Chapter 187: A Desperate Leap

The fireflies, tiny luminescent creatures that seemed to spring from the bracelet on Xina’s wrist, hovered around her, their soft glow cutting through the dim light of the room. Xina had never understood their significance, but tonight, they seemed urgent, almost frantic as they danced toward the window. “Xina, I know you’re upset with me, but you need to understand—I love you. You’re my daughter,” Ella’s voice was tinged with sadness, but she remained rooted by the door. The distance she kept was a silent testament to Xina’s warning not to come closer. Xina, her emotions a whirlwind of conflict, had become a different person from the obedient, eager- to-please girl of her youth. In her school days, she had strived for approval and affection from her family, but now, her hardened demeanor and powerful connections had left them speechless. They couldn’t ask her anything—they couldn’t afford to offend her. “Honey…” Ella’s voice wavered, but Xina’s attention was fixed on the window. Sh