MasukThree days later, Francine held a press conference and publicly revealed the truth about how she had kidnapped Quinton all those years ago.At long last, Quinton was able to reclaim the life that had always belonged to him.The Great Eight of Beach City officially recognized Quinton as a member of the Everheart family and welcomed him into their affairs as well as strategic alliances.When Austin heard the news, he personally traveled to Beach City despite the inconveniences that came with old age to congratulate Renee and Quinton. He declared that the Baldwin family and the Everheart family would remain friends and allies for generations to come."Quinton, seeing you makes it feel like I'm looking at Maurice himself!"Holding Quinton's hand, Austin looked him over repeatedly. Tears streamed down his face. He was just as emotional as Timothy had been the first time he met Quinton.Austin had also brought numerous priceless treasures to celebrate Quinton's return to the Everheart
"What are you planning to do next?" Joanne looked at Renee warily before asking. "W-Will you give this relationship another shot?"There was silence.Renee's hands stopped moving. Her gaze drifted into the distance as she thought for a long moment before gently shaking her head. "No.""But you two clearly love each other. All the grudges and misunderstandings have been resolved. Why can't you have a happy ending?"Joanne's voice carried a stubborn longing.Despite having gone through so much pain herself, she still held onto the belief that everyone could have a happy ending just like in fairy tales.In a fairy tale, the prince and princess always overcome every obstacle and end up together."This is a happy ending. He's doing well, I'm doing well, and the children are doing well. We're simply no longer together as husband and wife. So what? Marriage isn't the only meaningful relationship in this world," Renee said calmly as she resumed shaping the clay in her hands. Her movem
The argument between Quinton and Joanne only grew more heated. There was tension in the air.Renee was worried Joanne might have another episode, and she was equally afraid Quinton might get hurt. Left with no other choice, she quickly raised a hand to stop them."Alright, alright, stop arguing. I'll do it. I'll make it, okay?"They had gotten into such a fierce fight over whether or not to sculpt Stefan. It seemed the only person who could end the conflict was her.Picking up a lump of clay, Renee began shaping it seriously. "You two should go get some rest. It's getting late anyway. I'll make his sculpture. Nothing can make me forget how he looks. I can sculpt him in no time."Since Renee offered to compromise, Joanne and Quinton finally stopped arguing, but neither of them had let go of their anger. The way they looked at each other made it seem like they wanted to tear the other to pieces."It's fine, Ren. I'll stay with you. Being with you is as good as resting. It's not l
Adie's request instantly made the atmosphere in the room awkward.Quinton and Joanne both lowered their heads and pretended to be busy.Renee was unsure whether she should agree or refuse. She froze in silence.Only Abby remained full of excitement and looked at Renee expectantly. "Mommy, please make him! We don't know what happened to Daddy. He hasn't come to play with us these past few days. If this keeps going, Adie and I might forget what he even looks like."Children always spoke from the heart. They wanted Renee to sculpt Stefan simply because they wanted the clay figure to resemble him as closely as possible. There was nothing wrong with that.But from Renee's perspective, things between her and Stefan had deteriorated far too much. Being asked to sculpt the man herself would only reopen her wounds.Seeing Renee remain silent, Adie looked disappointed, but he still nodded in an understanding manner."It's okay if you don't want to make him, Mommy. We never really had a
A week later, Timothy's condition stabilized, and he was discharged from the hospital.Renee quietly hid in a corner outside his ward. Only after confirming that Timothy was truly out of danger did she finally leave with peace of mind.When she returned to Everheart Manor, Quinton and Joanne were helping the children with arts and crafts. The scene looked harmonious.While Renee had been occupied with work and entangled in her unresolved relationship with Stefan, leaving her little time for the children, Quinton and Joanne had naturally taken on the roles of 'Dad' and 'Mom.' At first glance, the four of them looked more like a real family."Mommy's home!"Abby was the first to notice Renee standing at the doorway of the playroom. Proudly holding up a handcrafted castle, she beamed."Mommy, look! Uncle Quinton and Aunt Joanne helped me and Adie make our Home of Love. Isn't it beautiful?"The miniature castle was exquisitely crafted. It was a nearly one-to-one replica of Everheart
Stefan fell silent.He actually agreed with Quinton. His mother had spent her entire life protecting her pride and dignity. A public apology was probably the one thing she would never willingly agree to."Making her do something that she considers unbearable is the greatest punishment I could ask for, so don't even think you're having it easy."Quinton spoke with an air of cold authority.In reality, only Stefan understood the meaning behind those words.The man who had once regarded him as a mortal enemy, someone to be eliminated at all costs, was, beneath that cold exterior, simply trying to ease his conscience.Only if the punishment was severe enough could the debt between them truly be settled."I'll persuade her."Stefan took a deep breath. He said solemnly, "You're right. This tragedy was caused by her. She should be the one to atone for it. She has spent her entire life protecting her reputation. Now, forcing her to step down from the pedestal she's placed herself on,
"I won't hold you responsible for that because I know you only did it out of love for Stefan, but I hope you can understand my intentions too," Francine said slowly.Seraphina looked up, her eyes teary. "What are you saying, Madam Francine? What do you want?" "Calm down..." Although Francine seemed t
The person standing before him was none other than Adie's scumbag daddy.Ugh... but it seemed like he wasn't really a scumbag at all."Why aren't you answering?" Stefan studied Adie intently, then his features relaxed. "Oh, I know. You haven't learned how to talk, have you?"Rolling his eyes, Adie thou
They loved each other deeply, but the pain of being together seemed greater than when they were apart. If that was the case, Stefan felt that it was more logical to distance himself from Renee. "What do you mean? Are you going to give my mommy up?" Stefan's words filled Adie with displeasure. It was
Smiling, Renee confessed, "I grew up in Everheart Manor, so I'm very familiar with its layout. I can get around the place with my eyes closed, so don't worry." She didn't want to implicate Lisa and get her in trouble."Okay, just be careful," Lisa said finally."Will do. Get back safely!" Renee waved







