Home, on the other hand, felt like a gilded cage—lovely but stifling. Despite her uncle’s kindness, a hollow loneliness lingered within her.

Katelyn hugged Alfy back, her hand tracing gentle circles on Alfy’s shoulder.

“It’s just for the night. You can visit me during the day. It’s not as bad as you think.”

Alfy sighed, knowing there was no point in resisting.

“Alright,” she muttered.

When the time came to leave, Alfy reluctantly stepped away.

“Uncle’s car is already outside,” she said.

Katelyn nodded and stood.

“I’ll walk you to the door.”

Alfy was reluctant to be parted from her, so Katelyn felt the need to see her off.

Alfy didn’t refuse.

As they exited the hotel, a sleek McLaren sports car gleamed under the entrance lights.

Alfy’s uncle had an unexpectedly modern taste in cars. Typically, owners of such vehicles were younger, drawn to the thrill of speed. How old was Alfy’s uncle? Curiosity sparked within Katelyn as she pondered this.

A moment later, the driver’s side door of the sleek McLaren opened, revealing a middle-aged man in a leather jacket. But what caught Katelyn off guard wasn’t his attire—it was his appearance.

The left side of his face bore extensive burn scars, leaving a stark, textured reminder of past injuries. Despite the smile he wore, Katelyn felt an inexplicable chill run down her spine.

Her own reaction puzzled her. As a renowned doctor, she had encountered and treated countless patients with far more severe injuries. Yet, something about this man’s presence unsettled her in a way she couldn’t rationalize.

“Uncle!” Alfy’s voice broke the silence as she dashed over to him with childlike glee.

The man smiled warmly, embracing her. Then, turning his gaze to Katelyn, he introduced himself, “Hello, I’m Bernie Norris, Alfy’s uncle.”

Katelyn masked her unease with a gentle smile, extending her hand.

“Hello, I’m Katelyn Bailey. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

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As their hands briefly clasped, the chill returned, deeper this time. Though Katelyn’s expression remained composed, the feeling left her uneasy.

She quickly withdrew her hand, but before she could speak, Bernie addressed her again, “I’ve heard a lot about how well you take care of Alfy. Thank you so much. If you ever have the time, please visit our home.”

Katelyn’s smile remained cordial.

“Alfy is like a little sister to me. It’s my pleasure to look after her. Thank you for the invitation—I’ll visit if I have the chance.”

Bernie’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, as though his words carried an unspoken weight. Katelyn couldn’t decipher their meaning. Bernie’s demeanor shifted back to one of warmth, almost as if the fleeting moment had never occurred.

“Bye-bye! I’m going back with Uncle, but I’ll come play with you tomorrow!” Alfy waved cheerfully.

Katelyn returned the wave with a smile.

“Okay, bye.”

Bernie gave Katelyn a nod before ushering Alfy into the car.

Inside the vehicle, Alfy excitedly recounted the happenings in Granville. Bernie, however, seemed distracted, his gaze intermittently flickering back toward Katelyn’s reflection in the rearview mirror as they drove off. The emotions in his eyes swirled like turbulent waters, their intensity unsettling.

“Uncle!” Alfy’s voice broke through his reverie.

“I’m talking to you! Did you hear me?”

Bernie snapped out of his thoughts, smiling down at her.

“Of course, I heard you. Now, buckle up—I’m about to accelerate.”

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