Chapter 80: Chapter 80

Chapter 80:

Rhys felt this woman’s departing figure bore an uncanny resemblance to Harlee’s.

He massaged his temples, plagued by the notion that he might be spiraling into madness, mistaking every woman for Harlee.

Evading every watchful eye, Harlee made her escape through the rear exit and hailed a cab.

Moments after her departure, her phone vibrated with a notification.

Three hundred million had been deposited into her account.

This man had moved swiftly.

It hadn’t been five minutes since she’d walked away.

Harlee pressed the doorbell firmly.

By the time she reached home, the clock had already struck eight in the evening.

No sooner had Harlee stepped inside than Skyla dashed toward her, a look of deep concern etched across her face.

“Harlee, where have you been? Why didn’t you tell Brenton? We’ve been beside ourselves with worry!”

In the days Harlee spent with the Gill family, Liam seldom inquired about her whereabouts.

Even if she returned at midnight, it went unnoticed.

Now, the feeling of having someone so concerned about her was unfamiliar to Harlee.

However, knowing Skyla’s concern came from a place of love, Harlee found it difficult to be distant.

“I’m just used to being on my own. That’s all. Something urgent came up, so I rushed out.”

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“I didn’t really go anywhere. I just roamed around near the auction house. I’ll make sure to inform you next time.”

“Used to being on your own?” This sentence echoed in Skyla’s ears, overshadowing everything else Harlee had said.

Skyla brought a hand to her mouth, her eyes brimming with sorrow, as if tears might escape at any moment.

“My poor child, I can’t bear the thought of you feeling so alone. This is all my fault!”

Before Harlee could reply, Skyla enveloped her in a tight embrace, her warmth wrapping Harlee in a comforting, if somewhat intense, cocoon.

Harlee recoiled from Skyla’s overwhelming embrace, the urge to push her away rising instinctively.

Yet, the sight of Skyla’s tear-stained cheeks softened her resolve, and she hesitated.

“Mom, really, I’m okay.

Could you let go of me for a bit?” Harlee pleaded gently.

Reluctantly, Skyla loosened her grip but maintained contact by holding onto Harlee’s arm, her voice dripping with concern as if speaking to a toddler.

“Why don’t I stay with you tonight, just in case?”

“No,” Harlee murmured, firm yet weary.

Nearby, Brenton’s expression eased slightly as he chimed in, “Next time, if something’s bothering you, just tell us, alright? Our mom gets worried.”

With a small nod, Harlee agreed, though her thoughts were elsewhere.

Etta, witnessing the scene, clenched her teeth, her emotions churning violently.

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