Javier drove the car to the 4S shop after taking Evanna to the academy. Edna called while he was driving, asking if she could move in the day after tomorrow.“They had a meeting, and the houses will be picked according to the sequence of the demolition when we move back. That’s why I’m moving in such a hurry. Please excuse me, Javier…”Edna sounded incredibly apologetic and embarrassed when she explained.Javier did not mind, of course. He had already decided to rent the place to the mother and child, so it would make no difference whether the move took place in the morning or at night. He then asked on the phone if Edna needed help moving.The woman said that she had a younger cousin who ran a moving company and would help them. Javier was glad that he would be free in that case.Edna was still thankful about his kind gesture and sincerely invited him to a meal at her place at night.“I’m so thankful that you rented the place to us and offered to help us move. I feel indebted to

While Javier complained in his mind, Florence suddenly asked about his purpose for visiting the orphanage. He made one up on the spot. “I saw an article about the orphanage previously and felt sympathetic, so I thought I’d pay a visit. But I was in a hurry and forgot to bring anything. I’m going to the mart to get some things now!”“Oh, you’re really such a kind, generous soul!” Florence complimented him with a grin and easily passed over three big bags of snacks. “Hold on to them. Just say you bought these!”Javier was slightly embarrassed. “No way, you bought them!”“Doesn’t matter, it’s the thought that counts. They’re for the kids anyway. It’s the same no matter who brings them.”Florence invited Javier into the orphanage warmly after that and briefly introduced the orphanage as they made their way inside.This orphanage was the oldest one and had once housed over a hundred orphans during its peak. There were only a little over ten children left now because the others had gone

Bernadetta panicked, as though Javier was going to rob her of some precious gem or her own wallet, and she sprang off the bed and sprinted for the dishes like a released tiger.As Javier took in her swift pace and lightning speed, it was now his turn to fret.“Sh*t, you can run pretty fast, huh, you brat?! Bolt at his peak couldn’t even catch up to the speed you’re running at, don’t you think so?”“Uh…” Bernadetta stood rooted there awkwardly before she faked a squeal out of the blue. “No sh*t, I’m actually healed?!“I recovered just like that. This is a miracle!“Oh dear, you’ve done me a favor here. Just a jab from you and my foot recovered right away. You’re amazing!”Javier waved quickly. “No, I did you no favor. I’ve done no favor to someone like you.”Hah, a miracle? She had recovered just like that? Bernadetta was shameless! Javier was disgruntled, and rightfully so. What was this if not deception?That was what he had thought. How could her foot not heal after his treat

Javier’s suspicion turned to Constance Hellman’s white Pomeranian. He turned to the director’s office and met the dog’s eyes. With its paws on the windowsill, it hoisted itself up to look out of the window. Seeing the dog cracking a lopsided grin and baring its fangs—beaming as smugly as a teacher’s pet who had managed to subdue everyone through the power of being the boss’s favorite—made it look both amusing and chilling. It would have been had the dog not caught Javier’s gaze, suddenly dropped the smile, and put on a face that seemed to be saying, ‘I’m just your average dog! Nothing to see here!’And then it feigned—yes, feigned—a yawn as its one last measure to cover up the fact that it had been laughing smugly to itself. ‘What. The. Actual. F*ck?!’ Javier thundered in his mind. ‘B*tch’s a natural actress! What’s it doing here instead of being interviewed on a talk show after becoming viral on TikTok?’In combination with Russell’s report, the incident inside the director’s of

Florence called half an hour later to tell him where they’d be having dinner. After leaving the inn in Bernadetta’s care, he hurried to the venue. Florence had picked a newly-opened Yuzuian restaurant. Javier had never liked Yuzuian restaurants, but since Florence had invited him, courtesy stopped him from asking the woman to change their meeting venue. He found Florence quickly enough and sat across from her. They placed their orders, and Javier began his performance: He started sighing and doing his best to look forlorn. It intrigued Florence enough to ask what was wrong, and Javier told her about his unfortunate beef with Constance that day.“It’s so unfair, man! Why would I bully a dog for no reason?” he moaned. “I’m sure Aunt Constance misunderstood. You’re a knightly, heroic, kind man! How could someone like you possibly get off on hurting a dog? I’m sure Aunt Constance was just too worried about the dog’s welfare to think things through. She didn’t mean it. I can vouch for