?Chapter 1028:


    Down in the garage, Ethan went straight for the driver’s seat. Lydia slid into the passenger side, shing him a genuine grin. “Seriously, you’re the best boss I could ask for. If there’s ever an award for top leadership, you’d have my vote.”


    “Seatbelt,” he told her, never losing his calm.


    She clicked it into ce without protest. “Ready when you are.”


    The ride was mostly quiet. Ethan focused on the traffic while Lydia filled the silence with small talk until the rhythm of the car lulled her into a light nap. Only once her breathing settled and her eyes stayed closed did Ethan allow himself a thoughtful nce in her direction.


    Meanwhile, Elena and Jeffry pulled up to the shelter. Jeffry stayed behind in the car, letting Elena carry the bags of gifts up the steps on her own.


    The second Elena walked in, those guarded, nervous children dropped their defenses at once.


    Lizzie wasted no time, throwing her arms around Elena. “Elena! You came! I knew you’d show up for me!”


    Delight sparked in the eyes of every other child, their faces suddenly bright with happiness.


    Lara—always the reserved one—held back, standing silently beside Kaleb while watching Elena from across the room.


    Kneeling down, Elena gave Lizzie’s hair a gentle tousle before revealing a small good luck charm, fastening it gently around the little girl’s neck. A huge grin spread across Lizzie’s face. “Elena, is this really for me?”


    “For you, sweetheart,” Elena replied, her smile warm and reassuring.


    Her gaze shifted to Lara and Kaleb. “You twoe here. I brought something special for both of you, too.”


    That offer seemed to take thempletely by surprise. After exchanging a look, they hesitantly moved closer, not quite believing their luck.


    Clutching the charm tightly, Lara’s eyes shimmered with tears she had tried hard to hide. Being the eldest among the group meant carrying a heavy weight. She had made herself responsible for the younger kids, but she was still just a teenager—fifteen years old, nursing old wounds and missing her family, doing her best to look brave. All that effort to stay strong finally crumbled when kindness found her, and every pent-up emotion threatened to spill over.


    Lara ducked her head, hoping no one would notice the tears.


    ???é?? ???t??я? ín Galπoνεl?.c??


    With gentle hands, Elena led Lara aside, offering a private moment. “Can you trust me?” she asked, her tone soft as a whisper.


    Lara gave the faintest nod.


    “No one’s going to split you guys apart,” Elena said. “If you all stick with me, you’ll stay together. You’ll get to study, explore new things, and grow stronger. How does that sound?”


    Grow stronger and more independent… Those words echoed in Lara’s mind, settling deep inside her. Then, without a second thought, she lifted her gaze and said, “I want that.”


    Outside, Jeffry rested his elbow on the edge of the car window, a half-smoked cigarette glowing between his fingers, his features unreadable. Every decision he…


    made had a purpose—business always came first. He had done his homework: Lydia had yed a part in rescuing these children, and she stopped by the shelter often.


    He hadn’t even finished the cigarette when the crunch of tires caught his ear. Another car pulled up to the curb.


    From the passenger seat, Lydia stepped out. The moment her eyesnded on Jeffry, her mood shifted instantly—her face clouded over.


    .


    .


    .