The other end of the line was silent for a long time. Willow’s heart grew cold, and she could guess what Julian had chosen.

She suddenly smiled. It wasn’t like she was the love of Julian’s life, after all. Why would he change his mind just because she was begging him? He had always been cold–hearted toward her.

Eventually, Julian muttered, “I’m sorry, Willow.”

Catherine had attempted suicide, and her life was in danger. Only Leonard could save her. Julian had weighed the pros and cons and decided to send Leonard’s student in his ce.

Once again, he made many promises to Willow, but she didn’t process any of it. Her phone slipped from her hand. It felt like her world was crashing down.

It turned out that she meant nothing to Julian. All the hard work she had put in over the years was meaninglesspared to some youngdy. Meeting him was rotten luck on Willow’s part,

The unexpected situation caught everyone off guard, and Dominic was more embarrassed than anyone. In an attempt to salvage his dignity, he took charge and suggested the surgery be postponed until Leonard returned.

Samuel hesitated before saying, “This is the best time to operate. I’m afraid it won’t be good to postpone it further.”

Dominic was furious to hear that.

In the end, it was Grace who made the final decision. She held Willow’s hand, her tone calm and kind as she said, “If God pities me, he will give me another chance at life so I can be with you for a few more years. If not, I hope you get to live a free life, Willow.”

Her expression was bright. “It’s all up to fate now. Nothingsts forever, Willow.”

Willow buried her face in Grace’s palm, tears falling uncontrobly. It felt like an eternity had passed before she said in a hoarse voice, “Let’s get ready for the operation.”

The operationsted 12 hours. With Dominic in charge, none of the members of the Ziegler family dared to move an inch.

Later on, Heather showed up along with Jeffrey and Natalie. All of them silently stood outside the operating room, guarding thest glimmer of light in Grace’s life. Only Julian, Grace’s grandson–inw, was far away in Grandsburg.

From morning untilte in the night, Willow remained standing there. She refused to sit down and rest for even a moment, Heather held onto her with tears in her eyes.

Earlierb, /bshe had overheard Liam and Mnie talking. Mnie had secretlyined about Willow, saying incredibly unpleasant things, like how bshe /bwas ban /borphan.

Heather was heartbroken. If Willow had a family, she wouldn’t have been insulted like that. However, she decided not to say anything about it given the situation.

The surgery was finally done at 10:00 pm. Leonard’s student walked out to announce that it was a sess, and Willow could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Despite bthat/bb, /bhe also had bsome /bbad news for Willow, which was that Grace had yet to wake up. bIf /bshe remained unconscious for over 48 hoursb, /bshe would never wake bup /bagain and would turn into a vegetable,

She would turn into a vegetable if she didn’t wake up…

Willow staggered and nearly copsed. Heather grabbed onto her and triedforting her through tears. “You have to be strong at times like this! If Madam Harper woke up and saw you so distraught, she would be upset.”

Willow held Heather’s arm tightly, her fingernails digging into Heather’s skin. She was trying her best to stay calm.

She couldn’t let herself fall. Grace had said that she would survive and stay with Willow.

D