Realizing she was being too harsh, Mary softened her tone and said, "Let's save discussions about the future for later. Whether it's about starting a business or investing, we can talk about those things when we get back to Rookfort."You've seen how ill your grandfather is. We don't even know how much time he has left to live. How will we manage in the future if you don't try to make him happy now? Can we count on your restaurant? You've been running it for years. Haven't you suffered enough?"Mary's gaze landed on Serena's intertwined fingers. Over time, Mary had focused solely on caring for herself. She hadn't noticed how rough Serena's hands had become.She couldn't resist chiding Serena, "Now, look at you. What's the difference between you and those wage earners with those hands and that look on your face? You don't even look like someone who comes from a decent family."Have a look at Rebecca. She's dressing so beautifully that it's a pleasure just to look at her. Your grandp
Mary was startled by Angela's steely voice. She jumped up from the hallway bench and faced her."Mom, when did you get here?" Mary asked sheepishly.Considering how much Angela had cared for her, she believed that Angela would forgive her and continue to show her favor.Unfortunately, things took an unexpected turn.Angela was in disbelief when she found Mary angrily accusing Serena of failing to claim James' inheritance in front of the ward when James was seriously ill.Although Mary was greedy, Angela believed that she was not a bad person. Even though Angela was aging, Mary had been more than willing to spend time with her. This led Angela to believe that Mary had a kind heart.Also, even though Mary had made a grave mistake in the past, she had been sincere in her apology and promised never to do it again. Things were peaceful for years, and Angela assumed Mary had changed for the better.It wasn't until today that Angela heard Mary's words and realized she had been spoiling
Angela's roar cut Mary off. Her glare made Mary recoil in fear. The sight of Serena's swollen face broke Angela's heart.Meanwhile, Mary's hand was trembling as she struggled to understand her impulsiveness. She weakly suggested, "What if we take Serena to apply some ointment first? I—""No need," Serena replied icily.Serena brushed Mary's hand away and soothed Angela before continuing, "Mom, I'm aware of your temper. I won't hold it against you even if you slapped me."I just hope that you don't bring up things like that again while Grandpa is unwell. Grandpa and Grandma have given you enough over the years. Please stop stirring up trouble if you still care about them."She wasn't expecting Mary to take care of James. Her only wish was that Mary wouldn't cause any trouble for James, who was gravely ill. Serena remained hopeful that James would recover."Grandma, why don't you go back and get some rest? I'd like some time alone," Serena suggested.Even though there had been an
After Serena left the hallway outside James' ward, she felt lost and didn't know what to do next. She had no place to stay in Fairport and going back to the hotel would only lead to another fight with Mary. Just the thought of it frustrated her.She wandered around the hospital until a nurse stopped her and brought her back to reality. The nurse seemed young, perhaps fresh out of university. She pointed to the red marks on Serena's face and asked in a friendly manner, "Do you need some medication? Your face looks a little swollen."Serena's mind was in a mess and she simply nodded. The nurse took her hand and led her to a ward to put on some ointment. As the ointment came into contact with Serena's face, the coolness eased her anxiety and grief.Fearing it would be rude, the nurse refrained from asking about the injuries. After she had carefully applied the ointment, she advised, "Take this ointment with you. Don't let anyone hurt you next time. Find a way to avoid it if you can't d
Since there was no coffee shop near the hospital, Serena suggested they meet at a convenience store.Rebecca happily agreed. She had been concerned when she heard that Angela, Mary, and Serena had visited James, so this was a good chance to check on him.When Rebecca arrived at the appointed time, she found Serena trying to pick out a pizza. She was asking the cashier about the pizza flavors. Serena was known for her ability to cook, but she seemed to be having trouble recognizing the flavors, which somehow amused Rebecca.What surprised Rebecca the most was the red mark on Serena's face. Since not many people visited the hospital at this time, the store was empty."Serena, have you made up your mind? I'll order first if you haven't," Rebecca said.Serena looked up and saw Rebecca, who looked even more beautiful than before. She wanted to say something but found herself speechless.Meanwhile, Rebecca confidently ordered a pizza as if she had done it countless times before. Before
Rebecca's blunt words caught Serena off guard. She fell silent for a moment across the table."You might want to soften your words a bit. They can be quite harsh," Serena said with a wry smile."I doubt it would change the way you feel about me even if I spoke more gently. You never liked me anyway, so why bother?" Rebecca answered with a smile.She was right and her remark evoked old memories. Serena had always looked down on Rebecca since their first meeting in Riverwood. After Rebecca's return to Rookfort, their relationship became even more strained.After a pause, Serena looked sincerely at Rebecca and said, "I'm sorry."Rebecca paused with her pizza halfway to her mouth and raised an eyebrow in surprise.Serena remained calm. She had expected Rebecca's reaction. With a sigh, she added, "I don't expect you to forgive me, but I do feel compelled to apologize."She was aware that a simple apology was no cure for the scars of the past.Rebecca wasn't sure of Serena's motives,
Rebecca had always heard that those who were mean were bound to learn eventually. Serena's situation proved the point."I appreciate your apology, but I'm not ready to forgive you yet," Rebecca said sincerely with a smile. She didn't close the door to forgiving Serena. Rebecca wasn't as easily moved as she was before. Even now, she still hadn't forgiven the people who had hurt her so deeply. She couldn't forgive someone who had almost killed her and Oliver so easily.Serena nodded. Rebecca's decision didn't come as a surprise, but Serena couldn't help but feel disappointed."Our future depends on how things go from here," Rebecca added.She implied that Serena's future behavior would shape their relationship. If Serena was sincere, then of course they would continue to get along with each other.All Rebecca wanted was for the family dynamic to be peaceful and supportive. She might forgive Serena in the future. Even if Rebecca decided not to forgive Serena, she could still get al
Rebecca's smile brightened after she listened to Serena's words, but she didn't immediately agree to Serena's request."Apologies are best given in person. Why don't you come over when you're free? You should talk to Ollie face to face. That's better than having me pass the message," Rebecca suggested.Serena was surprised at first but soon understood Rebecca's reasoning. She felt relieved and smiled as her nervousness faded.She hadn't expected to visit the Johnsons again. She and Mary were invited to the Johnsons' house for Christmas dinner years ago for the sake of Angela and James. However, the evening had turned sour because Mary had caused a scene.Serena recalled how shameless she and Mary had been. Despite the Johnsons' disapproval, they acted as if nothing had happened and stayed to finish their meal boldly.Luckily, the Johnsons remained patient and polite. They didn't act rudely despite their displeasure but simply limited their interactions with Mary and Serena.It wa