“Do whatever you want, but you still need to have a child.”


    “Got it.”


    It was rare that Jessica and her mother didn’t argue. On such a good day, everyone was happy. After eating, Jessica took Chris upstairs to pay respects to her father.


    “Dad, in the past, I came alone. I chose to protect my loved one the same way Mom did, but…” Jessica turned to look at Chris. “My loved one was very brave, he stood by me and faced everything with me.”


    Chris bowed three times to his father–inw.


    “Dad, I will protect Jessica well, and I will find the culprit who caused our family to be apart. Please rest


    assured.”


    On the night of New Year’s Eve, the young couple stayed at the Wilder family’s residence.


    The three of them, plus Albert, crowded on the sofa watching TV. The program was cheerful and made everyoneugh out loud.


    Outside, fireworks kept bursting continuously.


    “Here, this is your New Year’s gift.” Linda and Albert took out envelopes they had prepared in advance.


    Chris felt honored and surprised.


    In his memory, he hadn’t received a New Year’s gift since he became an adult. Even though he had been with Jessica for five years and returned home every New Year, Linda had never given one proactively,


    nor had Jessica.


    “We didn’t give any before because we saw you were anxious. Lovers needed to be happy together and not end with regrets like me. Now that you have reconciled, I’m at ease. Every year, until you have children, there will be New Year’s gifts. Once you have children, the gifts will be for the kids.”


    Jessica took it without any pressure. Seeing Chris hesitate, she reached over, snatched the envelope from her mother, and gave it to him.


    “Take it. It’s a gift from Mom.”


    “Chris, your biological mother passed away. I treat you like my own son, so don’t feel pressured,” said


    Linda.


    Chris’s eyes reddened. Looking at the red envelope in his hand, his voice choked a little, “Thank you,


    Mom.”


    He carefully put the envelope in his pocket and would check it secretlyter. Jessica watched him with a


    shy smile and felt a little tender.


    How had Chris lived through those five years of losing his mother and feeling unloved all alone?


    Luckily, they still had a chance and could make up for those regrets and be together.


    After the housekeeper and cook finished preparing the meal, they left for their own family reunions. Only


    the four of them remained.


    The coffee table was filled with snacks, desserts, and fruit.


    Jessica picked a strawberry to eat and fed Chris a bite of apple. Suddenly, she said to Linda, “On the first day of the New Year, we’ll first go to the Felton family. Roy and Chris have been friends for many years,


    it’s better to maintain that rtionship.”


    “The Felton family is currently controlled by Nina,” said Linda, clearly having heard about the Felton family’s situation. “Many people in the Felton family are unhappy that a woman controls the power, but fortunately Roy supports his sister’s ability, so it’s still stable for now.”


    Albert said, “Don’t be fooled by the current stability. Many are making preparations behind the scenes.


    From what I know, there are three or four people who want to join forces with outsiders wanting to


    overthrow Nina. You should advise Nina to be careful.”


    Albert and Linda might not be going out much, but they were fully aware of everything happening in


    Impelia.


    This was the method of the older generation.


    Jessica said, “Nina knows the situation clearly.<b>” </b>


    “Knowing is one thing. You are friends, and your advice is important to them. You can see things more


    clearly as outsiders. Allies are crucial, you must hold onto them tightly.”


    Linda looked at Chris.


    “Besides, there’s Roy as well.”