Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 299 Taking in the Elderly

After searching around the restaurant and nearby streets without finding the old man, Jason and Lacey asked passersby and local shopkeepers about him.

Many recognized the disheveled Harmonian elder, saying he'd been in the area for quite some time. Some had tried to help him, learning he was searching for his son. Due to his mental confusion, he couldn't provide his son's name or whereabouts, though people mentioned seeing him with a photo of a Harmonian boy about ten years old.

Unable to locate him, they eventually gave up the search.

As Jason walked Lacey back to her accommodation, he remained unusually quiet. "Do you know that old man?" she finally asked.

After a long pause, Jason replied, "No."

Lacey trusted her intuition, though. Jason's reaction to the old man seemed strange not like how one would respond to a stranger. He was typically compassionate, yet his coldness toward the poor old man seemed out of character.

What connection could he possibly have with the old man? And if there was one, why would he deny knowing him? These questions remained unanswered.

After dropping Lacey off, Jason left.

Back at her apartment, just after showering and getting into bed, Lacey received a call from Richard.

"I'm sorry I haven't had time to discuss the business matters yet," she apologized before Richard could speak.

She always took her work seriously, never treating her position differently because her boss was her brother.

To her surprise, Richard said there was no rush and asked if she'd met Jason.

When she confirmed she had, Richard laughed. "Good. Don't worry bout work; enjoy yourself first."

Lacey understood Richard had ulterior motives in sending her here, but she always kept her professional and personal lives separate, maintaining her composure and rationality at work.

"I'm not that unreliable. Don't worry, I'll take care of business tomorrow," she assured him.

"I want you to be happy," Richard said. "Nothing is more important than your happiness."

Lacey felt touched. Richard rarely expressed such sentiments to her. Though she always knew he cared for her, he had never stated it so directly.

His growing ability to express himself showed he had matured and understood the value of family bonds.

The next morning, Lacey left with her prepared documents, intending to finalize the contract her primary reason for coming abroad.

Passing the overpass where they'd encountered the old man the previous night, she thought about him again and paused.

beggars sat beneath the bridge, but the old man wasn't among

In his

old man sitting on the bridge steps, watching people pass

to be in his fifties, but his eyes seemed weathered beyond his years,

crouched before him. "Sir, have you

man simply shook his head, wringing his hands

"Do you remember me? We

vacant eyes, giving no indication whether

long time, from what I hear. How will you ever find him this way? Perhaps your

"No, my son is here. My son has made

but concerned about his welfare, Lacey said, "Sir, I'm from Harmonia too.

man blinked twice, showing a spark of excitement. "Really? You'll help find my

rush. First, let me find you somewhere to stay, then we'll search properly.

hesitation, he

him to her apartment building and rented the single room next door for him. She bought him new clothes and toiletries, and while he

dressed in fresh clothes, Lacey had finished cooking. She studied him carefully as she set out

his face clean and wearing decent clothes, he looked completely different. He had

"Do you remember what your

old man stopped eating, his expression softening

there! Just a friendly reminder that if you're not reading this book on nel5s.com, you might be missing out on

with eyes this big, and when he smiles, it's like this," he explained, setting

picture but smiled awkwardly. "I understand. Please eat

meal, she washed the dishes and gathered his old clothes to throw away, as

bundle of clothes toward

she saw it

it up and examined

along. In his confused state, he'd forgotten where he'd put it,

who instead of resting was standing by the

bond was rooted in his soul. Despite his mental confusion and forgotten memories, his

than returning it to him, then prepared

he'd been searching for some time. He likely hadn't enjoyed a comfortable

the room

with the person in charge. Leaving the building, she called Jason from

told him she'd taken in the old man, the

I just think you're too kind," Jason

successful contract negotiation and invited him to

special dinner she planned