Chapter 399: Chapter 399: Visit To Nanny

The living conditions of the place were dreadful.

The ceiling leaked in slow, irregular drops; the entire room was swallowed in dimness, not a single light bulb functioning; the furniture was ancient, its wood cracked.

There was no television, no sign of comfort, and even the floor, though recently cleaned, released a strange, sour odor.

Lana narrowed her eyes as her gaze settled on Mr. Almond, her expression sharpening with clear displeasure.

One brow arched slightly as she crossed her arms, her voice cold and edged with irritation. “What exactly are you doing here?”

There wasn’t even the slightest hint of welcome in her tone or her face, making it painfully obvious how much she despised their presence.

Mr. Almond slowly rose from his seat, straightening his coat as he met Lana’s gaze.

“We’ve been trying to arrange a meeting with you,” he said, his voice carrying a restrained annoyance. “But it seems you’ve become so high and mighty that we couldn’t even get a chance to see you.”

Before the tension could thicken further, Mrs. Almond abruptly stepped in, her expression softening as she shot a reproachful look at her husband.

“How can you speak so coldly to a child?” she snapped, her voice laced with feigned concern.

She then turned toward Lana, her lips curling into a gentle smile, a soft giggle escaping her as if to lighten the mood.

“My dear, you’ve changed so much,” she cooed, her eyes glistening with exaggerated warmth.

Lana let out a quiet scoff, rolling her eyes as a faint smirk tugged at her lips. ’Here we go again…’

“Oh, I understand this very well,” she replied lazily. “One of you plays the bad cop, the other plays the good cop, and together you think you can scam anyone you want.”

Her voice hardened as she flicked her gaze between them. “I don’t have the time to listen to your nonsense, so it would be better if you just fess up now.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned her attention to the young man standing nearby.

Her eyes scanned him briefly before she spoke again. “If I’m not wrong… you’re Nanny’s grandson, aren’t you?”

The silver-haired young man stiffened slightly before giving a small nod. “Yes… I am.”

A soft chuckle escaped Lana’s lips, though there was no warmth in it. “Why are you so stiff?”

The grandson remained silent, his lips pressed tightly together, which caused Lana’s frown to deepen.

Just as she was about to question him further, Mrs. Almond stepped forward again, blocking her path.

“I understand,” Mrs. Almond began, her voice lowering as if weighed by guilt. “We’ve done many things that have hurt you deeply. But we’re here to mend things.”

She cast a quick glance at Mr. Almond, who immediately reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black card. Mrs. Almond took it and extended it toward Lana.

“There’s fifty million dollars in this,” she said softly. “Consider it compensation.”

Lana stared at the card for a moment before letting out a cold laugh, her eyes darkening. “Do you even remember how much I gave to the Almond family in the first place?”

Mrs. Almond’s fingers tightened slightly, her expression faltering for a brief second.

’Of course I know…’

She was well aware that this amount was nothing compared to what Lana had once given them, but they simply couldn’t afford more.

Mr. Almond cleared his throat, stepping forward. “This is just a small installment,” he added. “As long as you agree to return to the Almond family, we’ll give you much more in the future.”

Lana’s patience snapped.

Her gaze turned icy as she pointed directly at him, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. “Mr. Almond… listen carefully.”

A dangerous smile formed on her lips. “I’m saying this for the last time. I have no interest in the Almond family, and I certainly don’t care about your wealth.”

Her eyes gleamed with a chilling sincerity. “It would be better if you keep your distance. Otherwise, whatever revenge I plan to take will only multiply… and you will regret ever contacting me.”

A heavy silence followed.

The coldness in her words and the unwavering certainty in her eyes sent a shiver down both Mr. and Mrs. Almond’s spines.

For the first time, they truly realized that the daughter they once dismissed had become someone far more terrifying.

They exchanged a brief glance, a silent understanding passing between them.

Finally, Mrs. Almond let out a slow sigh. “Our company has been facing some problems recently,” she admitted.

Lana gave a small, almost graceful nod. “Yes, I know.”

Mrs. Almond’s expression hardened slightly. “Then tell me… what would it take for you to help us?”

For a moment, Lana remained silent. Then, a faint smile spread across her lips… one that held no warmth, only cruelty.

“Oh, it’s quite simple,” she replied calmly. “First, you’ll need to mistreat yourselves for eighteen years.”

Her voice remained steady, almost casual, as if she were discussing something trivial. “Then, every single penny you earn must be handed over to me.”

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes gleaming. “And of course, you’ll have to undergo complete mental isolation… perhaps even some… unbearable psychological torture.”

Her smile widened just a fraction. “Maybe then, I’ll feel a little better.”

Mr. and Mrs. Almond’s faces darkened instantly, their expressions turning grim.

Lana looked at them, her gaze filled with mockery. “What’s wrong? Can’t do it?”

She let out a soft, humorless laugh. “Then I’m afraid I won’t be helping you.”

Her smile grew even more insincere as she stared at them. There were no good memories left… perhaps once, long ago, she had tried to earn their love, but that version of herself had died.

’That Lana is long gone…’

The person standing here now only wanted one thing… to destroy anyone who tried to use her or harm her.

Turning away from them, she looked back at the grandson. “Where is your grandmother?”

The young man hesitated before glancing at Mr. and Mrs. Almond, then back at Lana.

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