Ethan’s death had caused rifts, even though the killer confessed and Sadie was uninvolved. Bill deliberately excluded Sadie, bringing only my mother. Seeing him carefully supporting her, I felt sorry for him; his situation was tragic. After years of spoiling Sadie, he would soon learn she wasn't his daughter, and that Monica had always loved another man, constantly plotting to seize Bill's wealth. His real daughter, Zoey, had died long ago. Retribution wasn't absent, but its time hadn't yet come. When that moment arrived, the wrongs of these years would catch up with Bill, and he would pay for everything.

Not long after Bill left the car, Sadie arrived uninvited, causing him a headache. "What are you doing here? Aren't you done causing trouble? You don't belong here."

Sadie feigned meekness. "Dad, I know I was wrong. I won't act rashly again. I'm just scared you might reject me. I didn't come for Ashley."

Bill snorted, then inquired about her hand injury. Seeing Sadie's increased obedience, my plan to leak news of the Hudsons' gathering seemed to have worked. I hoped she wouldn't ruin it.

I looked away and helped my mother leave. "Let's go, Mom."

My mother was too tired to care about their father-daughter drama; she'd seen it all before. Lately, she spent her days resting, and a walk helped her mood. She wasn't bothered by Sadie's appearance. Little did she know, it was all part of my plan.

Around the garden corner, Nicholas emerged from behind the rockery. He watched my mother from afar, his eyes filled with longing and sympathy, softly calling, "Philippa."

"W-why are you here?" My mother instinctively stepped back.

I intervened, "Mom, Nicholas just wants to talk for a moment. I'll keep an eye on Bill for you."

Nicholas stopped a few steps away. She felt uneasy but couldn't resist the warmth in his gaze.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

I stepped back and called Damian over. "Damian, I need you to do something for me."

"Of course, Mrs. Zoey."

I whispered, "I want to let Sadie know that Anna is pregnant with Luke's child."