Chapter 337
Chapter 337:
While that possibility lingered in his mind, his long fingers moved the mouse and scrolled further down the page.
Compared to Benny’s scattered past, Quentin’s history looked almost textbook — he grew up without incident, finished university on schedule, spent two years working as an outdoor guide, and later shifted careers to become a pigment expert. Everything about it appeared orderly and flawless. Yet that very perfection raised doubts. From what Kyson had observed, Quentin didn’t strike him as someone so straightforward.
Leaning back in his chair, Kyson kept his eyes on the screen as he rested his hand against his chin. After a while, the monitor dimmed on its own, and the darkness concealed whatever thoughts had settled across his face.
For a very long time, Kailey hadn’t dreamed at all. Memories of her childhood rarely surfaced, and the fire almost never returned to her sleep.
She had been eight back then, still at an age when the world should have felt safe.
Her mother had never been particularly strong, yet that particular day she looked different. A light layer of makeup brightened her pale face, and she wore a simple black dress that somehow made her seem even more graceful. To young Kailey, Alissa looked like royalty, and she couldn’t take her eyes off her.
“Mom, did something good happen today?” Kailey asked.
𝖸our 𝗱a𝘪𝗹𝗒 𝗱о𝘴𝘦 o𝘧 𝗇𝗈v𝘦𝗹𝗌 𝘰ո
Alissa Evans seemed lost in thought for a second. She reached out and rested her hand on Kailey’s head before answering, “Nothing special. I’m just feeling cheerful today. What about you, Kailey? How are you feeling p>
Kailey nodded. “I’m happy p>
“Then that makes me even happier.” Alissa lowered herself to Kailey’s level and studied her face, sunlight catching in her eyes. “When you grow up, you’ll be prettier than me. Do you want ice cream? Why don’t you go buy some p>
Ice cream was something Alissa almost never allowed, and Kailey was thrilled.
With the money clutched tightly in her hand, she bounced out the door. Several people were already waiting, so she stood in line for a while.
Just before it was her turn, murmurs spread among the adults nearby.
“Why is there smoke coming from over there? Did a house catch fire p>
“Oh no, this is bad. Someone call 911, now p>
“Isn’t that the Evans family’s place? That villa is on fire. I saw people inside when I walked out p>
The overlapping shouts reached Kailey all at once, and she turned toward them, confused and unsteady. Above her, thick smoke rolled across the sky — dark and heavy, spreading so fast it felt like it could swallow everything in its path.
The bills slipped from her fingers. She spun around and ran toward home.
Her mother was supposed to be waiting for her.