Joanna was Maisie’s biological mother. In the end, Daniel and Edith decided to let Maisie make the final decision after some discussion.

“I don’t agree,” Maisie said. She didn’t side with Daniel for the first time, catching Daniel off guard.

Daniel looked conflicted. “Aren’t you afraid the Flying Tiger Sect might come after her directly?”

“Of course, I am,” Maisie admitted, her face full of sorrow. “That’s why I’ll warn her to lay low. I used to think Mom was awful, but I feel sorry for her now. All she ever wanted was Dad’s love. If she couldn’t have him, is it so wrong for her to create a little illusion for herself? Why do we have to mess up her life?”

Daniel was left speechless.

As Maisie and Daniel, the siblings, stood at an impasse, Edith spoke up softly, “Mais, please don’t be upset. Your brother is talking things over with you. He hasn’t agreed to anything yet.”

“Daniel, let me be selfish just this once,” Maisie sighed. “I know you can’t bring yourself to go through with it either. If you could, you wouldn’t have bothered asking what I thought.”

“Mais, if the Flying Tiger Sect is set on finding her, there’s no way she can stay hidden forever. Maybe it’d be better if we acted first,” Daniel reminded her.

“How many years has Landon been searching for Kayla?” Maisie asked.

“Over ten years, I think,” Daniel replied.

“So, the Flying Tiger Sect isn’t all-powerful either. Mom can stay hidden for more than a decade if she has to,” Maisie said firmly.

Maisie’s determination left Daniel feeling awkward. He couldn’t even bring himself to mention Landon’s resignation.

Daniel thought, ‘Amelia and Maisie are both my good sisters. Landon means everything to Amelia, and Joanna is just as important to Maisie! Love and family are etched into our bones. They can’t be separated.’

“Daniel, I’ve sacrificed so much…” Maisie’s eyes brimmed with tears, her right hand curling up as she dug her fingers tightly into the edge of the sofa.

Daniel and Edith exchanged a sigh, and Daniel got up, walking over to pat Maisie on the shoulder. “I know.”

“Amy…” Maisie’s voice was hoarse as she called out.

She wanted to say more but couldn’t bring herself to speak.

‘We’re sisters, but I’ll never measure up to Amelia,’ Maisie thought bitterly.

I’m Daniel’s half-sister, while Amy is his sister, Maisie thought, the old ache of not quite belonging gnawing at her heart.

“Amy doesn’t know about any of this,” Daniel said, catching Maisie’s feelings and giving her a small, understanding smile.

‘Mais, my little sister, is always so stubborn and competitive. You are silly enough to think I’d ever play favorites between you and Amy,’ Daniel mused.

“I’ve watched you grow up, always following me around when you were little. Of course, I care about how you feel,” Daniel said softly.

Maisie froze for a moment, and her resentment finally melted away.

‘Daniel, Amy… Please let me put myself first just this once,’ Maisie pleaded silently in her heart.

Neither Amelia nor Landon had any idea that Larry put the squeeze on Daniel.

Landon was still waiting for his resignation to be approved in Norava.

Days went by, but there wasn’t a single word.

Landon was starting to panic. Amelia’s birthday was coming up, and he was hoping to hand her his resignation as a birthday present.

He quickly called Larry. “Mr. Mitchell, did you get my resignation?”

“I did, but I can’t approve it right now,” Larry replied, his voice kind but firm.

“Why not?” Landon’s heart sank.

The Flying Tiger Sect had all sorts of rules and secrecy agreements, but Landon’s service term had ended ages ago. He should’ve been able to leave by now.

“Mr. Zuckerberg hasn’t reached out to you?” Larry countered.

“No,” Landon replied.

Landon could sense trouble brewing.

Sure enough, Larry continued, “Among the things we seized from the Mystic Sect, there are some clone samples. Joanna needs to bring cloned Porter over to help out.”

Landon’s brow furrowed as he said, “Mr. Mitchell, Joanna’s not with the Zuckerberg family anymore.”

“I know, but we’re hoping the Zuckerberg family can help us get in touch with her. That’s all,” Larry said.

“And my resignation?” Landon pressed.

“You played a crucial role in taking down the Mystic Sect. Let’s wait until everything is completely wrapped up before I approve it,” Larry replied.

