Jim’s hand trembled as he reached out to grasp Rachel’s. His eyes were heavy with guilt.

“Rachel, it’s always been me who’s let you down. I was too weak. I thought if I focused on making things right with Yvette for a few years, helped her get balanced, then I could bring you back. But instead, I only made her more spoiled and entitled.”

Rachel held his hand tightly in return. She knew exactly what was on his mind.

“Dad, I know you did it for Yvette, but unfortunately, she may never truly understand your intentions.”

Rachel understood Jim well. At his core, he was a soft-hearted man. If he weren’t, he never would have gone to such lengths to compensate Yvette. His goal had always been to make Yvette realize her mistakes and to prevent her from continuing down a misguided path.

“If I’m not mistaken, Dad, the inheritance you left Yvette should be enough for her to live on, right?”

A flicker of emotion passed through Jim’s cloudy eyes, and his face twitched slightly. He lowered his head and patted Rachel gently.

“Rachel, you really are my daughter. You understand what I’m thinking.”

Rachel smiled. Because she understood him, she could read the meaning behind all his words.

“Dad, whatever you want to say, just say it.”

Jim paused for a moment. He then said slowly, “Rachel, I know I’ve wronged Yvette, but I’ve wronged you too. I tried to fix one person’s mistakes by making up for another, and in the end, I just ended up hurting both of you.”

Rachel had resented him at one point, unable to comprehend his choices. But over time, she had come to understand and let go. She no longer blamed him.

“Dad, just say what you want to say,”

Jim exhaled slowly.

“Alright, this is what I want to ask. Can you not be too hard on Yvette? Although she’s done you a lot of wrong, she’s still my daughter and your sister. When I’m gone, you don’t have to make her life perfect, but at least don’t let it be unbearable. Do you understand what I mean?”

Rachel nodded. “I do, Dad. You mean, at least make sure she doesn’t end up starving.”

Jim seemed to have mixed emotions. “Yes, I just fear she’ll waste the chances I’ve given her. I don’t want to see things turn out the wrong way for her.”

This was the last thing Jim wanted to witness. He knew Yvette had dug herself in too deep. No amount of gentle words would fix her now.

Rachel gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll honor that request.”

To put it bluntly, all Jim wanted was to spare Yvette’s life and nothing more.

Finally, he let go of Rachel’s hand.

“Thank you, Rachel. There’s one more thing I need from you.”

Jim pulled a folder from behind him and handed it to her.

“Sign this.”

At first, Rachel didn’t think much of it. She assumed it was just another routine document. She picked up the pen and was about to sign when her eyes caught a few lines on the page.

Her pupils contracted as she stared at Jim in shock.

“Dad, you…”