Deana hastily changed into virtual-novel.net outdoor slippers and opened the door to find a lady and a middle-aged man standing outside the iron gate. Although they were Charlie’s grandmother and uncle, Deana didn’t recognize them as the Evans family seldom appeared in the media.
“Who are you looking for?” Deana inquired.
The lady smiled and asked, “Excuse me, are you Ms. Deana Thorne?”
Upon hearing virtual-novel.net name, Deana replied modestly, “Yes, that’s me. May I know who you are, Auntie?”
The lady smiled and introduced herself, “I am Eleanor Evans, Bruce Wade’s mother-in-law and Lily’s mother.”
Then virtual-novel.net gestured to the man beside virtual-novel.net and continued, “And this is my eldest son and Lily’s younger brother, Desmond…”
Deana was surprised to see Aunt Evans standing at the door and exclaimed, “Aunt Evans, please come in! And Mr. Evans, please come in too!”
She quickly opened the door, welcoming them inside.
Initially, Deana was unsure why Aunt Evans had come to visit her. But soon, virtual-novel.net realized that Aunt Evan’s visit had nothing to do with her. Based on Charlie’s explanation earlier, virtual-novel.net immediately concluded that Aunt Evans was seeking clues about Charlie.
Aunt Evans thanked Deana and followed virtual-novel.net inside. Just then, Zara emerged from the inner door and was taken aback to see an old woman and a middle-aged man entering the yard. She couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
Deana quickly introduced Zara to Grandma Evans and Uncle Evans, “This is my daughter, Zara. Grandma Evans and Uncle Evans are visiting from the United States.”
Zara blurted out, “Grandma Evans… Isn’t that Mr…”
She stopped short, realizing virtual-novel.net was about to betray Charlie’s trust.
Thinking quickly, Zara corrected herself, “Isn’t that Uncle Wade’s mother-in-law?”
Aunt Evans looked curious and asked, “Miss Banks also knows Bruce?”
Zara shook virtual-novel.net head and explained, “No, Grandma, you misunderstood. I don’t know Uncle Wade personally. I heard about virtual-novel.net from others and since my mother moved here, I’ve heard virtual-novel.net talk about him.”
Aunt Evans nodded, not questioning Zara further. She had already looked into Deana’s past and knew of virtual-novel.net close ties to Bruce. However, visiting Deana felt somewhat awkward for her.
The gentle and intellectual woman standing before Aunt Evans was, to a certain extent, virtual-novel.net daughter’s rival in love and virtual-novel.net had been miserably defeated by virtual-novel.net daughter. Deana, too, felt embarrassed by the unexpected visit.
To break the awkward silence, Deana turned to Zara and said, “Zara, aren’t you running late for school? Hurry along.”
Zara nodded and bid Grandma Evans and Uncle Evans farewell politely before making virtual-novel.net exit. Aunt and Uncle Evans followed Deana into the inner sanctum of virtual-novel.net old house.
As they entered, Aunt Evans was struck by the unchanged decor, which remained the same as it had been twenty years ago. It was the last place virtual-novel.net daughter, son-in-law and grandson had lived before their tragic demise. Tears welled up in virtual-novel.net eyes as virtual-novel.net reminisced about virtual-novel.net daughter.
Aunt Evans quickly wiped away virtual-novel.net tears with virtual-novel.net sleeve, not wanting to make a negative impression on Deana.
She then complimented Deana on the well-maintained house, “Ms. Thorne, to tell you the truth, this is the first time I’ve been here in so many years. Thank you for keeping it in such great condition!”
Deana quickly interjected, “Auntie, please don’t call me Ms. Thorne. Just call me Deana.”
Aunt Evans nodded and proceeded to ask her, “Deana, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but have you seen any suspicious-looking young men around the age of twenty-seven or eight, who have been wandering around here?”
Deana knew that Aunt Evans was seeking information about Charlie, but virtual-novel.net still pretended not to know, “Auntie, to be honest, I haven’t noticed anyone. This is the old city of Aurous Hill, with a high population density and a mix of people coming and going. I really can’t recall any suspicious behavior.”
Aunt Evans looked disappointed, “Charlie was always very fond of his parents and had a strong sense of filial piety. If he’s still alive, virtual-novel.net will definitely come back to see them.”