She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 723

After turning it over in her mind, Loyce took Zelie to Ito for a thorough psychological evaluation. Once Ito confirmed Zelie's mental state was stable, Loyce decided to bring her along. As a mother, Zelie had every right to see her child one last time.

Right before they left, Zelie was in high spirits. "Baby, why am I wearing new clothes again?"

Loyce took her hand, offering a gentle smile. "Do you like them?"

Zelie nodded vigorously. "I do, but making money is hard. You shouldn't always buy things for me."

A complex emotion flickered in Loyce's eyes. "Why don't you head to the car first? I'll be right out."

Marcella approached Loyce, glancing toward the car where Zelie was happily waving at them. The older woman couldn't help but sigh. "Loyce, honestly, I think things are fine the way they are. At least this way, she thinks she still has her daughter and is happy. And you... you have a mother figure."

Though unspoken, everyone saw the meticulous care Loyce poured into Zelie—cooking her bespoke wellness meals, treating her ailments, taking her shopping, and planning outings. Loyce's devotion bled into every little detail of their daily life.

Loyce treated Zelie completely like family. That was why Marcella dreaded the truth coming out; she was terrified Zelie would wake from her delusion and hate Loyce for surviving when her own daughter had perished.

Loyce was fully aware of the worst-case scenario. "Marcella," she said softly, "that little girl deserves to be seen by her mother one last time. I can't be that cruel. Whatever happens today, it's my burden to bear. Even if Zelie ends up hating me, I'll make sure she's taken care of for the rest of her life, even if I have to disappear from it."

Morris stepped up beside her. "I'm coming with you."

Watching the siblings get into the car, Marcella let out a heavy sigh.

On the outskirts of Metropia, deep in the underground morgue of the municipal forensic center.

The air was thick with the sharp, sterile scent of bleach and formaldehyde. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a harsh, unforgiving glow over every surface.

The sprawling corridor was dead quiet, save for the echo of their footsteps. Loyce walked beside Zelie. Morris, unable to let his sister face this alone, trailed a few paces behind. A sleek security team arranged by the Lonsdale family held their positions at the entrance.

Zelie was dressed in a pristine, muted gray outfit, her hair neatly combed.

Her earlier excitement had evaporated. It was as if on some primal level, she sensed where they were. She clutched Loyce's hand, her voice trembling. "Baby..."

The forensic examiner stopped in front of a heavy steel door, punched in a code, and the lock clicked open.

Zelie stood paralyzed, her gaze locked on the tiny skeleton.

"You can take your time in here," the examiner murmured. "Once you're finished, we'll follow protocol for cremation. You can sign the release forms at the front desk to collect the ashes."

The examiner slipped out, pulling the heavy door shut behind him to give them privacy.

The oppressive silence stretched on. Zelie tilted her head slightly, squinting in total confusion. Slowly, she released Loyce's hand and dragged her feet forward, moving like a ghost trapped in a nightmare.

"Baby..." she whispered, terrified of waking whatever lay on the table.

Loyce instinctively stepped forward to catch her, but caught herself—Zelie wasn't calling out to her this time. Loyce froze, her arms dropping to her sides as a suffocating weight crushed her chest.

Zelie stopped at the edge of the metal table and reached out. She didn't touch the bones. Instead, she hovered her hand inches above the tiny skull, her fingers curling in a soft, rhythmic motion, as if brushing hair.

"Why is your hair so yellow?" she mumbled, her tone unnervingly casual, like a mother lightly scolding her child. "Mommy will tie a braid for you. A red one. You always loved red ribbons the most, didn't you?"