Chapter 119 Maria


    Just one year, she went from top socialite to prisoner, from the high life to hitting rock bottom. How could she stay so calm through it


    all?


    Finn frowned, staring hard at the photos and videos of Tess through hisputer screen.


    Who exactly is she?


    He pressed a hand to his pounding chest, realizing he’d never really understood her at all. Now, looking at the woman he had once ignored and even looked down on, a mix of feelings started to stir inside him.


    What’s going on with me?


    He tossed and turned all night, searching for answers.


    Before dawn, whether it was out of guilt or selfishness, he called the office handling Gillian’s inheritance, pressuring them.


    He figured that inheritance was meant for her anyway.


    Once that was done, Finn looked away while rubbing his temples, nning to get some rest.


    Meanwhile, Tess held La close as she got into a cab.


    The baby, still sleepy, rubbed her eyes while her tummy grumbled.


    That was when Tess realized she had forgotten to feed La egg custard after washing her, changing her clothes, and giving her form and supplements.


    La was everything to her.


    So instead of rushing to im the inheritance, Tess told the driver to stop near a shopping center.


    She remembered a good baby food spot there, one that probably served egg custard.


    But after checking the directory, she couldn’t find it. She decided to ask an employee nearby for help.


    As she walked over, she looked up and froze, meeting a face she hadn’t seen in ages.


    “Mrs. Ember?!” the woman eximed.


    Tess was shocked too. “Maria?”


    Her eyes scanned the woman’s noticeably aged face, and a sharp pain twisted in her chest.


    Maria Burn had worked at Evermount Vi for years, and she had always looked younger and healthier than others her age. But just months after Tess escaped, Maria’s cheeks were hollow and worn, as if she’d aged decades.


    Tess’s heart tightened. She grabbed Maria’s hand, worry flooding her, “What happened? Why are you here?”


    Her fingers brushed the rough calluses on Maria’s hands, sending a deep ache through her.


    Maria looked unsure, unable to exin.


    Chapter 119 Maria


    Seeing Tess’s reaction, Maria quickly pulled her hand away.


    Tess looked at her and understood right away. “Is this because of Finn?”


    Maria bit her lip, struggling, then silently nodded. “Mrs. Ember, I’m sorry-I told Mr. Lock where you were.”


    “That’s behind us now. But if you told him, why did he still fire you?”


    Maria hesitated, unwilling to say more.


    Tess stared at her deeply lined face. There was no anger, just sorrow and guilt.


    “Are you doing okay now?”


    Tess lowered her voice, holding back her emotions and anger.


    Maria nodded. “It’s not asfortable or safe as before, but I’m managing.”


    Tess felt a little relieved but dropped her gaze, lost in thought.


    She didn’t notice the flicker of something cross Maria’s eyes.


    “Wah!”


    Suddenly, La cried out in her arms.


    The restless baby reached toward Maria, but she wasn’t grabbing like she did with Tess. It was more like a gentle pat.


    Snapping back to the moment, Tess ignored the strange gesture and guessed hunger was the cause, so she quickly made form with Maria’s help.. <fn7407> Find the newest release on find?novel</fn7407>


    With a baby bottle in her mouth, La quieted but still fussed softly, babbling more than usual.


    Tess exchanged a puzzled look with Maria, who leaned closer to check. But as soon as Maria got near, La fussed louder.


    Embarrassed, Maria stepped back, and only then did La calm down.


    Tess gently reassured, “She must be shy.”


    She scratched La’s tiny, soft nose with a smile, her voice warm and loving. “La, Maria has helped me so much. You can’t be


    rude.”


    Maria smiled quickly to ease the mood. “La’s just a baby. How can she understand you?”


    Tessughed, and the mood warmed between them-except La still looked a little unhappy.


    The small interruption didn’tst long. After slipping some cash to Maria, Tess followed directions to the baby food spot. Once La was fed, Tess hurried to her meeting.


    When she arrived, she saw a line of sharply dressed men and women waiting quietly by the entrance.


    Tess blinked, surprised by their serious looks.


    The leader stepped forward when he saw her, greeting her warmly.


    “Ms. Ember, we’ve been expecting you. This way, please.”


    He gestured politely and led her inside.