Adeline stood in the hallway of the Layton mansion, a cold draft seeping through the window cracks, brushing against her face. She smoothed a stray lock of hair from her temple, her gaze settling on the closed door ahead. Inside was Teresa’s bedroom. Taking a deep breath, Adeline pushed the door open. The room was dimly lit, and Teresa was propped up against her pillows, her face pale but her eyes still bright. Adeline looked at the elderly woman who had always showered her with love, momentarily dazed. “Addie, you’re here,” Teresa’s voice was weak but carried a hint of relief. “Grandma, let me help you lie down,” Adeline approached and carefully lifted Teresa, settling her comfortably. She could feel how light Teresa’s body was, as if a gust of wind could blow her away. “Stop fussing, I’m fine,” Teresa waved her hand dismissively, but suddenly, she began to cough violently, curling into herself. “Doctor! Get the doctor!” Adeline quickly turned and shouted toward the doorway. Eden hurried in, followed by the family doctor. The doctor quickly opened his medical kit and after examining Teresa, administered an injection. During this, Adeline held Teresa’s hand, her fingertips chillingly cold. “It’s alright now, just a flare-up of an old condition due to emotional stress. She needs rest,” the doctor said softly after packing up his kit. Adeline nodded, watching Teresa’s breathing even out before she allowed herself a slight breath of relief. Yet, her heart remained heavy—everything about the Layton family felt like a swirling vortex, and this frail woman was the only person she wished to protect. “Leave us. I want to speak with Addie alone,” Teresa said weakly, waving Eden and the doctor away. Once they were alone, Teresa gripped Adeline’s hand, her eyes complex, “Child, you’ve suffered so much these years.” Adeline lowered her gaze, silent. Suffered? Such a simple word hardly encompassed what she had endured. “I know you harbor resentment. But no matter what, you’re still part of the Layton family,” Teresa’s voice carried a tinge of sadness. “I just hope, in my remaining years, I can see you happy.” Happy? Adeline’s lips curled into a mocking smile, “Grandma, happiness has never belonged to me.” “Don’t say that,” Teresa sighed. “I know you’re averse to marriage, but finding someone who truly loves you could be a release.” That statement made Adeline stiffen. Love? Release? Those words sounded so distant, so absurd. She slowly withdrew her hand, her voice cold, “Grandma, I want to focus on my career, not marriage.” Teresa paused, staring into her deep, dark eyes, and finally, she just patted Adeline’s hand gently, “Alright, alright… as long as you’re happy.” There was a gentle knock at the door. Eden peeked in, speaking softly, “Ms. Layton, there’s a visitor for you.” “Who?” Adeline frowned slightly. “It’s… Ms. Michelle.” The air seemed to freeze at that moment. Adeline looked coldly toward the door, the name like a sharp spike in her ears, instinctively repelling her. “Don’t see her, tell her to leave.” Eden hesitated but didn’t leave immediately, “Ms. Layton, maybe reconsider? Perhaps…” “I said no,” Adeline’s tone was icy, brooking no argument. A frail but stubborn voice came from outside, “Adeline I just wanted to see you… It won’t take long.” Michelle stood outside, draped in a white dress that made her appear pitifully delicate. Her face wore the perfect blend of sorrow and innocence, difficult for any onlooker to dislike. However, to Adeline, it was nothing but a poor performance. Persuaded by Eden’s soft urging, Adeline finally nodded, “Let her in.” Michelle entered, her faint perfume scent spreading through the air, adding a layer of false sweetness to the room. She approached Adeline with a careful, somewhat ingratiating tone, “Adeline, how have you been feeling lately?” “Get to the point,” Adeline had no patience for circling, her icy gaze fixed on her, “Don’t waste my time.” Michelle’s smile froze for a moment but quickly recovered, “Adeline, I know I’ve done many things to hurt you in the past. I came here today to apologize…” Apologize? The word sounded ludicrous coming from Michelle. Adeline scoffed, “Apologize? Now you think to apologize, isn’t it a bit late?” “It’s never too late if you can forgive me,” Michelle looked down, her appearance meek and pitiable. Yet, as she lowered her eyes, a glint of cunning flickered through them. “Forgive?” Adeline leaned back, looking down at her, “Tell me, did you think about today when you framed me back then?” That question struck like a knife to the heart. Michelle paled but maintained her stance, “Adeline, it was all a misunderstanding… truly, I never meant to harm you…” “Enough!” Adeline stood abruptly, her chair clattering loudly, “Stop insulting my intelligence with your lies. I’ll ask you one thing—why?” Why? That simple question was laden with complex emotions—anger, disappointment, bitterness, and a profound sense of betrayal. Michelle clenched her teeth, not answering immediately. After a moment, she looked up, almost pleading, “Adeline, no matter what happened in the past, we’re still family…” “Family?” Adeline scoffed, “If family means hurting each other, then sorry, I don’t need that kind of love.” The tension in the air thickened, the standoff like a drawn bow ready to snap. Just then, hurried footsteps approached from the hallway— Eden rushed in, his gaze wary, “Ms. Layton, do you need any assistance?” “No need,” Adeline withdrew her gaze, pushing down her emotions, “Show her out.” That was a clear dismissal, no room for argument or appeal. Michelle clenched her teeth, appearing wronged as she bowed her head, but as she turned to leave, her eyes flashed with venom and resentment. Adeline, left standing in the room, slowly closed her eyes, masking all her turmoil beneath a cold exterior. Outside, night had fallen. She stood alone by the window, staring out at the pitch-black sky. A cool breeze lifted a corner of the curtain, also tearing open a fissure in her long-sealed memories— Three years ago, she had naively believed that there was such a thing as true affection in this world. She had been disastrously wrong. Now, she wouldn’t make the same mistake again, nor would she allow anyone else the chance to hurt her… Including so-called family and even that man she had once deeply loved— Christopher!