Chapter 290 The Doll Heist
# Finished
As they walked down the corridor, on either side were courtyards separated by iron fences. Inside, patients in hospital gowns engaged in various activities, each in their own state.
Some sat on benches with a vacant stare, mumbling to themselves. Others walked in slow, mechanical circles, seemingly trapped in an endless loop, while a few flailed their arms at invisible fors, their faces etched with terror and anger.
They passed through the corridor and entered a garde
Following the direction pointed out by a nurse, Lauren spotted a woman with
Kray–streaked hair. Her skin was loose and rough, lacking the refinement she once had as a lady of leisure, appearing a decade older than her actual age–a true embodiment of her twilight years.
The woman cradled a doll in her arms, humming an unrecognizable tune and tenderly soothing it oblivious to her surroundings.
This woman was none other than Alice.
Lauren stood at a distance, quietly observing Alice, her eyes filled with complex emotions. Alice, did; you ever think that rushing into marriage with a scoundrel would wreck your life beyond repair? Your son’s in prison, your daughter’s permanently disabled, and you’ve lost an eye. What could have been a wonderful life has crumbled because of your shortsightedness. You really brought this karma on yourself.
With a smirk on her lips, Lauren reflected on the shame of having such a mother.
She despised David, but she hated Alice even more. Reviewing her own tragic life over the past two decades, although David was the instigator, Alice was equally to blame.
Lauren watched Alice with an indifferent expression.
Alice gently put the doll to sleep in her arms and then began talking to the air.
“Laurie, my dear daughter, I will protect you. I won’t let the bad people take you away again. You must believe me, I really do love you very much.”
She kissed the doll’s cheek, treating it as if it were her beloved, precious daughter.
Watching this, Lauren’s eyes sparkled with mockery. Where was this care before? Now that you’ve lost everything, you understand what you had, but sadly, it’s too late.
Now that Alice had received her due punishment, some of Lauren’s bitterness was alleviated.
She felt there was no need to stay any longer, especially since, during her wrongful imprisonment, Alice had never visited her even once.
Her visit wasn’t about concern; it was about witnessing firsthand the pitiful downfall of the person who had caused her immense suffering.
Just as Lauren was about to turn and leave, suddenly, a madman charged at Alice, snatching the doll from her hands and running off.
Alice, who seconds ago was lost in a tender fantasy, crupted like a volcano, losing control at the sight of her
1/2
Sat, Apr 5 U
Chapter 290 The Doll Heist
“Ah–my daughter, stop! Give my daughter back to me
Alice screamed hoarsely and ran after the madman, but he was too fast for her.
“Give it back! My daughter, my Lauric-
83%
Finished
The madman, realizing he was not being pursued, eventually stopped and turned around. Seeing Alice in tears, he grinned, revealing his uneven teeth, and laughed with delight.
“You’re crying, crying, how amusing.”
Furious, Alice shook as she pointed at the madman and yelled, “Give me my daughter back!”
The madman treated it like a game, “No, no, I won’t give it back. Come and hit me if you can!”
He raised the doll high and then slammed it to the ground.
Each slam felt like a hammer blow to Alice’s heart.
Her eyes turned blood–red as she screamed, “I’m going to kill you, you monster!”
She charged at him again. Seeing her approach, the madman quickly grabbed the doll and, laughing heartily, ran off again.
Alice continued the chase but failed to catch him. However, during the pursuit, her gaze suddenly caught Lauren standing not far away.
368
