Semua Bab When She Turns Her Back: Bab 631 - Bab 640

After Christian went upstairs, Talia sat alone in the dining room for a long time. She didn't know how much time passed. She only knew that her body had grown stiff before she finally decided to head upstairs.Since she couldn't change anything, she figured that she might as well accept it. Overthinking wouldn't help anyway.Talia stood, stretched briefly, then made her way upstairs. When she passed Yvonne's room, she noticed the door was slightly ajar.She had once pushed that door open countless times. Back then, she never hesitated. But now, she had too many reservations.She was afraid that Yvonne wouldn't want her there, that she'd cry at the sight of her, or worse, that her own daughter would curse at her. So Talia resisted the urge to enter.She bit her lip and turned toward the guest room instead. But she'd barely taken two steps when Yvonne's wheedling voice drifted through the crack in the door. "Daddy, I miss Nancy. Let's go see her."Christian seemed to pause for a mo

The next morning, when Talia came downstairs, Yvonne had already been sent to kindergarten by Emma.Talia had deliberately timed her descent to avoid seeing Yvonne, saving herself the aggravation. Christian wasn't downstairs either. He seemed to have left early.Alone, Talia made herself a simple breakfast of milk and granola, then ate a hard-boiled egg. Just as she finished and was about to take her dishes to wash them, her phone rang.Looking down, she saw that it was Paige calling. Talia sat back down and answered. "Paige?"But the voice on the other end wasn't Paige's. Instead, it was Maeve's cheerful, sweet call. "Aunt Talia! It's me, Maeve!"Talia's heart melted. She smiled without realizing it. "I knew it was you, sweetheart. What's up?"Maeve sounded excited. "Aunt Talia, my kindergarten is having a New Year's Day event! Will you and Mommy come with me?"Talia's first instinct was to say yes. But after thinking it over, she refused. "Maeve, I have to work the day before

When the car stopped at the Lane residence, the butler and maids came out to greet Christian and Talia."Mr. Lane, Mrs. Lane, you're finally here."Christian said nothing, his expression cold.When Talia got out of the car and heard the butler's greeting, she smiled faintly. "Hello."The moment she spoke, Christian's voice cut through. "There are things in the trunk. Bring them inside."His unfriendly tone made the butler and maids exchange glances before reluctantly unloading the car. Talia tried to help, but the maids refused.Christian strode ahead, his steps so quick that he was practically running. Talia followed behind, each step slow and laborious as she made her way through the gates.When she entered the main hall, a group of people sat gathered inside. It was New Year's Eve, so the entire Lane family had returned.Not only were Margaret and Cecilia present, but Franklin and Joseph were as well. Only Connor and Yvonne were missing.When Talia walked in, Franklin and J

Talia had never lost her temper like this before. This was the first time she'd openly challenged the Lane family.The Lanes hadn't expected this. Her shout caught everyone off guard. Margaret, who was sitting right beside her, flinched so hard that she nearly jumped from her seat.Once she recovered, Margaret slammed her spoon down on the table and hissed at Talia, "Of course! If Chris died, what would you have left to live for? You'd have no right to go on living."Talia met Margaret's gaze directly, unflinching. After a long moment, Talia let out a cold laugh. "Well then. Since Christian's already gone, there's no reason for me to stay either."She stood and walked toward the exit. Cecilia sat beside Margaret, her face full of worry and unease. She was terrified that the family would erupt into a fight.When Talia stood, Cecilia knew that it was over. An argument was inevitable now.All Cecilia had wanted was a peaceful New Year's Eve together. But somehow, a perfectly good di

Millie's tone had an edge to it. Talia quickly explained, "No, Mrs. Henderson, that's not what I meant."Knowing that Talia was just being polite, Millie thought for a moment and came up with a good reason. "You saved my life on that bridge. Let me thank you with dinner."Talia ultimately gave in reluctantly. "Alright then."Millie took her cold hand and said, "Let's get in the car."Talia walked around to the passenger side and got in. Millie drove slowly, barely reaching 30 miles per hour. The road was straight and clear, with a speed limit of 80 miles per hour, yet she crawled along.Millie had been driving for decades. But that night, something seemed off.Talia didn't say anything. She just quietly turned her head to study Millie.Only then did she notice that Millie's face was bare. Even though she appeared well-maintained, her age showed through.It was also clear that she hadn't been sleeping well lately. Her under-eye bags were pronounced, and her eyes were bloodshot.