<b>Chapter </b><b>5 </b>


    Veronica lifted her gaze at the sound of Courtney’s voice, hershes fluttering as she stared at the work disyed across the exhibit.


    Courtney raised a brow and spoke with purpose. “Fletcher Group has been making major moves these past couple of years after heavily investing in neo–Cinderone design. From jewelry to fashion, they’ve


    been locking in partnerships across the board.


    “And that just happens to be your specialty. Veronica, it’s time. Come back.”


    Veronica was no stranger to Fletcher Group. They had expanded rapidly in the past few years, especially


    in manufacturing and design innovation.


    Their CEO, Noah Fletcher, was young. However, he was known for being ruthlessly efficient and having a sharp, far–reaching vision.


    It didn’t surprise Veronica that Courtney wanted to work with them. Fletcher Group’s vision aligned perfectly with the rising neo–Cinderone aesthetic Courtney had long pursued.


    But… she wondered if she could truly return to the path she once walked as a designer.


    As Veronica stood lost in thought, a cold, condescending voice rang out behind her. “Veronica? Shouldn’t


    you be home taking care of Mom? What are you even doing here?”


    It was Olivia Tate, Heath’s younger sister, and a rising star from Cresthill College. From the day Veronica


    married into the Tate family, Olivia had treated her with thinly veiled disdain.


    She had always looked down on women like Veronica–those who leaned on men and devoted


    themselves to family life. In her opinion, they brought little else to the table.


    Veronica hadn’t expected to run into her here. She didn’t bother exining much.


    <b>“</b>Just browsing,” she said simply.


    Olivia scoffed, her tone sharp. “The pieces in this exhibition hold significant artistic value. Even the most basic designs aren’t something you’d understand. Heath, Miriam, and Samuel areing back soon. You should <b>focus </b>on them, not waste time here.”


    Veronica might have had a decent education and some design talent before marrying into the Tate family, but to Olivia<b>, </b>she had always been just another nobody who happened tond a wealthy husband.


    Veronica had polished her image, stepped into privilege, and locked herself into a golden cage–that <b>didn’t </b>mean she had any real substance or skill.


    Veronica stood frozen for a second. Was Heathing back?


    Her fingers curled slightly, and <b>a </b>dull ache pressed in her chest.


    Even <b>if </b>they were divorcing, he hadn’t even bothered to inform her that he was bringing the children back.


    She was still their mother, but clearly, that didn’t <b>count </b>for much in his mind anymore.


    Olivia, feeling she had said enough, was about to walk away. But then she suddenly remembered something–her mother had been asking about that trout stew Veronica used to make.


    She added offhandedly, “By the way, if you’ve got time, make that trout stew Mom likes. It’s not like you’re busy. Cooking’s the only thing you’re halfway decent at anyway.”


    In the past, Veronica would have agreed without hesitation. After all, she had once gone to great lengths to win the Tate family’s approval.


    No matter how borate the dish, if Regina asked, she would make it.


    But things were different now. Veronica no longer cared to prove herself to anyone.


    “Sorry, I’ve got my own work to handle. If it’s just food, I’m sure the chef can handle it,” Veronica replied calmly.


    Olivia’s brows tightened, clearly displeased.


    This was the first time Veronica had ever refused her. What could Veronica possibly be busy with?


    Someone approached Olivia from the side, having caught the tail end of her conversation with Veronica.” Olivia, who was that woman you were talking to?”


    Olivia’s brows twitched slightly. She replied with casual disinterest, “Just some acquaintance. She’s not worth paying attention to.”


    A bitter flicker crossed Veronica’s eyes. She was Olivia’s sister–inw in name, but neither Heath nor


    Olivia had ever treated her like family.


    She had given everything of herself to the Tate family, only to be treated as less than a maid.


    After Olivia finally walked away, Veronica turned to Courtney. Her voice was calm but firm as she said, “<b>I’ll </b>


    think about what you said. It’s just… I haven’t touched design in a long time. I hope I won’t let you down.”


    Courtney finally rxed. Her tone lightened with a teasing smirk. “Come on. You used to be ‘Smile‘–the one everyone in the industry remembered.”


    A rare glimmer of amusement softened Veronica’s expression.


    She hadin low for so long. Perhaps it was finally time to reim her path.


    That evening, Heath flew back to Jouver with Miriam, Samuel, and Eleanor.


    Afternding, he took the children <b>to </b>the Tate residence first.


    Regina <b>couldn’t </b>help but <b>start </bining the moment they arrived. <b>“</b>It’s been a week and she still <b>hasn’t </be to check on me. I haven’t been <b>eating </b>well, and I haven’t been <b>sleeping </b>well either. Even <b>my </b><b>skin’s </b>


    lost its glow.”


    She had grown used to Veronica’s care. When Veronica was around, even her pillows were scented with herbal oils to help her sleep. Even her meals had always been tailored perfectly.


    But ever since Veronica returned from Shalton, she hadn’t shown up even once.


    Heath didn’t think much of it. He gently soothed Regina. “I’ll hire a few new people for you. It’ll be the


    same.”


    “The same?” Regina frowned, displeased.


    There was noparison–their standards were entirely different from Veronica’s.


    All Veronica had ever been good at was looking after others–yet when it came to her own mother–inw,


    there was never any real affection.


    Still, Regina had been raised in old–money Shalton society. She wouldn’t stoop to saying anything too


    harsh, no matter how displeased she felt.


    In the end, she didn’t argue with her son. She only gave a small nod.


    Later, they returned to the Hillside Vi.


    Just like Derick had said, Veronica had cleared out everything that belonged to her. Even the children’s rooms, once warm and cozy, now felt sterile and empty.


    Heath didn’t dwell on it.


    If Veronica wanted to make a scene, so be it.


    He figured she was likely expecting him to lower his pride and coax her back, but that was never going to


    happen.


    Meanwhile, Samuel looked visibly disheartened. It had been so long since he hadst seen his mother.


    He guessed that she was upset.


    Ever since Miriam had blocked Veronica’s number, Veronica hadn’t even tried to reach out with a new


    number.


    While he was lost <b>in </b>thought, Miriam excitedly tugged on Eleanor’s hand and turned to Heath. “Dad, can Ms. Turner stay in Mom’s room? She needs more sunlight for her health, and that’s the brightest room in


    the house. Anyway, Mom’s moved out already.”


    Apart from the master bedroom and the children’s room, the only space left with natural light and warmth


    was the guest room, where Veronica used to stay.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>6 </b>