Ch. 1971..1980

Chapter 1971

Chapter 1971

Seamus' roar jolted Fat Jim.

He felt fortunate they were communicating over the phone. He firmly believed Seamus would have no qualms shooting him dead if they were face to face.

"Calm down, Mr. Seamus," he said, falling into a momentary silence before taking a deep breath. "After all, didn't you bring this upon yourself?"

"What did you say?" Seamus gnashed his teeth.

"I've never seen anyone failing to win a woman's heart so hard!" Fat Jim remarked.

"Shut up!" Seamus bellowed, smashing his phone against the wall.

The other two bodyguards exchanged glances before retreating carefully, closing the door.

Despite not being a smoker, Seamus lit a cigarette and took a long puff as he found himself alone in the house.

Memories played in his head.

In Centrolis, at the Hamertons, no matter where they were, Persephone had always been his most loyal knight.

However, he understood the gap in their status. He was destined to look up to her and protect her from beneath, never standing shoulder to shoulder with her.

She would cease to be the prestigious princess if he pulled her into his world. Would they be together forever if that happened?

As he continued to smoke, a ferocious grin spread across his face. He laughed louder and louder, seemingly suppressing the rumbling dark clouds in the sky. He would destroy her and remove her sophisticated facade for people to humiliate and trample on her. And then, he would piece her back together.

By then, he would be the only person who loved her!

"Let me go!" Persephone screamed while struggling. "What are you doing?!"

George remained unfazed. He gripped her wrist with his slender arm and turned around to stare at her. "Shut your mouth!"

Persephone took a sharp breath. Her mind was blank, but she tried to think fast. What should she do? How would she escape if this man had ill intentions?

She had been to this tiny store with Morpheus before. George knew her!

Persephone decided to talk him out of it and said in a low voice, "I called before, I..."

George led her through a dimly lit tunnel, navigating numerous twists and turns until they reached a room. "We're here."

Persephone was surprised to discover a whole new world within the small and rundown store. As she glanced around, the place resembled a shelter connected to the store. George gestured for her to open the door.

Despite her nervousness, she forced herself to remain calm.

A shudder ran through her the moment her trembling hand touched the handle.

The room was compact, only accommodating a bed and a cabinet. She couldn't contain her exclamation upon entering.

On the bed lay a person, his status uncertain, with no one aware if he was still alive.

She was taken aback and stepped a few paces back, disturbed by the murky air and dim lighting. The lingering scent of blood in the air heightened her unease.

"He's your friend. Don't you recognize him?" George asked hoarsely.

Persephone felt a surge of fear. She suppressed her racing heart and approached the figure, feeling the wall for support.

"It's..." She was astonished. "Ryan!"

It was as if lightning had struck her, rendering her chaotic mind momentarily blank.

Wasn't Ryan the traitor Seamus had spoken about? Hadn't he claimed to have dealt with him?

Chapter 1972

Chapter 1972

"Water..."

Ryan managed to open his mouth with great difficulty. His eyes were swollen, and there was only a narrow line when he opened them. Evidently, he struggled to identify the person present, but his efforts were in vain.

He had lost his mobility and lay in wait for death, surviving solely on his will.

Persephone gazed helplessly at George.

George's face was devoid of expression. He walked to the cabinet, poured a glass of water, sat next to the bed, and lifted Ryan's head to feed him with care.

George's face showed no expression as he walked to the cabinet, poured a glass of water, sat next to the bed, and carefully lifted Ryan's head to feed him.

Having felt his grip on her wrist earlier, Persephone was well aware of his strength.

Despite this, he fed Ryan water with gentleness.

Standing there, Persephone felt overwhelmed. It seemed like she had entered another maze, unsure if George was a friend or foe to Ryan. It appeared she might be stuck in this maze forever. She wrapped her arms around her head and cried. She then turned around and ran outside.

Unexpectedly, she collided with someone...

The chest she hit was warm, and the eyes that met hers were like stars she would never forget.

The man stared at her in disbelief due to her sudden appearance.

Persephone froze.

