Jean was in the house and oblivious to everything happening outside. The maid wanted to inform her.However, she didn't say much at the thought of being scolded each time Jean interacted with the Michaels family. Tyler disappeared after returning from Resovia. Jean didn't ask about his whereabouts. Tyler appeared at Teak Villa one week later, holding a gown. Jean's face was written with a sense of loss as she looked at the gown on the table. Tyler had never brought her anywhere public for the past three years. She didn't understand the gown in the box. Tyler sat on the sofa. He saw that her complexion had gotten better even without makeup.He said sincerely, "You've been cooped here for a while. A friend is organizing a dinner together. I want to bring you with me." Jean responded under her breath. There was a hint of hesitation on her face. "Your engagement with Ms. Page is all over the news. Aren't you afraid of getting exposed for bringing me now?" Tyler looked a
When the man who was receiving the guests saw Jean, his face was startled. His eyebrows began to furrow as his gentle gaze fell on Jean. Simone's mother came to Emmett's side immediately and said gently, "This is the young missus of the Larson family, Joyce." Emmett furrowed his eyebrows. A hint of confusion flashed across his eyes. He looked at Jean and Tyler walking toward him blankly. "Emmett, it's been a while." Emmett and Tyler have known each other since they were young. However, they were not close. Emmett was the son of the second wife of the Page family.Esme and Lilian were the daughters of the first wife of the Page family. The two families had conflicted for many years. However, their relationship relaxed ever since Stephen became ill. Emmett nodded lightly, but his gaze was fixed on Jean. "Yes, it has been a long while." Jean felt uncomfortable by Emmett's intense stare. Tyler saw Emmett's gaze on Jean. A hint of displeasure flashed across his eyes.
Jean remained unfazed and went to the sofa on the side to sit. Esme didn't get to decide whether she had the right to attend the dinner. Esme's face changed slightly when she saw how unmoving Jean was.She displeasingly said, "Tyler had already signed his divorce papers. You're still here sticking to him. Don't you find it disgusting?" Jean froze slightly. A hint of shock flashed across her eyes. She didn't know about Tyler signing the divorce papers. She thought Tyler was at a stalemate with Coleen and didn't sign the papers. Esme lips curled into a smile when she saw Jean's calm demeanor break. "You don't know about it, Ms. Michaels?" Jean really didn't know about Tyler signing the divorce papers. The smug look on Esme's face was understandable. "Although we're divorced, Tyler doesn't want to let me go. I have no choice." Esme's face darkened. She had never met such a shameless lady like "Joyce" before. She could still talk to her so steadily until now. "You'
Emmett walked over and glanced at Jean.He gazed toward Esme and said lowly, "Uncle's condition worsened. The hospital couldn't reach you and wants you to go over." Esme's face changed. She panicked. She grabbed Tyler and begged him, "Tyler, could you go with me?" Her phone was in her coat so she didn't answer the call from the hospital. Tyler furrowed her eyebrows. Jean sat in her place. She looked at them calmly and said lightly, "Go. I'm okay." Tyler furrowed his eyebrows. A hint of displeasure flashed across his eyes.He grabbed her hand and said coldly, "Come with me." Jean pursed her red lips slightly. She saw Emmett's constant gaze on her. His eyes were filled with resentment. She wasn't sure what would happen if she continued to stay. Jean decided to leave with Tyler to prevent Emmett from recognizing her. "Okay." She got up slowly and controlled her facial expression. It was as if she didn't know Emmett at all. Tyler left with Jean. The look on
Jean nodded at Simone when she saw Simone winking."Okay."She could handle a simple performance. After all, she had learned some skills while replacing Joyce in the past. The duo walked into the Page residence with the leader of the bodyguards tailing them. They walked past Emmett. Simone shot a reluctant glance at him. Emmett noticed the man beside Jean, who Tyler assigned to monitor her.Emmett watched while Jean performed. Standing beside her son, Jane saw his scorching gaze on Jean and whispered, "Emmett, what's wrong? Why do you look preoccupied?"He looked away as the light went out of his eyes."Nothing."He had thought over the different reasons Jean broke up with him, but never had he anticipated the events that unfolded after. Jane frowned when she saw Emmett fixating on Jean."Emmett, everyone knows about the relationship between Joyce and the Larsons. Rumor has it that they are divorced, but I still hope you steer clear of the Michaelses."Jane had gotten some info
Some of the guests, who were familiar with classical piano, agreed."Indeed, Ms. Michaels is quite rusty."Someone else chimed in, "That's understandable. She doesn't need a career thanks to the backing of the Larsons for three years."The seemingly harmless comments from various guests had insulted Jean deeply. When Glenn exited the restroom, he found Sydney and her group of friends hurling thinly-veiled insults at "Joyce". He intervened."Syd, stop it. You’re going to dampen the mood."Sydney's expression darkened when Glenn spoke up for "Joyce". Ever since they ran into her at the music festival, he frequently looked preoccupied. She'd be a fool not to see it for what it was—Glenn had been thinking of Joyce after all these years. "Oh, what now? Glenn Sotheby, do you think you stand a chance because Joyce's divorced?"When Sydney retorted, the other guests started murmuring."Joyce Michaels and Glenn Sotheby were the perfect pair in the world of classical piano.""That's t
