Myra muttered to herself for a long time before going to the kitchen to bake some of Kayla's favorite cakes. After packing everything—two large suitcases of clothes, two large bags of snacks, and several cakes and cookies—she summoned a bodyguard. "Take these to the sanatorium," she instructed, "and ensure Mr. Fuller and Mr. Sebastian remain unaware." "Yes, Mrs. Fuller," he replied, nodding.
After the bodyguard departed, Myra addressed the maid: "No one is to mention this."
The Fuller family had suffered catastrophic losses while protecting Kayla. The company's stock plummeted, key executives were poached, confidential information leaked, and competitors secured major contracts. Bad news followed relentlessly. Worst of all, their reputation lay in ruins. Once the wealthiest family, they had fallen from the top fifty. Dexter and Sebastian worked tirelessly to stabilize the company's decline, making Myra's secret efforts to support Kayla even more necessary. The maids remained silent.
As Myra sank onto the sofa, a heavy emptiness enveloped her. Deep sadness filled her heart. While other families celebrated New Year's, the Fullers were devoid of festive cheer. The influx of gifts from previous years had ceased, and former friends kept their distance.
Sebastian's return interrupted her melancholy. "Did you find Felicia? What did she say?" she asked urgently.
He pursed his lips. "She's not returning."
Myra's temper ignited. "I'm her mother! I hit her in anger—that's all. Does she really need to hold such a grudge?" He remained silent.
"What exactly did she say? Tell me her words," she pressed.
He paused, fatigue etched on his brow. "She said she's no longer part of the Fuller family, and we shouldn't seek her out again."
"Heartless!" Myra's eyes burned with anger. "How can a mother and daughter remain estranged? How dare she reject me! I haven't even blamed her! She exposed our private affairs, manipulated Mina, and brought in reporters, turning our family scandal into public spectacle. If not for her, would we be suffering this much? I'm trying to forgive her, but she holds onto this grudge! Fine! Let her stay away forever!"
Her outburst failed to alleviate her frustration. She thought of Kayla's gentle, obedient, filial nature.
Meanwhile, at the sanatorium, Felicia sat with Kayla. After brushing off Sebastian, Felicia received a call from the sanatorium. Kayla wished to see her. After considering it, Felicia decided to visit.