Victoria asked Gwh to go change her clothes, then helped Haley get the twins'' diapers changed.


    It was Haley''s first time meeting the littledy and young master, and she was absolutely smitten. She already saw Victoria''s children as her own grandkids.


    The fact that Gwh had followed Victoria back to the Turner estate genuinely surprised Haley, though it was a happy surprise.


    When Haley saw Emily, she was nearly moved to tears.


    "Miss, you''re alive," she choked out.


    Haley had long assumed Emily and Edith were gone for good. She never dreamed she''d see Emily again in her lifetime.


    Emily smiled warmly. "Haley, you''re still as spirited as ever. Knowing you''re here taking care of Vicky puts me at ease."


    Even though Emily had spent those years bedridden, Victoria had kept her updated about everything at home, always mentioning how devoted Haley was.


    Both Emily and Victoria trusted Haley implicitly. Emily knew she was loyal to the Turners, and Victoria feltpletely at ease bringing her children back home.


    Ever since Emily''s return, everything connected to the Simms family had been cleared out of the estate-down to changing the entry code.


    While Emily and Haley chatted, Victoria''s phone rang. She stepped aside to take the call, not wanting to intrude on her aunt''s reunion with Haley.


    When she saw McNeil''s name sh on the screen, Victoria hesitated. He always seemed to know things before anyone else.


    Victoria understood what he wanted-to see her, and perhaps see the kids. Or maybe just Gwh. Gwyn had always been close to McNeil, unlike Chris and Celia, who never shared that bond.


    She stared at the phone but didn''t answer. Her te was full with the Simms court case, and she had neither the time nor the energy to get tangled up with him again.


    If he, with all his wealth and free time, wantedpany, he could go have drinks with friends or find someone else to entertain him. She just couldn''t be bothered. Victoria ignored the call, letting it ring until she finally switched the phone to silent. Emily was still deep in conversation, not noticing Victoria''s momentary distraction. Eventually, the phone stopped buzzing, only for a text to pop up immediately after: "I know you''re back. Bring the kids out for dinner when you have time." Victoria didn''t reply.


    Dinner? She''d already promised Marcus, and with Max around, Gwh would be thrilled.


    Victoria had no idea what terms McNeil was on with Violet these days. Since Gwh had been living with her, the girl had be so much gentler and better behaved, never talking back, always so considerate.


    Victoria didn''t want McNeil dragging her back to Violet. Gwh was still just a child, and being cherished was always better than being stifled. If McNeil took her away again, the fragile bond Victoria had just rebuilt with her daughter would shatter all over again.


    "Vicky, is something wrong?"


    Emily had watched as Haley carried the babies out of the room and came over, noticing Victoria standing there, lost in thought.


    "It''s nothing, Aunt Emily. Actually, would you like to join us for dinner?"


    Emily studied her. "Is this with Max-the one Gwyn''s always talking about? No need for me. You take the kids and have some fun."


    She''d heard plenty from Gwh about Max and his handsome uncle. Especially the story of how Max''s uncle had tried to ''steal'' the model racecar off the wall, which always made Emily chuckle. Gwh had been totally indignant,ining, "Why would an adult take a kid''s toy?"


    Emily had understood right away-Max''s uncle clearly had his sights on Vicky.


    Truth be told, Emily supported the idea of Victoria remarrying.


    She''d already gotten rid of a man who never cared about her. She was still young, and raising three children alone was just too lonely. If she could meet the right person,


    vei.n


    someone who matched her values and could be a true partner, why not try again? Especially in their circles, where money wasn''t an issue-a goodpanion could make all the difference.


    Most women got married, raised families, and even asional squabbles at home were part of a happy life. But Victoria had shouldered so much more than most.


    Emily hoped she''d find happiness someday. She deserved to be cherished. "Aunt Emily, it''s just dinner, nothing more. Don''t overthink it."


    Victoria could see the hopefulness in her aunt''s eyes and couldn''t help but tease, poking right through her wishful thinking.


    "Oh, you! I just don''t want you to give up on love just because you haven''t met the right person. There are still plenty of happy couples in the world, you know."


    Victoria appreciated her aunt''s concern and didn''t want to let her down.


    "Got it, Aunt Emily. If you find anyone willing to sign up as the step-parent of three kids, let me know. Just so you''re aware—if he''s not better looking or richer than me, I''m not interested. And if he wants more kids, that''s a dealbreaker too."


    Emily was speechless for a moment, and by the time she found her words again, Victoria had already darted off.


    Standing there, Emily couldn''t help butugh softly. "Oh, that girl..."


    But Victoria wasn''t a girl anymore. She''d long since be an adult, with her own priorities and responsibilities. Now, with three children, every bit of her energy went into them.


    Emily decided not to press her about finding love. Besides, with two babies being doted on by everyone, those rascals who constantly visited from Evermore City were always waiting for Chris and Celia to grow up.


    They all talked about turning them into the world''s best racecar drivers.


    Even though the twins were still infants, Gwh was already six. Lyndon and his friends, unable to wait for the little ones to grow up often whisked Gwh away whenever they had the chance. Now, apart from school and checking in on her siblings, Gwh spent every weekend ''hanging out'' with all her honorary uncles.


    She used to love racing games, but now she''d left those behind. Victoria had spent a fortunemissioning a custom racecar just for six-year-olds everything perfectly kid-sized.


    Gwh was in heaven, barely wanting to go anywhere else. She was always surrounded by that rowdy group, and even though Victoria seemed unfazed, Emily couldn''t help but secretly worry for her niece.