“Lena…” Lina’s voice carried a hint of sadness as she tightly squeezed Lena’s hand. “Don’t say that. I’ve always
considered you part of the family.”
“Really?” A glimmer of light appeared in Lena’s dim eyes.
“When I was in danger, you protected me. You were my bridesmaid at my wedding. Your support has always been
wholehearted. How could I ever treat you as an outsider?”
“Lina…”
“Perhaps you’ve misunderstood Aunt Kaitlyn.” Lina gently patted Lena’s head. “You mentioned she was lingering
around the study, but it might have been out of mere curiosity.”
“I don’t care whether she was curious or not!” Lena’s brows furrowed. “All I know is there are the Thompson
Group’s documents in the study, as well as your design plans! Even though I don’t understand those things, I know
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtthey are important and shouldn’t be seen by others.”
Lina was moved by Lena’s dedication and remained silent for a moment before softly chuckling. “Lena, why are
you so good to me?”
Lena’s expression shifted slightly, and she lowered her head, whispering, “Maybe it’s fate.”
Lina wanted to inquire further, but Lena walked away.
–
Kaitlyn received an invitation to Hamerton Manor.
After Linda’s briefing, Cordelia also had some doubts. Thus, she found an excuse to invite Kaitlyn to their home.
After all, Toph was going to marry Renee, and their parents spending time together could benefit the young couple.
As Kaitlyn arrived at the Hamertons’, she looked around with a mix of surprise and admiration on her face.
“The manor is quite large, but this little courtyard is my favorite,” Cordelia said, holding Kaitlyn’s hand and
chuckling softly.
“Yes, this courtyard is lovely, with flowers and plants. And there’s a mountain over there… The view is beautiful.”
Cordelia discreetly observed Kaitlyn’s expression, noting a subtle trace of envy in her smile and tone.
So far, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and Cordelia’s anxiety eased. Perhaps she was just overthinking things.
“Mrs. Hamerton,” Kaitlyn began with a slightly embarrassed smile. “I know the reason you invited me here today.
It’s probably not solely about the marriage between our children, right?”
Cordelia was briefly taken aback but responded with a gentle smile.
“Maybe you all think I’ve changed, but in truth… I’m only doing this for my daughter.” Kaitlyn lowered her head,
hands crossed, and eventually came to a halt.
Cordelia guided her to a chair in the garden.
A gentle breeze carried a slight chill, the air was refreshing, and warm sunlight enveloped the surroundings,
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmcreating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
After a prolonged silence, Kaitlyn spoke softly. “Renee is my only daughter. I just want her to have a good life. I
know the Hamertons won’t mistreat her, but…”
She smiled wryly. “But I don’t know how much time I have left with her. If my illness relapses one day and the
doctors can’t save me, Renee will be left without parents. So… while I’m still alive and able, I want to secure some
benefits for her future.
“Mrs. Hamerton, I don’t have much education or experience, and my words may not be pleasant to hear. Please
don’t take offense.”
Cordelia smiled, shook her head, and took hold of Kaitlyn’s hand.
“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to you. When Renee marries into our family, she’ll become my and Zephyr’s
daughter. We will treat her well.”
A flicker passed through Kaitlyn’s eyes as she subtly withdrew her hand.
Cordelia noticed that.