Xion gazed at Kairi, her eyes brimming with tears as she nodded with determination, “Mom, don’t worry. I promise I’lle back to see you alive!”


    Kairi lovingly caressed Xion’s face with her arm and replied, “Once you return this time, please avoid going back to the Banks Family for a while. Stay with me at Grandma’s house until you feel ready to face everything again.”


    Xion responded with a thoughtful hum, saying, “Mom, please take care of yourself.”


    Kairi lowered her voice and cautioned, “You mustn’t tell anyone who was with you about how you were rescued. Only you can leave this time. If they find out, it might cause trouble.”


    Xion sighed softly, “I understand, Mom…”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Kairi nodded, and with a heavy heart, she reluctantly said goodbye.


    Meanwhile, Xion was taken back to the cell where the soldiers were holding her.


    Yet, despite her circumstances, Xion felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Zayne.


    Although she was merely the illegitimate daughter, and her father Zayne had never acknowledged her, his willingness to pay such a steep price for her rescue far exceeded her expectations and touched her heart immensely.


    Initially, she had resigned herself to facing a death sentence, but after reuniting with her mother Kairi, a flicker of hope for the future was reignited within her.


    ……..


    In Eastcliff, it was ten o’clock at night.


    The Charlie Wade family gathered in front of the television, eagerly watching the Spring Festival G.


    ire appeared a bit restless as she turned to Charlie, saying, “The program schedule online indicates that Stefanie’s solo performance is set for 10:10, so it should being up soon!”


    Charlie nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation build within him.


    Even though he was aware that Stefanie was a major star, he hadn’t really watched many of her films or TV dramas, nor did he know many of her songs.


    This wasrgely due to Charlie’s personality; he didn’t seek out entertainment, which made him less invested in the entertainment world.


    However, he cared more about Stefanie than others, as she was not only his childhood friend but also the fiancée his parents had chosen for him long ago.


    So, he and ire sat together in front of the TV, eagerly awaiting Stefanie’s performance.


    The timing of the Spring Festival G was precise, and at exactly 10:10, the host cheerfully announced, “They say that the taste of first love is one of life’s most beautiful feelings. Now, please wee Miss Sun Stefanie, a triple threat in film, television, and music, as she presents her new single ‘First Love’!”


    Stefanie, dressed in an elegant evening gown, gracefully stepped onto the dazzling stage.


    ire was ecstatic, eximing, “Wow! Stefanie looks absolutely stunning in that outfit!”


    Charlie nodded in agreement, unable to contain his admiration.


    On screen, Stefanie had styled her long hair in a soft coiled updo, exuding a more refined and alluring charm than ever before.


    ine looked at Stefanie and eximed, “Oh my, she is truly beautiful! Far more stunning than all those actresses!”


    Afterward, she added with a hint of regret, “Honestly, with ire’s looks, she could also step into the entertainment industry and be a star. She holds her own against Stefanie!”


    ire chuckled, “Mom, you’re exaggerating! How could I ever be a star? Ick acting skills and I don’t have the voice for it either.”<fn97bb> This text is hosted at find·novel</fn97bb>