Chapter 825

Jayde obtained the holdout family’s address from the assistant, deflecting his questions with vague excuses. The taxi dropped her in the old city district, where crumbling buildings with peeling facades stood like neglected sentinels.

At an iron-clad door, she knocked firmly. A woman’s voice called through the metal: “Who is it?”

The door cracked open to reveal a middle-aged woman in a food-stained apron, suspicion etched in every line of her face. Jayde held up the milk and fruit she’d purchased en route. “Community outreach program,” she lied with a practiced smile.

The woman’s shoulders relaxed marginally as she accepted the gifts. “Still doing these visits? Haven’t seen outreach workers in years.” She gestured Jayde inside.

The interior told a story of quiet struggle—faded wallpaper barely concealing water damage, furniture worn thin by use. “Not many families left in these old buildings,” Jayde observed casually.

“Who’d choose this over a proper home?” the woman sighed, setting water to boil. The resignation in her voice spoke volumes.

“The relocation package seems fair,” Jayde ventured. “Affordable rent in the new development, plus compensation. Why stay?”