266 How Did My Mother Die

The sky gradually darkened.

The dusky sunlight seemed to be desperately emitting its last rays of warmth. The setting sun flushed red, straining to leave its final trace of heat on the land.

Waves of heat rolled in, bringing with them the stifling warmth of evaporating dew from the countryside. In a confined space, the only sound was the faint crying, laden with fear, unwillingness, and despair.

Jackson sat on a wooden bench, holding a yellowed diary, flipping through it page by page.

At his feet, Emma had her hands bound. Her eyes and mouth were covered, rendering her blind and mute to her surroundings.

"Well, well, your handwriting is quite good."

Jackson closed the diary, sneering. "For over twenty years, your perseverance is truly commendable. You've meticulously recorded every bribe you've taken."

Emma's body shrank. "I've already been ruined. What more do you want from me?"

Jackson smirked. "What do you think?"

"I..." Emma hesitated. "Are you a relative of one of my patients? Ho