Chapter 79: Whose Fingerprints?
Seiren was stunned yet overjoyed by Deborah’s words. She was, after all, just a humble servant, and even before that, an ordinary village girl. Growing up, she hadn’t had the chance to read much, as her mother prioritized her brother’s education. Poverty had pushed her to the edge, compelling her to move to the city in search of work. A year ago, when the Quixall family announced they were hiring, she seized the opportunity and applied. She didn’t make it past the initial interview rounds, and just as she was about to be disqualified, Deborah intervened. Despite facing objections from others, the kind-hearted Deborah insisted on giving her a chance because she bore an uncanny, though unidentifiable, resemblance to Yelena. This unexpected opportunity gave her a means to support herself.
Seiren’s heart was filled with warmth as she said, “Mrs. Quixall, I don’t think I’m worthy of being your goddaughter due to my lack of knowledge. But if you were to ask, I’d gladly dedicate my life to serving the Quixall family.”
Deborah gently tapped the bridge of her nose and chuckled. “What a silly girl you are.” As she leaned in closer, her eyes caught a faint red mark on Seiren’s neck. The mark was so subtle that it seemed to disappear with the slightest movement. Deborah paused for a moment. “Seiren, are you having an allergic reaction?”
“Huh?” Following her gaze, Seiren quickly pulled up her collar. “No, I’m not!” She clutched at her collar with one hand, pulling the blanket with the other, as if trying to completely cocoon herself.
Deborah’s tone suddenly turned firm. “Don’t block my view. Let me see!” She gently pulled Seiren’s hand away from the collar and saw a vivid imprint of fingers on Seiren’s neck. Shocked, Deborah took a step back, her words stumbling. “S–Seiren, what happened to your neck?”
Seiren began to sob, her voice trembling. “I… I…”
“Of course, it was Caleb who did it.” Raquel stood in the doorway, her expression cold and unnerving. She fixed her gaze on Seiren, her voice devoid of warmth, almost like a sinister whisper. “Seiren, tell me, am I wrong?”
Seiren gritted her teeth, frustration bubbling within her. It’s Raquel again. She’s here to threaten me after realizing that her misdeeds are about to be exposed!
After enduring silence for so long, Seiren could bear it no longer. But just as she was about to speak, Raquel swiftly moved toward her, whispering something into her ear. In an instant, her face turned deathly pale.
Deborah, puzzled by the exchange, asked, “Raquel, what’s going on here?”
Raquel gently patted Seiren’s back and replied smoothly, “Mrs. Quixall, I heard from a professional doctor that frequent coughing is a sign of weak lungs. It’s important to help regulate the patient’s breathing. Otherwise, the buildup of gas in the body could lead to complications.”
Deborah nodded in sudden understanding. “Ah, I see! Seiren, you should spend more time with Raquel. She’s experienced and can help you take better care of your health!”
Seiren nodded—in humiliation. “Understood, Mrs. Quixall. I’ll make sure to seek more guidance from Ms. Levinson in the future.”
Though she felt a twinge of dissatisfaction with the form of address, Raquel chose to remain silent. As long as the truth stayed buried, she was willing to overlook minor irritations. Deborah observed the exchange with a warm smile, feeling deeply gratified. Seiren had a somewhat insecure personality, so it was great that someone was willing to help her.
After a brief pause, Deborah turned to Raquel and asked, “Raquel, what did you just say? Whose fingerprints are on Seiren’s neck?” Perhaps her advancing age was catching up with her, as she hadn’t quite caught the earlier remark.