"This is her on her first day in kindergarten for the first time, carrying a backpack, dressed in her school uniform..."Mary watched with delight, her eyes filled with affection. "Nicole is really beautiful. She takes after you!"That was her granddaughter.Previously, Mary had no idea when she would become a grandmother and would not even dare to dream about it. Now, all of a sudden, she had a five year old granddaughter! She was a sight to behold, cute, well-behaved, and bright as a button. However, as Mary continued looking at the photos, she noticed something was amiss.She pointed to one of the photos. "Wait a minute, Gale. Who is this little boy next to Nicole? Why is he in so many of Nicole's photos, and why do you have so many individual pictures of him?""Mom, he's your... grandson."Mary was dumbfounded, her finger frozen on the phone screen.Having a granddaughter was already a pleasant surprise, but she had a grandson too? It was a joyous occasion that one would n
In the past, she had been very careful not to let the secret slip. However, Gale paid no heed to what others thought. Her main concern was how Shawn would react. After all, this man had a quick temper!"Talk to Shawn about it. He'll understand. Considering all that you've been through together, he won't be quick to blame you," Mary suggested."He won't blame me, but..."Indeed, he would likely take advantage of the situation to make various unreasonable demands for compensation. Gale could already envision the challenging life awaiting her. However, there was no point in dwelling on it at the moment."This weekend, I'll bring Nicole over. Joshua will come along as well. This way, you can meet your grandchildren, and they can finally see their grandmother!" Gale said, looking at Mary. Mary could not stop smiling. "That sounds perfect! We still have some time. I'll buy them some gifts.""No need for that, Mom.""I insist. How could I let the two children visit their grandmother a
Gale began, "Mom, you've wanted to see Natalie but felt awkward bringing it up with me, right?""Yes..." However, Mary quickly clarified, "I'm not looking for forgiveness. I simply want to see Natalie and have a chat with her. I raised her myself, and in my heart... I still can't let go of her.""I understand. Don't worry, Mom, I'm not jealous." Gale smiled.Mary finally felt at ease. "As long as you understand.""Let me arrange it; I'll have her come over right now."After all, they were bound to meet sooner or later, so why not now? Plus, Gale was already present.Natalie's fate had been sealed and would not change. She would pay for her mistakes for the rest of her life!Gale made the call, and the person on the other end immediately spoke respectfully upon hearing her voice."Ma'am, are you saying you'd like to see Natalie?""Yes, please bring her over; I'll send you the location.""Of course, please wait."The bodyguard hung up with Gale and promptly dialed Shawn's numb
However, she quickly composed herself, jogged over to the ward, and called out, "Mom!"However, because she was wearing ankle restraints, she could not walk very fast. Just after running a few steps, she stumbled and fell to the ground, looking quite disheveled.Mary was taken aback. "Natalie...""It's alright, it's alright." Natalie immediately got up. "Mom, don't worry about me."When she addressed her as Mom, tears welled up in Mary's eyes.Natalie was still willing to call her Mom...On the side, Gale's alarms went off.Something was off!Natalie was acting very unusually!The last few times they had met, it was clear that she despised Mary, that she resented her!She kept saying that Mary had abandoned her, that she had not treated her like a daughter. That was nothing like the obedient appearance she was showing now!However, Gale did not say anything either.She would see how Natalie intended to play this out!Like Heather, she was also a great actress! Natalie la
"I've raised you, always treated you as my own daughter. You've also met Heather..."Natalie quickly interrupted her, "No, no, I don't acknowledge her as my mother. I only acknowledge you. You're the one who raised me, taught me to read and write, and guided me through life. You're my mother! She's not, she doesn't deserve it!"That was truly Natalie's heartfelt sentiment. Even if she were to die, she would not acknowledge a homewrecker as her mother. She would rather be the adopted daughter of the Yarn family, which sounded better and carried more prestige.Upon hearing Natalie's words, Mary was touched and saddened once more."Natalie, do you still acknowledge me? After all that's happened, do you still consider me your mother?""Mom, do you still acknowledge me? Or have you become fonder of Gale and consider me an outsider?""To be honest, Natalie, you and Gale are both my daughters. I haven't differentiated between my biological and adopted daughters. However, you've committe
Natalie's scheme did not go as planned. Mary said, "Not blaming me is a good start. I can't do much to help you. I've said before that life is a long journey, and you must walk it on your own. Parents, children, even loved ones, can only accompany you for a portion of that journey.""Natalie, from now on, I will see you once a year. This is my final act of motherly affection toward you.""If you make mistakes, you must pay the price. Don't harbor resentment toward anyone. These are the consequences of your own actions, the seeds you've sown."Mary added, "And one more thing..." She looked into Natalie's eyes and said, "In the future, don't refer to yourself as Gale's sister. Gale doesn't like that, and I want to respect her wishes. Besides, you two are barely sisters?"Mary had not acknowledged Natalie's current identity. If she did, would that not be accepting Heather?Natalie was taken aback. She hesitated and held back her tongue. Her strategy had unexpectedly failed. Mary actu
After all, Aurum's reputation had been tarnished. She was hoping Mary's influence might still carry some weight. Mary actually believed that Natalie had a sudden and profound realization, recognized her mistakes, and had no intention of asking Mary to plead for mercy. That unexpected twist left Natalie dumbfounded. She could not say much in response.Gale made a valiant effort to hide her urge to laugh. "Alright, Mom. You've met, and said what needed to be said. Natalie needs to spend a lifetime atoning for her deeds, and she's admitted it herself."Natalie wanted to protest. "I...""What? You don't agree?" Gale immediately raised her voice, suppressing her, "Are you having second thoughts?""No.""My mother still has some affection for you, so I arranged this meeting. You can leave now," Gale said.Natalie would not be happy with just leaving it at that. She was clearly not satisfied with the outcome and did not expect Mary to not fall for her emotional manipulation. She shoul
Moreover, if anything were to happen to Mary, Gale would lose her mother once again. The thought of both her adopted mother and biological mother leaving her in succession was enough to cause unimaginable pain. Natalie's blood boiled with excitement at the prospect of revenge, and she saw Mary as the perfect person to bear the burden of her actions.Natalie extended her hand, holding onto Mary's shoulder, and said, "Well then, Mom, I'll take my leave. Please take good care of your health, and make sure to go out for a walk, alright?""Alright, you don't need to worry about me," Mary replied.Natalie's hand slowly moved upward. Her target was Mary's neck. Conveniently, there was a fruit knife on the nearby table. If she could grasp Mary's neck and position herself as a shield, then take a step back and quickly pick up the fruit knife as a weapon...That way, she would be halfway to success. Mary's life would be in her hands.No one knew what was going through Natalie's mind. Mary s