Chapter 214
Skyla said gently, “Go on. Wipe your face p>
Winter didn’t take the handkerchief. She only looked at Skyla, dressed all in black. The Jasper and Xander families were close, so it didn’t surprise her at all that Skyla was here.
“There’s no one else around,” Winter said. “Your little performance has no audience. Skyla, maybe spend that energy getting yourself treated instead p>
Skyla ignored the sarcasm and asked, almost puzzled, “Grandma loved you so much. Why aren’t you seeing her off? Why are you hiding here instead?
“When you weren’t there, some of the older guests asked Chris where you were. Do you know what he said p>
Winter reached for the car door, about to get in.
But Skyla’s caregiver pressed a hand against it, stopping Winter from opening it. She was solidly built, and Winter was no match for her strength.
Skyla curled her lips into a smile. “In front of everyone, Chris said there is no Mrs. Xander in this family. He doesn’t acknowledge you p>
Just then, William strode over from the side and kicked Skyla’s caregiver away from the car. “What filthy hand gave you the right to touch her car door p>
He shot Skyla a cold look and said with a sneer, “Chris doesn’t acknowledge her? Fine. Then let me see you make him acknowledge you. You’re nothing, and you still have the nerve to come here and throw your weight around p>
Then he pointed at the caregiver on the ground. “Take this crazy woman and get the hell out of here p>
The caregiver had been kicked aside, but with the heir to the Zeller family standing right in front of her, she didn’t dare say a word. She could only scramble to her feet and retreat behind Skyla.
William slammed the car door shut, walked around the front, got into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and
drove off.
Mrs. Xander Sr. was buried beside Mr. Xander Sr. in a family plot the Xanders had bought years ago.
It was in the cemetery on the east side of Liono City.
On another hill nearby, Winter knelt on the ground and bowed toward the direction where Mrs. Xander Sr. was being laid to rest.
William stayed quietly by her side.
When she finally stood up, he said, “Let’s go home p>
“Home?” Winter murmured.
William coaxed her gently. “My home is your home. Come stay with us for New Year’s p>
But Winter shook her head. “It’s not really appropriate for me to go to your house right now p>
William knew she was talking about Mrs. Xander Sr.’s death. “My family doesn’t care about that p>
+25 Bonus
“Listen to me.” Winter patted his arm. “I’m not as fragile as you think. Last year you missed New Year’s Eve dinner, and your grandfather went on about it forever. You have to go home tonight p>
William knew how stubborn she could be, so he didn’t argue. He just drove her back.
She assumed that once he dropped her off, he would go straight back to the Zeller estate.
But instead, he had a full New Year’s Eve dinner sent over to the house at Westbay. He even called the bodyguards over, along with Zion, who was still recovering from his injuries, so she would not have to spend the holiday alone.
After dinner, he said, “I’m heading back to eat a little more with my grandpa, then I’ll come right back. Don’t go wandering off, okay p>
Then he settled her onto the couch and turned on the New Year’s Eve special for her.
After William left, Winter sat there quietly on the sofa.
The holiday program played on the TV, and every so often, laughter from the audience drifted through the room.
Tears streamed down Winter’s face. This year, Mrs. Xander Sr. was no longer by her side, laughing so hard at the comedy skits that she could barely catch her breath.
She had no idea how much time passed. She didn’t really see a single moment of what was playing on the screen. She just sat there holding the throw pillow William had tucked into her arms before he left, staring blankly out the window at the fireworks in the distance.
Then suddenly, the doorbell rang.
William could unlock the door with his fingerprint, and he knew the code too. He wouldn’t ring the bell.
She got up and walked to the door. The moment she saw the figure on the screen, she froze.
She opened the door and looked at the tall man standing outside in a black baseball cap and black face mask, surprise flashing in her eyes.
Her voice was hoarse and weak. “Roy? What are you doing here p>
P
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Florence
A passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.