The Crone family raised their sses and took a sip, their faces full of joy and satisfaction.


    As they did, Jessica noticed Stanley sitting quietly nearby. He hadn''t participated in any of the Crone family''s conversations and was keeping a remarkably low


    profile.


    Ever since Wendy left, Stanley had been staring off into the distance, as if his mind wasn''t entirely here.


    Jessica couldn''t help but speak up. "Stanley, what''s wrong Do you have a problem with us investing in Dr. Cen''s medical team?"


    Stanley slowly lifted his gaze and nced at Dr. Cen across the table. There was something sharp in his eyes, almost like he could see right through the man.


    For a moment, Dr. Cen felt a twinge of nervousness. Stanley''s gaze was calm but intense, like it could pierce through him, and the whole situation-Wendy earlier, Stanley now-was making him ufortable.


    But Stanley only gave Dr. Cen a brief, almost dismissive nce, then turned away.


    "No. You guys can decide what you want to do," he said lightly, standing up. "I''ve got to go. I have something to take care of."


    Stanley started to move toward the door, but Edith quickly shot Jessica a look.


    "Mr. Hawk, you''re leaving? But you haven''t had dinner yet, Edith said.


    Jessica knew Stanley was still upset over the photo incident but when he heard she was having heart issues, he rushed over without hesitation, didn''t he?


    Without missing a beat, Jessica ced a hand on her chest.


    "Stanley, my heart hurts..." she said softly, her voiceced with a hint of vulnerability.


    Stanley paused in his tracks.


    With a gentle sigh, Jessica allowed her body to lean against him, her head resting


    on his chest. "Stanley, will you carry me upstairs? I need to rest."


    Edith, eager to see things move along, chimed in. "Yes, Mr. Hawk. Please take Jessica upstairs to rest."


    Stanley hesitated for a moment, his gaze falling on Jessica''s pale face. Finally, he gave in, his strong arms reaching to scoop her up effortlessly.


    The two of them made their way upstairs, leaving the rest of the family behind.


    Edith turned her attention to the second branch. "Now that Trish is dating Dr. Cen and they''ll be getting married soon, I hope Jessica will be in the position of Mrs. Hawk by the time they do."


    Harry and Lilian froze. Lately, things had been rocky between Stanley and Jessica,


    Edith continued, her tone slightly pointed. "I''ve always valued Jessica. She needs


    to speed things up. It''s time for Mr. Hawk and Wen ly to divorce."


    It was true-Stanley and Wendy''s marriage had dragged on for far too long.


    Lilian, quickly catching on to the hint, said, "Don''t worry, Mom. Tonight, Jessica will make sure Mr. Hawk stays


    with her."


    Edith''s face lit up in satisfaction. "Good. Trish and Jessica are our two shining jewels. It would be best if they


    could hold a wedding together. It''ll be the talk of Hovendale-a grand spectacle!" Edith imagined the future, filled with pride and excitement


    Though the second and third branches had always been at odds, the two families had remained united after Jerry''s passing, especially in their shared disdain for Wendy.


    With a joint wedding, where the Crone daughters married Stanley and Dr. Cen, their family would be on top of the world.


    Edith raised her ss again. "To our bright future and the life ahead of us. Let''s drink to it!"


    "Cheers!"


    Meanwhile, Wendy hadn''t left the family estate immediately and went to the backyard.


    There used to be a swing back here, one her father had built for her. She would sit on it when she was little, and he would push her, higher than she could imagine.


    "Fly high, Wendy," Jerry would say with a smile.


    Those were the happiest days of her childhood.


    But when she reached the backyard, she found the swing was gone,pletely removed. Edith must have ordered it taken down.


    Wendy stared at the bare, empty backyard, her heart tightening in pain, as if an invisible hand was gripping it. Thest traces of her memories here had been erased.


    She stood still for a moment, then decided to leave. Just as she turned to go, two maids walked into view, carrying a tray of incense. They were chatting to each other as they passed.


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