Chapter 457

"Didn't I warn you before we left? Don't touch other people's things! Were my words just hot air to you? Hand it over now! Looks like you need a trip to juvie to straighten you out, you little brat—"

The elderly woman's palm descended with startling speed.

A sharp slap echoed through the living room.

The child froze in shock.

His parents stood dumbfounded.

Evelyn Langley's pupils contracted slightly.

"Waaah—Grandma hit me! I'm telling Grandpa!" The brat wailed dramatically, snot and tears smeared across his face.

"I didn't take it! It's not with me!"

"Still lying?" The old woman trembled with rage.

"I won't give it! Never!"

"How dare you!" She grabbed a feather duster and aimed for his backside.

The father rushed to intervene while the mother stomped helplessly—neither could stop her.

"You old hag—why don't you just drop dead!"

The grandmother swayed, nearly collapsing from fury.

Only when the police officer stepped in did the chaos finally cease.

Sniffling, the brat retrieved a document folder from the shoe cabinet's hidden compartment.

Officer: "Miss Langley, could you verify?"

Evelyn flipped through the contents. "My research notes. All accounted for."

"Glad it's returned safely."

She turned to the parents. "My room has a security lock. He climbed in through the balcony. Have you considered what would've happened if he'd fallen from the second floor?"

The couple turned ghostly pale.

The brat cowered silently in the corner.

That night, the great-aunt's family packed their bags in haste.

William Langley gazed at the darkened sky outside. "Must you leave now? Morning would be safer."

The great-aunt shook her head. "You're too trusting... Be more cautious from now on."

William frowned. "Cautious of whom?"

......

A long-missed tranquility settled over the Langley residence.

At dawn, Victoria Langley summoned professional cleaners.

Three hours later, the villa gleamed anew.

Evelyn stepped out under an umbrella.

Her thoughts lingered on the rare Neurosurgical Atlas at the West Street antique bookstore. She'd only finished the first half last time—today was for completing it.

But after five thorough searches between the shelves...

The shopkeeper apologized, "It was sold yesterday."

"I thought it wasn't for sale?"

"The buyer was the owner's army buddy. An exception was made."

Raindrops thickened.

Evelyn scoured every nearby bookstore without success.

Under the eaves, she stared into the relentless downpour, lost in thought.