Chapter 55: Helen's Provocation

Harper, who was hiding around the corner, froze. Irene glanced at Harper's hiding spot and smiled, "No need, thanks." Stefan insisted, "Having someone to help will make things easier for you." Harper: "...." Boss, please wake up! You saw how she dealt with those thugs on her own just now! She's a human-shaped monster! She doesn't need anyone's protection! Irene laughed, "What about you?" Stefan replied, "I have other bodyguards." Irene shook her head, "No need, I prefer to act alone. Thank you." Stefan said no more. But he also didn't believe Irene's words. After all, they hadn't known each other for long. She probably just had her guard up around him. Stefan had never encountered such a situation before. Often, he only needed to hint at something, and people would flock to him, especially now. He felt a bit stifled, but his face showed no trace of it. Stefan lowered his eyes and said, "I thought Miss Irene considered me a friend." Irene had already turned her head, but her eyes had a mind of their own. She couldn't look away. Not even a bit. She couldn't bear to see a handsome man upset, so she comforted him, "I'll accept any other gift from you, just not this one." Stefan saw her sincerity and smiled, "Alright." His voice in the darkness was exceptionally pleasant. Irene quietly covered her ears. This must be what people online call "ear pregnancy." She rubbed her now-hot ears. In her past life, she would've definitely added him to her "harem." Irene gave Stefan a regretful look. Sigh, this one can't be bought with money. "And you don't need to find a tutor," Stefan said with a smile. "I can teach you. I always got A+ in school." Irene raised an eyebrow. Really picking the wrong topic. Stefan saw her expression and chuckled softly, "I'm leaving now." Irene nodded, "Goodbye." Stefan walked to his car, and the driver respectfully opened the door. Stefan turned back to smile at Irene before getting in the car. Only then did Irene realize that Stefan had specifically told her where he was going. It sounded a lot like reporting in. Maybe a bit too ambiguous. As Irene reached the alley's entrance, she almost elbowed Yuna, who suddenly appeared. Yuna approached Irene, hands in her pockets, and said mysteriously, "I saw that rich friend of yours again! Did he bring you back? Your grandmother finally has some luck!" Irene smiled helplessly. Meanwhile. In the car, Stefan's expression was no longer the light and gentle one he had when facing Irene: "Deal with those people. We'll talk about the rest when I get there." Soon, the luxury car drove out of the dimly lit alley towards the wide city center. Countless cars sped by outside, and the lights on the skyscrapers were dazzling. But none of this had anything to do with the peaceful Kashi mansion in the West District. Inside that old house, everything was calm and serene. When Irene entered the house, Madame Kashi and Emma had already eaten and were tidying up. "Why are you back so late?" Madame Kashi scolded gently as she walked over. "Emma kept your food warm. Hurry and eat, you must be hungry." Irene smiled, washed her hands, and sat at the table. Emma brought the food over and sat next to Irene. Madame Kashi suddenly remembered something, "Your friend had a lot of things delivered today. They looked expensive. Find time to return them." Following Madame Kashi's gaze, Irene noticed a pile of boxes in the corner. "That's a massage chair, a fridge, a TV, and a dishwasher..." Emma introduced. Madame Kashi looked at Irene with a kind gaze, "He must have noticed our family's situation and wanted to help by sending practical things." Emma blinked. Are we really that needy? Madame Kashi patted Emma's head, "You both have suffered with me." Irene smiled, her tone calm, "Grandma, how is this suffering? You gave Emma and me a home." Emma nodded vigorously beside Irene. Madame Kashi laughed, "Irene, I've decided. Let's open a detective agency as you suggested." Irene smiled, pouring Madame Kashi a cup of tea, "Great! Just yesterday, the government officially approved the reopening of detective agencies." Madame Kashi pulled out a bank card and handed it to Irene, "This is the money I've saved over the years. Use it for whatever is needed to set up the agency, buy what you need, and get the necessary licenses." "If you need more, just ask Grandma." Irene pushed the bank card back to Madame Kashi, "Grandma, there's no need. I have money." Madame Kashi sighed, "That money was given to you before. You should keep it. Now that they've frozen your accounts, what will you do if you need money in the future?" At that moment, the phone rang. Madame Kashi pulled out her phone, squinting at the screen for a while before her smile faded. Seeing this, Irene guessed, "Is it Helen?" Madame Kashi nodded, hearing Irene say, "It's okay, Grandma. Answer it. Emma and I are here with you." Though simple, those words gave Madame Kashi great strength. She smiled, her fingers firmly pressing the speaker button. "Wow, who is this? Answering the phone, are you my mom, or have you been possessed by a witch?" Helen's sarcastic voice made Madame Kashi's breathing quicken. "I heard you want to open a detective agency?" Helen's sharp, mocking voice came through, "Give it up! You've caused deaths and still dare to open one?" "You're just embarrassing us!" Madame Kashi suppressed her anger, "It's none of your business." "How is it not my business? Have you forgotten your granddaughter is back? Isn't it too much to show no regard for your granddaughter? I think that house would be a good start." "Helen! Don't push it too far!" Madame Kashi took a deep breath, "The house is in my name. I'll give it if I want to! If not, I won't give you a penny, even if I donate it!" Helen sneered, "You treat that impostor so well. Opening an agency and pulling strings for her." Madame Kashi's fingers turned red with anger. "Let me tell you, even if you want that impostor, don't use the Kashi name for her! I heard you're borrowing money from the David family? Dream on!" "If you dare continue this, I'll kick you out of the old house! And don't think you can borrow money from anyone while I'm in City A!" "Or else, don't blame me for being ruthless!"