?Chapter 579:


    Ellie shuddered, the weight of the realization pressing down on her. Was her family’s rise to power tied to this man? The idea of marrying into the Thorpe family to gain their support for the Gordon family made Ellie feel nauseous.


    A flood of questions filled her mind. Who was this man? What were his true intentions? Was she unknowingly part of a conspiracy that had started over a decade ago? The thoughts chilled her to the core, and she was struck by how indifferent her family had been to the truth.


    Tears of bitterness streamed down her face as she spoke again, her voice quivering. “Grandma, did you… did you ever truly love me?”


    Cecelia’s lips twisted into a faint, apathetic smile. “You’re not a blood rtive of ours. Why would I treat you like my granddaughter?”


    Her words unraveled a mystery that had puzzled Ellie since childhood. She had always wondered why her grandmother ignored the way Houston and Litzy treated her.


    She had thought perhaps her grandmother was simply too meek to confront them.


    But now, she understood she had been nothing more than a pawn for her grandmother—a means to secure wealth and prestige for the Gordon family.


    It became clear why her grandmother had always favored Demi whenever their interests shed.


    Taking a deep breath, Ellie tried to soothe her aching heart.


    For a brief moment, an ufortable silence hung between them. Cecelia closed her eyes, as if she had used up all her strength fighting her illness.


    “El, please don’t be mad at me…” Her words were muffled again by a relentless cough. “I did things I didn’t want to do. That man threatened our lives if I didn’tply!”


    The door to the hospital room squeaked open.


    Ellie stepped out slowly, her gaze lost in the void.


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    Kaiden hurried to her side, his heart racing with worry.


    “Baby, what’s wrong?”


    For the first time, he used the term “baby” in front of others.


    He catered to her every need, hoping to cheer her up. He looked at her, his eyes filled with concern.


    Bending down to meet her gaze, he saw her tears start to fall.


    She rushed into his embrace, sobbing.


    He gently stroked her hair, trying to offer somefort.


    Suddenly, a loud rm sounded from Cecelia’s room.


    Doctors and nurses rushed in.


    Minutester, they emerged with grim faces to deliver the devastating news to Ellie. “The patient removed her oxygen mask and has passed away. We’re deeply sorry.”


    Ellie lifted her head, her tears flowing freely.


    Houston and Litzy went to im Cecelia’s body from the hospital after they received the notice.


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