Like a giant snowball, she was hit with a mix of sadness, fear, and great joy. Her lips moved after an indeterminate duration, and a shaky, soft voice echoed. "Morpheus..."

Tears poured from her eyes.

He said nothing, just spread his arms and hugged her tightly as if he had found a lost treasure.

Behind the store was a tiny courtyard with a tall banyan tree in the middle and lush leaves filling the place.

Morpheus handed Persephone a cup of hot vanilla-flavored coffee, a taste she had fallen in love with since moving there. Holding the mug, she felt like she was in a refuge, incredibly safe sitting next to him.

"I found him at Fat Jim's," he said softly. "I'm guessing he ran away. He was terribly wounded, and he lost a kidney. He couldn't run far and was still in Fat Jim's territory."

Her heart squeezed. "He lost a... kidney?"

"Yes," he replied, looking at her. "Illegal organ trade is rampant here. Your friend is healthy. Naturally, Fat Jim wouldn't let him go."

She gripped the mug tightly.

"He was dying when I found him," he added. "But I was still wounded, so I couldn't save him. Someone else did."

"Who was it?"

"Bailey Neale."

Morpheus mentioned a name she had never heard before.

"Is it a woman?" she asked.

He shook his head, smiling.

Morpheus had never met Bailey. All he knew was that she was the woman of the most powerful kingpin in the north city of Flinge.

The south and the north never interfered with each other's business.

"I wonder why Bailey did that," Morpheus said lightly. "But I believe she has her reason to send Ryan here.

"No matter what, we must nurse this guy back to health." He looked at her. "Sephy, what's your relationship with... him?"

Chapter 1973

Chapter 1973

Persephone felt a pang in her heart, and her throat seemed tangled. She moved her lips, but no words escaped.

Blankly, she stared at Morpheus.

As for how much he knew about her identity, she couldn't be certain. Despite his suspicious tone, it was unlikely he possessed extensive knowledge.

Morpheus forced a smile. "After all this time, I still don't truly know who you are, Sephy.

"At the same time..." He gazed into her eyes. "You don't know me either."

She lowered her head, letting the breeze caress her.

"It was your cousin who did all this," he said, his words light but hitting her like a hammer.

She eagerly wanted to tell him that Seamus wasn't her cousin-she was the Hamertons' heiress, and he had been her loyal bodyguard since youth. How could he possibly harm her?

Like a curse, the question lingered for a long time. From the two strangers on the boat to the received notes, she felt like she had entered a maze. However, signs along the way always seemed to point at someone-Seamus.

She dared not believe it, nor was she willing to.

However, her last hope was shattered when Morpheus revealed it.

"No!" She stood up in agitation, her voice trembling. "I-I must go home now. I need to find out if he's responsible!"

"Do you still trust him?" He also got up, towering over her but suppressing his presence. "Sephy, I can't be certain if he's your cousin. Maybe... He's just the person closest to you?

"But that man..."

After a momentary pause, he continued with slight difficulty. "The man inside kept insisting that Seamus was a traitor when he was delirious!"

Persephone's heart raced as if threatening to burst out of her chest.

"I almost died in the boxing ring!" He uttered each word through clenched teeth. "Do you know why?

"I've never taken illegal drugs. But upon learning you'd be at the arena, I couldn't bear the thought of you seeing me lose to my overpowering opponent. So, I took the drug Fat Jim offered me. "It wasn't the drug that pumped me up!" He scoffed. "It was sleeping pills!"

Persephone's eyes widened, a ringing echoing in her head.

"I almost lost my life because of that! Wynn told me if someone didn't bail me out, I would have really died."

"S-Someone..." She stammered, asking, "W-Who was it?"

"Bailey."

It was the second time she heard him mention that name.

"Why did Bailey save you?" Unease filled her. "And why did she save... Ryan? Could it be that she's trying to persuade you guys to join the gang in the north?"

"I don't know." Morpheus shook his head. That also confused him, as he had only heard of Bailey-they had never met. "But I have a feeling she seems to be watching us in the dark." "Morpheus..."

