The Mysterious Figure Hidden in the Secret Cellar

Eric Chen was silent for a moment, then said, "Ever since I made that mistake with Cecilia Chen last time, my standing in the Wan Family has dropped a lot. I've been reassigned to the stables to feed the horses. I probably can't be of much help to you, Miss."

"Whether you can help or not, let's see. I just want you to be honest—if you don't want to be involved with me, just say so and walk away. I won't make things difficult for you. But if you agree, then tell me everything you know," Grace said.

Eric Chen was silent for a long time before finally replying, "Miss, you spared my life, and on the tenth you saved my daughter. My life is yours. Ask me anything you wish, and I will answer honestly, holding nothing back."

Grace nodded, "You're Leon Wan's trusted man, so you probably know better than I do how Aunt Wan tries every trick to deal with me and my mother."

Eric Chen lowered his head, neither admitting nor denying, and simply asked, "What exactly do you want to know, Miss?"

"I want to know... Before Aunt Wan married into our household, was there a powerful and mysterious person who taught her?" Grace asked.

That Essence Grafting technique—someone must have taught her.

And since this secret art is only known by people from the great families, that person must be very formidable.

But no such figure has ever appeared in Danyang City, so that person must be very mysterious.

Eric Chen's expression shifted, and he asked Grace in surprise, "How did you know about that, Miss?"

"Is there really such a person?" Grace's eyes narrowed.

"Years ago, I did see him," Eric Chen said. "He wore a black robe, and I couldn't tell if he was male or female—just hid in the Wan Family's cellar. Our Miss—meaning your Aunt Wan—went to see him in the cellar every day."

"Is that person still around?" Grace asked.

Eric Chen shook his head. "Later, that person died, and Miss Wan was very sad for a while."

"Who was that person?"

Eric Chen shook his head.

"Where did he come from, what was his relationship with Grace Wan, you don't know any of that?"

"I don't know. But... after that person died, I saw Miss Wan set up an altar to honor him, and I saw her write half of a spirit tablet before destroying it. I guessed... maybe he was her father or mother."

"What? Father or mother? Aren't her parents the old Madam and old Master of your house?"

"No. Miss Wan isn't their biological child; she was brought in from a distant relative's family."

"Oh?" Grace's expression changed. "She's not their biological child?"

"No," Eric Chen shook his head.

"Then where is her family from? Who are her parents?"

Eric Chen shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe only the old master, old madam, the master, and Miss Wan herself know. Now the old master and old madam have passed away, so probably only the master and Miss Wan know."

The "master" Eric Chen referred to is Leon Wan.

Grace nodded.

Does her father and grandmother know about this?

"Miss, do you have any more questions? If not, I'll take my leave," Eric Chen said.

Grace looked at him and suddenly asked, "Is someone in your family suffering from kidney disease?"

"Yes! It's my elderly mother. How did you know, Miss?" Eric Chen asked in surprise.

Grace took out a pill and handed it to him. "Take this pill home and give it to her. She'll be fine after taking it."

"This..." He was puzzled and suspicious, but didn't take it.