Chapter 991

Leona arrived at the Hell Monarch Estate and saw Dominic and Cindy. Overwhelmed with emotion, she rushed to greet them. Dominic and Cindy instinctively glanced outside, a fleeting moment of disappointment crossing their faces before resuming their composure.

Cindy smiled, taking Leona's hands. "Why are you crying, silly girl? Aren't you happy to see your grandfather safe and sound?"

"I am happy I'm just too happy," Leona replied, tears streaming down her face.

Dominic looked at his granddaughter, his heart aching at the hardships she had endured. "Leona, come sit down and let me have a good look at you."

Hearing his concern, and remembering her mother's indifference, Leona felt a pang of sorrow. Tears flowed anew. "Grandpa, I'm fine. I have Carissa to help me. Everything's good."

Dominic glanced at Carissa, his heart filled with sorrow at her suffering and selfless care for her cousin. "I'm glad you can take care of each other. Keep it up," he said.

"Yes, Grandpa," Carissa and Leona replied in unison.

The cousins exchanged a look, briefly suppressing their sadness at their impending separation, and forced smiles.

As they chatted, Dominic seemed hesitant to speak something on his mind. Cindy noticed. "Leona, where's your mother? Why didn't she come with you?"

Just as Leona began to answer, Rafael entered with Jeremiah and Trevor. Dominic rose to greet them. "Mr. Murray, Mr. Young, it's been a long time. How have you both been?"

Trevor had barely replied when Jeremiah abruptly turned and walked out. Everyone froze. Rafael started to follow, but Jeremiah returned, hands behind his back. He spoke in a raspy, slightly nasal voice, "General Sullivan, I apologize for my rudeness."

Carissa, Cindy, and Leona excused themselves, leaving the men to speak privately. Jeremiah's eyes were red-rimmed, tears barely held back.

An hour later, Rafael emerged. Carissa intercepted him in the side hall. "Why aren't you with them?"

Rafael's brow furrowed, his eyes shadowed. "They were talking about the past. I didn't have much to add, so I sent someone for snacks."

"Then why do you look upset?" Carissa asked, noting his somber mood.

"It's not that I'm upset," Rafael said softly, shaking his head. "It's just hard to hear them talk about old times. After all these years, despite regrets, their lives have been fulfilling. Only Grandfather sees only a road paved with coffins when he looks back…"

His voice trailed off, heavy with unspoken grief. He understood the burden of glory and wounds carried by military families like the Sullivans and Sinclairs.

"I shouldn't have said that," Rafael added, noticing Carissa's distress. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Carissa leaned against him, lost in thought, recalling her own battlefield determination. "Everyone dies eventually. I think they had no regrets," she said.

Rafael looked up, his gaze steady. "You're right. Once you step onto the battlefield, you've made a choice. They had no regrets, and neither do we."

Their hands clasped tightly, their eyes filled with resolve. The road ahead might be difficult, but facing it together made them fearless.