Chapter 72

A cottage in the southern suburbs. At dusk, the golden sunset spilled through the black iron fence, lighting up the garden full of blooming hydrangeas. The old lady lounged in a bamboo chair, quietly enjoying the breeze. Next to her, the housekeeper peeled fresh water chestnuts. A sleek black car rolled to a stop outside the yard. With Mr. Harmon's support, Mrs. Harmon made her way into the garden. The old lady glanced up and smiled. "What brings you here? Looking for Elaria?" Mrs. Harmon rushed over, hair in disarray, almost stumbling, and dropped to her knees beside the bamboo chair. Her voice trembled as she tried to stay calm. "Back on Wisp Street, you used to live there, right? Rent was 200 dollars a month. No hot water in winter-if you wanted a warm bath, you had to walk miles to a public bathhouse." The old lady froze. She seemed to realize something and gave a slow nod. Mrs. Harmon clutched the bamboo chair tightly, tears spilling from her eyes. "Twenty-two years ago, you took