The tension inside the Cartier boutique slowly began to fade after the security guards escorted Tom, Jenny, and the dismissed sales associate out of the store. The heavy silence that had settled over the showroom was gradually replaced by quiet conversations as customers tried to process everything they had just witnessed. Some shook their heads in disbelief, while others glanced toward Jake with expressions completely different from the ones they had worn earlier. Only a few minutes before, many of them had silently judged him because of his simple clothes. Now, they realized how badly appearances could deceive them.Among the customers stood a young woman in her early twenties who had entered the boutique shortly before the argument reached its peak. She had originally intended to record a short video of Cartier's newest jewelry collection for her fashion blog. However, when she saw the confrontation unfolding, curiosity got the better of her. Without attracting attention, she quiet

THIRD PERSON’S POVLate that afternoon, the floor-to-ceiling windows of Emily's executive office overlooked nearly half of the city.The skyline stretched under the golden sunlight, with glass towers reflecting the fading afternoon light.The office itself was spotless.Every document was arranged neatly on the desk. Every decoration was carefully chosen to project success and authority.Yet despite the luxurious surroundings, Emily couldn't focus on the reports spread out before her.She had been staring at the same page for nearly ten minutes without reading a single word.Her thoughts kept drifting elsewhere.They kept drifting back to Jake.Emily leaned back in her leather chair and rubbed her temples.Ever since yesterday, her mind refused to settle.She still remembered the fear in Damien's voice as he begged someone over the phone for another chance.Minutes later, he had walked out of the private suite looking completely defeated. She had never imagined someone like Damien co

Emily interrupted almost instantly."I already know what you're going to say. I was young. I was stubborn. You thought he'd change."Charles shook his head again. "No."Emily frowned more deeply. "Then what?"Charles let out a long breath. "When I encouraged that marriage..it wasn't simply because I believed he was a good man."Emily blinked."What are you talking about?"Charles lowered his eyes briefly."There was another reason."Emily's heartbeat quickened.She suddenly had the uncomfortable feeling that everything she believed about her past was about to change.Charles leaned back in his chair."You were too young to remember.""But many years ago...""Our family went through an extremely difficult period."Emily remained silent.He continued quietly."The company was struggling.""Several business decisions failed.""We faced enormous financial pressure."Emily stared at him."You never told me that."Charles gave a small, bitter smile."I didn't want you worrying about adult p

Emily decided to take matters into her own hands.She had to take charge of the situation, if only to find out what the hell was going on.She arrived at the hospital shortly after noon, but unlike the last time she had come, she did not arrive in a chauffeur-driven luxury car or wearing the polished business clothes that usually made people turn their heads. She had chosen a simple cream sweater, dark trousers, and a pair of flat shoes, hoping that dressing down would make her presence feel less intimidating. Her hair was tied loosely behind her head, and she wore almost no jewelry. Even her usual confident expression was missing, replaced by a nervousness she could not completely hide.She remained inside her car for several minutes after the driver stopped at the entrance. The hospital building stood in front of her, exactly as she remembered it, but walking inside this time felt strangely difficult. She had spent the entire morning thinking about what she wanted to say to Jake's m

THIRD PERSON’S POVAfter Emily finally disappeared through the hospital doors, Kathy remained in the hallway for a few seconds, staring after her with a mixture of anger and disbelief. She could hardly believe Emily had actually had the nerve to come to the hospital after everything she had done to Jake and their family. Even now, Kathy could still remember the humiliation her brother had endured during his marriage, the countless times Emily had made him feel as though he was not good enough for her, and the way she had treated his struggles as though they were embarrassing. Kathy's hands tightened at her sides as she thought about it, and the more she remembered, the hotter her anger became.She finally turned away and returned to the room. The moment she entered, her expression softened as her eyes landed on her mother. The older woman was still sleeping peacefully, her breathing steady and much calmer than it had been days earlier, but Kathy couldn’t stop herself from worryin