Reborn, She's Back for Revenge novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The night grew darker. The noise of the day slowly faded, and everything around her turned quiet.

Edith held a flashlight and searched around the school, looking for Shaun.

‘Shaun, where are you?” Her voice echoed down the empty street.

She kept walking farther and farther, but there was still no sign of him. A sense of unease began to creep in.

System: [New mission: A kind–hearted heiress. Please help the child ahead.]

Edith let out a breath of relief. Shaun must be up ahead.

She kept going. After less than ten steps, she heard a rustling sound in the grass by the roadside. She bent down and gently bushed aside the knee–high weeds.

Suddenly, a face popped out of the grass. Even in the dim light, Edith could tell it wasn’t a child–it was a very handsome grown man.

I’ve been waiting for you…” The man tilted his head a little, blinking up at her with wide, innocent eyes.

He was wearing a black suit–clearly expensive–but it was covered in dirt and mud.

On his wrist was a diamond–studded watch, probably worth at least a million dollars. He only had one shoe on, but even with the mud, she could tell it was pricey.

ust one glance, and Edith could already tell he was from a rich family. But the way he talked sounded like a five–year–old

Doy.

Then she remembered they were near a special school. Maybe he was one of the students there, too.

She softened her voice and asked, “What’s your name? Do you need me to take you back?”

You said you were getting me a lollipop,” the man said softly, his voice as light and fluffy as a cloud. Edith’s heart melted a

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ched into her pocket and pulled out a handful of lollipops. She had bought them earlier as a gift for Shaun. She held de in out. “Pick a flavor you like.”

The man reached out with long, slender fingers and took all of them. “You’re my sister. That means what’s yours is mine.”

He stuffed the lollipops into his pockets. Then, as if scared she might take them back, he suddenly stood up and took a step

back

Only then did Edith realize how tall he really was–easily over six feet. A guy that tall probably wouldn’t be in too much danger out here alone.

“You sit here and enjoy your candy, okay? I’ll come back for you in a bit,” Edith said.

There was a bus stop nearby with a long bench. The man sat down obediently, a strawberry lollipop in his mouth. He mumbled, “You better come back soon”

System: [Mission complete. Reward unlocked: Shaun’s hiding place–phone booth |

Edith finally relaxed. She reached out and stroked the man’s hair. Tll be right back.”

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8:17 pm SDD

Chapter 12

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She turned and ran toward the phone booth down the street. Halfway there, she looked back and saw the mare still watching her from the bus stop.

When he saw her turn around, he waved. “I’ll wait for you,” he said softly.

Edith smiled and waved back. “Stay here. Don’t run off”

With that, she turned the corner and disappeared from his sight.

Just then, a car pulled up on the side of the road. Four or five bodyguards jumped out.

When they saw the man sitting quietly on the bench, happily sucking on a lollipop, they all let out a sigh of relief.

“Mr. Larson, are you alright?” one of the bodyguards stepped forward carefully.

“I’m not Mr. Larson. My name is Dodo.” The man’s voice was soft, but cold. “Who are you? I don’t know you. My sister said I shouldn’t talk to strangers.”

“Mr. Larson, it’s me–Kane Davis.” The bodyguard looked like he was on the verge of tears. Every time Marcus Larson had an episode, Kane had to reintroduce himself from scratch.

The only small comfort this time was that Marcus wasn’t trying to run. In the past, he’d bolt the second he saw Kane. Today, at least, he stayed put.

“Your parents are losing their minds. Mr. Larson, I need to take you home,” Kane said again, trying to stay calm.

Marcus pulled his hand away. “My sister told me to wait here for her. I’m not going anywhere.”

Kane frowned. That didn’t make sense. He knew Marcus had three brothers–but no sister.

“You’re in my way,” Marcus said, annoyed, and shoved Kane aside. He kept licking his lollipop, eyes fixed on the spot where Edith had disappeared.

Kane didn’t dare get rough. He stepped back and made a call.

ally a five–year–old when he has an episode. He needs immediate treatment,” said Marcus’s father over the phone. are what you have to do. Bring him back. Now.”

derstood, Kane replied.

After hanging up, Kane gave a quick nod to the three other bodyguards. The four of them moved at once. Before Marcus even realized what was happening, they knocked him out cold and loaded him into the car.

The car sped off into the night.

Meanwhile, Edith had finally found the phone booth where Shaun was hiding.

Hardly anyone used payphones anymore. The booth was old and beat up. Inside, crouched on the ground, was eight–year- old Shaun.

He was wearing striped pajamas, hugging his knees, his face buried in his chest. His little body shook with quiet sobs.

“Shaun,” Edith called softly as she pushed open the booth door.

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Chapter 12

Shaun slowly looked up at her. His pale lips moved.

No sound came out, but Edith could read his lips. He was saying, Mom.

He missed Melinda.

Tears welled up in Edith’s eyes. There was a world of difference between a kid with a mom and one without.

She had left when Shaun was just two. Back then, his cheeks were round and full, and he had dimples when he smiled. Now, he looked so skinny.

She walked over and wrapped him in a hug. “Shaun, I’ll protect you. I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”

She picked him up. She was strong, and Shaun was small and light–he barely weighed anything in her arms.

Shaun clung to her neck, resting his head on her shoulder. He closed his eyes, and before long, he was fast asleep.

Edith wished she could take him home right now. But she knew the truth–she didn’t have the time to care for him. And she didn’t have the strength to keep him safe yet.

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