Aurum knew that. He would never be better than Shawn. However, he was the one who first proposed to Gale, even before Sam.Gale saw him and greeted, "Aurum, what a coincidence.""I was waiting for you," Aurum replied."Waiting for me?""The path to her grave is a little far. I was worried you and Mr. Wood might get lost, so I came to lead the way."The graveyard was large, and it was indeed easy to get lost. However, with Shawn around, Gale felt no fear whatsoever. She felt extremely secure with him there, no matter how dangerous it might be.Aurum turned around and started walking. "The burial spot was bought at the very last minute, and no good lots were left. Sorry to trouble Mr. Wood and Mrs. Wood."Gale glanced sideways at Shawn.Aurum seemed off. He was polite, distant, and calm.Shawn remained silent, squeezing Gale's hand tightly and leading her up the hill.Natalie's funeral was extremely simple. Only her parents and Aurum came to send her off on this final journey

"I treated Natalie well because she had so little to begin with. Gale, you had things she could never get, no matter how hard she tried. So, I always thought about giving her a bit more because you already have plenty," Matthew said."You are Mary's daughter, and Natalie is Heather's. Your mother determined the difference between you and Natalie. You are a true young lady of a wealthy family, whereas she, although my daughter, doesn't have the same birthright as you.""Later, when you went missing, she had the chance to be adopted into the Yarn family and Mary. She could enjoy the status and treatment that you could have had. Then, when we found you, we realized you would be Mr. Wood's esteemed wife.""Yet, Natalie first lost her status in the Yarn family, then in the Lefting family. She lost everything. She only has me as her father." Matthew sighed repeatedly."She suddenly lost it all. I expected her not to handle the blow well. So, I thought of giving her as much support as pos

Matthew took two steps back and turned to look at Heather, who was still holding onto the tombstone. She alternated between crying and laughing, her hair disheveled, and her black clothes were smeared with dirt.Just as Gale was about to walk toward her, Shawn held her back.He said, "Don't go over. Heather might genuinely be insane or pretending, and she might hurt you.""It's okay. You are here with me," Gale said."Gale..."Her trust in him deeply moved him, but he was still worried. Shawn could not guarantee that he could protect her if danger struck, although he would try his best.Gale r held his hand, giving it a light pat. Heather could not cause much trouble with him, Aurum, and Matthew present."I'm just going over to ask her a few questions. If you're worried, stand behind me," Gale said, looking into his eyes.Shawn still did not let go.Gale smiled at him, withdrew her hand, and walked briskly toward Heather.Heather completely ignored her, still focused on Natal

Matthew's face turned crimson, then purple. For a moment, he could not accept this truth. Matthew felt the pain of being betrayed by the person he trusted and loved the most.Heather's hand rested on the tombstone. "I admit it. I've guarded this secret for so many years and never told anyone. I might as well speak my mind since things have come to this!""Heather! This was your plan from the start!" Matthew exclaimed."Yes." Matthew took a few short breaths in succession. "When you suggested that I should adopt Natalie, I thought it was an opportunistic idea. But, it turns out, it was a deliberately planned scheme!""Exactly. Everything was meticulously planned. Matthew, they're both your daughters. Why should only Mary's daughter enjoy wealth and prosperity?" Heather said, looking at him."I did it because you, Matthew, are incapable!"Heather pointed at him, her fingernail almost poking into his eyes."You lacked ability and strategy; you were scared to answer my calls whene

Heather glared at Gale. "After you fainted, I took you to the loading bay, placed you in a cardboard box and loaded you onto a large truck to quietly transport you out of the hotel.""As soon as the truck drove away, I saw security personnel gathering at the entrance, beginning to seal off all the hotel exits.""You had already been taken away. Mary lost her precious daughter! Hahaha!"Heather leaned against Matthew's chest, laughing maniacally."Matthew, I felt so excited then. However, you started neglecting me, and you spent more time with Mary because of Gale's disappearance. I felt so sad. You still cared about the daughter you had with her!""I took the opportunity and suggested you adopt Natalie. Although you hesitated, you couldn't deny my request. You couldn't bear to see Natalie suffer with me...""That's how it happened! That's it! Matthew, you finally know the truth now! You had seen my malicious side! You won't want me anymore. You hate me, right? You want to get rid