Chapter 687
“Enough. I’ll get him some warm water to clean him up. Just take care of him.” Denise, feeling sympathy for Roderick, knew she had to care for him diligently. He was her only hope for the future, and she needed to ensure he was well taken care of.
Judie rolled her eyes at Denise and moved Roderick’s position on the bed with her foot.
After a while, Denise finished preparing the warm water and began to clean Roderick’s body. “Judie, please keep an eye on him tonight. Don’t—”
“You handle it,” Judie interjected, grabbing a pillow. “I’m pregnant and need my rest.” Without another word, she turned and left.
Denise hesitated, wanting to say something, but ultimately decided to focus on caring for Roderick.
Thankfully, Roderick managed through the night without further incident. Yet, just as dawn approached, Denise’s phone rang abruptly at five o’clock. Startled, she hastened outside to answer the call.
She instinctively returned to her room. “I’ve asked you not to contact me anymore. I have no idea where your daughter is. Shortly after I took her in, my marriage fell apart, and I’ve lost track of her since.”
With that, she ended the call.
Setting the phone down, she turned to find Judie awake and looking at her in confusion. “Oh, I forgot you were here. I’m sorry, I—I…”
“Hold on a moment,” Judie interrupted, her curiosity piqued. “Who was on the phone?”
“Um…” Denise hesitated, her voice faltering. “I suspect Eileen was stolen and sold a long time ago. I’m not sure how her family managed to reach me.”
How could she admit she had bought Eileen? The illegal nature of it all was undeniable. If she admitted this, how could she ever hope to take advantage of Eileen in the future?
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Judie’s eyes flickered as an idea struck her. “Did you even ask who was calling?”
“I didn’t ask,” Denise replied quickly. “I didn’t dare to probe too much.”
Judie, now standing and grabbing Denise’s phone, said, “Let me check. I need to see where the call came from.”
The phone displayed that the caller was from Alverton, the most remote northern reaches of the country. Judie knew well that people in Alverton were either extremely rich or very poor.
“When Eileen was brought to you, did she have anything with her?” Judie asked.
“Yes,” Denise replied quickly. “She had gold, but it was taken away by the seller.”
Thirty years ago, buying gold for a mere infant was a sign of considerable wealth.
Judie’s eyes gleamed with realization. “If her family is wealthy, then you can turn this to our advantage. If they contact you again about Eileen, just tell them they’ve reached the wrong person. Mention that one of your relatives did buy a child and ask for some money to ‘help with the search.’ Then, say that you’re unable to contact this so-called relative.”