The black Lexus sped down the road toward the small rental neighborhood in Bình Th?nh. Inside the car, Professor Charles spoke slowly, his tone calm but deliberate:

  – “Do you have any photos of Miss Trang? I’d like to take a look.”

  Sitting in the back seat beside him, Ti?n immediately unlocked his phone:

  – “During Mr. D?ng’s daughter’s wedding, we saved a few pictures. Give me a second.”

  A minute later, Ti?n handed the phone to Charles and pointed at the screen:

  – “That tomboy-looking girl in the pale blue shirt dress, with the white plum blossom hair clip — that’s Trang.”

  Professor Charles studied the image carefully. His eyes softened as he smiled faintly:

  – “She has such a pure, gentle aura. You can tell from her face that she’s kind and sincere.”

  At the wheel, Deep added while keeping his focus on driving:

  – “She’s been through a lot. I’ve known Mr. D?ng’s family for over ten years. Frankly, Mrs. Linh and her three daughters never liked Trang. Living under the same roof with them, she must have suffered a lot.”

  Ti?n nodded in agreement:

  – “Honestly, she probably felt freer once she moved out to live on her own.”

  Charles nodded subtly, but his mind was elsewhere. Deep down, he had already formed his suspicion — their words, their sympathetic faces, their tone of pity — all of it was a fa?ade. He could feel they were hiding something.

  He zoomed in on several of the photos, his brows furrowing slightly:

  – “Mr. Ti?n, are you sure your phone camera isn’t malfunctioning?”

  Ti?n frowned, clearly defensive:

  – “No way. This is the latest model — the camera’s crystal clear.”

  Charles didn’t argue. He quietly scrolled through the pictures, then murmured, almost to himself:

  – “Strange… the photos without Trang look perfectly normal. But in every single one that includes her — there’s a black streak behind her.”

  Tu?n immediately pulled out his own phone, scrolling rapidly through his gallery:

  – “Let me check mine too.”

  He leaned closer, eyes widening after a moment:

  – “You’re right… every photo with Trang has that same black mark behind her. This is really strange.”

  Deep tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his voice low and tense:

  – “Once we get there, I’ll open the laptop. I saved the entire wedding album on it — we’ll take a closer look.”

  Around nine in the morning, the sleek Lexus came to a stop at the entrance of a wide alley. Deep peered ahead, lowering his voice:

  – “From here, just a few steps in, you’ll see an old rusty gate. Inside is the row of rented rooms.”

  Tu?n followed his gaze and nodded thoughtfully:

  – “That place is pretty run-down. I heard Miss Trang lived there for about five years.”

  Professor Charles, observing the surroundings, spoke calmly:

  – “Deep, drive a little farther ahead. Let’s stop and ask around.”

  The luxury car rolled forward slowly and came to a halt in front of a shabby convenience shop tucked beside the old lodging block. Amid the noisy alley, the polished car looked like it had wandered into another world.

  On both sidewalks, food stalls crowded together — noodle carts, Bánh Mì vendors, and small coffee stands. Steam rose thickly into the air, blending the scent of fried oil, grilled meat, and strong coffee.

  The chorus of everyday sounds filled the narrow street — vendors calling out, motorbikes roaring, dogs barking, children crying — all forming a messy yet lively rhythm of daily life.

  Farther down, an open-air market sprawled under patched tarps; vegetables, fish, and meat were scattered across bamboo trays and low wooden stalls.

  In that chaotic, bustling picture of life, the luxurious car stood out like a foreign presence—drawing curious glances from everyone nearby.

  The group stepped out and approached the small shop. On the front step, the middle-aged shop owner was sorting vegetables. Tu?n politely asked:

  – “Excuse me, ma’am, there used to be a girl named Trang selling milk tea and mixed rice paper across from the elementary school. Does she still run her stall?”

  The woman looked up and shook her head:

  – “She quit long ago. I heard she owed too much rent, so the landlord kicked her out.”

  Deep gently added:

  – “When she lived here, did she stay alone or with her family?”

  The woman sighed softly:

  – “She lived alone. But she was kind and sweet, so everyone liked her. There’s an old man at the end of the block — he collects scrap. No wife, no kids. He treated her like his own daughter.”

