Mr. Neal, Mrs. Neal’s Gone With The Money

Chapter 30

“I remember when I was in elementary school, I fell down the stairs because someone pushed me. At that time, you even went to check the surveillance footage with the police…” Shirley continued, speaking earnestly,

As Shirley spoke, she became more serious. Mr. Yates realized that if he continued to pretend not to remember, he might reveal more. So he followed her lead, feigning realization, “Are you talking about Cynthia?”

“Yes, yes, yes, yes!” Shirley was ecstatic.

“You’re that Cynthia?” Mr. Yates asked Cynthia standing next to Joshua, seeking confirmation of her identity.

Cynthia had not expected the two of them to be such good actors. She responded with a faint,” Mhm.”

“Cynthia, is that really you?!” Shirley was thrilled, not giving away any hints of deception. I’m Shirley, the little girl with short hair who fell into the pond, and you saved me when we were kids. Do you remember?”

“I remember.” Cynthia nodded.

How could she forget? That rascal had snuck away to pick some water plants while she was not paying attention and slipped into the pond. When Cynthia pulled her out, Shirley still clung tightly to the water plant she had picked.

scrutinizing look. “I never heard you mention before that you had a connection

that happened

Joshua was silenced.

invited Cynthia. “Cynthia, come sit

joined her, and the two of them chatted, reminiscing about the past. They spoke about the time Cynthia had defended Shirley from bullies and the time Cynthia had covered for her while she snuck in

recognize you,” Shirley said,

truth in their shared past. Shirley, who was smitten with her older sister, wasted no time challenging Joshua, “Mr.

get along,”

turned to Cynthia. “Is that

Cynthia nodded in agreement.

flickered. She was certain Cynthia

Shirley boldly declared, not fearing any consequences, “I

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Chapter 30

be great for you. They’ll be very curious about you when they hear how you protected

was just showing off