In Derek''s eyes, Anneliese should be thankful that Jonathan fancied her, giving her the chance to marry into the Fullbuster family. So, how could Anneliese even think about bringing up divorce?


    Nishay felt the knot in her heart ease upon sighting the scowl of displeasure on Derek''s face.


    So, she nodded and said, "I raised my darling Anne to be a loyal and filial child. She will always listen to me. I don''t care what you think, but it''s a fact that Jonathan''s the reason why the ude family is in shambles.


    "Frederick wouldn''t have died if he hadn''t gone out of his way to save Jonathan. My daughter and unborn grandchild certainly wouldn''t have lost their lives if Frederick were still here. Anne has never been an ungrateful child, so she''ll always remember that.


    "Jonathan and Anneliese aren''tpatible, so you should leave and forget that any of this has ever happened."


    Derek felt his frustration build in the face of Nishay''s unrelenting demeanor.


    "Marriage isn''t a game. Fullbuster Group has already announced that Jonathan is now a married man since their marriage. How could they end their marriage so carelessly?


    "Do you even remember the principles of being a firefighter''s family when you said your piece?"


    Nishay knew what Derek was implying. He was upset because he feared the Fullbuster family name would be tarnished and that Jonathan''s reputation and future would be affected once they went through with the divorce.


    She should have known. Businessmen were basically coyotes in suits. Why would he even care about Anneliese and her feelings? Did he even see her as his granddaughter-inw?


    So, her lips pulled into a frown. "Anne won''t take a single dime from your family. The Fullbuster family didn''t publicly acknowledge her anyway, so you have nothing to fear.


    "Since it''s been kept under wraps, the Fullbuster family wouldn''t take a hit. If you''re truly worried about your family''s reputation, then just find Jonathan a wealthy heiress and register their marriage.


    "I''m sure when that happened, no one would know that you guys have pulled a switcheroo."


    Derek sneered and parted his lips to speak. He was just about to say that Nishay raised a good point and that there were plenty of wealthy socialites lining up to marry Jonathan when Penelope nudged him.


    Then, she interjected, "Why don''t you check on Anne and see whether her hand''s alright? I''d like to speak with Nishay privately."


    Penelope knew right then that she really should''ve gone with her gut earlier. Derek was only going to make things worse if he stayed here!


    Honestly, why did she even say yes to him apanying her to Oceaton?


    Anneliese was slipping through their fingers, and he couldn''t even get his priorities straight! Was the Fullbuster family''s image more important right now? No!


    Derek didn''t want to leave. After all, he had never suffered such indignities until today. So, he certainly couldn''t just swallow his pride and sweep things under the rug.


    However, Penelope was already ring at him, making him hesitate as he recalled how she''d left for Oceaton for nearly half a year after they fought. She''d even refused to return to Halden!


    She was getting even more short-tempered with her age. So, he was well aware that she would likely get the earliest ticket abroad and never return if he ruined this for Jonathan.


    In the end, Derek hobbled off huffily, his cane thumping against the ground as he vented his anger.


    Penelope watched him leave, only letting out a sigh once he was truly out of sight.


    Then, she massaged her legs and joked, "I hope you don''t hold this against me, but my old bones aren''t what they used to be. So, standing for so long has really worn me out."


    Nishay didn''t have the heart to rebuff her when she saw the sweat on Penelope''s brow. So, she nced at the couch across the hospital bed and gestured. "Sit."


    However, Penelope didn''t choose the couch. Instead, she opted to drag a chair over to the bedside before sitting down.


    "Jonathan suddenly fell ill after the funeral. He had a high fever that refused to break. The doctors said it was the fear and guilt that were causing this.


    "He was given antipyretic injections for two to three days, but his temperature still wouldn''t go down. Jonathan refused to leave Baytree, so Derek took a private jet overnight to drag him back.


    "When the fever finally subsided, Jonathan got out of bed, knelt in front of his grandfather, and begged him to adopt Anne. He even asked us to bring you to Halden soyou''d be able to livefortably.


    "I''m not telling you this for brownie points. I just want you to know that Jonathan had also suffered when tragedy befell the ude family. He wa?nice spectator, he was a vid vietim, too. So, why cant we move beyond past pains and live in the future?


    "The dead can never return. Anne''s parents were such kind people. I believe they''d rather the ude and Fullbuster families be friends because of them and not end up like this."


    Penelope''s words struck a chord in Nishay. Her hands, hidden under the nket, slowly balled into fists as her chest heaved with emotion.


    After a long time, she finally choked out hoarsely, "It''s easy for you to say. You weren''t the one who lost your family overnight."


    Penelope sighed inwardly. She had expected a response like that. Jonathan would''ve had this handled if Nishay could be easily swayed. Instead, it''s been nearly six months, and they were still stuck in this negative loop.


    Nishay was suffering from a pain that was etched into her soul. Time might be able to heal all wounds, but it also ran the chance of turning them into a festering wound that could never be touched.


    It wouldn''t be easy for Nishay to forgive or forget.


    Penelope only curled her lips into a gentle smile. I really do like Anne. She''s perceptive, brave, kind, gentle, smart loyal and proud in all the right ways Youtaised her well she''s a perfect match for my aloof and workaholic grandson.


    "Jonathan hit the jackpot with her."


    Nishay wasn''t about to soften so quickly. "You shouldn''t joke about things like this,


    Old Mrs. Fullbuster. Jonathan is a lucky star, whom even God wanted to save. How


    could a man like that have ws?


    "Anne just isn''t a good fit for him."