The environment here, unlike the commercial streets that Rebecca explored last night, had a distinctive local architectural style. Extending as far as the eye could see was a massive square, adorned with numerous white doves near the fountain. Street artists diligently worked on their paintings, and musicians played an array of musical instruments. People casually rested or immersed themselves in the performances. After each performance, children eagerly tossed coins to the musicians while anticipating the next captivating performance. Beyond the colossal circular fountain stood an iconic cathedral. The central clock's hands moved slowly, and the air carried the distant sounds of a wedding march. Perhaps a priest inside the cathedral was officiating a marriage ceremony. Rebecca felt like she had outgrown the age of romantic fantasies about love. Or maybe, having understood various aspects of life, she had lost interest in love. However, in such an atmosphere, listening to
"A deal?" Upon hearing Rebecca's suggestion, Georgie finally displayed a different expression on his face. His perpetually gloomy countenance cracked into a hint of mockery. It was hard to imagine that such an expression could be seen on his face. While Rebecca was surprised, he continued, "Ms. Rebecca, now that we're being open, why resort to such tactics? Or do you doubt your brother's ability to protect you and ensure your safe return? "Is that why you're resorting to these tactics to make me back off?" Rebecca laughed. "What are you talking about? I just hope we can settle this peacefully. There's no need to turn this into a movie-like scene. It's hard to control things in a foreign land in case something happens." If the issue could be resolved peacefully, why resort to violence? Georgie followed them all the way, yet he didn't seem exhausted at all. If anything, she felt more exhausted. Of course, when Rebecca spoke these words to Georgie, she had other thoughts
After landing, Rebecca felt a bit uneasy and hesitated before disembarking from the plane. Reflecting on the past few days of her "journey," she had been on edge. She had even contemplated the worst-case scenario of disappearing from the world. Of course, she had also optimistically considered the possibility of returning home. In her dreams, she envisioned herself as a character from a blockbuster film. She imagined being rescued by superheroes and safely landing, rushing into her parents' arms, and reverting to being a child. However, she had not imagined returning home in this way—having to cooperate with everyone to keep it a secret from her parents. She had to resort to well-intentioned lies to try to alleviate her parents' concerns and ensure their well-being. As she followed Caleb out of the plane and stepped onto the rooftop with a view of Rookfort, Rebecca felt it was still somewhat surreal. Everything seemed like a dream. Even when she saw Albert, her biological
Rebecca didn't forget about Susan, who would come back early.She took an international flight, with a layover in between, but looking at the time, she should have already landed in Fairport.Rebecca had bought Susan a phone before she boarded the plane overseas. She was worried about not being able to contact her if they departed separately. She had bought an international mobile plan for her.After lunch, Rebecca made a video call to Susan.Prior to this, Caleb had told her that there had been progress regarding Susan's situation. They had already found her brother's remains, and as long as they made proper registration, they would be able to successfully bring back his ashes.It was the first good news since returning to the country.She couldn't wait to share the good news with her friends who had accompanied her on this journey.The video call connected.Before anyone appeared on the screen, Rebecca couldn't contain her excitement and said eagerly, "Susan, have you arrived?
After talking to Rebecca, David turned the camera back to Susan.He smiled and said, "Susan, you agree, right?"Susan twisted the corner of her mouth. She attempted to force a smile yet found it incredibly difficult.She could only try her best to keep her composure. She said to Rebecca, "Mr. Winston is very handsome. He… he was also very polite to me. I am not scared at all."Even a fool could tell from her unnatural tone that she was just being polite.Suddenly, Rebecca recalled a phenomenon she had read about on the internet: Stockholm syndrome.Unfortunately, this was not a time to joke around.Rebecca smiled and said, "As long as you're not scared, Susan, that's good. It was his mistake not to inform you before picking you up from the airport. When he comes to Rookfort, I will make him apologize to me, and I will punish him on your behalf."Susan forced another smile.Rebecca no longer wanted to play this game with Susan. So, she turned back to David."So, David, when ar
Rebecca had no choice but to rephrase what she said. She then said, "I'm not familiar with the roads in Rookfort. Even with maps, I'm not used to driving in Rookfort. Besides, you might arrive early in the morning. I might not even be awake yet.""That's true." David chuckled.Unexpectedly, he agreed with Rebecca. "In that case, you can book a restaurant for tomorrow at noon. I'll bring your new friend to meet you for lunch. How about that?""Alright, let's do that. See you tomorrow?" said Rebecca."See you tomorrow," David said.Then the call ended.Rebecca's beautiful face disappeared from the screen. When the screen completely went dark, David threw it to the side casually.He turned his head and looked at Susan, whose arms were still being tied behind her back, and said with a smile, "I apologize for the inconvenience, Susan. But just in case Becca didn't want to see me again when I returned to Rookfort, I had to use you. I hope I didn't scare you, and I hope you don't mind.
In the evening, Rebecca went to visit the Gibsons with Albert.She briefly mentioned David, but both Albert and Caleb told her not to worry.It wasn't because she was worried about being taken away by that crazy man again.It was because now he had a hostage, so she was worried that innocent people might get hurt.But never mind; they would deal with any difficulties as they came.For now, her priority was to visit the Gibsons.Albert had prepared the gift in advance.Rebecca initially planned to go out in the afternoon and see if she could find something the Gibsons would like.After all, she had returned in a hurry, and all the things she had prepared were in Fairport. Many of them were still being shipped as well.Hence, she had no choice but to seek last-minute solutions.But with the help of her brother, everything had already been prepared.There was no need to worry. She could rely on her brother.The Gibsons family had known that Rebecca would be coming back and had
Rebecca was actually feeling a bit awkward.Before entering the house, she had indeed prepared herself to greet her relatives.Although it had been a long time since she last saw them, and they weren't close anymore, she still understood basic manners.However, as soon as she stepped inside, she heard those sarcastic remarks. No matter how good her mood was, it was ruined by the remarks.Moreover, there was a rule in terms of greeting the elders. Since neither her eldest brother nor her cousin greeted the relatives, she decided to follow suit.She didn't care if Mary scolded her because of this. Her elder brothers would always be on her side.When Mary confronted them, Albert also couldn't be bothered to respond.He had just entered the house with the gifts. Upon hearing those words, he glanced at them indifferently and went straight outside to smoke.Rebecca hesitated whether to follow her eldest brother out.After all, it was quite torturous to be with a relative who wasn't