Frederick Thorne and Lana Steiner didn’t return to town that night, staying at the family home instead. But the couple was too agitated to sleep. They tossed and turned all night, desperate for morning to arrive so they could go to the town clinic for an examination. The sooner they had a confirmation, the sooner they could be at ease.

Early the next morning, the couple, sporting dark circles under their eyes, hurriedly rode their bicycle back to town. They took the packets of medicine with them as well. Frederick Thorne was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Tang Xiaonan hadn’t slept well that night either. She had been trying to recall the details from the book, but unfortunately, her memories were growing increasingly fuzzy. There was so much she couldn’t remember anymore. ’Perhaps some of it will come back to me unexpectedly later on.’

But for now, three things were certain—

The medicine that would cause Lana Steiner to give birth to a child with deformities had been recommended by Phoenix Golding’s mother. Lana Steiner’s death and Frederick Thorne’s descent into madness were both directly linked to those packets of medicine.

Not long after a visit from Jacqueline Spann, Frederick Thorne’s madness had worsened. He had run out, fallen into the river, and drowned. And yet, Beauty Drunk was still produced, using the original recipe.

The driver responsible for the car accident that killed her original self was Jacqueline Spann’s own younger brother, Ulysses Spann.

These three incidents were all major disasters that piled misery upon the Thorne family, and every single one was inextricably linked to Jacqueline Spann.

Even if it were all just a coincidence, Jacqueline Spann was undoubtedly the Thorne family’s nemesis. ’I have to guard against that woman.’

Tang Xiaonan’s hand had healed a long time ago, and she couldn’t keep putting off school. She had to go back sooner or later. Besides, she wanted to investigate Phoenix Golding’s lover, Storm Xavier. ’If I can catch them in the act, Phoenix Golding won’t be able to teach at the school anymore.’

No matter what connections she had, a teacher with such a moral scandal couldn’t be protected—not even by the director of the Education Bureau. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Phoebe Huxley packed a hearty lunch and stuffed it into Tang Xiaonan’s schoolbag. "That bit—"

Felix Thorne shot her a look of disapproval. Phoebe Huxley glared right back and finished what she was saying, "If that Golding bitch bullies you again, you go find your Grandpa Huxley and your uncles, you hear me?"

After all, her family was from Xavier Village, and her father, brothers, and nephews were all still there. Let that stinking bitch Phoenix Golding just try and lay a single finger on her daughter!

"I know."

Tang Xiaonan nodded, feeling her confidence swell. If she had known last time that Grandpa Huxley lived in Xavier Village, she would have gone straight to him and her grandma for backup. Phoebe Huxley had inherited all of her ferocity from her father.

Besides, her grandfather was the master butcher who had taught Felix Thorne his trade. Even though Grandpa Huxley was getting on in years, no one dared to cross him. Otherwise, a clean knife would go in, a bloody one would come out, and he’d strip you of everything you had.

Phoebe Huxley shot Felix Thorne a defiant look. ’Hmph. So he doesn’t like it when I call someone a bitch? Well, I’m going to do it anyway.’

Felix Thorne left the house in a huff, slinging his hoe over his shoulder to head off to work. He couldn’t be bothered to argue with his wife.

Just as Tang Xiaonan stepped out the door with her schoolbag, she saw Adrian Hawthorne. He was there to rent the bicycle. He had paid Phoebe Huxley ten yuan upfront and would often bring snacks and candy. He also took excellent care of the bike, polishing it until it gleamed. Even Felix Thorne couldn’t find anything to complain about, so he had tacitly consented to the arrangement.

Phoebe Huxley was naturally even more delighted. She had already earned more than ten yuan just from renting out the bicycle, not to mention all the snacks and candy. It was more than she made from working in the fields, so how could she not be pleased? These days, her greetings for Adrian Hawthorne were warmer than those for her own three sons.

"Kenneth, you’re here! Have you had breakfast yet? Why don’t you have a little something with us?"

There was no way she would ever call him a jinx again. In fact, if anyone else dared to, Phoebe Huxley would be the first to jump to his defense. Adrian Hawthorne was her little God of Wealth now. She had four future university students to provide for, after all. How could she possibly manage without earning more money?

"I’ve already eaten. Thank you, Auntie."

Adrian Hawthorne smiled faintly and expertly wheeled out the bicycle. ’Even though it isn’t raining today, the ground is soaked. Hoeing will be exhausting. I might as well head into the city and get back early this afternoon to work then.’