Chapter 86
Hearing Caleb’s blunt words, Jackson gave him an approving look.
‘Not bad,‘ he thought.
Mr. Smith and the others were also taken aback by Caleb’s directness.
Xena’s forced smile faltered and finally dropped.
‘Who is this guy?‘ she wondered, ‘And why is he so rude?‘
The Jenkins family bristled.
Xena was one of their own, and Caleb’s words felt like a public slap in the face.
Considering the situation and Caleb’s status, they swallowed their anger.
Seeing the clear disdain from Caleb and Asher, Xena abandoned her attempts to win them over.
Turning back to Janie, she pleaded, “Janie, please, can you forgive…”
Suddenly, her voice cut off mid–sentence.
“Xena, what’s wrong?”
Her abrupt silence drew the attention of her family.
Seeing her distress, Ryan, Zion, and Kathy rushed to her side.
Jackson drawled, “You guys have some nerve. She practically told you to get lost, and you’re still here?”
The Jenkins family, now thoroughly embarrassed, began to usher Xena away.
Xena, however, had planned to use this moment to further her charade.
She pointed at her mouth, her eyes wide, “I can’t speak! I really am cursed!”
The Jenkins, along with Tyler, froze.
Asher, Caleb, and the Smiths stared in disbelief.
The Jenkins family wanted the earth to swallow them whole.
Apparently, their humiliation wasn’t complete.
Xena was determined to drag them down further.
‘What is she doing?‘ they collectively groaned.
They continued to pull Xena towards the exit.
Still oblivious, Xena panicked, “Mom, Ryan, Zion, Tyler, I can’t talk! I’m scared!”
Jackson muttered sarcastically, “I’m terrified too.”
Xena looked at him, confused.
1/4
(+58)
16/48 981, 12 Apr M
Chapter 86
63%
+58
Asher finally lost his patience, “Seriously, Zena, are you kidding us? You were just talking perfectly fine! Loudly, too!” He
shook his head.
Unbelievable, he thought, “The world is full of weirdos:
Xena stopped, realization dawning on her.
The Jenkins, including Tyler, were mortified.
They had never been so humiliated.
Thankfully, most of the other guests had already left.
Xena finally understood.
Remembering the Smiths mention of Janie’s mystical abilities, she turned to Janie with a Horrified expression, “It was you! I really couldn’t talk just now! But now I can! What did you do to me?”
Everyone rolled their eyes at her accusation. “Why does everything have to be Janie’s fault?’ they wondered.
Even Zion couldn’t stand it anymore, “Zena, stop it. Do you think Janie’s some kind of witch who can control your voice?”
Ryan, equally embarrassed, urged, “Let’s just go home.”
They couldn’t bear to stay a moment longer.
The Jenkins family, ignoring Xena’s continued protests, dragged her towards the door.
Xena glared at Janie, unwilling to let it go.
Janie smiled sweetly, “It was me.
Everyone, except Jackson, was stunned by her confession.
The Jenkins family turned to Janie, “Janie, you can’t just say things like that!”
Xena shrieked, “I knew it!”
Janie’s voice turned cold, “Yes, it was me. I didn’t want to hear you speak, so I shut you up. Today it was just your voice, next time it might be your tongue. Think about that.”
Xena froze, a tremor running through her.
The Jenkins family still believed Janie was bluffing, but, feeling guilty, they didn’t argue further.
They quickly pulled Xena away.
Xena, now subdued, allowed herself to be led out.
Tyler, after a hesitant glance at Janie, followed the Jenkins family out.
Asher and the others, brimming with curiosity, held their tongues.
Jackson said, “We’ll be going then.”
Asher, persistent, addressed Janie, “Miss Janie, I’m Asher Hayes. How about we get acquainted?”
Janie replied flatly, “Aren’t we already?”
9/4
16:43 Sat, 12 Apr NNN.
Chapter 86
Asher was speechless.
He started to speak again but David stopped him. “Don’t bother Janie.”
Asher shut his mouth, a sheepish look on his face.
He glanced at Caleb, one eyebrow raised.
Mr. Smith and his family, oblivious to Asher and Caleb, rushed after Janic and Jackson, seeing them off respectfully.
Asher gaped at the scene, then hurried after them.
William apologized, “Miss Janie, Mr. Moore, please excuse us for today’s unfortunate events. Safe travels.”
Janie shook her head. “It wasn’t your fault.”
The Smiths were touched. ‘Miss Janie is truly remarkable, beautiful, and kind!’”
Suddenly, Noah appeared as if from thin air.
“Miss Janie, you’re out. Let’s go. Mr. Alvarez sent me to pick you… both up.”
Jackson thought, ‘Well, he didn’t have to include me. A bit forced.’
The Smiths, along with Asher and Caleb, were taken aback.
The newcomer had a commanding presence, like someone professionally trained from a wealthy family.
His respectful demeanor toward Janie was striking.
Recalling Janie’s abilities, the Smiths weren’t entirely surprised.
Noah gave them a slight nod, opened the car door, and ushered Janie and Jackson inside.
After they left, William turned to Caleb.
“Caleb, you’re here again because of…”
Caleb nodded. “Yes, for my grandfather’s health.”
William sighed deeply.
Then, a thought struck him. “Miss Janie saved me last time. Could she…”
Asher rolled his eyes. “Grandpa, we believe Miss Janie saved you, but even those from the Tra–Medicine Land are stumped by Grandpa Krieger’s illness. What can a young woman like her possibly do?”
William sighed in resignation. “I suppose you’re right.”
Caleb looked down. “We still need to find Dr. Seventy–Nine.”
Everyone fell silent.
They had heard of Dr. Seventy–Nine’s legendary reputation–a master of both medicine and poisons, capable of bringing people back from the brink of death.
Some even whispered that she could retrieve souls from the underworld.
4458
འ་ ད་ ཀ་
Chapter 86
But she was elusive, her whereabouts a mystery. She hadn’t accepted any missions on the Onk forum for a long time.
William changed the subject. Let’s not dwell on it. Let’s go inside?
Asher said, “Grandpa, we won’t stay long today. We’ll visit again soon”
Though reluctant, William nodded. “Alright”
Janie and Jackson arrived home quickly,
Noah was about to open Janie’s door when he noticed someone else standing there, naturally taking his place. Spencer opened the door and shielded Janie’s head as she exited.
Seeing him, Janie frowned.
