Chapter 49

As the day of departure dawned, Valerie found herself engulfed in a sea of emotions, silently sobbing as she performed the final packing. The children, sensitive to their mother's distress, offered a touching display of concern.

"Mom, if you don't want to go, we can stay with you. We don't want you to be sad," Kyle expressed, his worry mirrored in Kelly's eyes.

Forcing a smile through tear-streaked cheeks, Valerie reassured them, "No, my loves, these are happy tears. I'm just going to miss our home here. But New York is waiting for us with exciting adventures."

While Nelson's guards efficiently packed their belongings, Nelson himself disrupted the moment with a callous remark. "Valerie, leave your rags behind. We wouldn't want them ruining the aesthetic of our New York home."

In response, fury flashed in Valerie's eyes as she countered, "These 'rags' have more warmth and history than your diamonds ever could. They're a part of us, and they're coming with us."

The kids, witnessing the