Chapter 726 (+25 Bonus)

Jaina felt a deep grievance, an indescribable mix of hurt and sorrow. Holding the frail woman before her, all the injustices Ethel had endured surged forth like a river breaking a dam. This was her mother—someone she had never dared to dream she would embrace again in this lifetime.

After a moment, Jacob and Albert stepped forward. Following a heartfelt reunion, both men wept, while Ethel clung tightly to Jaina's hand. In Jaina's memory, her little girl had been seven; now, she was twenty-five.

The images in Jaina's memories sharpened, but her recollections of her mother remained vivid and youthful. Ethel had been so full of life, her voice so loud that neighbors could hear her scolding. Now, she could barely speak without gasping for breath.

Violet and Carissa watched from outside, dabbing their eyes as they listened to the family's tearful reminiscences. They felt both touched and saddened.

It turned out Jacob had always been a caring brother, and their weak mother had been a force of nature. Jaina had been a mischievous child, much like Violet and Carissa had been at Meadow Ridge.

Carissa received her appointment letter. She barely glanced at it before expressing gratitude; Derek had come in person to announce the edict. Clearly, the court session hadn't ended. This meant Salvador had used his influence to elevate her to commander of the Mystic Army.

Derek wanted to speak with her privately, but Carissa arranged for refreshments, wishing to stay a little longer before leaving.

Violet was right—family reunions were both beautiful and heart-wrenching, stirring profound emotion. She wiped her tears and watched Ethel hold Jaina tightly.

Carissa felt a pang of envy. She would never again be cradled by her mother in that way.

Turning, she saw Helen standing behind her, tears streaming down her face. Gillian stood beside her, trying to help wipe them away. The elderly woman was also sobbing softly.

Helen's heart softened at the sight of her daughter-in-law's tears. She beckoned Carissa. "Come here!"

Carissa wiped her tears and stepped forward, allowing Helen to embrace her. "From now on, I'll be your mother."

Carissa was touched but didn't dare move; she was half a head taller. Since Helen held her head down and affectionately ruffled her hair, Carissa bent slightly, leaning against her mother-in-law to prevent Helen from standing on tiptoe. Standing on tiptoe had always felt awkward; she'd feared falling.

"Mr. Walker is still waiting, Mother. I'll be back shortly," Carissa said softly.

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Helen released Carissa, tears glistening in her eyes. She cradled Carissa's cheek, marveling at her delicate skin. It was almost as beautiful as her own had been, making Carissa even more precious.

"Rafael has good taste," she murmured. "Go on, then. I want to watch them a little longer. Isn't this more touching than a play?"

Violet moved closer, nudging Carissa away. Her voice choked with emotion, she said, "Go on, Cari. I'll stay with Lady Helen. Just let me lean on your shoulder a moment. My heart is both touched and heavy. This family shouldn't have been torn apart. Eighteen years of separation—years, not days—it's so painful."

"Who can argue with that?" Helen said, embracing Violet and inadvertently pushing Gillian aside.

Carissa glanced around the room. Jacob and his family had dried their tears. Jaina knelt, bowing to Albert and Ethel.

A sharp pang struck Carissa's heart. She remembered returning from Meadow Ridge after learning of her father's and brothers' deaths. She had knelt before her mother and sisters-in-law in the same way.

The past loomed vividly. She'd thought losing her father and brothers the worst imaginable. Little did she know that later, even her mother, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews would be slaughtered.

How could she settle for a life confined to the inner household? The situation in Fawnrun City remained unresolved, and her maternal grandfather and uncles were still in danger. Carissa truly wanted to be the Mystic Army's commander.