While the Hales were scouring every corner of the city in search of Sharon, a woman dressed in the plainest clothes walked down the street in Williamford, occasionally looking around. A pair of sunglasses hid her eyes, a mask covered half her face, and her hair had been cut short. She was so inconspicuous in the crowd that no one would have guessed that she was Sharon. Neither Elias nor the cops would have imagined that she was still in Williamford, instead of fleeing to another province or country. Sharon was right under their noses. That night, after hopping out of a cab near the provincial highway, she had doubled back almost instantly. Sharon was well aware that the Hales would spare no effort to find her and that the cops would have her on their wanted list. So, decided to take her chances.Sharon was indignant. She questioned why Macie should get all the wealth and privilege.After all, they had both grown up in the same orphanage. Yet, Macie was slow and foolish, whereas s
"You've always been an outstanding, capable young woman. I was the one who let my need for control get the better of me. I shouldn't have interfered in my children's affairs," Diana said. "I came to tell you two things. First, I'm sorry. Second, I'll never stand between you and Sean again. I think you two are perfect for each other, and I'm very fond of you!"Macie pursed her lips when she heard that. "To be honest, Mr. Sean has already cleared things up with me earlier. I never held anything against you, because there's nothing between us," Macie responded. "I doubt we'll see each other much in the future. Mr. Sean is just my friend's older brother, though I'm still grateful for all the help he gave me during my divorce."After hearing that, Diana appeared apologetic. "Are you keeping your distance from Sean because of me? I was wrong back then, May. If you ever marry into our family, I'll treat you as if you were my own daughter."Macie felt their conversation had gone from zero
Alice continued reading the messages on her phone aloud.After growing suspicious, Elias had launched an investigation but came up empty. He then instructed Mitch to retrieve Macie's records from the orphanage. However, Raymond had already been bribed by Sharon. They were in cahoots. Macie's folder was destroyed, leaving Elias no choice but to have Mitch collect a strand of her hair instead. Worried that she might be in danger again, he had even sent his bodyguards to protect her. Unfortunately, he had still been too late. Macie had been abducted the very next night."He said that Mitch hadn't lured her out at 7:00 pm that evening to harm you but to get a strand of your hair," Alice relayed.Macie kept her head down, staring blankly at the thin hospital blanket. That night, Mitch had sought her out, claiming that he needed an extra document for the agreement. In the end, he had told her that a leaf had fallen on her hair and offered to remove it, accidentally pulling out a few s
With that, Yosef hopped into his car. Before his driver stepped on the gas, he poked his head out the window and inquired, "By the way, do you still have anything from when she was a child? Give it to her. It could stir her memories and touch her heart more easily.""Y-Yeah, we do," Mira choked out. "I've kept her stuffed bunny. It was her favorite plushie, and I brought it with me as a keepsake when we moved abroad."Yosef nodded. Then, his car started and sped away from the hospital.Mira wiped away her tears and told Edmund, "Quick, have someone rush all of May's belongings from home back here as soon as possible!" Edmund caught on and immediately made a call. The middle-aged couple returned to the corridor outside Macie's ward. However, they did not enter it this time. Both Yosef and Alice had advised them to give Macie more time, so they could only wait anxiously outside.Just then, Elias arrived. Like his parents, he didn't enter the ward either. He merely watched Macie t
"Macie, you don't have to worry about your safety anymore. I'm sure you'll be discharged soon," Yosef said warmly. "All of these medical supplies were flown in from overseas by the Hales. Each shot costs hundreds of thousands of dollars and is powerful enough to pull someone back from the brink of death."Relieved that Macie was out of danger, Yosef looked genuinely happy. Macie turned her head and silently looked at the IV needle taped to the back of her hand. Alice, listening to every word beside them, grumbled inwardly, "The old guard still packs the most punch. No one could top his way with words."Yosef had begun by tugging at Macie's heartstrings, bringing up her college days to lower her guard. Then he slipped in how much effort and money the Hales had spent rescuing her, even tossing Edward's name in for good measure, just to make her feel grateful.Alice was almost certain that the Hales had sent Yosef to talk Macie around.After chatting and checking on Macie, the elder
Alice whipped her head around and asked, "May, who are you texting so secretively?"Startled, Macie blurted out, "No one!""So, you're keeping secrets from me now?" Alice huffed.Looking at her, Macie wasn't sure how to explain herself, as Diana had repeatedly told her not to tell Alice anything."Forget it. Everyone has their own secrets, even the best of friends. So long as you're not texting Edward, I don't mind. If you are, I swear I'll blow a fuse," Alice said. "Of course I'm not texting Edward. I've blocked and deleted his number ages ago," Macie reassured her.Alice appeared pleased and was about to take a seat when the door swung open. When she looked over and noticed who it was, she immediately shot up to her feet, feeling a little awkward. It was Yosef. She hoped that he hadn't overheard what she had just said."I heard you're doing better today, so I thought I'd drop by this afternoon to look at you." Yosef smiled at Macie. "Thank you for coming." Macie was about