Chapter 8
The two of them vanished without a trace, leaving the Jackson family in complete ruins.
Gwen was so devastated she died of a cerebral hemorrhage on the spot. Oliver and Elias lost their children and still had to swallow their grief and work off their debts.
Henry, that spineless fence–sitter, surprisingly stayed behind instead of running off with them.
So this time around, Irene wasn’t just going to strip Shelby of everything–she was going to teach Lucas what it meant to be a decent human being.
And if Lucas refused to learn, then he’d end up a kicked–out, worthless stray.
While those thoughts settled in her mind, Irene arrived on the first floor.
From a room at the east end of the hall came an elderly voice. “Is that you out there, Irene?”
Irene paused, then turned and stepped into the room
The scent of sandalwood greeted her the moment she walked in.
Near the window sat Gwen, dressed in a deep red dress, carefully pressing incense patterns at the table.
Her hair was twisted into a low bun. The calm focus on her face as she worked had a quiet beauty that made the whole space feel peaceful.
“Even time can’t dull true elegance, Irene thought. Setting aside all the grudges, she had always admired Gwen.
Silently, Irene stood nearby and watched as Gwen gently lifted the mold. A single pattern appeared cleanly on the surface of
the ash.
Irene stepped over to the supply shelf, took a stick of incense, lit it with a lighter, and bent down to touch the flame to the incense ash.
Only then did Gwen speak. ‘I heard that boy from the Barnes family came with you today?”
“Yeah, Irene replied.
Gwen nodded. “Irene, have you ever thought about this? The Barries family is wealthy and powerful. There are plenty of exceptional girls in Eldraeth City–so why did he choose you?”
Those words.. Gwen had said something like that in the previous life too.
But Irene, blinded by love, never took them seriously. She even thought Gwen was jealous of her marrying into a wealthy family and was trying to tear her down.
Now that her mindset had changed, hearing it again only made her feel Gwen’s sincere concern.
Irene asked respectfully, “Gwen, in your opinion, what do I have that someone like Dorian would be after?”
Gwen thought for a moment before replying, “I don’t know the Barnes family well, so I couldn’t say what that boy was really
after.
“But Irene, things don’t just fall from the sky. It’s fine to date, but when it comes to marriage, you better think twice.”
After finishing. Gwen noticed Irene wasn’t upset. Instead, she looked thoughtful, which was unexpected.
Gwen thought, The girl is acting differently today!
“You’ve grown up a lot this time,” Gwen commented. Irene was actually willing to sit here and listen to her talk.
Irene used to avoid her at all costs. The moment Gwen started talking, she’d make up an excuse and run off.
A trace of sadness flickered in Irene’s eyes. She thought, “Because of that stupid obsession with love, the whole family was torn apart.
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Chapter 8
“If I haven’t grown up now, then I’m nothing but a fool.
“Mrs. Jackson, it’s about time I grew up. Everything you said today–I’ll remember it,” Irene said.
With that, Irene opened her clutch and took out a slim wooden box, handing it to Gwen. “Happy birthday.”
Gwen opened the box and saw a silver hairpin inside. Her eyes lit up and a warm smile spread across her face. “Thank you. I
love it.”
After giving the gift, Irene quietly left the room.
The Jackson house wasn’t large enough for a proper banquet, so the family had booked a ballroom at a nearby five–star hotel,
When it was time to head out, Irene noticed that Gwen had changed into a green silk dress. In her hair was the silver hairpin.
very same
