?Chapter 201:


    As he asked, Elena and Kiera descended the stairs.


    As soon as Marlonid eyes on Kiera, his usually sharp and serious expression softened, his eyes filling with emotion. “Kiera, Daddy’s here to bring you home.”


    Kiera now understood the full story. Marlon and Malcolm hadn’t forsaken her as Ethel had imed. Marlon had always cherished her. As Marlon extended his hand, Kiera paused, gathering her bravery before epting it.


    Marlon’s heart overflowed with relief and affection, though he managed to maintain aposed exterior. He turned to Elena, expressing his thanks. “Miss Harper, your kindness to Kiera won’t be forgotten. I’ve heard of your interest in cinnabar, so I made sure to bring some along.”


    “The cinnabar isn’t for sale. It’s my gift to you, Miss Harper,” Marlon said.


    Within Marlon’s assortment of gifts, a distinct wooden box caught the eye.


    This box, finished with a glossy ckcquer and adorned with carvings of hawks so vivid they seemed poised for flight, drew immediate attention. An antique gold lock on its side shone brilliantly under the light.


    The sheer artistry and premium materials of the box suggested immense value, serving merely as the vessel for the cinnabar, underscoring its worth.


    Marlon unlocked the golden sp and lifted the lid, revealing the cinnabar nestled within. He slid the box across to Elena, inviting her to inspect the contents.


    Elena hesitated, and Alexander interjected, “Mr. Johnson, this is exceedingly generous. However, since Elena is fond of it, I insist on paying the market rate.”


    Alexander, familiar with the rarity of such treasures, understood the cinnabar’s worth well. Though Marlon presented it as a gesture of gratitude, such gifts often implied an expectation of reciprocity. But the Harper family could easily afford this gesture.


    Marlon raised a hand to pause Alexander and said, “Please, Mr. Harper, don’tplicate matters. As a father, you must understand my position. Kiera is my world, and having raised her alone since her mother’s passing weighs heavily on me. No treasure can match the value of my daughter’s well-being. I offer this gift freely to Miss Harper, without expecting anything in return.”


    As he spoke, Marlon affectionately ran his fingers through Kiera’s hair, his eyes warm with love.


    Alexander reflected briefly. He thought to himself that if someone were to save Elena, he would spare no expense, even if it meant giving up his entire Harper Group.


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    Grasping Marlon’s sincerity, Alexander nodded toward Elena, giving her the go-ahead to ept the cinnabar.


    Elena gratefully epted the gift. She believed in mutual respect and never took without giving something in return. Because Marlon had given her the cinnabar, she chose to assist him again.


    Meeting Kiera’s gentle gaze, Elena unexpectedly said, “Your daughter’s deafness and muteness can be healed.”


    “What?” Marlon’s face brightened immediately. “Kiera can be healed?”


    Marlon’s wife had faced severeplications during Kiera’s birth, which had left Kiera in distress within the womb for an extended period.


    Kiera had been unusually silent as an infant, leading everyone to initially believe she was merely a calm baby. However, when she had not spoken by the age of three, a medical examination revealed she was born with hearing loss.


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