<strong>Chapter 460:</strong>


    Even though the Finch family wasn’t technically responsible for the disaster, Joelle couldn’t help but feel the pain wash over her again when she saw them.


    It wasn’t that she wanted to sever ties with them; she simply wanted to avoid the overwhelming grief that washed over her every time she was reminded of the incident by seeing them.


    “It’s okay. I’m much better now,” she said, holding Adrian’s arm. “I forgot something in the pavilion. Let’s go back and get it.”


    It was clearly just an excuse to avoid further interaction with the Finch family, something that didn’t need to be stated outright.


    As Joelle turned away, Aurora sneaked a nce at Dunn, who was standing beside Gracie. His tiny fists were clenched, and his gaze mirrored the unease and worry in Aurora’s eyes. Even at such a young age, they both understood that they couldn’t be friends anymore because of the issues between their families.


    Just when the tension had started to ease, M’s disgruntled voice rang out. “Are you really going to be like this, Joelle? Do we owe you anything, huh? Don’t act like you’re the only one suffering! We’ve had significant losses too, okay?”


    M apparently failed to read the room, letting her anger take over without regard for anyone else’s feelings. Fred shot her a cold look and growled, “Shut up, M.”


    “What? Was I wrong?” M shot back. “Because of her, Grandpa has been hospitalized. We’re victims too! Why should we keep putting up with this?”


    Gracie grabbed her arm. “That’s enough, M.”


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    “If the two of you are too afraid to speak up, I’m not!” M shoved Gracie’s hand away and confronted Joelle. “Your child was your responsibility, Joelle. You can’t expect the whole world to feel sorry for you just because you jumped off a building. When your son died, the person he probably hated most was you. You failed to look after him as his parent. It’s entirely your fault he’s dead, yet you act like everyone should grieve the same way you do. Get over yourself and quit the drama, will you?”


    “Cut it out, Aunt!” Even Dunn was acutely aware of how outrageous those words sounded, yet M steadfastly held on to her self-righteous position, unwavering. Before Joelle could gather her thoughts, Adrian spun around and strode toward M with determined intensity.


    M froze, shocked by the chill in his gaze. As she drew breath to speak, her words were stolen by the sting of a sudden p that crashed across her face.


    M was visibly shaken, and Joelle was equally shocked. Adrian had pped a woman.


    Though still in shock, Joelle felt an undeniable urge to apud him. After all, M had brought this upon herself. “Adrian!”


    Fred and Gracie instinctively stepped in front of M. No matter the situation, they were bound to defend their family’s honor in the public’s gaze.


    “M’s just acting childish; she’s still so young,” Fredmented.


    Adrian’s gaze was as cold as ice. “Even Dunn shows more maturity than she ever does. This isn’t just immaturity; it’s pure foolishness.”


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    Message from Noa: Had a great weekend dear readers! Had an amazing day. God bless you, and Noa wishes you all the best. (─??O)


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