"I can't be bothered about that now." He looked at her and continued. "I talked to Fat Jim as soon as I got better. He didn't tell me the truth. I heard from others that someone approached him before he gave me the pills. The person wanted me dead!"

Persephone felt horrified. "Is that person... Seamus?"

Morpheus kept quiet, but his silence seemed to tell her everything.

Persephone took two steps back, feeling weak, as if her soul had been sucked out of her body.

She no longer knew whom to trust!

Chapter 1974

Chapter 1974

Should Persephone trust Morpheus, Seamus, or Ryan?

Or should she trust those notes that came out of nowhere?

"Wynn brought me medicine earlier," Morpheus said softly. "He said the prescription came from you, and it was Seamus who gave it to him." Persephone recalled the medicine that had gone missing from the kitchen cabinet.

A squeeze in her heart made her ask, "Did you... take it?"

"No," Morpheus said. "People learn their lesson. I almost died in the boxing ring, so I became more careful with what I put in my mouth."

Persephone felt relief at his words, tears welling up.

Despite knowing something was wrong with the medicine, Seamus gave it to Wynn anyway. Not only that, but he also did it in her name. Perhaps he thought Morpheus would consume the medicine without a doubt since it came from her.

'So... None of those were accidents, and Seamus is the one who orchestrated everything? Is he the one involved in all the horrible things that have happened?' she wondered.

Her chest tightened, pain radiating from her bones to her whole body.

After some time, Morpheus suddenly held her hands.

Persephone was stunned, and she saw his gentle eyes when she looked up.

"Tell me where your home is," he said softly.

"What?"

"I'll send you home."

She looked at him in silence. The sun lit on her face, reflecting the sadness and helplessness in her eyes. She shut her eyes, stubborn tears finally falling slowly on her cheeks.

Suddenly, she was overwhelmed by the warmth on her lips, sending her mind blank.

Morpheus kissed her passionately and hugged her tightly as if he were hugging a treasure he had lost and found.

However, the kiss felt like an eternal farewell.

He only let her go when she was losing her breath. Unwillingness filled his eyes.

"Morpheus..."

"You irritated me in the beginning," he said, wearing a smile. "You were arrogant and couldn't even clean. You depended on me for everything. I used to live alone, and I wasn't used to taking care of someone, nor did I have the patience."

She looked down and chuckled.

"But I became willing to do all that."

"Why?" she asked.

Morpheus shook his head in all honesty. He did not have the answer to that. Perhaps love was not meant to be understood.

"But I know we just... can't be."

His voice got softer and softer while the light in Persephone's eyes dimmed.

"I'm just telling the truth. We belong to different worlds," he said while looking at her. "But Sephy, I'll try my best to protect you. I'll bring you home and send you to your family." "Okay." She nodded and leaned on his muscular chest.

She thought, 'Perhaps I might never fall in love with anyone else in this life.'

However, she must figure out Seamus' true colors before leaving. If he was a dangerous man, wouldn't it be ill for him to be staying dormant in the Hamertons?

Persephone recalled something. "Oh, right! Morpheus, I kept receiving strange notes earlier... Do you think it has something to do with that Ms. Neale?"

Chapter 1975

Chapter 1975

How Morpheus wished he could answer Persephone's question, but he just couldn't.

He had never even seen what Bailey looked like, nor did he know if she were a friend or a foe.

The only thing he was sure of was that he would do his best to protect Persephone.

Morpheus took out his phone. "Here, take it."

In this time and age when everyone had a smartphone, this one seemed unusually ancient. She had never seen anything like that.

"What's this..."

"It's a phone. You can only make calls and text with it," he explained. "It has very few functions, but it has advantages whereby people can't easily bug it."

He had used this on the battlefield before.

"There's only one number saved in there-mine." He looked at her before adding, "Call me if anything happens when you get back."

As soon as Persephone returned, she saw Seamus sitting on the couch in the living room.

The lights were dimmed, and she could not see him clearly. However, his grimness spread like alcohol in the air, lingering around her.

