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.

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

searching for his son? In his mental state, how

suddenly spotted the old man sitting on

but his eyes seemed weathered beyond

and crouched before him. "Sir,

simply shook his head, wringing his

sympathy, she asked, "Do you remember me? We met last

vacant eyes,

long time, from what I hear. How will you ever find

my son

welfare, Lacey said, "Sir, I'm from Harmonia too. If you trust me, I can help

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

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

some hesitation,

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

finished cooking. She studied him carefully as she set out

he looked completely different. He had regular features he must have been quite handsome in

rice, she asked, "Do you remember

of his son, the old man

be missing out on the complete story. Head over there to dive into the

eyes this big, and when he smiles, it's like this," he explained, setting down his utensils to

a clear picture but smiled awkwardly. "I understand. Please

washed the dishes and gathered his old clothes to

carried the bundle of clothes toward the door

down, she saw

she picked it up and examined it, then stared in

his confused state,

man, who instead of resting was standing by

bond was rooted in his soul. Despite his mental confusion

the photo rather than returning it to him, then

how long he'd been living rough, but locals said he'd been searching for some time. He likely

left the room and headed out with her contract

the deal with the person in charge. Leaving the building,

told him she'd taken in the old man, the line went silent for a long moment. "What's wrong?"

you're too

contract negotiation and

she planned