?Chapter 232:


    Laura looked at her with affection. “What is it, dear?”


    Gathering her courage, Sadie hesitated before asking tentatively, “Grandma, would you… would you be willing toe with me?”


    “Come with you? Where to?” Laura asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.


    Under the soft, warm light of the room, Sadie’splexion appeared pale, her eyes reflecting fatigue.


    She bit her lip, her eyes darting nervously. “To… to another country. To start fresh in a new environment,” she murmured hesitantly.


    Laura paused, her fork hanging in midair, as she stared at Sadie, her face etched with surprise.


    Sadie struggled to hold back tears, forcing a smile. In a voice half-pleading, she added, “Grandma, I want to start over somewhere new. Pleasee with me. Will you?”


    Laura reached out and sped Sadie’s hand, her rough palm warm andforting. She sighed, her eyes soft and caring.


    Knowing Sadie as a strong, independent woman who seldom asked for help since childhood, Laura gently squeezed her hand and spoke tenderly. “Sadie, I’m old now. I don’t…”


    “Wish to move. But whatever you decide, I’ll support you. Just promise to take good care of yourself. That’s all I want.”


    Tears escaped Sadie’s eyes, streaming down her cheeks.


    She wrapped her arms around Laura, burying her face in her shoulder, and wept quietly.


    Laura softly stroked her back,forting her as one would soothe a child.


    Guilt weighed heavily on Sadie’s heart.


    After a long moment, she lifted her head and managed a weak smile.


    “Grandma, I… I need to go now.”


    “Alright, dear. Be careful out there,” Laura responded gently.


    Sadie turned and walked slowly toward the door.


    At the threshold, she hesitated, not daring to look back. She feared that a nce might break her resolve to leave.


    With a deep breath to steady herself, Sadie opened the door and stepped out into the cool night.


    Sadie dashed down the stairs swiftly. The motion-sensor lights flickered on in sequence, illuminating her path before fading just as she passed.


    Upon reaching the small flowerbed, Sadie sat on the chilly stone steps.


    She hugged her knees tightly and hid her face in them.


    Nearby, a sleek ck Maybach stood silently by the roadside. Inside, Noah tapped his fingers on his thigh, a sign of his unease as he watched Sadie’s delicate form from afar. In a moment of frustration, he tugged at his tie.


    “Mr. Wall, aren’t you going to step out?” asked Samuel from the passenger seat, his voice filled with caution.


    Noah looked away, his voice devoid of emotion. “Why should I?”


    Samuel found himself without a response and chose to remain silent.


    A heavy silence settled in the car.


    Despite the silence, Noah’s thoughts were restless.


    “When will she arrive?” he asked after a pause, his tone edged with annoyance.


    “The ne willnd in two hours,” Samuel responded promptly.


    Acknowledging this with a slight nod, Noah said nothing more, and his eyes drifted back to Sadie, still curled up on the steps.


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