?Chapter 2882:


    “Where?” Locke rolled toward her and raised his hand.


    “I’ll scratch it. Is it here?”


    “A little higher.”


    “Like this?”


    “Mm-hm, that’s it.”


    Locke ran his fingers carefully through her hair, a pang of sadness tightening his chest.


    She had spent so many days with him, never once able to bathe properly.


    “Locke,” Joy whispered again, her voice tinged with longing.


    “I miss Mom and Dad… and Great-grandma N, and Uncle Ernest…”


    “I miss them too.” Locke furrowed his brow as he tried tofort her.


    “Don’t worry. My father and your father are looking for us. We just need to be patient.”


    He squeezed her hand tightly.


    “Until they find us, trust me—I won’t let anyone harm you.”


    “Alright.” Joy nodded solemnly.


    “Be good, Joy. Let’s try to sleep now.”


    “Okay.” Joy closed her eyes obediently, drifting quickly into a light sleep, gentle snores escaping her lips.


    Locke stayed on his side, keeping her hand in his, unable to let his guard down for even a moment.


    Late at night, the door to the small room creaked open, its worn hinges groaning in protest.


    “Watch your step,” the woman warned sharply, casting a reproachful nce at her husband as she stepped in cautiously.


    When she reached the bedside, her movements faltered—her gaze lingered on the two children sleeping soundly, their breathing soft and even. Holding her breath, she slowly extended her hands toward Joy, ready to lift the little girl into her arms.


    But just as her fingers brushed against the child, she felt a sudden tug.


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    Looking down, she saw Locke’s tiny hand mped tightly around the girl’s.


    The woman let out a quiet, helpless sigh and carefully began to pry his fingers free, each motion deliberate to avoid waking him. Slowly… delicately… she worked at his grip. Yet no matter how gentle she was—


    “What are you doing?” Locke’s eyes snapped open, his small body jerking upright as he caught her in the act. His hand flew to clutch Joy’s arm.


    “Let go of Joy!”


    “Now, now, don’t fuss.” The woman forced a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, her voice soft but unconvincing.


    “We can’t afford to raise both of you. We found a good family for Joy—they’ll care for her, I promise.”


    “No!” Panic widened Locke’s eyes, his breath hitching as he clung to Joy with desperate strength.


    Shaking his head wildly, he cried, “You can’t take her! If you can’t keep us both… then send us both away! Just don’t separate us!”


    “Don’t be ridiculous. Do you even know how much we’ve already spent on you two?” the woman snapped, her patience fraying.


    “Stop dawdling!” The man at the doorway barked, his voice a low growl of irritation as he strode in. Without a shred of hesitation, he yanked Joy from the woman’s arms.


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