She calmed down and walked straight to the kitchen. Soon, the fragrance of herbs wafted.

Persephone finally saw him clearly when she arrived before him with a bowl of medicinal soup.

Seamus was stunned while a hint of ruthlessness flashed past his eyes.

She smiled and handed him the soup. "Eat."

He did not take the bowl.

The soup was hot, but his eyes were cold.

"Why?" She said softly, "You're not eating the soup I made for you?"

"Where did you go today, miss? I was worried."

Persephone ignored him and put the bowl on the table.

Catherine happened to come, wiping surfaces with a rag in her hand.

Like a plague, silence spread from the tiny living room.

"Eat it!" Catherine smiled out of nowhere. "Mr. Rutherford, it's rare that she cooks! You've yet to recover. The soup's good for you."

"Get out!"

Seamus raised his hand and slapped the bowl onto the floor!

Persephone was startled by that.

The floor was a mess with porcelain shards. There was even a piece stuck at the back of Catherine's foot.

Persephone went looking for cotton wool when she snapped back to her senses.

Catherine stopped her with a smile. "I'm old and useless to fail to dodge a shard."

"Seamus!" Persephone glared at him. "You hurt Granny Catherine! How-"

"Calm down, miss," Catherine said slowly. "I'm alright. The pharmacy is still open. I'll get some bandages and clean the wound myself."

"Okay." Seamus said fiercely, "Leave, and don't ever come back again!"

There was a complex emotion burning in Catherine's eyes, but it faded quickly. She kept smiling as she walked out with her hunched back while limping. She seemed to be muttering. Persephone went blank as she watched.

She could not hear what Catherine was saying-all that she noticed was that Seamus was looking more and more horrible.

The commotion alarmed the other two bodyguards. However, they went back to the room when they met Seamus' glare.

Chapter 1976

Chapter 1976

Persephone was puzzled by the scene unfolding before her. Instead of serving as her bodyguards, the two men appeared more like Seamus' subordinates. After a prolonged silence, she glanced at him coldly, forced a smile, and said, "Seamus, are you so averse to trying the soup I prepared for you?"

"I've recovered, so I don't need it," he replied.

"Is it that you don't need it, or do you lack the courage to eat it?"

"Miss, you..."

Abruptly, he looked up, sensing a change in her demeanor.

Or perhaps she had always been that way.

Being a Hamerton, she was protected, but her core remained-stubbornness in adversities, the ability to discern one's intentions, and quick decision-making in times of danger... Seamus bit his lip, studying her intensely.

"I was joking," she reassured, transforming into the harmless creature she often portrayed with a smile. "Seamus, do you think the medicine I prescribed isn't up to par? I thought this might not be the correct prescription... But I can't recall what's missing or added to it.

"Forget it. Don't eat it then. We won't be able to go home if something goes wrong."

"Miss..." Unknowingly, a shiver ran down his spine.

Staring at her innocent smile, he wondered if the brief, intense glare had been an illusion.

"Speaking of prescriptions, I remembered something," she said, taking a seat beside him. "I spent some time in Southeast Aciatic when I was young, learning about medicine with my great-grandfather. We made many incorrect prescriptions, and you were always our guinea pig! Hehe..."

He forced a smile and played along.

Suddenly, Persephone reached for his hand. "It must be tough for you to stay by my side all these years, right? I have a bad temper, and I am immature and difficult. Yet, you always tolerate me. "You're more than just my attendant." She slowed down. "You're family."

Locking eyes with him, she felt as if centuries had passed in those few seconds. Emotions rapidly shifted in his gaze.

Her heart chilled as his eyes turned cold. She was certain he was no longer the person she once knew.

The human heart changed faster than the wind.

Persephone took a deep breath and chuckled. "When I was young, you told me you were willing to do anything for me. What about now? Will you still do that for me?"

"Of course," he asserted. "I'll do anything for you, miss."

"Then take me home immediately," she demanded, looking at him. "I don't want to stay here anymore."

"Alright."