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Ti?n, glancing around the small market, quickly asked:

  – “Is that old man, Mr. Nhan, still around?”

  A young man repairing a motorbike nearby joined in, pointing across the street toward a small coffee cart:

  – “There he is. After Miss Trang got evicted, he went back to his hometown. Just came back recently.”

  The woman selling soy milk beside him added cheerfully:

  – “You’d better go talk to him now. It’s rare to catch him around here.”

  Without hesitation, the group hurried across the street toward the old man and his modest coffee cart.

  The group crossed the street toward a small mobile coffee cart. Around it were a few low wooden tables and worn-out stools. Two old men sat quietly, sipping their thick black coffee.

  Both were thin, their skin darkened by years under the sun. Deep wrinkles lined their faces like the scars of a hard life. Their calloused, veiny hands revealed a lifetime of labor. One of them wore a faded shirt, patched in several places, with trousers frayed at the hems and a pair of plastic sandals almost worn through. On his head rested a torn conical hat with a few bamboo strips sticking out.

  The other wore an old, sun-bleached army shirt, its shoulders thinned from wear, along with a faded boonie hat. His pants were baggy and dusty, his thick rubber sandals scuffed and misshapen. He sat hunched over, his tired eyes still holding a glint of wisdom from experience.

  Deep stepped forward and asked politely:

  – “Excuse me, which one of you is Mr. Nhan?”

  The man in the conical hat slowly stood up. His frame was frail, his back slightly bent, hair completely white and unkempt, his sunburnt face etched with deep lines.

  – “That’s me... What do you need from me, young man?”

  Professor Charles smiled warmly, relief flashing across his eyes:

  – “We’re lucky to finally find you, sir. We have something to ask about Miss Trang.”

  Mr. Nhan sat back down on the old wooden chair, which creaked beneath his weight. His voice was low and tinged with sadness:

  – “Sit down, everyone. Ask whatever you need.”

  They all took their seats. Tu?n quickly called for four cups of black coffee.

  Ti?n, glancing toward the other man, asked curiously:

  – “And you are…?”

  Mr. Nhan replied gently, his tone sincere:

  – “This is Mr. Phúc, a friend from my hometown. He had some business here today, so I brought him along to see what Saigon looks like. He’s a farmer — works the fields all year round, barely gets a day of rest, let alone a trip here.”

  After a few polite greetings, Professor Charles leaned forward, his expression turning serious as his gaze fixed on the old man:

  – “Mr. Nhan, could you tell us in detail about Miss Trang? We really need accurate information — we’re looking for her.”

  Mr. Nhan took a sip of coffee, his eyes drifting into the distance, his voice heavy with emotion:

  – “That poor girl… Her uncle and aunt kicked her out. She had to sleep on the streets for three days before finding a place to rent. They said she stole a diamond ring—that’s why they threw her out.”

  Mr. Phúc frowned and interjected:

  – “That story never made sense to me. If she really had stolen a diamond ring, she could’ve sold it and lived comfortably. But instead, she wandered the streets and ended up renting in that leaky, stifling room. Doesn’t add up.”

  Ti?n nodded slowly, letting out a sigh:

  – “Exactly. Her uncle’s family — Mr. D?ng’s side — insisted she stole it. But none of us ever truly believed it.”

  Mr. Nhan set his cup down, his sharp eyes scanning their faces:

  – “Then tell me, have you ever heard what they said about the accident involving Trang’s parents? How did they explain it?”

  The group exchanged uneasy glances. No one spoke a word—each lost in thought, recalling the stories the C?u D?ng family had told them long ago…

  For a long moment, Tu?n sat silently, his gaze distant. Then he began to speak slowly:

  – “I once heard Mr. D?ng and his wife tell the story. At that time, Trang’s parents — Mr. Qu?c and Mrs. H?nh — had gone to Phan Thi?t to check on their business. They owned a large farm and were both very successful entrepreneurs. Mr. D?ng and his wife went along with them on that trip.”

  – “On that fateful day, the couple drove out for a short trip, taking their five-year-old daughter with them. But when night fell and they still hadn’t returned, Mr. D?ng decided to drive out with his wife Linh to search for them.”

