Se connecterDaven laughed softly. “I was persuading you.”“Very stubborn persuasion.”“Do you regret coming?”Althea turned her gaze toward the window, then smiled.“Not at all.”A brief silence settled between them.“The restaurant isn’t far from the office,” Daven continued. “I think you’ll like it.”His tone
Althea stood in front of her wardrobe longer than she had intended. Rows of dresses hung neatly inside, most of them the kind she usually wore to formal events or important meetings.But today felt different.She didn’t want to look too formal—or too casual either. She simply… wanted to look nice fo
“Even so, she needed to know,” Althea said firmly. “It would’ve been worse if she found out from someone else and started making her own assumptions.”Riana nodded in agreement.“Where are Josh and Grace?” Althea asked, glancing around. Usually the two of them continued studying in this room.“Grace
Eli’s tears didn’t stop right away, but they gradually softened into quiet sniffles. The tension that had stiffened her body earlier gave way to exhaustion. She remained seated on the edge of the bed, the suitcase still open beside her, while Althea stayed close—never rushing her, never walking away
Eli gave a small, fragile smile.“Because I shouldn’t be here.”The words were quiet—but they hit like a blow.“Who told you that?”“I did.” Tears began spilling down her cheeks again. “I’m not part of this family. I’m not Daddy Chase’s daughter. I’m not GrandDad and GrandMom’s biological granddaugh
“Then… I’ll excuse myself,” Eli said quietly.She gave Riana and Nathan one brief look before bowing politely. Just before she stepped out of the study, she added in a small, steady voice, “And thank you… for telling me the truth.”The door closed softly behind her.She walked with her head lowered,







