Part 1: To change your destiny; Part 2: 4 2 1(For you); Part 3: Second Chances

Part 3: Second chances; Chapter 169: The walks of life

Ray was with Hazel not too far away from the entrance of the welfare home when her useless father arrived. At the sight of her frailed haggard mother in a wheelchair, she nearly fell to the ground as Ray wrapped her tightly in his arms.

"It's fine... I'm here..." Ray comforted as Hazel leaned on him.

They saw Ivy arrive with a few security guys headed by Chiang and the person in charge of admission at the welfare home was someone he recognised and was reliable, Ching Long. Ray was at ease as he knew Ching Long could fight and had assisted him in doing many tasks when he was undercover. He knew his sister was in good hands right away.

"Who are you? Where is my daughter?! Is this a scam?!" The old man bellowed in anger as his frailed wife made some noise as though to stop him from talking so harshly but to no avail. He nearly hit her when one of the Ching Long's guys stopped him.

"You came to the right place. So, head in. What are you waiting for?" Ivy pointed briefly to the entrance before cocking her head as the old man began to be provoked. "Why must I? Who knew if this was a trap?" He retaliated.

"Well, the choice is yours, old man... You came and only by entering will you be able to fulfill what you came for isn't it?" Ivy fought back sarcastically which made the man lose his patience. He wanted to pick a fight with Ivy but was reprimanded by the guards.

"Let me give you a piece of advice. To survive and get what you want, be more like a monk." Ivy then bowed as though paying respect in the temple. He was furious at her mocking him as he stormed inside and was led by Ching Long and his men.

Ivy signaled to Ching Long discreetly to teach him a lesson with a sinister smile.

"Enjoy your time! You walked in willingly, remember that!" She sarcastically sends him off.

When he realised he was to go in alone and his wife was being transported into the car by Chiang's men, it was too late for him to escape his fate in the rehabilitation camp Ivy and a few tough ex-drug dealers under Ray's dealings came up with.

It involved them working under the harsh weather for the farmers and orchards while being punished with military workouts if they rebelled or created a ruckus. It was to ensure they could still stay fit while searching for themselves in their lost world by giving back to society via their harvests.

Hazel watched from afar and had a bittersweet feeling. A part of her wanted to run to greet her mother but she knew she had to be a little more patient as she clung to Ray for comfort.

"Let's go... We will head to the hospital next and you can see her. She is finally free. So are you..." Ray comforted her as she nodded and held in her tears along the way to the hospital.

It took Hazel a while to build her courage to see her mother. Given the idle time, Ivy made preparations for her mother to look more presentable before she learned from the doctors that Hazel's mother's days were numbered.

It reminded Ivy of the very same thing the doctor told her about Permisla. She forced herself to hold back her tears knowing Ray was coming soon with Hazel.

At the sight of an anxious daughter longing to see her mother after a long while, Ivy knew she should not convey the news just yet. Instead, Ivy drew Hazel in for a hug but kept her gaze fixated on her brother.

Ray knew it was bad news but Ivy tried to smile through her glistening eyes while trying to find the right words to comfort Hazel who was in her arms.

"Your mother needs you..." Ivy finally said with a forced smile as Hazel drew away from her hug and looked at Ivy with hope.