The piercing words drained the color from Mrs. Xie's face. Cruel, bloody memories, long hidden in the depths of her mind, were instantly reawakened. Mrs. Xie slowly closed her eyes, silently enduring the onslaught.
The ghastly images, the helpless sobs, and the words Zhang Hongyan had spoken to her on her deathbed after their narrow escape from death.
It was as if a dense net had ensnared her, and her body began to tremble uncontrollably.
"Mom," Qin Mei said, hugging Mrs. Xie, her eyes brimming with concern.
'At that moment, Qin Mei had a sudden realization. If Jie Jingwei were to exploit the life-debt her mother-in-law owed Zhang Hongyan and ask for the north house, she would agree without a moment's hesitation.'
'It's easy to repay money, but hard to repay a favor—let alone a life-debt.'
Sensing Qin Mei's concern, Mrs. Xie opened her eyes. Her gaze was ashen and empty.
"Mom," Qin Mei called out again, holding her tight, trying to pull her from the abyss of her pain.
