Mr. Hamilton discovered that since Leland’s parents died, Miss never called Leland “little trash” again.
In Winifred’s words, once the trash leaves the rubbish bin, it is no longer trash. Now she can see Leland as a person, as only a person is worth using.
Gregory Dawson, Winifred’s father, came back for a visit these three days. The father and daughter had little emotional connection, but they maintained a harmonious facade. Winifred knew how to please this man, portraying the obedient daughter.
As for Leland, there was no need for tantrums when cajoling could solve the issue.
After Winifred coaxed and cajoled, Gregory agreed for Winifred to bring Leland home.
He had considered that his daughter had no one her age by her side, and it seemed her relationships with her classmates at school were not great.
With no mother by her side, he worried about Winifred becoming withdrawn.
This was the first time Winifred had asked him for anything, wanting him to adopt a child to keep her company and play with her. Gregory agreed without much thought.
But he could not adopt Leland. After all, the Dawson family had substantial wealth, and he thought it best to have someone else adopt. Mr. Hamilton was the chosen person for the nominal adoption, which was not a big deal.
Furthermore, he asked Mr. Hamilton about the child’s situation, and Mr. Hamilton said it was quite good, implying a willingness to adopt Leland.
Three days passed quickly, and Winifred sent someone to the police station to inquire about Leland’s situation.
Being confined to a cell for three days, with only one meal a day and enough water, Leland wouldn’t die, but his physical energy would deplete rapidly. He was already skin and bones.
His mental state was not good-when no one was around, he would huddle in a dark corner, trembling, and ask about his mother. The results received over the three days were that his mother’s body was still being taken care of, but the police did not inform Leland who was taking care of it.
Leland had no sense of time and judged the days by the meals. Three days felt like three years. On this day, Leland was drinking from a cup when the police arrived.
“Someone has come to pick you up. You have been released without charge. After you leave, make sure to see a psychologist. You are still young and have a long life ahead. Don’t let this incident become a shadow in your life. Live well in the future.”
Leland recognized the policewoman who had brought him to the police car three days ago.
Leland didn’t say anything. As soon as the door opened, he followed the policewoman out. He was placed in a room, and shortly after, he heard activity outside the door. His gaze focused on silhouettes, which grew closer until Winifred’s beautiful face appeared.
“It’s been a long time, Leland,” she said.
It had indeed been a long time. The last time he saw her, he was on his knees, pleading for her to save his mother. She had ruthlessly refused.
He thought they would never meet again. Yet three days later, here they were.
Seeing Leland’s dazed expression, Winifred thought to herself, “Could he have lost his mind from being imprisoned?”
But perhaps not. She had confidence in Leland’s mental resilience. He had the ability to poison someone and stab them four times to death; being held for 80 hours should be nothing to him.
Leland did harbor resentment toward Winifred. He resented her indifference when she could have saved his mother with a phone call.
However, after being confined for three days, that resentment slowly dissipated. He looked at Winifred, unable to say anything, like a lifeless body.
Winifred did not ask Leland if he resented her. She approached him, while Mr. Hamilton kept a vigilant eye on Leland, fearing he might harm Winifred at that moment.
Winifred stood before Leland, tall although she was. She took a handkerchief and gently wiped the blood clot on his forehead. She thought it would be a shame to mar such a handsome face. She felt that way in her heart.
“Leland, I’m giving you two options: stay here, or come with me to study. I’ll cover all of your tuition expenses until you finish your studies.”
It was a tempting choice. Leland’s dull eyes flickered as he looked at Winifred’s fair face. He shifted his gaze downward, taking in her delicate, fair neck-it would bruise with even a gentle squeeze.
Leland suddenly felt a dryness in his throat. His hands shook slightly at his sides, unnoticed by anyone.
Winifred approached him closely, the faint fragrance of bath soap from her body wafted into Leland’s nose. Her hand, which had wiped his forehead, glided down, her cool thumb gently caressing a “mole” on his brow.
Seeing Leland silent, Winifred continued in a naïve tone, “By the way, your mother’s body is still with me. That man’s body is also with me. Today’s a good day. If you come with me, I’ll take you to see your mother for the last time. Then we’ll find a good burial place for her. As for that man who abused you, we’ll grind his bones to dust and throw them in the garbage dump for the wild dogs to chew. What do you think?”
“Okay…”
Leland finally spoke, his voice hoarse and soft, but Winifred heard him clearly. A tender smile blossomed on her face, and she placed the handkerchief that had touched his face into his hand.
“Good boy. These days have been tough on you. Look at how much weight you’ve lost. And the wound on your forehead-I hope it won’t leave a scar…” Winifred stared at Leland intently, her brow furrowed as if genuinely worried about him.
“Do you feel unwell? Do you want to go to the hospital for a check-up?” she asked.
Leland shook his head.
“Then let’s go see your mother first.” Winifred took hold of Leland’s hand, and as she turned away, her smile disappeared. She glanced meaningfully at Mr. Hamilton.
Her change in demeanor was swift, and only Mr. Hamilton understood the meaning behind her glance.
Winifred won.
Some people have keen intuition and are naturally perceptive. Winifred was such a person, and she was also naturally skilled at disguising her intentions.
She led Leland out, pretending to be close to him, and the sunlight today was especially pleasant.
Leland had been locked up. He didn’t know that it had rained earlier that morning, and now, the rain had cleared, leaving a rainbow in the sky. Winifred turned to Leland, smiling at him in the sunshine, brighter than the sun.
Leland should resent and hate this person. There was a moment when he wanted to kill her, just as he had killed that man, stabbing Winifred in the abdomen, watching her bleed, watching her beg for mercy.
But as she turned back and smiled at him, Leland reconsidered. At least, at that moment, he didn’t want her to die.