"And you shouldn't have thrown a tantrum at Granny Catherine. She's old, and it's hard for her to work. She took good care of me, so I hope she can return before I leave." "Understood." Seamus responded monotonously. "I'll bring her back."

Persephone kept her phone in her pocket, with Morpheus on the line. "Seamus, are we taking the boat this time too?"

"No need," he replied. "Something went wrong twice when we attempted to travel by sea. It proves that we've been targeted." "What's the plan, then?"

"We won't travel by sea this time. We'll take the bus," he replied.

It had been a while since they were in this situation. Taking the bus felt unfamiliar to her.

From what she remembered, people wouldn't opt for the bus for long distances...

Nevertheless, she nodded obediently and smiled at him. "Okay. I'll leave it to you!"

Chapter 1977

Chapter 1977

Persephone's recent behavior had changed noticeably.

She shopped for groceries every day, even though she was not particularly skilled at it. Despite her lack of expertise, she put in her best effort. Additionally, she took care of household chores and looked after Seamus with Catherine on a daily basis.

Even though Seamus was initially taken aback and tried to dissuade her from heavy labor, Persephone seemed to derive enjoyment from these tasks.

She ensured Seamus went downstairs on time, allowing him to soak up some sun in the courtyard. Although she hadn't cared for anyone in this way before, she demonstrated thoughtfulness by bringing him water and a hat.

Concerned about his well-being, she worried that he might become thirsty and overheated, potentially slowing down the healing of his wounds.

Persephone even entertained him with jokes during their time together.

As they sat on the courtyard rocks, her jokes were as cold as the stones beneath them. Nevertheless, he enjoyed them, and she enthusiastically shared her humor. Sometimes, Seamus would quietly gaze at her.

Persephone's face bore the features of her parents, with a hint of a rebellious edge uncharacteristic of a lady-almost like a pirated version of her grandfather.

Such a remarkable person stood by his side at that moment...

A sophisticated princess cared for him, serving him like a maid...

Blood rushed to his head, and an arrogant smirk crossed his face.

Yet, it wasn't sufficient.

Seamus desired to break her, to have the most depraved man shatter her. He yearned to pull her into the filthy world he inhabited, tarnishing her swan-like purity so she could never soar again. Only then would she be bound to him completely...

Persephone observed the coldness and malice in his eyes unmistakably.

Her heart tightened. In reality, she had been slowly coming to terms with the painful truth-the Seamus who once cherished and protected her was long gone.

When the person in front of her shed his disguise, he would be a wolf in sheep's clothing, a devil masquerading as a priest.

A ticking time bomb hidden in the Hamertons.

The explosion was imminent. If she failed to see through his true colors, she would be the one crushed by the blast.

After escorting Seamus home, Persephone continued to visit the market with Catherine.

Despite being back, Cathrine had become somber.

Persephone was unable to bear seeing an old woman in such a state, so she occasionally shared jokes with her.

Yet, Catherine would only gaze at her silently. Her eyes held a smiling expression, but there was also pain within them.

Persephone was perplexed by the mixed signals.

Catherine broke the silence, asking, "Miss, do you believe in fate?"

Persephone was taken aback, struggling to respond.

"Everything is tied to fate, and we must face it." Catherine spoke softly. "I can see it with you and Mr. Rutherford. He's a trial in your fate. If you manage to overcome it, you'll be reborn. But if you don't..." She abruptly stopped, and Persephone's face turned pale.

"Let's go," Catherine said, grabbing her hand and bringing her back from her thoughts. "What's on your mind?"

"Nothing..."

"Let's head to the market in the south today. How about that? The produce is more affordable and fresher there. I'll get chicken to make soup."

Chapter 1978

Chapter 1978

Persephone followed Catherine like a robot, trying to discern the exact nature of Catherine's personality.

Suddenly, Catherine patted her shoulder. "Let's separate here, yeah?"

"What?"

"You'll buy vegetables over there." Catherine chuckled. "And I'll buy chicken here. You're not good at picking the right one, so let me do it!"

