003

“That’s the divorce agreement,” Kennedy said coldly. “I’ll inform the media that you were the one who initiated the divorce—just to save your face. Although, there’s really no need. Our wedding was discreet. The divorce will be the same.”

Lovett’s fingers trembled around the brown file.

“I won’t be paying alimony—you already have more than enough money,” Kennedy continued without remorse. “But I’ll still act like a gentleman and give you something reasonable.”

He paused, then added flatly, “You can’t have this house. This will be my family’s home. Amy loves this place.”

Every word stabbed Lovett like poison.

Her chest heaved violently. She hadn’t known a person could endure this much pain without collapsing.

Ashley, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke.

“Just as Kennedy said, Lovett,” she said gently, her voice laced with sympathy. “It would’ve been improper for him to reject your proposal back then. And about him and me… it just happened. We fell in love. Love can’t be controlled.”

Lovett stared at the screen, numb.

“Please,” Ashley continued softly, “find it in your heart to forget everything that happened. Don’t let this ruin our bond. I’ll still love you the same—you’re my dear sister, after all. I’ll always love you.”

She smiled faintly. “Just put all the blame on me. Don’t be too harsh on my Kennedy.”

Dear sister.

My Kennedy.

Lovett let out a hollow scoff.

Which sister does this to her so-called dear sister?

She had nothing left. No strength. No words.

Clutching the divorce papers, Lovett turned around and dragged herself out of the house—the house that had once been her home. The place she used to long to return to now felt cold, foreign, and unwelcoming.

Her lips quivered as hot tears streamed down her face. She hugged the file tightly to her chest as a cold wind brushed past her.

She flagged down a taxi and gave the driver a single destination.

Her grandfather’s mansion.

***

“Don’t fight it,” Dianne whispered softly into the ear of the frail old man lying on the bed. “Just go quietly. There’s no one here to save you.”

Her lips curved into a slow smile.

“Your precious granddaughter isn’t here this time.”

Chairman Larson gasped weakly for breath. But the moment he recognized his daughter-in-law’s voice, his body went still. A single tear slid down his temple, soaking into the pillow.

“You should’ve been kinder to my daughter and me,” Dianne continued calmly. “Perhaps I would’ve gone easy on you.”

She sighed dramatically. “Do you know how much effort this took? Poisoning you slowly—carefully—so no one would suspect a thing.”

Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “I’m finally enjoying the fruits of my labor. Still… I’ll give you credit. You lasted longer than expected. You should’ve died a month ago.”

She leaned closer. “I can’t wait to see the look on Lovett’s face when she sees your corpse.”

Chairman Larson lay still as life drained from his body. His only regret was leaving his precious granddaughter alone—surrounded by wolves.

Slowly, his eyes closed.

Dianne straightened and turned to the man standing behind her.

“Let the word out,” she said simply.

---

---

The moment Lovett arrived at the Larson residence, she rushed inside.

All she wanted was to fall into her grandfather’s arms and cry.

He would comfort her. He always did. He always found solutions to her problems.

But the scene that greeted her stopped her short.

In the main lounge sat several familiar faces—Uncle Josh and his family, Aunt Chloe, and other relatives. All of them wore solemn expressions.

Confusion flooded Lovett’s face as she walked toward the couch and sat beside her mother.

Despite everything, Dianne had always been good to her. She often took Lovett’s side during disagreements between her and Ashley.

Surely… she would do the same now.

“What’s going on?” Lovett asked softly, her voice trembling.

Dianne’s composure shattered instantly. Tears spilled down her face as she pulled Lovett into a tight embrace.

“Oh, my poor child,” she sobbed.

Lovett stiffened in confusion, gently patting Dianne’s back. Her eyes darted around the room.

Her grandfather was missing.

Was he asleep? Was that why he wasn’t present?

Why was everyone here so early—before dawn?

Josh Larson cleared his throat and stood up.

“We’ll take our leave now,” he said gently to Dianne. “We’ll return later in the day to discuss things properly.”

Dianne nodded tearfully.

Josh then turned to Lovett, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Be strong, Lovett.”

One by one, the rest of the family offered their condolences and left.

Soon, only Dianne and Lovett remained.

“Mom,” Lovett whispered, “what’s going on?”

Dianne wiped her tears slowly. “Your grandfather… passed away at midnight.”

Lovett froze.

“What?” she whispered. “You’re joking… right?”

Dianne shook her head. “I suppose he finally grew tired of hanging by a thread.”

Lovett bolted to her feet and ran upstairs.

When she reached the bedroom door, her hand hesitated briefly before pushing it open.

The sight before her shattered what remained of her heart.

Her grandfather lay motionless on the bed.

She collapsed to the floor and wept until no tears remained.

Dianne watched from the doorway, a faint smirk tugging at her lips—until she stepped inside and masked it instantly.

She crouched down and pulled Lovett into her arms.

“It’s alright, darling,” she murmured. “You still have me. I’m not going anywhere.”

Later, she led Lovett back to the lounge.

“Prepare a cup of coffee,” Dianne instructed the maid.

When it arrived, she handed it to Lovett, who took a weak sip before setting it aside.

“Look on the bright side,” Dianne said gently. “Father suffered for months. At least he’s at peace now.”

She paused. “Why did you come home alone so early? Did someone inform you?”

Lovett’s chest tightened.

“It’s nothing,” she murmured.

Dianne’s gaze sharpened. “Tell me.”

After a long sigh, Lovett confessed everything.

Dianne gasped. “That’s horrible. How could Ashley do that to you?”

Her eyes widened in apparent shock.

“You poor thing.”