Chapter 8  288 (Vouchers  Soon, the final item of today’s auction was displayed–an Enchanted Gem Statue.  Claudine gave a detailed explanation of its specifications in a perfect Zutraican accent, her…

Chapter 7  Just as Claudine was about to introduce Darlene to him, she remembered that Darlene had never admitted to being her stepdaughter.  Today of all days, she couldn’t afford…

Chapter 6  Left with no choice, he ended up tending to her himself, bringing her along with him even at work.  Lindsay knocked on the door and then entered his…

Chapter 5  288 Vouchers  She pouted and sighed, deciding to apply ointment to Claudine’s forearm personally tonight.  After having dinner, Damian and Darlene came home.  As he pushed open the…

Chapter 4  Her gaze fell upon the diamond ring on her ring finger, the large stone glinting coldly in the sunlight.  She removed the ring lightly, leaving a reddened ring…

Chapter 3  The sheets beside her didn’t even have one single crease. She knew–once again, Damian hadn’t returned all night.  But she no longer cared.  In the next second, the…

Chapter 2  Claudine’s robe was already in disarray. She sat up, fumbled to adjust it, and spoke with determination, “Damian, let’s get a divorce!”  Damian blew out a smoke ring,…

Chapter 1  The day Claudine Hogan learned of her husband’s betrayal, she underwent an abortion all by herself.  She had zero visitors during her hospital stay. Even on the day…

Chapter 25 Jennifer rushed back from Regional Capital overnight with Dylan Green, but the rainy season brought relentless downpours. The funeral, arranged by Alexander, was held in the suburbs with decent dignity. Though few attended, Jennifer recognized every face. She secretly hoped to see Alexander here–proof he’d cared well for her mother. That was her sole demand of him. The modest chapel displayed her mother’s portrait center–stage. Approaching the casket, Jennifer saw her mother lying expressionless, neither smiling nor weeping. Dylan guided her through each condolence ritual, kneeling before the altar on her behalf. He even performed the ceremonial kowtows for her. Jennifer’s heart ached witnessing this. She never expected Dylan would go this far for her. Gratitude flooded her. Nearby guests whispered about her parents‘ tragic love story. Jennifer tuned them out, mechanically completing rites. A single escaped tear was swiftly wiped away. Sometimes she felt the old Jennifer had died. Yet now, with her birth mother gone, sorrow remained distant. Alexander’s arrival surprised her. Clad in a black Western suit, he looked gaunter than before. Spotting Jennifer, he lowered his gaze and paused before approaching. “I… I failed her.” Alexander murmured remorsefully, bowing deeply. Jennifer lifted him up. “Don’t blame yourself. Life and death aren’t ours to control. You did everything possible. Thank you.”…

Dylan parked the car and walked over, seeing Jennifer squatting on the ground chatting with Tina, so he stood waiting. “How did it go?” Dylan moved closer to ask. Jennifer stood up, glanced at Tina, “It’s handled but not completely. This isn’t something solved with just an apology. I thought they were just occasionally rude, figured we’d let it slide. But Tina just told me they sometimes snatch her snacks, bump into her for no reason. That changes everything.” Seeing Jennifer’s fierce expression, he chuckled. He took Tina’s hand toward the classroom, expecting Jennifer to wait outside, but she insisted on entering. During the meeting, the boy stood trembling in the corner, watching Jennifer. After the teacher finished, Jennifer raised her hand. The room fell silent instantly. Parents watched her approach the front, murmuring. Jennifer cleared her throat, looking down at the parent from below the stage. She noticed the corner boy, stared at him for seconds before speaking. “I’m Tina’s aunt. Tina may not have parents anymore. But she’s not your punching bag. She never mentioned this before, but today I heard ugly comments myself. We’ve settled it privately, so I won’t name names. But if it happens again? It won’t be this easy. The price will be much steeper. Think carefully. “Tina…” The teacher tried to interrupt, but Jennifer ignored him. “Now she’s got her uncle and aunt. With us here? Don’t even dream of bullying her. That’s all. And to parents gossiping behind backs? If I catch it, you’ll face the music.” She flicked her sleeve and stepped down. Silence blanketed the room again. When she glanced back at the corner, the boy was gone. Dylan gave her a thumbs–up, leaning in. “Why so brave today? You’re like a different person.” Jennifer realized she truly had changed. Now she wanted to protect things like family. Dylan and Tina were her family. That’s why she’d grown brave. More independent too….