Persephone agreed and went to the place she had been directed. Catherine would create a list before coming to the market. All Persephone had to do was buy everything on the list.

These items were the vegetables and fruits that Seamus liked.

Her status in the house seemed to have shifted with his.

He felt more and more like the head of the house while she played the role of an obedient maid.

Persephone bit her lip. Seamus appeared less tense lately. Today, he hadn't sent bodyguards to follow her.

She knew he hadn't hired them for her safety but to keep an eye on her.

She took a deep breath and felt like a rock pressed on her. She was getting closer to the truth, even if it might be too cruel to bear.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts and began selecting vegetables.

An old woman tended to her. She seemed kind, with a smile on her face, speaking in the local dialect.

Persephone smiled courteously. She only understood a couple of terms in the local dialect.

"Pick the big ones, young lady!" The old woman grabbed peppers and put them in her bag. She said in broken dialect, "Stir fry these peppers. They're delicious and nutritious! Full of vitamins, giving you great skin!"

"Okay. I don't want this much!"

"You do!" The old woman looked at her. "Business is hard for an old woman like me. Be kind and buy more!"

"But..."

Persephone was a little annoyed. How could someone force her to make a purchase? The old woman shouldn't have guilt-tripped her!

"I really don't need so much!" She snatched the bag from the old woman. Suddenly, she felt something shoved into her hand during the struggle.

As if electrocuted, she froze, staring at the old woman blankly.

The latter stared at her as well, smiling.

The couple of minutes they stared at each other felt like centuries had passed.

The old woman then started yelling. "Ugh, forget it then! You've only picked a few. How am I supposed to run a business like that..."

Catherine came to her rescue, confronting the old woman.

As they left with the vegetables, Persephone looked like she had lost her soul, following behind her.

"Miss?" Catherine looked at her with concern. "What's wrong? Did the old woman scare you? She's known to guilt-trip everyone in the market. She would bully anyone who goes to her stall. Don't take it personally!"

Persephone nodded when she snapped back to her senses. She lied, saying that she wanted cakes and got Catherine to buy them.

Meanwhile, she hid under a tree outside the market.

She quickly opened the note, seizing the opportunity of being alone. There was only a bus doodled on the strange note and a cross on it... Her heart thumped!

Was it Morpheus who was telling her that?

But if it was Morpheus, he would have contacted her through the phone instead of using such an indirect way!

Who was the person secretly sending her messages...

Chapter 1979

Chapter 1979

Persephone folded the note and noticed there were words on the back of it.

[Your old friend is well.]

Her heart skipped a beat. She was momentarily stunned before tearing and throwing away the note.

'Old friend... Who could this be? Morpheus?'

They had met only a few days ago and could easily stay in touch through their phones. No one needed to inform her of his well-being this way. So, who was this old friend?

A thought flashed through her mind.

At that moment, Catherine returned with cakes, searching for Persephone where she had been standing.

Spotting her, Persephone adjusted herself and walked over slowly.

"Miss, the cakes you were craving for," Catherine said with a smile. "It's not a simple task. I had to queue! So you like their cakes?" "Mm-hmm." Persephone forced a smile.

She had consumed numerous cakes, even having the pastry master from the Eropah royalty make her afternoon tea in Hamertons.

Basic cakes like these didn't interest her.

However, these were the best ones she had ever had here.

Morpheus would go a couple of streets away to buy her cakes every day during his morning run.

She would eagerly take it from him the moment he returned, like a hungry baby.

She felt a lump in her throat. Her heart would always ache when recalling the past with him.

"Miss, do you feel unwell?" Catherine looked at her with concern.

Persephone shook her head and looked away.

"Indeed, it's annoying when you miss someone," Catherine remarked.

Persephone was stunned. "What?"

Catherine chuckled, kindness filling her eyes.

"I know who you're thinking about." She held her arm and inched closer to say, "But you'll leave with Mr. Rutherford in a few days, am I right?"

"That has nothing to do with you." Persephone looked down. "Just do your job. Seamus will pay you on time."

