?Chapter 1322:


    She knew the true orchestrator had been her biological father.


    As Roderick’s visit drew to a close, Eileen walked him to the door.


    Outside stood a small, ck car—clearly second-hand but serviceable. Roderick grinned, a hint of pride in his voice. “Winter’s too cold. I was worried about the baby getting chilled, so I bought this. It may be a bit old, but it does the job.”


    Eileen patted the vehicle. “That’s good,” she said approvingly. “Once Christmas is over, I’ll go and visit you. You should close the restaurant for a few days and enjoy the holiday. Will you be staying in Onnd for Christmas?”


    “Yeah,” Roderick answered, already buckling his seatbelt as the engine sputtered to life, the low rumble filling the air.


    Eileen stood on the curb, watching Roderick drive away, her emotions swirling.


    After a long while, she turned and walked back inside. Ruby greeted her with a knowing nce, gesturing subtly toward Le’s room.


    “Gabri, go ask Dad if he has finished with his meeting. We’re heading to the supermarket soon.” Eileen’s eyes followed the energetic Gabri as she scampered up the stairs, her little legs working hard to climb each step.


    Then, Eileen headed toward Le’s room. As Eileen entered, Le quickly tucked something into her pocket. “What are you hiding?” Eileen asked, holding out her hand expectantly. “Come on, let me see.”


    Le hesitated before replying, “It’s nothing. You guys are busy preparing for Christmas, right? You should go ahead and do your thing. Don’t mind me.”


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    Though she tried to mask it, there was an unmistakable sadness in Le’s voice—a regret that, after thirty long years of separation, their first Christmas together would be spent so far from Alverton.


    “I know you’ve got your grievances against the Curtis family,” Eileen said softly, sitting down beside Le and gently wrapping her arm around Le’s. “But this isn’t about them—it’s about Roderick. He’s younger than me, and he’s always been kind to me. Sure, his parents aren’t exactly great, but they did take me in. If it weren’t for them, someone else would’ve taken me anyway. Don’t let this weigh on you. It’s not worth it.”


    Eileen wasn’t defending the Curtis family or Denise; she just didn’t want Le to carry the weight of a grudge that would only hurt her more.


    Le’s eyes glistened with tears. “I know,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “But my heart just can’t seem to let go. Your mom waited over twenty years in vain, leaving this world with regret. And you… You suffered at their hands. I feel for you, and even more for your mom.”


    A tear escaped, rolling down Le’s cheek.


    Eileen reached for a tissue, gently wiping Le’s tears. “At least my mother’s waiting wasn’t entirely in vain; it wasn’t for nothing. Please, don’t be sad anymore. After Christmas, you can stay here in Onnd. Bryan and I will return to Alverton to pay our respects to my mother. I tell her I’m back every time I visit her grave.”


    Le nodded slowly. “Alright. In Alverton, we always honor these things. From now on, you have to go back to visit her grave every year. It’s important.”


    “I will,” Eileen said, her voice warm with reassurance. “Every year.”


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