ording to Mr. Hastings Senior, Alex moved out and hadn''t returned because of me?


    But how could that be? Ever since we were kids, Alex had told me over and over that he didn''t like me and didn''t want me as his sister.


    I lowered my gaze. "Mr. Hastings Senior, I think you''re mistaken. Alex-no, Mr. Hastings-has always been distant with me. I doubt my words would have any impact on him."


    Mr. Hastings Senior''s tone softened, but he remained insistent. "Just try, please? Even if he doesn''te back, I know it''s not your fault."


    I frowned, ready to refuse, but I hesitated as I looked up.


    Mr. Hastings Senior, a man I had always known to be shrewd, capable, and impably groomed in every way, had aged significantly. His hair had turnedpletely gray, his eyes were cloudy, and his gaze carried a weight of hope and longing.


    The powerful businessman I once admired was gone. In his ce stood a father, quietly yearning for his son toe home.


    I swallowed the words that came to mind and took a deep breath. "If you insist, Mr. Hastings Senior, I''ll... I''ll try. I''ll talk to him," I said softly.


    A look of relief washed over Mr. Hastings Senior''s face.


    I stood up, ready to ask a favor for Mom. "Mr. Hastings Senior, my mother''s getting older. I hope you can continue looking after her while she''s at the Hastings residence. But if it''s too much..." I paused, hesitating. "I can bring her back in a few days."


    Mr. Hastings Senior shifted his gaze.


    "Serena, that was a long time ago. The Hastings family has always treated your mother well. It''s just... She has a hard time rxing. She likes to keep herself busy."


    His words took me by surprise.


    "But since you''ve asked, don''t worry. I''ll persuade her," Mr. Hastings Senior assured me.


    "Thank you, Mr. Hastings Senior," I said, feeling a wave of gratitude. "I''ll be going now."


    I turned to leave the study, but Mr. Hastings Senior called out to me again, "Serena."


    I stopped.


    "If possible, you should visit your mother more often," Mr. Hastings Senior said solemnly. "You were the most innocent in everything that happened back then. She misses you a lot."


    His words lingered in my mind, but I merely nodded in response. Without ncing back, I left the Hastings residence.


    Alex was waiting in the car. The moment I got in, he started the engine.


    The Hastings residence perched gracefully on a hillside in an affluent and prestigious neighborhood. To leave, we had to navigate a winding mountain road nked by dense, vibrant greenery. As I gazed out the window, my thoughts began to race.


    "What did my dad say to you?" Alex''s voice broke through my thoughts.


    "Nothing much," I said, shaking my head slowly. "He just asked me to visit my mom more often."


    A flicker of disdain crossed Alex''s face, but he stayed silent.


    "Why don''t you want to go home?" I asked.


    Alex frowned and gave me a sideways nce.


    "Keep your eyes on the road," I muttered.


    "How did you know?" His voice was tinged with resentment. "Did my dad tell you


    that?"


    I hesitated I didn''t want to betray


    Mr. Hastings Senior''s trust, but I also


    didn''t want to lie, so I simply continued, "Your home is not far from yourpany. Mr. Hastings Senior is just worried about you."


    I left the rest unspoken, hoping Alex would piece it together himself.