?Chapter 1525:


    The next morning, the Harper family gathered around the table for breakfast.


    Sandra had risen before the sun, pouring her heart into making homemade pies for everyone. The family adored her cooking, and she was thrilled to do it—not because she saw herself as a servant, but because she longed to be embraced as one of their own.


    She wasn’t daunted by the effort, knowing the reward would be worth it.


    She ced the pies on the table with a radiant smile. “I whipped up four vors today. Dig in!”


    This time, she didn’t need to pass them to the others—everyone eagerly helped themselves.


    Her heart swelled with pride; her efforts were finally bearing fruit.


    Halfway through the meal, she gathered her courage and said, “Dad, Giselle… I ran into some trouble yesterday.”


    No one looked up. Only the clinking of cutlery responded to her. Feeling invisible, she bit back the rest of her words. But then, Shepard spoke.


    “Felix told me about it. From now on, don’t drive yourself. Let Pete drive you. He is skilled, and he can protect you.”


    Tears brimmed in Sandra’s eyes. She had always believed the Harpers wouldn’t care if she lived or died, but that was not the case.


    At that moment, she felt her father’s care.


    “Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Giselle.” She knew Shepard wouldn’t have made this decision without Giselle’s agreement. She felt gratitude toward them both.


    “No need for thanks,” Shepard replied. “Just be cautious. When Ernst was a little boy, he was kidnapped. Harper children always have bodyguards. Even Brenna got lost when she was a child. Safetyes first.”


    Ernst, seated nearby, finally spoke. His voice was cold, edged with authority that made the air feel heavy. “The one behind it was Loretta, wasn’t it?”


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    Sandra hesitated, unable to meet his gaze. For the first time, she felt the full weight of Ernst’s presence—themanding aura of a man who ran a bigpany. It was suffocating. “Yeah,” she whispered. “It was her.”


    “I see,” Ernst replied.


    Brenna leaned toward Ernst, curious. “Are you nning to teach her a lesson?”


    Ernst gave a nod. “Just a small one.”


    Something inside Sandra softened. The Harper family truly cared about her, even if showing it wasn’t their style.


    She gave Ernst a grateful smile. “Thanks for looking out for me,” she said, her voice sincere.


    It struck her then; she had never felt this sheltered before, not even during all the years with her mother and stepfather.


    This simple sense of belonging made her want to let go of any lingering resentment or ns for payback.


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