Chapter 495 Letting Go and Coming Home
Something about that young woman tugged at his memory–her face seemed strangely familiar, as if he’d seen her somewhere before.
“Mr. Malone, is something wrong?” the junior staffer behind him asked when he paused
Steven turned back calmly. “No. Let’s go.
Meanwhile, Anneliese took the elevator upstairs instead of leaving the hotel. She stopped outside Sylvia’s room just as the young woman was rolling her suitcase out the door.
“You’re leaving already?” Anneliese asked in surprise.
Sylvia’s eyes were a little red–she had clearly been crying–and she looked embarrassed. Tm sorry… I shouldn’t have run off like that. I was afraid I might soften if I stayed. I didn’t mean to leave you behind. They didn’t make things difficult for you, did they?”
Anneliese could understand. Meeting one’s birth mother and brothers, learning the truth so suddenly–it was natural to feel overwhelmed. She smiled gently and shook her head. “No, they didn’t. As long as you’ve made up your mind, that’s all that matters.”
Sylvia gave a small smile. “My parents are waiting for me back home to celebrate the New Year. It’s New Year’s Eve tomorrow–I want to go home.”
Anneliese nodded. She didn’t try to stop her, only handed her the signed property transfer contract. “Then let’s get the paperwork done now. Once it’s transferred, I’ll take you to the station.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Fullbuster.”
Just call me Anneliese,” she said warmly. “Let’s add each other on WhatsApp, so we can stay in touch.”
Anneliese had no aversion to Sylvia–if anything, she felt a quiet fondness for her. And for Gloria’s sake, she wanted to keep an eye out for her.
“Really? Can I add you?” Sylvia’s eyes lit up with genuine delight, her reaction so earnest that it made Anneliese chuckle in mild surprise.
After completing the transfer at the bureau, Sylvia said apologetically, “I left in such a hurry this time. My parents said they’ll come with me next time to pay respects to Grandma.”
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Chapter 5 Letang Go and Coming Home
Aterfere’s the
Anthod
my adagene parents were mill aine, may I could served as freely
and confidently as she dans–athens for without burden.
For
a long while she felt a pang of emny. She Minked quickly, lowering her pure, jout an the car pulled up the paned Splota’s shoulder ‘Go on get in Don’t keep your parers waiting
Bytte climbed in the car, then leaned out the window, waving entusiastically. “Sare- Anneliese, thank yout I hope you find your real family soon tool
She suck out her tongue playfully, caching herself just in time before blunting out “weetheart like an overeager fan
Anndiese only smiled and waved back She had long since stopped longing for a family–her heart was at peace with what the had
After seeing Sylvia off. Anneliese wuddenly mined her grandmother terribly. She drove straight to the hospital
Her grandmother was sitting in the garden downstairs, basking in the afternoon sun with the help of a nurse. Annelieve a beside her and told her briefly about Sylvia.
Her grandmother patted her hand. “You did the right thing. That house belonged to her. What isn’t ours, we don’t take
Integrity had always been her grandmother’s way. She’d never taken what didn’t belong to her. never once compromised her principles.
Years ago, after Anneliese’s adoptive parents passed away, the family they’d saved–a wealthy couple who’d been visiting Baytree–had left ten million behind, hoping to provide for the widow and child.
Put her grandmother had donated it entirely to the fire department where her son–in–law had served. “The pension is enough, she’d said. “That money would be blood–stained–it would dishonor his sacrifice”
People had called her foolish, prideful–crazy, even–to give up such a fortune. But to Anneliese, she was the strongest, most honorable person she knew.
After walking her back to the ward, Anneliese called Carter to ask if her grandmother was well enough to be discharged. He approved. She planned to take her home to celebrate the New
Year.
That evening, she mentioned it to Jonathan. “I was planning to bring Grandma over to Maple Bay for the New Year, but after everything with Sylvia, it doesn’t feel right anymore. The house
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19:18 Fri, Oct 17
Chapter 495 Letting Go and Coming Home
is transferred now. Could I bring her here instead?”
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Jonathan pulled her into his arms. “What are you talking about? This is your home. Of course, Grandma should celebrate here.”
Anneliese rose on her toes to kiss the corner of his lips. “Thank you, darling. But… I haven’t told her about you yet.”
She looked guilty, but Jonathan didn’t take offense. Instead, he smiled, calm and considerate as always. “I understand. Tomorrow I’ll have the staff pack up my things and send them to The Banyans. We’ll be moving there after the holidays anyway.”
He had mentioned before that Maple Bay wasn’t secure and didn’t feel restful. The new villa, The Banyans, would be safer and more private. Anneliese had agreed.
Now, with the past finally behind her, she could look forward to welcoming the New Year- with family she had chosen, and a home that was truly hers.
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