Silence Walks Beside Us by Eli Dane Cade 238

Chapter 238 

Ash thought, ‘I don’t blame my parents. I understand their intentions, but Lorelei got what she deserved. 

5ch 

Once back in her room, she pulled out her bulky laptop and quickly began typing, her slender fingers moving precisely over the keys. 

[I want to make a deal with you.] 

A flood of messages appeared as soon as she logged in, but this one stood out the most. 

She had created this new account not long ago, taking on a few minor jobs now and then. It had gained some attention, but it wasn’t the kind of attention she was looking for. 

[What kind of deal?] 

Ash opened the chat window, noting that the message was sent a week ago. She hadn’t expected a reply, but another message popped up a few seconds later. 

[Let’s meet.] 

***** 

“Crazy,” Ash muttered under her breath. 

Ash thought, ‘The world’s full of all kinds of people. A transaction to meet me? He paid a fortune for one of my orders, and now he wants to see me? Guess my time must be worth more than I thought.‘ 

[I can give you whatever you want.] 

Ash rolled her eyes. She wondered, ‘Whoever this is, they’re either too young or trying too hard to sound mature- everything about their tone screams immaturity. 

[You can change the price. How much to meet?] 

When she didn’t respond right away, the person pushed further. [I know you’ve been looking for Ginseng. I have four plants.] 

A photo quickly followed. 

Ash saw the message pop up, immediately sitting up straighter and zooming in on the image. Her interest instantly sparked. 

She had been searching for Ginseng for months. Just recently, she had received a lead, only to find out someone else had already bought it. She had used every connection she had to track down the buyer. 

To her surprise, the person had come to her directly. 

[Is it possible to meet now?] 

Ginseng was incredibly effective for regulating heart health. If Ash could secure these four plants, it would significantly help Dorothy and Brooke with their heart conditions. While it might not restore them to full health, it would improve their quality of life by at least ten times. 

[Yes, when and where?] 

The person on the other end was someone powerful. There was no way these four plants could be obtained so easily without 

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Chapter 238 

significant influence. However, their insistence on meeting suggested they might know Xah personally 

“Jewel, where’s Calvert? Why didn’t he come with you today? After retorning. Sofia weemed to be doing much better, though Ash knew it was probably just a final burst of energy before the env 

Sofia didn’t have much time leh. 

Ash didn’t want to think about that right now. She tried to make the most of her time, creating memories and fulfilling Sofia’s wishes. 

“Dexter will be back later, so I didn’t have Calvert come with me, Ash explained. She had called Deer earlier that morning but he had been his usual self, making demands. 

Dexter had always been driven by self–interest. He tied everything to what he could gain, even exploiting the woman who raised him. 

Sofia brightened at the mention of Dexter. “Oh, really? When is Dexter coming? Are you sure he’s coming? Is he comin alone? 

After all these years of raising Dexter, Sofia treated him as if he were her son, pouring her heart into him without a single complaint 

“Probably around 10.30 AM. I’ve already ordered lunch, so don’t worry about it.” 

Sofia shook her head, adamantly refusing. “No, no. You can’t compare store–bought food to what I cook at home? You and Josh love my cooking; we rarely are all together. I have to cook for you myself” 

“Don’t argue with me. I’m making your favorite dishes, Sofia said with a smile as she bustled around to get started 

When Dexter arrived, Sofia was still in the kitchen, preparing the meal. As expected, he came empty–handed, his expression carrying the confident air of someone who believed he had already won 

Jewel, I’ve told you before, we should spend more time together, and catch up more often. But you always refuse. Dexter said with a grin. 

Ash’s face remained cold as she stared at Dexter, disgusted by his smug demeanor. “If it weren’t for Soffa, I wouldn’t be having a meal with you for the rest of my life.” 

“Regardless of whose favor you’re trying to save, you’re still eating with me now, Jewel, You’re will young Sometimes yess can’t be certain about things. You have to leave yourself some room” 

Ash fought to keep her temper in check, her voice icy and her eyes burning with anger as she warned Dexter, “What I do IN none of your concern. Keep your comments to yourself in front of Sofia today.” 

“Ah, Dexter’s here!” Sofia called out as she walked out of the kitchen, carrying the dishes. She set them down on the calls and hurried over to them 

Dexter approached with the demeanor of a dutiful sou ‘Sofia, why are you cooking again? You’re not fading well, don’t wear yourself out like this. You should have someone bring food over next time.” 

He quickly added. “It’s my fault. I should’ve arranged something carlier. With everything going on with Loveles, Dinin come to check on you sooner. And, of course. I haven’t been able to help little jewel as much as I should have 

Dexter managed to dodge responsibility and twist the situation in his favor in just a few da 

Already deeply concerned for him, Sofia felt even more guilty heating those words “What happened with Lorient You Ba awful–what’s going on?” 

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11:47 pm XXX · 

Chapter 238 

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“It’s alright, it’s nothing,” Dexter said, trying to brush it off. “Rarely, the three of us are together, so let’s not dwell on any other unpleasant things.” He paused, as if hesitating to say more. 

Sofia grew more anxious. “What’s going on? You’re my son–there’s nothing you can’t tell me.” 

Dexter sighed deeply, the weight of the situation heavy in his voice. “A few days ago, Lorelei had an accident. She wasn’t paying attention and got into a car crash. She’s still in the hospital. I’ve been there with her these past few days and didn’t. want to bother you.” 

Ash stood quietly behind them, watching Dexter put on his act, playing the role of the caring, devoted man. 

“When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me something so serious?” Sofia’s shock was evident, her voice filled with 

concern. 

Dexter’s expression immediately dropped. “It’s only been the past couple of days. I didn’t want to trouble you. Sofia, it’s not too serious. The doctors say she’ll recover and should be fine–she’ll be as healthy as anyone else.” 

His voice faltered, his eyes reddening. “But Lorelei can’t move too much from now on. If she does, it could trigger a relapse. Dexter wiped his eyes as if overcome with emotion. “I feel like a failure. I’ve never been able to care for the people around me properly.” 

He choked on his words. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry… I can’t look after you all like I should. You’ve both had to suffer because of me.” 

Ash frowned, disgusted by his manipulation. She thought, ‘He always plays the martyr, using guilt to get what he wants. And the worst part is, Sofia always falls for it, believing every word.‘ 

AD