Chapter 43 The Price of Protection
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Finished
Kane pulled out a small pill. It was a deep black color, and if you looked closely, it shimmered faintly red. The moment it hit the open air, it gave off a strange, indescribable scent.
“This pill is called the Tranquil Pill. As long as you keep it in your mouth, it’ll suppress and isolate the effects of silverleaf. I’m lending it to you.”
Quinn caught the emphasis–lending.
“Three years ago, a lot of people came here looking into the silverleaf flower. They were ruthless. They wouldn’t stop until they got what they wanted.”
Kane’s eyes sharpened. “If I just handed the pill over to you, those people would track you down by the scent. Not only would you lose the pill, you’d be in serious danger.”
Quinn slowly calmed down, her bright eyes locked on the pill.
After a moment, she thought of something and asked, “Can this pill really wake up my grandfather?”
Kane nodded, giving her some peace of mind.
Quinn took a deep breath. As long as it can save Grandpa, I’m not afraid of anything.
In fact, if those people really did come after her because of the pill, it would save her the trouble of hunting them down herself.
She nodded firmly, her gaze steady.
“Sir, my grandfather is the most important person in the world to me. I won’t sit back and watch him suffer. No matter what happens, I’m not afraid.”
Kane looked at her, clearly pleased. His old friend really had chosen the right person to protect.
He carefully placed the Tranquil Pill in her palm and handed her the repaired pocket watch.
“I’m trusting you with the Tranquil Pill. What you do next is up to you. And if you ever feel like remembering this old man, bring the pocket watch back to that antique shop. We can still share a cup of
tea.”
Quinn closed her hand around both items and gave him a deep bow. “Thank you, sir.”
Looking at the two things in her hand, she suddenly realized she hadn’t he in a long time.
any news about the director
“Sir… what about the director?”
Kane looked at her, a little surprised. “You really didn’t know?”
“What?” Quinn shook her head, though his expression already told her the answer.
“That old man was proud to the bone. Of course he wouldn’t let you see him weak and skeletal, lying on a
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15:02 Mon, 14 Apr
Chapter 43 The Price of Protection
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#Finished
Quinn couldn’t hold it in anymore. Tears streamed down her face. Zayden handed her a tissue. She didn’t refuse it and quickly wiped her tears away.
She should have known. The moment the director gave her that watch, she had sensed something.
Still, she’d clung to a sliver of hope–that he was alive. That she could support both the orphanage and her grandfather, and the three of them could live peacefully together.
But now, the director was gone. Her grandfather was unconscious.
It felt like fate had been playing games with her all along.
Kane reached out and gave her a gentle flick on the forehead–just like the director used to do.
“Miss Quinn, no more crying. Go take that Tranquil Pill and find your grandfather.” Then he added, “Be careful out there.”
Quinn carefully put away the Tranquil Pill and thanked him again.
As Marcus stood, he glanced at Kane one last time before turning and leaving the courtyard with Quinn.
Zayden didn’t follow. He stayed, eyes still on Kane.
After Quinn had been gone a while, Zayden poured more tea for Kane and finally spoke.
“The moment I saw you, I knew you looked familiar. Now I remember–my grandfather knew you, didn’t he?”
Kane didn’t deny it. He gave Zayden a slow, amused once–over. “Didn’t think you’d grow up this much. I held you when you were just a baby.”
Zayden didn’t buy it. He didn’t believe that Kane had approached Quinn out of pure kindness. He remembered that Kane and his grandfather had always been at odds.
And everything Kane said and did just didn’t match the man he remembered.
“What are you really after?” Zayden’s voice was low but heavy. “Are you using Quinn?”
Otherwise, why would he give her something so dangerous?
Kane took a sip of tea and smiled. “Didn’t I already say? I’m doing this for my old friend. He’s gone now, and the person he wanted to protect–I’ll protect her in his place.”
Zayden didn’t fully believe it. He leaned in slightly, his voice sharp. “It better be just that. If I find out you’re using Quinn–if she gets hurt because of you–I won’t let you off easy.”
Kane rolled the two polished walnuts in his hand and chuckled. “You should worry more about how you’re going to earn her forgiveness.”
Zayden’s face darkened.
Of all the things to bring up…
