Chapter 397
“Your mother once lived here.”
Her heart leaped, a mix of hope and excitement coursing through her. She gripped the note tightly, took a deep breath, and attempted to steady her emotions.
Eager for answers, she quickly dialed Noah’s number.
The phone rang endlessly, but there was no answer.
Refusing to be deterred, she tried again, but still, no response came.
Uncertain of Noah’s whereabouts or when he might return, she felt a deep resolve to take the next steps on her own. She knew she had to find her mother urgently.
Grabbing her bag, Sadie quickly left the hotel and hailed a cab, giving the driver the address on the note.
Throughout the journey, a blend of anxiety and anticipation churned within her. She clung to the hope of finding her mother, yet feared another disappointment.
After about an hour’s drive, the cab stopped at the entrance of an old neighborhood.
Sadie paid the driver, stepped out, and took a deep breath before walking into the dilapidated area.
The buildings were run-down, with peeling paint and trash strewn about. The air carried a damp, musty smell that was nearly suffocating.
She located the building from the address and ascended the crumbling stairs. Her heart raced with each step, nearly out of control.
Upon reaching the third floor, she paused before a closed door. After hesitating, she knocked gently.
The sound echoed down the silent hallway.
After a long pause, the door creaked open.
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An elderly woman with graying hair peered out, looking alarmed.
“Excuse me, I…” Sadie began cautiously.
The woman examined her intently before responding, “Who are you looking for?”
“I’m looking for…” Sadie paused, took a deep breath, and continued, “My mother, Jean Hudson.”
The woman’s face flickered with surprise.
“Your mother?” she echoed, her voice laced with skepticism.
“Yes,” Sadie affirmed, her eyes brimming with hope.
The woman fell silent for a moment, then delivered the disheartening news.
“Your mother no longer lives here.”
Sadie felt her heart drop, a tide of disappointment sweeping over her.
“Do you know where she might have gone?” Sadie pressed, her voice tinged with desperation.
The woman shook her head. “I don’t know.”
Sadie’s eyes welled up with the threat of tears. She bit her lip, fighting back the emotion.
“Thank you,” she murmured softly, then turned to leave.
“Please wait,” the woman called out suddenly.
Sadie paused and looked back, puzzled.
The woman hesitated, then offered a glimmer of hope. “I don’t know where your mother went, but she used to frequent a certain place.”
Sadie’s eyes lit up. “Where is that place?” she asked eagerly.
The elderly lady responded, “A temple on the outskirts of the city.”
“A temple?” Sadie echoed, confused.
The elderly lady nodded. “Yes. Your mother often prayed there.”
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