emotions a swirl of confusion and hurt. She exhaled deeply before an

. "What did you say?!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged wit

hed an eyebrow, the quiet sadness in her voice betraying a depth of loss. "They fo

ping with anger. "Louis swore to take care of you, which is why your mother and I trusted you to

. "The Marsh family is one of the wealthiest and most powerful in Isonse

. "If Eleanor hadn't been so frail and sickly back then, making us fear for her life, I would never have sent he

g within him as if he could feel her pain echoing through time. "Eighteen years of nu

rick." Her hand rested on his, the weight of her own regret palpable in her touch. "But perha

onfusion and hope, as though struggling to gr

don't expect your forgiveness, but please allow us the opportunity to make things right. If you're willing to come back,

ll she found was an undeniable sincerity that pulled at her heartstrings. A wave

. "Not only was I cast out by the Marsh family, but now they're demanding I repay every penny they s

inged with regret. "Had I known they'd do this, I would've begged on the streets for money to raise you rather than allow them to take you. I

naged a weary but determined smile. "You're

he weight of their words. "But... a million? That's an insurmoun

uiet conviction. "A million is a staggering sum for us, but your mother and I have made our

matter how challenging the future may be, we will face it toge

g, sending waves of warmth through Eleanor's heart. "Sweet

d that family affection was something distant, an idea more than a reality. But now, in this mo

e, her voice awkward but f

eyes reflecting both anguish and relief as she pulled

mfort of her mother's arms, but then, suddenly, a sharp g

lances, rushing to her side. Their worry deepened as Eleanor's

both physically and mentally. The emotional strain of the past few days, the weight of her recen

urmured, her voice weak

herself from the bed, her steps slow and unsure, and w

he instinctively reached for her phone, diali

my parents are?" Eleanor asked

l Hughes's voice broke through, tinged with surprise.

Harris and Lily Harris," Elean

ed with disbelief. Still, as Eleanor's most trusted subordinate and closest con

n, more urgent this time. "Eleanor, things aren't looking goo

ng panic, had already hung up. With no time to waste, she hurried t