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.

few raggedly dressed beggars sat beneath the bridge, but

could he be searching for his son? In his mental state, how long would it

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

weathered beyond his years,

him. "Sir,

shook his head, wringing his hands

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

vacant eyes, giving no indication

long time, from what I hear. How will you ever find him this way? Perhaps your son isn't even here

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

couldn't reason with him, but concerned about his welfare, Lacey said, "Sir, I'm from Harmonia too. If you trust me, I can help you search for your son.

a spark of excitement. "Really? You'll help find

"Yes, but we can't rush. First, let me find you somewhere to stay, then we'll search properly. Is

some hesitation,

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

in fresh clothes, Lacey had finished cooking. She studied

clean and wearing decent clothes, he looked completely different. He had regular features he must have been quite

him rice, she asked, "Do you

son, the old man stopped eating, his

might be missing out

this tall, with eyes this big, and when he smiles,

smiled awkwardly. "I

clothes to throw

the bundle

she saw it was

and examined it,

man's son had been in his clothes all along. In his confused state, he'd forgotten where he'd put it, causing the distress they'd witnessed the previous

standing by the window, gazing outside with longing, nostalgia, and sadness in

in his soul. Despite his mental confusion and forgotten memories, his yearning for his son remained

kept the photo rather than returning it to him, then prepared his bed and encouraged him to

rough, but locals said he'd been searching for some time. He likely hadn't enjoyed a comfortable bed in

eyes, Lacey left the room and headed out with her

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

man, the line went silent for a long moment. "What's wrong?" she

just think you're

her successful contract negotiation and invited him

special dinner she planned