Chapter 329
Chapter 329:
“Absolutely,” Lionel replied without hesitation. As they prepared to climb, he adjusted his coat. “Your mother loved being outdoors. She once lived on this mountain for quite a while. I came looking for her more than once.” As he spoke, his tone softened, and a trace of longing surfaced in his smile. “Your mom was a handful back then, always restless. Even our parents —” His voice faded before he finished the thought.
Kailey understood anyway. She lowered her eyes. “Let’s go up first p>
Her mother’s past was not something she felt qualified to judge. That life had belonged to her alone.
As they followed the trail upward, Kailey’s emotions shifted quietly with each step. When the small house halfway up the slope came into view, her vision blurred with tears. This was where her mother had lived.
Lionel watched her closely. A complex emotion flickered across his face. “Kailey, go ahead. Take a look p>
The mountain air was noticeably cooler than in the city, and as the wind blew, a chill seemed to seep right into the bones.
Kailey tightened her jacket and pulled her hat down further before following Lionel up the path. She didn’t mention that she had been here before. As they walked, Lionel talked about how the area had changed over the years. She answered from time to time. Before her phone completely lost signal, she sent Kyson a quick message.
R𝘰𝗺𝗮ո𝘤𝗲 𝗮𝗇𝗱 pа𝘴ѕ𝗶о𝘯 𝘰𝗇
“Kailey, have you decided what you want to do with this mountain?” Lionel asked without warning.
She looked at him, surprised by the question. “Does it need to be developed? Not everything has to turn into a business.” The mountain stood far from the city. There was little commercial value here.
“You’re right.” Lionel let out a breath. “I failed your mother back then. I didn’t guide her properly, and she spent nearly everything. What she left you is only this mountain, and some timber that won’t bring much profit p>
Kailey knew that at the top of the mountain there was a stretch of mahogany trees. They weren’t worthless — yet even if they were sold, the return wouldn’t exceed thirty million.
Her gaze rested on the man walking ahead of her. What did he truly want from this place?
They continued talking until they reached the hillside.
Lionel stopped in front of the small house. His expression changed as he looked at it. “Your mother lived here. She handled everything herself. There wasn’t steady water or electricity, but she seemed content p>
Kailey took a slow breath and formed a faint smile. “Everyone has a way they want to live. Maybe this was when she felt most at peace p>
Lionel gave a low laugh and didn’t respond directly. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The house had been empty for years. Dust coated every surface, and trash left behind by hikers lay scattered across the floor. The mud walls still carried shallow scratches, and marks carved long ago had not faded. Kailey brushed aside the scattered debris and uncovered a line etched into the surface.
“Another carefree day p>
A smile appeared on her lips. She could almost imagine a woman with her sleeves rolled up, writing those words without a worry in the world.
Lionel stepped closer and noticed it as well. “That’s your mother’s handwriting. It’s a shame —” He didn’t finish the sentence.