Chapter 353
Ivan recalled how every time he got close to this woman, she exhibited a panic-like response.
Was she frightened of him or just afraid of his closeness?
His lips tightened into a straight line, ready to speak, when his phone vibrated in his pocket.
He gently pushed Haley's shoulder, suggesting softly, "It's a bit noisy in the hall. Why don't you step out onto the small balcony for some fresh air?"
After she moved away, he took his phone to a quiet spot to answer the call.
A voice came through. "Hello, Mrs. Winston, this is Katherine. I don't know if you've heard of me?"
Ivan nodded slightly. "Hello, Miss Katherine."
His mother lived a quiet life in Australia, and Miss Katherine was someone who often kept her company at the estate.
At first, Ivan suspected Katherine's frequent visits had an ulterior motive, but he later learned that she was a social research psychologist who often visited to understand the psychological needs of people like his mother.
Since she meant no harm, he let it be.
Over time, his mother and Katherine even became close friends despite their age difference.
He had thought about meeting Miss Katherine in person but had been too busy, and the years had just slipped by.
"I've prepared a gift for your mother, and it's been delivered to the doorstep of the Winston family villa. The delivery person can't get in without an invitation; could you please trouble Mrs. Winston to go out and get it?" Katherine's English could have been better, and the message took her almost a minute to relay.
Ivan walked outside while on the phone and saw a person standing at the villa entrance with a box. He instructed Alfred to bring in the birthday gift.
"Thank you, Miss Katherine. The gift has been received."
He was ready to hang up when Katherine interjected, "Wait! Let's add each other on Messenger; I'd like to show you something."
Ivan's response was measured. "Alright."
After ending the call, he noticed a new friend request notification on Messenger.
He added a new friend, and immediately, a file was sent his way—
"I've written this psychological needs report using your mother as a case study. Auntie has been living alone in Australia for many years, and she yearns deeply for familial affection and love. Even as an outsider, my heart aches for her. I hope Mrs. Winston will pay more attention to your mother's psychological well-being."
Ivan opened the file and found the text written inside to be incredibly detailed.
He knew these psychological needs, but—
He pursed his lips and closed the file.
His mother's solitary life in Australia was a form of penance; those who carried guilt deserved to endure this kind of psychological torment.
...
Haley stood on the small balcony, letting the cold air whisper through.
She had been there for less than three minutes when the balcony door swung open, and Emily emerged with two cups of coffee.
"You didn't want to have coffee with me, did you? I'll treat you."
Emily set the coffee down on the balcony's small table.
Haley turned her cool gaze towards Emily, taking in her perfectly done makeup. "Emily, have you been able to sleep every night over these four years?"
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