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.

beneath the bridge, but the

he be searching for his son? In his mental state,

away, Lacey suddenly spotted the old man sitting on the bridge steps, watching

seemed weathered beyond his years, cloudy like those

crouched before him. "Sir, have you found

old man simply shook his head,

she asked, "Do you remember

vacant eyes,

what I hear. How will you ever find him this way? Perhaps your son isn't

old man shook his head more vigorously. "No, my son is

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

old man blinked twice, showing a spark

let me

some hesitation,

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

he emerged clean and dressed in fresh clothes, Lacey had finished cooking. She studied him carefully

clothes, he looked completely different. He had regular features he

served him rice, she asked, "Do you remember

son, the old man stopped eating, his expression

might be missing out on the complete story. Head

with eyes this big, and when he smiles,

"I understand. Please eat

old clothes to

afternoon nap, she carried the bundle of clothes

saw it

she picked it up and examined

photo of the old man's son had been in his clothes all along. In his confused state, he'd forgotten

was standing by the window, gazing outside

mental confusion and forgotten

returning it to him, then

know how long he'd been living rough, but locals said he'd been searching for

Lacey left the room and headed out with

she successfully negotiated the deal with the person in

man, the line

you're too kind," Jason

negotiation and invited him to celebrate

special dinner she planned to