?<strong>Chapter 1436:</strong>


    Lowell’s jaw tightened, his patience hanging by a thread. “Mind your own business. My life is mine to live, not yours to dictate.”


    Lowell finished his statement, his desire to lingerpletely extinguished. Pulling out his phone, he calmly announced, “I’ve fulfilled my duty by visiting you today. I’m leaving now.”


    Dolores froze, frustration crackling in her voice. “You’re leaving already? Are you so sick of having me as your sister that you can’t even sit and talk for a little longer?”


    Lifting his gaze, Lowell replied firmly, “I need to earn money for your treatment. Without it, we can’t afford the VIP room, the medication, or your surgery.”


    Dolores red up, snapping back, “There’s more than enough money at home. Why push yourself this hard now?”


    “You’re the one who said I need to take responsibility for the family. If I don’t, everything will copse,” Lowell said, turning on his heels and walking away without a second nce.


    Behind him, Dolores’s voice rang out in anger, her words chasing him down the hallway. “I know you’re avoiding me, Lowell! I’m your sister—how can you treat me like this?”


    Lowell paid her no mind. Once outside, he got into his car and drove straight to the mall.


    Uncertain when he’d see that mysterious woman again, his thoughts drifted to the gift he nned to give her. He hoped she’d be delighted. The excitement of this thought swept away the frustration from Dolores, recing it with a sense of anticipation as he eagerly began nning the perfect gift.


    Lowell wandered through multiple luxury boutiques at the mall, selecting treasures from each. He didn’t know the woman’s preferences, so he bought anything that caught his eye.


    Imagining her reaction, his heart lightened. Would her face light up with joy? Would she be happy and hug him gratefully?


    The image of her hug brought back the memory of her soft, rhythmic breathing that day. It was pleasant, and he longed to hear it again.


    After collecting the gifts, Lowell was on his way back to thepany when a recognizable figure caught his eye in the distance. It was the woman he had been missing.


    But who was the man beside her? And why were they linking arms? A cold shock rippled through Lowell. He stood motionless, staring as the scene unfolded.


    Momentster, the woman vanished into the crowd, and he hurried after her. But by the time he reached the spot, she had already disappeared.


    Lowell’s lips pressed into a tight line, frustration gnawing at him. Had he been misled by her all along? Did she already have a boyfriend or a husband, which was why she kept herself hidden?


    Could his first love truly be unraveling like this?


    His mind churned with these thoughts, his face darkening as he finally returned to the office with a heavy heart.


    That evening, he workedte, the hours stretching on.


    Suddenly, a knock at the door broke his concentration.


    Lowell raised an eyebrow, irritation flickering in his eyes. “Come in.”


    Instead of entering, the knocking persisted.


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