Chapter b14,2 /b

    Catherine had died, her passing remaining a mystery. Her body was cremated in Searheim three dayster and waster brought back to Brindley for burial.

    Thereafter, the Burkes stormed into the Chapman residence, causing an uproar. Nancy, ovee with grief, insisted that Catherine’s untimely demise was a direct result of Willow’s trip to earheim.

    Heather sneered and retorted, “Catherine’s death was only a matter of time! She did do one good thing before she died, though –exposing the collusive activities of both families in fraudulent marital arrangements, leaving my daughter robbed of five precious years. And you actually have the audacity to make a scene here? If that’s the case, then let’s settle our old scores once and for all!”

    Charlie hurriedly held Nancy back, saying, “That medical examiner had already confirmed that there were no signs of poisoning-

    Sean, having made a point ofing over, exined, “Ms. Harper’s visitation of Ms. Burke was entirely within legal parameters, and I also possess an audio recording of theplete interaction.”

    Nancy couldn’t possibly allow the others to listen to the recording. Thus, she had no choice but to bury her face in her hands and break into sobs.

    Heather then returned to the small living room after sending the Burkes away.

    Willow, who was still brushing Snowy’s fur, said thoughtfully, “I think there’s something quite unusual about Catherine’s death. It seemed like she knew that she was going to die.”

    Heather pondered for a moment, realizing that what Willow said made perfect sense. She then sat beside Willow, stroking Snow fur as she said gently, “You shouldn’t me yourself for this, Willow. You ought to know that the ones truly at fault for Christine’s death are Charlie and Nancy. Their failure to properly raise their child is the root cause.”

    In that instant, Heather experienced a profound sense of gratitude. She rejoiced in the fact that her beloved daughter had been raised by Grace. She then gazed lovingly at Willow and softly suggested, “If Madam Harper doesn’t want to live here with us, perhaps she could retire in Yarrowmere? I mean, Mrs. Chapman Senior is residing there, and I’m sure they can keep each other

    Willow smiled gently and replied, “I don’t think Grandma would agree to it since she’s rather fond of the house located in the southern suburbs, saying that I was the one who purchased that ce.”

    Heather gently patted Willow’s hand and said with a smile, “I understand Madam Harper’s reasoning.”

    She then brought up Julian, asking, “Is he still pestering you?”

    Willow hesitated briefly before replying softly, “I don’t want to waste my energy on people from the past anymore. I’m also too busy to deal with personal issues since the auction house is getting ready to go public and is currently engaged in the recruitment of additional personnel.”

    Heather was extremely supportive of it, saying, “It’s great that you re focusing on your career. Timothy mentioned the previous day that he wanted you to join Aurelia Group to gain experience and eventually take over his position in a few years‘ time. I turned him down for you, saying that you have your own career and that his offer was irrelevant. Timothy actually got so upset after hearing that.”

    Heather naturally omitted the couple’ster intimate interaction. Having enjoyed each other’spany, Timothy brought up the idea of having a baby, reasoning that it would provide Willow with a remaining rtive after Grace and they themselves had departed.

    Heather was profoundly moved, realizing that Timothy genuinely loved her and understood what she was thinking.

    Their intimacy that night was marked by several passionate encounters.

    Atter Heather left, Willow remained by herself for a while.

    Then, her phone on the couch vibrated, signaling a message from lian, who was mostly seeking forgiveness and hoping for reconciliation. She remained unmoved, ignoring the message, rejecting his calls, and refusing to meet him.

    In the CEO’s office on the top floor of Neb Group, Julian leaned on the circr couch, looking down at his phone with a trace of disappointment on his face–Willow still hadn’t responded to him.

    It was then that Esther knocked on the door and asked, “Are you attending the banquet tonight, Mr. Ziegler?”

    Julian, without looking up, merely replied, “I’ll be attending it.”