Chapter 23: The Old Man

Tonight, after witnessing Kit's outstanding dance performance, Mary had a new perspective on her daughter. She originally planned to take Kit home after the event and use the opportunity to have a good talk. However, as she and Anna waited at the school gate, Kit was nowhere to be seen.

As time passed, the campus gradually emptied, and the gate became increasingly deserted. Mary grew worried, her brows tightly furrowed as she looked around. Anna, standing beside her, also began to feel impatient but maintained her outward appearance of gentle patience.

"Mom, maybe Kit got held up with something else," Anna said softly, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness and concern. "Let's wait a little longer."

Mary sighed, ready to wait a bit more when Terrence emerged from the school gate. Seeing Mary and Anna standing there, he walked over.

"Auntie, Anna, why are you still here?" Terrence asked, surprised.

"We're waiting for Kit. She hasn't come out yet," Mary replied, anxiety in her voice.

Terrence frowned, recalling the scene backstage. "Kit left a while ago. She seemed to leave with Ryan."

Hearing this, Mary's expression darkened slightly. "Kit's a girl; she should inform us where she's going. What if something happens to her?"

Anna quickly stepped forward, gently saying, "Mom, Kit probably had an emergency and couldn't tell us. Don't worry too much."

Mary's mood eased a little but remained displeased. She looked at Anna and nodded, "I hope so."

Anna continued, "Mom, Kit is smart. She'll be safe. Let's go home so you don't get too tired."

Finally, with a reluctant sigh, Mary agreed and took Anna home. Along the way, Anna kept comforting her mother, while Mary was deep in thought, her mind filled with worry and dissatisfaction towards Kit.

As soon as Kit stepped into the house, before she could even change her shoes, she heard Mary's hurried footsteps from the living room. Mary's face was stormy, her eyes filled with anger and concern.

"Kit, why are you home so late? Where did you go? Who were you with?" Mary demanded, her tone harsh and accusatory.

Kit scoffed, her gaze cold as she looked at Mary. Standing tall at the door, her eyes held a mixture of sarcasm and helplessness.

"You never cared about me before. Now that you see I'm doing well, you remember you have a daughter?" Kit replied coldly, her tone dripping with irony.

Mary was momentarily speechless, her face growing darker. She took a deep breath, struggling to control her anger. "I'm just concerned for you. It's not safe for a girl to come home this late."

"Concerned?" Kit sneered. "When have you ever been concerned about me? I ate alone, did my homework alone, went to the hospital alone. When have you ever cared?"

Mary's expression grew more complex. Her eyes flickered as if recalling those neglected years. Her lips trembled, wanting to say something but unable to find the words.

At that moment, Anna came downstairs, feigning concern. "Kit, Mom is just worried about you. Don't say that."

Kit glanced at Anna, her gaze indifferent. Without another word, she headed to her room.

"I'm tired. I'm going to rest," Kit said, her tone carrying a clear sense of detachment and fatigue.

Mary watched Kit's retreating figure, her heart a mix of emotions. She knew she had neglected her daughter too much in the past, but now, trying to make amends seemed too late.

Anna watched Kit's back, a hint of triumph and a cold smile in her eyes. She softly said to Mary, "Mom, Kit is probably really tired. Don't be too angry. We should care for her more; she'll understand eventually."

Mary nodded, filled with resignation and self-reproach. She sighed deeply, sitting down to think. Anna, seeing her mother's continued anger, decided to fan the flames a little more. She casually said, "Mom, I noticed Kit came back in a Maybach. Do you think she might be involved with an older man?"

Mary's face darkened further at Anna's words. Her mind raced with various thoughts, filled with a mix of anger and worry. She glanced upstairs towards Kit's room, her expression stern and determined.

"If that's true, I won't sit by and do nothing," Mary said firmly. "She needs to cut ties with those people completely, or our family's reputation will be ruined."

Anna, pleased with the effect of her words, maintained her concerned facade. "Mom, I'm worried about Kit too. We should push forward the engagement with Ryan. That way, Kit will have a stable future, and you won't have to worry about her straying."

Mary nodded, having made up her mind. "You're right. We need to arrange the marriage with the Gu family as soon as possible."

Anna smiled slightly, knowing her plan was halfway to success. She intended to keep playing the role of the caring sister to further her agenda.

As night deepened, Mary sat in the living room, contemplating the future. She decided to contact the Gu family the next day to discuss the wedding details. She wouldn't allow Kit to make any more mistakes and was determined to secure her family's interests and reputation.

Kit, back in her room, leaned against the door and let out a long sigh. She reflected on the evening, especially her time with Ryan. His thoughtful actions and understanding of her situation left her with a mix of emotions. The evenings spent at the infirmary with Ryan had always brought her a sense of warmth and comfort.

Tonight, Ryan had taken her to that hidden restaurant, thoughtfully preparing medicinal cuisine for her, clearly aware of her condition. She had a vague understanding of his intentions, sensing that his care and concern went beyond professional duties. However, she was too overwhelmed by everything to dwell on it further.