  Ti?n took over, his tone calm but deliberate:

  – “They searched everywhere—amusement parks, markets, restaurants—but found nothing. It was late at night when, on their way back to the hotel, their car passed the foot of Cù M?ng Pass. They saw a crowd of police and villagers gathered there.”

  Deep added quickly, his voice trembling as he recalled the story:

  – “At first, Mr. D?ng wanted to drive past. But Mrs. Linh suddenly recognized that one of the officers ahead was holding a small girl. When she looked closely, it was indeed their niece.”

  – “Mr. D?ng slammed on the brakes and both of them rushed out of the car. He shouted, ‘That little girl is my niece!’”

  – “Mrs. Linh froze in shock as she saw two charred bodies being carried out. She cried and screamed, ‘What happened to my brother and sister-in-law?!’”

  – “One of the officers guarding the scene replied, ‘We received a call from a local resident reporting an accident at the base of the pass. When we arrived, the car was already burned down to its frame, with two unrecognizable bodies inside. Not far from the wreck, we found a little girl crying. Locals had pulled her away from the danger zone. The medics examined her—thankfully, she only had a few minor scratches.’”

  Deep’s voice faltered, his throat tightening

  – “When I first heard that story… I couldn’t hold back my tears.”

  The group fell silent. Their noses stung, hearts heavy with grief. The air grew thick with quiet sorrow. Only Mr. Nhan and Mr. Phúc remained calm — almost indifferent.

  A faint, crooked smile appeared on Mr. Nhan’s face as he muttered under his breath:

  – “So, they know how to use people’s sympathy well… What a perfect lie.”

  Mr. Phúc took a slow sip of coffee, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold smirk. His thoughts slithered like venom:

  – “Splendid… such a fine act. Let’s see how Lord Satan and Erion will deal with you when the time comes.”

  Mr. Nhan gently stirred his cup of coffee, eyes half-closed, his voice calm but deliberate:

  – “So what happened afterward? Can you tell me the rest?”

  Deep, his eyes still red from emotion, wiped them quickly before replying:

  – “After the autopsy, the bodies of Mr. Qu?c and Mrs. H?nh were cremated, and their ashes placed in a temple. The court appointed Mr. D?ng as the legal guardian of their daughter. All the couple’s assets were placed under his care until the girl turned eighteen — at which point the inheritance would be returned to her, as she’s their only child, the rightful heir.”

  At that, Mr. Nhan let out a crooked smile, his eyes gleaming with scorn:

  – “And tell me — did that child ever receive a single penny?”

  Everyone froze. The air suddenly grew heavy with realization. Professor Charles widened his eyes, his voice caught in his throat:

  – “So… Mr. D?ng and his wife took possession of the entire inheritance meant for Trang…”

  Mr. Phúc took another sip of his coffee, a bitter smirk curling on his lips:

  – “You can see it for yourselves. The daughter of two wealthy entrepreneurs, reduced to selling snacks on the street and living in a rundown boarding house.”

  Tu?n’s heart pounded. Each word hit him like a wave of guilt crashing through his chest.

  – “I once rejected Trang’s feelings… because I thought she came from poverty. But the truth is… she’s the daughter of a wealthy family — the rightful heir to a massive fortune?”

  Deep and Ti?n exchanged glances. Both could clearly see the change in Tu?n’s expression — the regret, the disbelief, the quiet shame.

  Mr. Nhan tilted his head, locking eyes with Professor Charles:

  – “Now you all see the truth, don’t you? Still believe the lies of that man D?ng?”

  Mr. Phúc sneered, his gaze cold:

  – “The luxurious life they live now — the villas, the prime real estate, the money sitting in their bank accounts — all of it came from Trang’s inheritance.”

  Ti?n sighed, pressing a hand to his forehead, his voice weary and heavy:

  – “I can’t believe the man I called a friend for over ten years could be this vile… this morally rotten.”

  Mr. Phúc nodded slowly, setting his cup down on the table.

  – “And the story about the diamond ring? I think we all know the truth now.”

  Mr. Nhan’s tone turned cutting, almost venomous:

  – “That diamond ring was nothing but an excuse — a convenient way to throw the true heir out of her rightful home. Because the longer that girl stayed, the sooner their lies would be exposed. Better to destroy her early… before the light ever touched the truth.”