Chapter 826

Jayde ran up, heart pounding. “Mom? What are you doing here?” Her voice cracked as she grabbed the woman’s arm, tears brimming.

The woman flinched. “Don’t hit me! I’ll leave!”

“Hit you? Mom, it’s me—Jayde, your daughter,” Jayde said, voice trembling.

“I don’t know you…” the woman muttered.

Jayde’s world spun. Her own mother not recognizing her? No. “Please, just look at me,” she pleaded gently.

The woman—youngish, but worn down—paused, then met Jayde’s eyes. “Jayde… Jayde?” she whispered.