. The wind surged toward Thalia, who was falling. Seconds later, Thalia, whom Jeffrey had just pushed, stood firmly on the ground. Tiffany had caught her.