After Marcus finished speaking, Charles was momentarily stunned. It was a long while before he slowly opened his mouth again.


    "Marcus, what did you just say?"


    "I said Nat is bringing Charlene to meet you," Marcus said clearly, word by word. "Charlene looks a lot like Yvette in the photos. Grandpa, maybe the one who died in that fire wasn''t Yvette."


    "Impossible." Charles suddenly lost control. "There were so many people in the Jenkins family. Everyone except Vivian, who wasn''t at home, died in that fire. Yvette too—she was found in her bedroom,pletely burned."


    "Then, Grandpa, did you do a DNA test?" Marcus asked calmly. "If she was burned that badly, how could you be so sure it was Yvette?"


    "Of course we did a DNA test," Charles said after taking a deep breath. "Every body recovered from the fire was tested. Their identities were confirmed. That''s not something that could be faked.


    "Marcus, are you doubting me?"


    Marcus shook his head. "No, Grandpa. You''re overthinking it. I''m just analyzing the circumstances. Charlene looks far too much like Yvette. It''s natural for me to wonder. There''s no need to take it personally."


    Charles stared hard at Marcus. He had raised Marcus himself, so how could he not know what Marcus was really thinking? He was absolutely doubting him.


    But Marcus met his gaze directly, unbothered. He knew Charles just as well. Tonight, Charles'' story was full of holes. Some things didn''t need to be said out loud-both of them knew.


    After a long silence, it was Charles who finally gave in. "Fine, then. When Nat brings the girl, let me see her. Marcus, could you send me a copy of those photos?"


    "Of course." Marcus forwarded them immediately.


    "Marcus, I''d like to be alone for a bit," Charles said, his eyes red again as he looked down at the images. "Thank you."


    "There''s no need to be so formal with me, Grandpa." Marcus held his phone. "I''m going to check on Laura. I heard you spoke with her."


    "Yes. I was being selfish," Charles admitted inly. "People are naturally biased. I''ll admit, I didn''t handle it well, and I wasn''tpletely fair. But if you all don''t agree, I can''t force anything."


    Marcus nodded slightly and replied with equal honesty, "Yes. No one can deal forgiveness on her behalf for what she suffered-not even me. Grandpa, you always taught me to be reasonable. You''ve said many times that if you haven''t suffered what others have, don''t advise them to forgive. I trust that you''ll lead by example."


    Charles shed a bitter smile and let out a long sigh."Forget it. Go see your mother. Let me have some time alone."


    "Alright." Marcus turned and walked a few steps before suddenly stopping and turning back. "Grandpa, can I ask you one more question?"


    Charles paused, then nodded. "Go ahead."


    "Cassie and my father-are they truly siblings by blood? Born to the same parents?"


    Charles'' expression darkened immediately. His voice turned sharp and cold. "Of course! Wesley and Cassie are the biological children of Vivian and me. Marcus, what exactly are you trying to imply?"


    "I''m not implying anything," Marcus replied calmly. "But I do think you''re clearly avoiding something. If I''m wrong, please forgive me."


    With that, Marcus turned and walked away.


    Charles stood frozen, his chest heaving uncontrobly. He pressed a hand over his racing heart, taking deep breaths until he forced himself to calm down.


    "Sheldon."


    "Yes, Mr. Holden Senior."


    Sheldon stepped out cautiously from behind a nearby door, still holding a coat. He had actually returned a while ago and had heard Marcus'' entire conversation with Charles.


    Sheldon knew more than most-but some truths were better left buried. That old saying rang true tonight; the more you know, the sooner you die.


    Charles had always treated Sheldon like family. He had been born into the Holden family, and he was determined to die loyal to it. But right now, he was deeply worried. What if Marcus came to him next?


    "You heard everything between Marcus and me, didn''t you?" Charles asked, his tone calm but full of sorrow.


    "Mr. Holden Senior-" Sheldon hesitated, unsure how to respond.


    "It''s alright." Charles gave a bitter smile. "I know the grandson I raised, and he knows me just as well. This came so suddenly, so I wasn''t


    prepared. All those contractionel.ne


    my story-how could Marcus not notice?"


    in


    "Mr. Holden Senior." Sheldon stepped forward and draped the coat over Charles'' shoulders. "Do you really believe Ms. Yvette is still alive?"


    "Sheldon, do you think someone that badly burned could still be alive?" Charles said bitterly. "The DNA tests weren''t wrong. I refuse to believe someone burned to that extent coulde back from the dead."


    "What if someone tampered with the test results?" Sheldon asked cautiously. "Maybe Ms. Yvette really did survive-but someone altered the evidence.


    "Do you remember what the psychiatrist said after Mrs. Holden Senior passed? He said that her


    mind had already turned dark amet


    some point. And if she didn''t drown herself, maybe more than just the Jenkins family would''ve died back then.


    "That psychiatrist mysteriously vanished afterward. Doesn''t the whole thing strike you as strange?"


    "Sheldon." Charles''s voice suddenly turned icy. "You can say these things to me— but if Marcus hears them, you''ll deal with the consequences."


    "Yes, Mr. Holden Senior." Sheldon smacked himself on the mouth. He knew he shouldn''t have said anything.


    Charles took a moment to adjust his mood and softened his tone. "Sorry.


    I was too harsh just now. You''ve


    been with me for so many years. You''re closer to me than family.


    Sheldon, I trust no one else but you."


    "I will never betray you, Mr. Holden Senior," Sheldon said firmly. "If Mr. Marcus questions me, I won''t say a word."


    "If he tries to get something out of you, do you really think you won''t slip?" Charles sighed. "Marcus already suspects me.


    "Contact the man who supplied Marcus with his medicine. Have hime up with


    a reason to lure Marcus away from The Herbalist''s Sanctuary.


    "Make the arrangements. We''re heading back to Dithoria as soon as possible. Laura''s doing fine now. I need to return and keep an eye on Wesley. I''m worried those two siblings will turn on each other."


    "Yes, Mr. Holden Senior. I''ll take care of it right away."