Jean glared at Glenn. She wanted to leave the argument behind, but at the same time, she was acutely aware that she was representing Joyce, who had been confined to bed for three years. During that time, Jean herself never reached out to Glenn in any capacity either. Since Sydney and the other guests were turning Joyce into a topic of gossip, Jean had to respond accordingly.Sydney's expression was clouded by confusion when confronted by "Joyce", who seemed like a different person than her demure and timid self from a few years back.She snickered and retaliated unrelentingly, "Have you received a confidence boost from marrying into the Larson Family?"At that moment, Jane glided toward Sydney.With a polite smile, she whispered to the young lady, "The guests I invited today are VIPs of the Page Family. Syd, are you making a scene to humiliate me?"Despite the divorce rumors, "Joyce" remained Tyler Larson's legal spouse and attended the event in that capacity. The Pages wouldn't w
In the face of Jean's coolness and sincerity, Jane smiled and kept her doubts in check."Oh, there must have been a misunderstanding. Ms. Michaels, I hope I didn't upset you," she chirped.Jean gave her a slight nod. Jane's face was devoid of any embarrassment as she whispered, "We have a lot of guests today. If you find our hospitality lacking, please be understanding.""Mrs. Page, don't worry about it."After that, someone came to speak to Jane. She grabbed the chance to take off. Throughout the talk with Jean, she maintained a smile on her face. Even her threats didn't sound hostile. Jean finally understood that this woman was the reason Emmett's family remained influential even after the death of his dad.She gasped for breath as she felt suffocated by an invisible burden. When she cast her glance afar, she saw Emmett speaking to other guests amid the crowd. He donned a white suit that day and held a glass of red wine in his hand. He carried himself with grace and poise, just
Even though Lukas was now back together with her, Jenny could clearly feel that their relationship could never return to the way it had been in the past. After spending some time with Lukas, Jenny felt that Lukas' heart no longer belonged to her.Once Conner and Robin were done packing up Alina's belongings at the hospital, they made their way to Robin's car. Robin drove them to her apartment. Upon seeing where they were heading, Conner said to Robin softly, "Roo, I won't be going back to your apartment."Upon hearing this, Robin looked confused. Before she could ask why, Conner added softly, "I want to return to Swiree."Robin was taken aback for a moment. Then, she replied, "Dad, you really don't need to rush back home."Conner had already sold the family business in Swiree when Alina was hospitalized in Henkel. As such, Robin had not expected to hear Conner tell her that he wanted to return to Swiree."Just stay here," Robin said.Upon hearing that, Conner sighed softly and
After Alina passed away, her body was taken to the funeral home the next morning.Alina had instructed Conner to keep her funeral simple after her death.After Alina was hospitalized, Conner showed her a grave site according to her wishes.A van from the funeral home came to the hospital the next morning to take Alina's body to the funeral home.Upon hearing the news, Jean and Tyler rushed to the hospital and accompanied Robin there.On the way to the funeral home, Tyler tried to call Terence. However, Terence did not answer.Tyler had to call Wilson to inform Terence of what had happened.Only a handful of relatives and friends attended the funeral to pay their respects to Alina.With Jean and Tyler's help, Alina's funeral wasn't much trouble to set up.Terence received the news of Alina's death in the afternoon. Only then did he rush to the funeral home.When Terence arrived, Alina's remains had already been cremated and placed in an urn.He walked over to Robin. When he s
Robin's call managed to go through, but no one answered her call even after a long while.Robin gradually tightened the grip she had on her phone. She tried to maintain her composure while holding the phone.After what seemed like ages, Terence finally answered her call."Roo, why are you still up?"Terence's gentle voice came through in the end. His tone was tinged with a hint of exhaustion.Upon hearing his voice, Robin secretly breathed a sigh of relief.Seeing that Terence had ended up answering her call, she supposed there weren't any problems to worry about."Yeah, I haven't gone to sleep yet. I'm still—"Robin was about to tell Terence that she was still at the hospital.However, Terence quickly interjected, "I'm still at the hospital now."Upon hearing Terence's words, Robin unconsciously tightened her grip on her phone. Her heart quivered in fear for a moment.She suddenly felt insecure.Robin hummed in acknowledgment and asked, "Is Ms. Blake not doing well?"Robi
