Chapter 379
Raindrops pounded against the dilapidated eaves as Alice Flores clutched the hem of her dress with trembling fingers.
"Those officials couldn't care less about poor villages like ours."
Her voice trembled with suppressed rage, knuckles turning white.
"Have you tried reporting them?"
"To whom?" Alice gave a bitter laugh. "We barely even visit the town proper."
She suddenly clutched her head as if trying to stop painful memories from flooding in.
Mount Pilatus Monastery had once thrived with worshippers—until the acting abbot arrived.
"They threaten villagers for money and grain, calling it 'blessing offerings.'" Alice's voice shook. "Those who refuse get beaten and driven out."
Evelyn Roland's fingers tapped rhythmically against the wooden table.
"Started a month ago?"
"Master Xingyun left for pilgrimage." Alice looked up, eyes burning. "This so-called Master Xingyu is nothing but a bandit!"
Outside, the rain softened while Evelyn's gaze darkened.
"I'll handle this."
"No!" Alice grabbed her wrist desperately. "They have powerful backers—"
Evelyn gently freed herself, lips curving slightly.
"Waiting for divine justice takes too long." She rose gracefully. "I prefer taking out the trash myself."
Tears finally spilled down Alice's cheeks as she nodded vigorously.
When the rain ceased, Evelyn and Sebastian Valdemar departed like shadows.
While clearing dishes, Alice discovered banknotes tucked beneath a bowl. Her hands shook violently.
"God bless you..." She knelt before the empty doorway, whispering prayers.
Meanwhile, in Mount Pilatus Monastery's grand hall, business tycoons murmured among themselves.
The heavy doors burst open. A white-bearded Taoist priest strode in urgently.
"Is Miss Roland of the Roland family present?"
All eyes turned to Isabella Langley.
"That's me." She stepped forward, puzzled.
The old priest grasped her hands excitedly. "I'm Master Xingyun! Finally meeting our benefactor!"
Gasps filled the hall.
"You're the lady who funded the schoolhouse?" Master Xingyun's voice quivered. "Such boundless virtue!"
Isabella's face drained of color.