?Chapter 2807:


    “Thank you, Uncle Eric.” Locke rose from his seat and expressed his thanks politely.


    Eric couldn’t help thinking that the boy really was bing a miniature version of Ernest.


    Good grief… he could already picture what Locke would be like when he grew older.


    Unlike Eric’s offer, Hadley simply smiled warmly.


    “Locke, finish your dinner first. I made some vani ice cream. Once you’re done, you and Joy can have some together.”


    “Okay! Thank you, Auntie Hadley!” At the mention of ice cream, Locke’s serious demeanor melted away, reced by the innocent cheer of a child.


    “Hurry now. Eat up.”


    “Joy, you too—finish your meal.”


    And so, Joy’s school days began without incident.


    The little girl adjusted well to the new environment, and soon she made new friends.


    Most of their sses were shared, the two of them sticking together for the core subjects.


    But not always—like in PE. They shared the basic sessions, but their elective activities differed, separating them from time to time.


    That afternoon, Locke went to ser practice, so he wasn’t with Joy.


    The weather was scorching, and under the zing sun, running across the wide field left him drenched in sweat.


    “Locke!” someone called from afar as the ball sailed overhead in a neat arc.


    “Get the ball!”


    “Got it!” Locke shouted back, sweat clinging to his flushed face as he sprinted after the ball.


    The ser ball struck the wall and bounced away, rolling into a corner before finallying to a stop.


    Panting, his cheeks burning with exertion, Locke bent to pick it up.


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    “Locke?”


    Just as he turned to leave, a voice called his name. He paused and looked around, but he didn’t see anyone. Had he imagined it?


    Still clutching the ball, he started to walk away.


    “Locke! Locke!”


    This time, the call came again—clearer, closer.


    “Who’s there?” Locke asked, his eyes darting around.


    “Who’s calling me?”


    “Over here!” the voice replied eagerly.


    “Locke! This way!”


    Where?


    Ball in hand, Locke followed the sound a few cautious steps forward. And then, he saw her.


    Under the shade of a ne tree stood a woman in sunsses, waving in his direction.


    Locke hesitated.


    Ernest had always taught him to be careful around strangers. Yet this woman—hidden behind those dark lenses—stirred a strange familiarity in him.


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