Robin's response was in no way problematic.From her response, it was clear how cautious and serious she was when dealing with matters of the heart.Brian sighed and looked at Robin deeply.However, Robin deliberately avoided Brian's gaze at this moment.She didn't want him to waste his time on her. Robin certainly didn't want Brian's friendship with Terence to be negatively affected because of her.Seeing that Robin was deliberately avoiding his gaze, Brian curled his lips into a small smile and said softly, "You don't need to be so wary of me. I'm not going to force you to help me."I'm glad to see that you're going steady with Terence. I'm looking forward to attending your guys' wedding."Upon hearing this, Robin pursed her lips lightly. She let out a calm smile and replied, "Well, then you'll have to spend quite some time waiting."Brian turned to look at Robin. He had a tender expression on his face as he said, "Don't worry, I know Terence very well. I'm certain he'll marr
Robin couldn't help looking surprised upon seeing Brian dressed in formal attire. He looked somewhat weary."Mr. Collins," Robin greeted.Brian nodded slightly in response and walked over to her side.He whispered, "I heard that Aunt Alina isn't doing very well, so I came to check on you guys. Don't be too upset if you can help it."Upon hearing this, Robin pursed her lips. She replied in a soft voice, "I already expected this to happen, so I'm not too upset by it. I just feel a bit helpless at the moment."Although Robin had already anticipated this outcome, she couldn't change it.Robin sighed as a hint of grief filled her eyes.Brian walked over to sit beside her. His tone was gentle as he said, "Death is inevitable for everyone, after all. People either die from old age or sickness. Try to take it easy."Aunt Alina probably wouldn't want you to be so upset either."Robin nodded and turned her gaze toward Brian. When she noticed that was wearing a suit, she asked, "Where we
During her conversation with Alina, Robin had already tried her best to keep her emotions under control. She did not expect Alina to get so worked up.Robin simply didn't want Alina to use her past as an example to educate Robin.After all, everybody was living a different life.Robin would never settle for second best.Robin sat quietly as the doctor continued talking. But she didn't hear a word he said. Noticing Robin's low spirits, Conner said softly to her after the doctor left, "Roo, don't burden yourself with all this. This day was bound to come sooner or later."Although Conner was trying to comfort Robin, his voice was hoarse and contained a hint of melancholy that he failed to conceal.Robin took a deep breath. With her reddened, teary eyes, she told Conner, "I shouldn't have argued with her knowing she was sick. With her current state, it's my fault that I insisted on my point."Conner sighed with a hint of helplessness in his expression. He avoided Robin's eyes and
Robin took a deep breath and said softly, "Don't worry about Chandler. Terence will handle it."After all, Chandler raised Terence like a son despite not being blood-related. The bond between them was too strong for Terence to ignore."Just focus on getting better."Alina went silent for a while. Robin chose not to say anything further either.She wanted to end the discussion in Alina's silence. But to her surprise, Alina uttered hesitantly after a long pause, "No, Terence will not care about Chandler."If Terence helps Chandler out, Weiss Group will face setbacks. Terence prioritizes his interests above all else. He won't care about Chandler. I…"Robin watched Alina getting worked up as she continued talking. Robin couldn't help but feel bad.However, she couldn't pinpoint her feelings. Did she feel bad because after all these years, Alina still cared about Chandler? Or was it because Conner's effort was being overlooked by Alina?Even though Chandler was her biological father
Conner had been working tirelessly to take care of the family. Even now that Alina fell ill, he cared for her selflessly."I should go back and check on your mom. If not, she'll wake up and find herself alone."Robin felt bad watching Conner's silhouette. She and Conner went back to the ward together. Sure enough, Alina was already awake.Robin sat on the couch and felt a mix of emotions as she watched Conner care for Alina devotedly.Alina had finished her medicine for the day, and Conner needed to get her the newly prescribed medicine from the pharmacy. So, Robin stayed back to keep Alina company.Robin kept her gaze fixed on Alina's weary face and asked softly, "Mom, do you want me to end up like you?"Alina paused for a moment after listening to Robin as a hint of confusion flashed in her eyes. Clearly, she did not understand the meaning of Robin's words.Robin took a deep breath to control her own emotions and continued softly, "I was referring to finding a man who takes
Terence was waiting at a traffic light, so his surroundings were noisy. As Robin's voice was very soft, Terence couldn't quite make out what she was saying. "I'm heading to the hospital to check on her now. How are things with your mom?" Terence repeated his question to Robin again. Robin went silent. She had already decided to be with Terence, and he had also publicly clarified that nothing was happening between him and Monica. So, it would be childish of her to ask the question again because he had already made things clear. Robin's lips were pressed together, and her expression had reverted back to normal. She said, "She's fine here. Don't worry about it." She then murmured softly under her breath, "I'll call you back later. Drive safely." As soon as she finished talking, she immediately ended the call. Terence didn't give it much thought after Robin ended the call. He turned the engine on and drove off to the hospital to visit Monica. Robin stood in the cor