"Even his name was 'Mad Alex' back then," Bash enthusiastically recounted, "Mom said so he is mental because he fell off the bed as a baby.""Well, congratulations then. You managed to push my family away only to end up with someone even crueller. Haha, how ironic," Bash added. "How amusing that turned out to be."Erwin and I exchanged glances, unsure if Bash was serious or just weaving a fictional tale.“Why so silent? Has Alex made his move now?” Bash guessed, raising an eyebrow."By the way, Rupert, was my mom with you when she died? But why are you still alive on your own? Did you kill my mom?" Bash smirked, his breath making me queasy."Are you seeking catharsis? You know well enough it was Elliot's doing, don't you? But fine, I'm at fault for not being able to protect her. She hoped to see you again, Bash. That was your mom's wish.""Enough, stop talking about her as if you knew her.""She came to me herself, Bash, not the other way around. The games you all play are dangerous.

Gushton arrived at Dustown, but for anonymity and to ensure Elliot and Alex couldn't track my whereabouts, Gushton handed Alex's medical records to a courier, who then delivered it to me via postal service.Extra caution was needed to avoid any trace of my presence. Erwin also warned that he didn't want his career jeopardized if it were discovered he was harbouring me. Although, when I really think about my situation is, it's quite amusing. A suspect that “willingly” staying in jail, but I suppose the society wouldn't accept it. Because the essence of prison itself is punishment, so if the suspect doesn't feel "punished," then the purpose of the prison itself is lost.Now, the medical records were in my hands. It was an extensive document, containing case studies and experimental research results on Alex. I wondered how Gushton obtained it, but maybe I could ask later. Because I knew that it would require a long time and full concentration, I read it in my cell.I spread Alex's docume

The streets leading to the clinic were bustling with people setting up tents for the bazaar and vibrant, eye-catching ornaments for the festival. I slipped through the crowd, walking, wearing the Dustown city mascot costume—a mouse holding a golden coin—perfectly resembling Elliot.People high-fived me as I passed, thinking I was there to entertain and cheer them up. Some even asked for photos together. I patiently indulged them.Upon arriving at La Travola Reale, I entered and changed out of my usual costume. From the back door, I stepped into a waiting van. Hammam and Gushton were helping me this time, along with all their men; the restaurant was closed.Using three cars, we made our way to the clinic. Gushton stopped 200 meters away, took his binoculars, and observed the situation there."The place is filled with his men, Dan," he reported. "The man is suffering from acute paranoia," he added.I asked for the binoculars and observed; armed men were guarding the front. From their ve

"So, Dad, what do you think?" Camilla pouted after her long rant. Elliot's face darkened as if he wanted to devour someone; waiting for his daughter to finish talking was the harshest punishment for him."I need to make sure again because I still don't understand. So, are you pregnant or not?" Elliot asked. His question made Camilla's face flush with anger. Before that could happen, Elliot immediately gave an ultimatum."If you get angry again, I won't give you this," Elliot pointed, pulling out his ultimate black credit card. Instantly, Camilla's eyes sparkled, and her demeanor, which had been like a lioness, changed into that of a kitten."Oh no, Dad, I was just looking for excuses earlier," Camilla deflected."So how did you meet both of them at the gynecologist's office?""I was just having a routine check-up, Dad, a Pap Smear, you know, for the feminine area. I don't need to discuss that with you, do I? It's strange to talk about it with your own Dad," explained Camilla. She walk

"Where were you when Mom and Dad passed away, sis?" I asked, recalling how I attended the funeral alone, hands cuffed, crying alone as their coffins were lowered and buried. How devastated I was to have no one to share the grief with at that time. Remembering it now, I feel manipulated by Helen.Helen took a deep breath, tilting her head towards the car ceiling. She seemed to swallow a lump in her throat before answering, "I was in my exile, Dan. I couldn't come back then because even staying alive was a struggle for me. But as soon as I could stand on my own feet, I came here to show my condolences and vows to them, to protect you, and to avenge their pain.""You didn't even bother to visit me, sis," I retorted. Somehow, I felt like blaming Helen for everything that happened because I was in jail, and Mom and Dad passed away—all starting with Helen."It all takes time, Danzel. Do you think what they did to me was easily understandable? Acceptable? So, you choose for me to return, acc