The weight of Edward's words settled in the room, leaving Emily speechless. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. The realization that Edward believed she never loved him struck her like a dagger to the heart. She wanted to deny it, to prove him wrong, but deep down, she knew there was some truth to his words.Without another glance, Edward turned away from Emily and walked toward the staircase leading to the second floor, where his old room awaited him. The atmosphere in the room grew heavier as his footsteps faded, leaving behind an indescribable void.Emily watched Edward's retreating figure, her heart torn between longing and frustration. She wanted to call out to him, but the words eluded her. It was as if her voice had been stolen.Upstairs, Edward walked around his old room, collecting a few belongings that held sentimental value—each item a reminder of the life he had once envisioned with Emily. Among the belongings was an old, weathered album filled with faded
As the miles melted away beneath the wheels of the sports car, Edward's thoughts drifted to Brenda. He realized that in his urgency to seek answers, he had inadvertently dragged her into the chaos of his family's secrets. Guilt washed over him, and he squeezed her hand tightly, silently apologizing for the turmoil he had brought into her life."Brenda, please stay in York. I need you to handle the business matters with the Balmore family. I trust you to represent me."Brenda nodded, her voice filled with reassurance. "I will take care of everything. But please, be careful and come back to me."As Edward and Brenda continued their journey, the vibrations of Edward's phone interrupted the quiet ambiance of the car. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was a message from Ivy. His surprise was evident as he read her words, stating that she had just returned to Windsor estate. Edward's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Although Ivy seemed bored and unhappy to be in the city of York, he
Indeed, it was Adele who entered the room, stunning everyone with her elegance and grace. She wore a beautifully crafted gown that accentuated her features without being overly extravagant. Her presence exuded sophistication and charm, captivating the attention of those around her.Edward couldn't help but be mesmerized by Adele's stunning appearance. Memories of their encounters and the unspoken connection they shared flooded his mind.Ivy noticed Edward's surprised expression and approached him, saying, "Actually, Edward, I'm the one going to Uncle Brandon's birthday party. I came here to ask Aunt Vic if I could bring Adele. But to be honest, I was too lazy to come. You know what, Edward? You're really my lucky star."Edward was taken aback by Ivy's revelation. He glanced at Ivy, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Wait, so you're saying Adele was meant to accompany you, not me?"Ivy grinned mischievously. "That's right, Edward. I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity for Adele
Victoria laughed softly, shaking her head at Ivy's playful response. "Well, my dear, I suppose 'subtly nudging fate' has led us to this moment. Let's hope it leads to a positive outcome."Meanwhile, Edward and Adele found themselves in a luxurious limousine, on their way to the Hurley family residence. Edward and Adele were immersed in the splendor of Regnon, the capital of Aria.Regnon, the pulsating heart of the nation, served as both the seat of government and the thriving economic center of Aria. It stood as a testament to progress and power, its sprawling infrastructure a testament to the ambitions of a prosperous society. For Edward and Adele, who hailed from the tranquil town of York, the contrast between their hometown and Regnon was striking. York, with its quaint charm and close-knit community, seemed worlds away from the vibrant energy that permeated every inch of the capital city. It was a city where dreams were born and realized, where fortunes were made and lost, and wh
As the limousine pulled up to the grand estate of the Hurley family, Adele straightened her posture, preparing herself to face whatever awaited them inside. With Edward's hand gently guiding her, they stepped out of the car and made their way toward the imposing front doors. The estate, surrounded by manicured gardens and statuesque architecture, exuded an air of prestige and history.Despite the grandeur of the estate, there was an air of quietude that hung in the atmosphere. Adele observed that there were only a handful of cars parked in the driveway, less than fifty in total. However, each vehicle exuded an aura of luxury, displaying prestigious brands and sleek designs. It was evident that the Hurley family gathering in Regnon was an exclusive and intimate affair.As Adele and Edward approached the entrance, a group of attendants stood ready to receive the guests. They appeared both eager and slightly puzzled as they had just witnessed two unfamiliar individuals stepping out of a
The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned to the woman whom Brandon addressed. Adele, taken aback by the unexpected inquiry, exchanged a bewildered glance with Edward.Composing herself, she replied with a touch of hesitation, "My name is Adele, sir. I assure you, I am not familiar with anyone by the name of Madam Yolanda."Brandon's brows furrowed in confusion, his mind grappling with the situation before him. Memories and emotions intertwined, forming a complex web in his mind. Gradually, his gaze shifted from Adele to Edward, a flicker of recognition crossing his eyes."Edward Windsor, you say? The grandchild of Xavier?" Edward nodded respectfully. "I am."Brandon's expression softened as memories resurfaced. He let out a deep sigh and extended a hand towards Edward. "Please forgive me for my delayed greeting. It seems the years have clouded my recollection. But I must ask for proof, Edward. Can you provide any evidence of your connection to Xavier?"retrieved his pho
Adele felt a pang of sadness and sympathy for her ancestor Yolanda. The weight of responsibility and the sacrifices she had made were becoming clearer with each word.Edward spoke up, his voice gentle yet determined. "Mr. Hurley, Adele never knew of this debt until now. She came here seeking her roots, not realizing the complexity of the situation. Can't we find a way to...?"Brandon gazed at Adele once again, the internal struggle evident in his eyes. After a long pause, he let out a weary sigh, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his years. "I am afraid, my dear, that I am too old to concern myself with such matters. Even though I remain the head of the Hurley family, I dare not cancel the agreement made between Yolanda and Hanson. It is a pact that has been upheld for generations, and it is not within my power to undo it."Adele's heart sank further, realizing the magnitude of the situation she found herself in. The disappointment in Brandon's voice and his inability to inter
While it might appear arrogant for someone to present such a gift, it carried a different weight when it came from a member of the prestigious Windsor family. The Windsors were known for their immense wealth and the ability to accomplish nearly anything they set their minds to.It was a rare opportunity, and Brandon knew he had to carefully weigh the potential benefits and consequences. Ultimately, he decided to accept Edward's gift. He believed that the Windsor family, with their resources and connections, could provide the assistance the Hurleys needed.After accepting Edward's gift and expressing his gratitude, Brandon realized how risky it was to have a guest of Edward's stature. Entertaining a member of the esteemed Windsor family carried its own set of expectations, and Brandon knew that the way they were received would be closely scrutinized by both their families and society.Understanding the possible consequences, Brandon turned to Jonathan and whispered, "Jonathan, it is ve