LOGINThree days later, Francine held a press conference and publicly revealed the truth about how she had kidnapped Quinton all those years ago.At long last, Quinton was able to reclaim the life that had always belonged to him.The Great Eight of Beach City officially recognized Quinton as a member of the Everheart family and welcomed him into their affairs as well as strategic alliances.When Austin heard the news, he personally traveled to Beach City despite the inconveniences that came with old age to congratulate Renee and Quinton. He declared that the Baldwin family and the Everheart family would remain friends and allies for generations to come."Quinton, seeing you makes it feel like I'm looking at Maurice himself!"Holding Quinton's hand, Austin looked him over repeatedly. Tears streamed down his face. He was just as emotional as Timothy had been the first time he met Quinton.Austin had also brought numerous priceless treasures to celebrate Quinton's return to the Everheart
"What are you planning to do next?" Joanne looked at Renee warily before asking. "W-Will you give this relationship another shot?"There was silence.Renee's hands stopped moving. Her gaze drifted into the distance as she thought for a long moment before gently shaking her head. "No.""But you two clearly love each other. All the grudges and misunderstandings have been resolved. Why can't you have a happy ending?"Joanne's voice carried a stubborn longing.Despite having gone through so much pain herself, she still held onto the belief that everyone could have a happy ending just like in fairy tales.In a fairy tale, the prince and princess always overcome every obstacle and end up together."This is a happy ending. He's doing well, I'm doing well, and the children are doing well. We're simply no longer together as husband and wife. So what? Marriage isn't the only meaningful relationship in this world," Renee said calmly as she resumed shaping the clay in her hands. Her movem
The argument between Quinton and Joanne only grew more heated. There was tension in the air.Renee was worried Joanne might have another episode, and she was equally afraid Quinton might get hurt. Left with no other choice, she quickly raised a hand to stop them."Alright, alright, stop arguing. I'll do it. I'll make it, okay?"They had gotten into such a fierce fight over whether or not to sculpt Stefan. It seemed the only person who could end the conflict was her.Picking up a lump of clay, Renee began shaping it seriously. "You two should go get some rest. It's getting late anyway. I'll make his sculpture. Nothing can make me forget how he looks. I can sculpt him in no time."Since Renee offered to compromise, Joanne and Quinton finally stopped arguing, but neither of them had let go of their anger. The way they looked at each other made it seem like they wanted to tear the other to pieces."It's fine, Ren. I'll stay with you. Being with you is as good as resting. It's not l
Adie's request instantly made the atmosphere in the room awkward.Quinton and Joanne both lowered their heads and pretended to be busy.Renee was unsure whether she should agree or refuse. She froze in silence.Only Abby remained full of excitement and looked at Renee expectantly. "Mommy, please make him! We don't know what happened to Daddy. He hasn't come to play with us these past few days. If this keeps going, Adie and I might forget what he even looks like."Children always spoke from the heart. They wanted Renee to sculpt Stefan simply because they wanted the clay figure to resemble him as closely as possible. There was nothing wrong with that.But from Renee's perspective, things between her and Stefan had deteriorated far too much. Being asked to sculpt the man herself would only reopen her wounds.Seeing Renee remain silent, Adie looked disappointed, but he still nodded in an understanding manner."It's okay if you don't want to make him, Mommy. We never really had a
A week later, Timothy's condition stabilized, and he was discharged from the hospital.Renee quietly hid in a corner outside his ward. Only after confirming that Timothy was truly out of danger did she finally leave with peace of mind.When she returned to Everheart Manor, Quinton and Joanne were helping the children with arts and crafts. The scene looked harmonious.While Renee had been occupied with work and entangled in her unresolved relationship with Stefan, leaving her little time for the children, Quinton and Joanne had naturally taken on the roles of 'Dad' and 'Mom.' At first glance, the four of them looked more like a real family."Mommy's home!"Abby was the first to notice Renee standing at the doorway of the playroom. Proudly holding up a handcrafted castle, she beamed."Mommy, look! Uncle Quinton and Aunt Joanne helped me and Adie make our Home of Love. Isn't it beautiful?"The miniature castle was exquisitely crafted. It was a nearly one-to-one replica of Everheart
Stefan fell silent.He actually agreed with Quinton. His mother had spent her entire life protecting her pride and dignity. A public apology was probably the one thing she would never willingly agree to."Making her do something that she considers unbearable is the greatest punishment I could ask for, so don't even think you're having it easy."Quinton spoke with an air of cold authority.In reality, only Stefan understood the meaning behind those words.The man who had once regarded him as a mortal enemy, someone to be eliminated at all costs, was, beneath that cold exterior, simply trying to ease his conscience.Only if the punishment was severe enough could the debt between them truly be settled."I'll persuade her."Stefan took a deep breath. He said solemnly, "You're right. This tragedy was caused by her. She should be the one to atone for it. She has spent her entire life protecting her reputation. Now, forcing her to step down from the pedestal she's placed herself on,
In the past, Jovan manipulated Stefan's feigned death to snatch away the company, but it had been Stefan's trap. He had waited for Jovan to walk into it, and the ending had been delightful. However, this time...Xavier and Quinton had worked with the villagers living in the mountains to look for Stef
Renee did feel that her pain had diminished a little, though she didn't know why. As the days went by, Stefan stayed by her side as her eyes and her support, describing the world to her every day. Meanwhile, Owen was working hard to find treatments to detoxify Renee. "The most important thing now is
There was a white shell as large as a tire at the crevice of an underwater cliff, and light was emerging from it. Stefan's eyes widened in excitement. Was this the Southern Oceanic Stone he had been looking for? He quickly swam towards it, trying to ignore his throbbing head and lack of oxygen. He f
"Uncle! Mr. Cheever! You both are finally back!" Adie and Abby were playing hopscotch in the yard, and lit up in excitement when they saw Quinton and Chase. They quickly ran over."Kids, it's been so long. Are you doing okay? Are you listening to your mommy?" Quinton asked gently as he hugged the two