"I'm not doing this for money." Catherine's eyes became serious. "I'm doing this for..."

Persephone felt her nerves on edge. She sensed how complex Catherine looked, as well as the coldness on the back of her hand.

However, the strange feeling merely lasted for a second.

Catherine was soon behaving as usual again. She smirked and said, "I heard from Mr. Rutherford that you guys are leaving by bus? Nobody in Flinge takes the bus." Persephone frowned. She had heard about it but did not know the reason behind it.

"Because the buses will pass through a rainforest." Catherine looked at her as she said, "The place is infested with criminals. Many girls especially would be....."

"What?"

"It's true." Catherine pursed her lips. "Do you think the bus drivers are just normal bus drivers? Many of them collude with the local gangs. The girls are sent to the gangs after they're done playing with them... What happens after that depends on their fate."

The lucky ones might survive, while the unfortunate ones would disappear from the world.

Persephone stepped back, and her back was drenched in sweat.

"That's why people usually travel by sea, take the train, or take a plane when they travel far. Nobody would take the bus, especially the buses that pass through the rainforest!"

Chapter 1980

Chapter 1980

"Miss, what's wrong?" Catherine smiled as she looked at Persephone, who was standing frozen in place. "Did I startle you?"

"I..."

"Miss, are you really feeling unwell?"

Persephone didn't immediately grasp the situation. Catherine reached out to touch her forehead, and she instinctively flinched. However, when she met Catherine's eyes, she seemed to understand something. "Miss is unwell!" Catherine immediately switched to a concerned expression, looking around and shouting, "This is bad! Miss is unwell!"

Soon, the other two bodyguards emerged from a corner. Once they saw Persephone, they both avoided meeting her gaze and anxiously explained, "Seamus was worried about you... That's why he asked us to follow along.

"Miss, let us take the things!

"Miss, are you really feeling unwell?"

"Why even ask?" Catherine immediately helped Persephone to a large tree, taking out a handkerchief to fan her. "She looks so pale, can't you see it? From what I see, she's just too tired."

Persephone did look unwell. Just after hearing Catherine's story about the bus, her legs weakened, her face turned pale, and her breathing became unstable.

"You two take the things back!" Catherine said directly. "There's a clinic on the next street. I'll accompany her there!"

The two bodyguards hesitated to act, looking at each other at a loss.

Throughout, Persephone had been cooperating with Catherine's act.

Catherine said she was unwell, so she played the part of being weak. Catherine said she didn't look good, so her lips even started quivering.

When Catherine mentioned going to the clinic, she initially waved it off and said weakly, "No, I need... to go back and cook for Seamus."

"But..."

Persephone leaned against Catherine's shoulder, coughing lightly.

"You two take the things back first." Persephone looked at the two men. "I do feel unwell, but let's skip the clinic. Granny Catherine will take me to buy some medicine, okay?" Although the two guards were hesitant, they were obedient enough, taking the groceries and hurrying back home.

Once they were gone, Persephone immediately stood up, her big, beautiful eyes seemingly trying to see through Catherine.

Catherine knew what she was thinking and couldn't help but giggle.

"Alright!" She held Persephone's hand. "At this point, there's no point hiding it from you. Besides, it's something you should have known by now."

"Actually, from the first day you took care of me, it was all premeditated, wasn't it?" Persephone asked.

"Well, not exactly planned. I was asked by someone to do this. Also..." Catherine gestured toward the back of the large tree.

Curious, Persephone followed, only to be astonished by what she saw.

Catherine removed her gray wig, took off her worn-out gray shirt, and finally... peeled off the mask on her face!

She wasn't Granny Catherine at all-she was a girl who looked about the same age as Persephone herself!

"You..." Persephone was about to shout, instinctively stepping back. She accidentally stumbled into a pit and nearly fell. "Careful!"

The girl quickly caught Persephone and covered her mouth.

Persephone staggered, leaning against the tree and looking wide-eyed at the person before her.

"Shh, please don't shout." The girl chuckled. "I'll take you somewhere to meet the person you want to see."