"So... Who was she?"

Barbara's curiosity was piqued again and felt a twinge of regret that she couldn't provide Mr. Barnes with the information he wanted.

It seemed Mr. Barnes had caught wind of a senior female healer in the Jenkins family and had hoped to connect with the healer to learn the acupuncture techniques.

Barbara didn't pry much about the healer from Mr. Barnes. He had only mentioned it after coming across a newly filmed video.

“Who was she?" The grin on Mrs. Jenkins’ face grew broader and more grotesque, forcing Barbara to suppress her revulsion as she gazed at Mrs. Jenkins.

“That was Maria's biological mother, an arrogant and foolish woman who dug her own grave," Mrs. Jenkins said with a scoff.

Meanwhile, Julie watched Maria with a puzzled look.

"Maria, what are you doing?"

It wasn't some special day, yet Maria had laid out a small table with a sachet and offerings.

"I'm paying respects to my ancestors," Maria explained, her voice dropping to a hush.

Julie was taken aback at first, and then she felt her heart pound in her chest.

Respects to ancestors? Could it be Maria's biological mother?

Feeling a bit awkward, Julie excused herself from the room and stood alone in the yard.

After a few moments, she heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching.

It was Maria's walk. Julie could tell, and her heart started to race without her even realizing it.

What could Maria possibly want to discuss at this moment?

Even though Julie had always treated Maria as her own since adopting Maria, deep down, she couldn't shake a nagging sense of unworthiness.

“Mom, let's go back inside. There's something I need to discuss with you."

Hearing her words, Julie's heart missed a beat.

Her anxiety was palpable. What was Maria going to reveal?

Julie turned around, her movements rigid, and mustered what she hoped was a reassuring smile, though she feared it might look rather awkward.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Isla discreetly leaving the room, as if to steer clear of the impending conversation.

Grover, too, had left the Lemna Yard, standing watch outside.

“Mom, please take a seat," Maria said.