Chapter 147

"He's Severin? I thought he just got out of prison. Is he that rich already?" Maryam frowned. The surreal situation made her wonder if she was dreaming.

Stanley said, "That's him, all right. He caused a big scene at the hotel during Easton's wedding!"

Maryam was speechless, despite her reservations.

Catherine, remembering she needed Severin's help with Liberty City, said to Diane, "Diane, you're back! Shouldn't you introduce your… companion?"

Years had passed since Diane's expulsion. While she felt her grandmother had overstepped, she couldn't say she hated the old woman. Her drunken encounter with Severin—a consequence of her running away to avoid marrying Edward—left her feeling responsible for the Shanahan family's tarnished reputation.

Diane forced a smile. "Grandma, this is Severin. His mother, Judith, and father, Maurice."

"Hello, ma'am!"

"Hey there, Grandma!"

Severin and his parents greeted the old woman warmly.

Diane then introduced William, Stanley, and the others to Severin and his family.

The old woman smiled. "Diane, I think I went too far. Kicking you out while pregnant… I crossed a line. I hope you can forgive me. The Shanahan home will always be open to you. Please visit often."

Diane was surprised by the apology. Her grandmother's effort warranted forgiveness.

She forced a smile. "I was wrong, too. My stubbornness disgraced the Shanahans. I can't hold onto anger, Grandma. You're still my grandmother."

"Hmph. At least you admit you disgraced the family!" Maryam muttered, arms crossed.

The old woman's face soured. "Maryam, perhaps you should return to your villa. I need to speak with Diane and the others." Maryam, though upset, forced a smile and left.

Once Maryam was gone, the old woman looked at Severin. "You're Severin? No wonder Diane fell for you. You're handsome, and I hear you're a skilled doctor. Not so useless after all!"

"Thank you, ma'am. Not useless, indeed," Severin replied with a faint smile.

Judith and Maurice exchanged knowing glances. They understood the old woman's veiled dissatisfaction with their son, despite her apparent forgiveness.

(The final two lines, including the advertising and website information, were removed as they were unrelated to the text's narrative and appeared to be promotional material.)