Chapter 901

When Keira first learned that Jace had entered the Carthusian monastery, she didn't understand. She even thought he was doing it for Abbot Levinsky or because he had become disillusioned with life after the family turmoil. Only now did she realize he knew his time was limited. He had gone there to spend the remainder of his days in peace.

Jace lived his life with pride and abandon. He had stood at the pinnacle, admired by all, and had also fallen from grace when love led him astray. He had once gone to extremes to win her back and later turned against his own brother to protect her. His life was brief—only a third as long as others’—but it burned brightly, full of passion and color.

No matter how much it hurt, no matter how much she missed him, he was gone. When Gavin arrived and learned of Jace’s passing, tears streamed down his face. Then, in a sudden outburst, he slapped himself twice. “It’s all my fault. How could I not have noticed something was wrong with him?”

“Yesterday, he called me,” Gavin choked out, his voice thick with emotion. “He gave me instructions about a few things and asked me to come see him today.” Even to Gavin, he hadn’t mentioned a word about leaving. He didn’t want anyone to worry about him. Not even Keira.

He left no letters for her, no lingering words. Perhaps when he decided to go, he had already let go of her, of their shared past. Or maybe, he didn’t want to leave her with anything that could become a burden. This version of Jace, considerate and detached, was so different from the one she had known. He had forcibly exited her world, and now, the world itself.

No matter how much she grieved or longed for him… They followed his wishes. He was cremated, and his ashes were laid to rest in the mountains and forests, where he could be among the flowers, trees, and birdsong he so loved.

A month after his passing, Keira’s courtyard was finally ready. She named it Ethereal Essence—just as Jace had suggested.

Chapter 901

She invited Lena and the others to come, to drink tea and chat. Laughter filled the air, but there was one seat conspicuously empty. She left the first cup of tea untouched. It was for him.

“Congratulations, President Kay!” Gavin arrived with his usual warm energy. Aside from his congratulations, he brought something unexpected: the vast fortune Jace had left for her.

“These were arranged by Mr. Johnston before his passing,” Gavin explained, presenting the documents. “This includes his Swiss bank accounts, funds invested under your name, and properties. Everything is here.”

Gavin added, “He told me to assure you that all of this money is clean. It has no connection to the Johnston family or Wayne. It’s purely the result of his own investments and management.” Jace had once mentioned this to Keira, but she had refused at the time. Now, she was even more resolute.

“I don’t want it,” she said firmly. “Donate everything under his name.” Gavin wasn’t surprised—he knew her character well. He sighed, his voice tinged with guilt. “It’s my fault. If it weren’t for me, Mr. Johnston might not have met his end like this. You two might have been happy together.”

He still blamed himself for the night he took her to that house, believing he was the reason Jace and Keira drifted apart. “It wasn’t your fault,” Keira reassured him. “It was our fate to only share part of the journey. We weren’t meant to walk this entire life together.”

Gavin nodded, though he still seemed troubled. After a moment, he said, “President Kay, when you get married, make sure to let me know. Mr. Johnston left you a wedding gift. It’s something he prepared long ago, but it can only be given to you on your wedding day.”

His words caught her off guard. “I can’t receive it unless I’m married?” “That’s correct,” Gavin said with a faint smile. “It was Mr. Johnston’s arrangement. His one regret must not be ignored.”

Gavin was a man of integrity and loyalty, which was why Jace had entrusted everything to him. His insistence on respecting Jace’s wishes left her with no choice but to agree.

As the courtyard filled with warm chatter, a loud, sharp voice suddenly interrupted. “Who’s the boss here? How could you not tell me?”

Chapter 901

Everyone turned to see a figure striding in confidently. Lena’s eyes lit up, and she burst into laughter. “Here comes the chaos!” And just like that, the mood lifted, laughter spilling over once again, even as the memory of Jace lingered quietly in the background, like a gentle breeze passing through Ethereal Essence.