Chapter 117
Although the criminals were eventually brought to justice, the trauma they left behind for the victims was something that wouldn’t just fade away. Three years had passed, and that girl still hadn’t recovered. She was afraid to go out alone, terrified of meeting strangers, and couldn’t bring herself to return to school.
Even now, whenever Mr. and Mrs. Hayes thought back to that night, a chill ran down their spines.
The fear lingered.
At Mrs. Hayes’s words, Mr. Hayes turned to Caitlin. “Miss Kensington, my wife is absolutely right. You’re a true benefactor to our family. If you hadn’t been there, we might not have been able to celebrate March’s eighteenth birthday tonight at all p>
Caitlin smiled. “Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, you’re giving me too much credit. Anyone would have stepped in if they’d seen what was happening. I only did what I knew I had to do p>
Mrs. Hayes watched Caitlin, genuine admiration shining in her eyes.
This young woman was truly remarkable.
She had done something incredible, yet there wasn’t a trace of arrogance or pride about her-only humility and grace. Most people her age would have been basking in attention, but Caitlin was different.
The three of them continued walking inside.
Just then, Celeste-now in her evening gown-came skipping over. When she spotted Caitlin, her eyes widened in amazement. “Catie! Oh my gosh, you look absolutely stunning tonight! Like a real-life fairy p>
She had never seen Caitlin dressed up like this before.
Caitlin tonight was more dazzling than any movie star on the red carpet.
“March, you look beautiful too.” Caitlin smiled, then produced a small box from her purse. “This is for you-a birthday present p>
Celeste accepted the box eagerly. “Catie, can I open it now p>
“Of course,” Caitlin nodded.
Celeste lifted the lid to find a delicate gold necklace inside. The pendant was a tiny golden locket, exquisitely designed-unlike anything Celeste had ever seen in a store.
Caitlin explained, “Back home, there’s a tradition of giving a keepsake locket for the eighteenth birthday. It’s meant to bring long life, happiness, and peace. Oh, and this locket actually opens. Inside, there’s a small white pill. If you ever find yourself in an emergency, you can open the locket and take the pill-it could save your life p>
At that, Celeste immediately clicked open the locket.
Sure enough, nestled inside was a single, pearl-white tablet.
Mr. Hayes’s eyes widened in shock.
If he wasn’t mistaken, that was an Alpine Snowdrop Pill-a rare and powerful lifesaver.
Caitlin hadn’t exaggerated at all.
In the right moment, this little pill could be the difference between life and death.
It wasn’t expensive in the traditional sense, but money alone couldn’t buy it.
He never imagined Caitlin would give such an extraordinary gift.
Celeste stared in wonder at the opened locket. “It really does open! Catie, thank you—I absolutely love it. Will you help me put it on p>
“Of course.” Caitlin carefully fastened the golden locket around Celeste’s neck.
Celeste’s fair skin set off the gold perfectly, making the necklace look elegant and radiant.
It was a beautiful sight.
Watching his daughter with the little gold locket at her throat, Mr. Hayes leaned in and whispered to his wife, “Honey, our March has truly found herself an angel tonight p>