Landon felt like he was about to lose it.

‘That stash Monroe left behind? They could be poking at it for a decade, easy! Am I supposed to stick around for another ten years before they finally let me go?’ Landon thought, his frustration boiling over.

“Honey,” Amelia called out, snapping Landon out of his thoughts.

She came in carrying a fruit platter—cantaloupe and watermelon arranged together, with a few blueberries sprinkled on top. It looked so good that it was almost a shame to eat them.

Landon quickly adjusted his expression and smiled at her. “You know, these things are what secretaries are for.”

“But I like it,” Amelia replied with a smile.

Amelia set the fruit platter down and glanced at the desk.

The paperwork was still piled sky-high. Landon looked every bit the overworked boss one had seen in real life.

“Aaron hasn’t come in yet?” Amelia asked.

“Don’t even mention him. That kid is on strike,” Landon grumbled.

Landon was picking at the fruit absentmindedly, clearly distracted.

Amelia picked up on it immediately. “Is something at work bothering you?” she asked.

“It’s just nonstop overtime lately. Of course, I’m stressed,” Landon grumbled. “And Aaron’s not even picking up his phone.”

Amelia couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Every time they left Norava, Aaron was the one stuck holding down the fort.

If even the boss hates working overtime, how can he expect his employees to like it? I feel you, Aaron. Poor guy! Amelia thought.

“Still laughing!” Landon huffed playfully, got up, and shoved a stack of papers into Amelia’s hands. “Your turn!”

Amelia was laughing so hard that her stomach hurt. “Honey, don’t bring your grumpy mood to work. You gotta earn that cash!”

“Hey, you should be pulling overtime, too,” Landon teased, kicking back to enjoy his fruit like a king.

“Alright. You’re the one bringing home the bacon for me to splurge on.”

Amelia threw herself into work, completely oblivious to the melancholy hiding behind Landon’s easygoing smile.

‘Not only are they refusing to sign off on my resignation, but now they’re even trying to play mind games? Those old geezers have no shame!’ Landon thought.

Landon got up. “Honey, I’m heading out to meet a client. Once you’re done, have the chauffeur take you…”

“Alright,” Landon replied.

However, Landon didn’t go to meet a client. Instead, he drove off by himself to see Tuff.

In those days, Tuff’s main gig was spending time with his wife and dropping off and picking up their son from school.

Tuff, his wife, and his son lived together in a big, comfy apartment. Their lives were filled with warmth and happiness.

With Tuff always there for her, Kayla was slowly stepping out of the shadows, finding her way back to being the confident woman she used to be.

With Tuff’s grandmother’s birthday coming up, the trip back to the capital was finally on the agenda.

Kayla was carefully choosing a birthday present for Betty, Tuff’s grandmother.

“Honey, my grandma is super easygoing. Seriously, don’t stress. She’ll be happy with anything you pick,” Tuff reassured her.

“I still want to make sure I get it right. It’s my first time visiting the Prescott family’s home,” Kayla replied.

Kayla wasn’t just picking out a gift for Betty. She was also getting presents for Tuff’s parents and a few of his younger cousins.

Tuff was moved. “Honey, after everything my mom’s put you through…”

“Hey, one can never go wrong with being extra polite. Otherwise, she’ll find something else to pick on me,” Kayla said.

If we can’t be the perfect mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, at least we can keep things peaceful. No need to make Tuff stuck in the middle, thought Kayla.

“Honey, why don’t you meet up with Giovanna and get that scar on your face taken care of while we’re in the capital?” Tuff suggested.

Kayla shot him a sharp look. “What, you think I’m ugly now?”

“No.”

Tuff blinked nervously.

Every time I see that scar, I can’t help but think of the real culprit—me, Tuff thought, guilt gnawing at him.

“Didn’t you and Amy already talk this over? Giovanna already lined up a doctor for you,” Tuff said.

“Alright, I’ll take your words,” Kayla replied, running her fingers over her cheek.

There were only two people in the world who ever minded Kayla’s looks.

One was Tuff, and the other was Jonny.

Jonny still managed to make Kayla uneasy even after dying twice.

Maybe fixing this scar is my way of letting go of the past. Time to leave all those bad memories behind, Kayla thought.

Yet, how was she supposed to say goodbye to the pain that still haunted her body?