Chapter 586: Ties That Bind

It was precisely because she had no one to rely on that Yunice refused to tie herself to anyone.

She knew better than anyone: once you entrust someone with your heart and they abandon you, the pain can make you want to die.

She hadn’t said it aloud, but Madam Kyla had been the same. Feeling too deeply was a weakness. If not for protecting Taylor, even she might not have made it through.

That was how Yunice’s father had died back then.

And that was what Yunice feared most.

Promises weighed too heavily–she didn’t want to touch them.

She ended the call, setting the Powell family matters aside for now.

Next up, the Saunders family.

Oscar was finally coming home. As his little sister, shouldn’t she prepare a proper welcome?

After years of leeching off the Saunders family, wasn’t it time Owen and Lily gave something back?

And then there was Elsie–lucky to have died early, maybe, but even in death, her name still smeared Yunice’s reputation. That, Yunice couldn’t accept. Even with a new identity, she refused to let her father’s daughter be remembered in disgrace.

Resting her chin on her hand, Yunice flipped the hourglass beside her and let out a cold laugh.

Did they think Elsie’s death erased all debts?

Dream on.

Things needed to get even messier for the Saunders family. Owen wanted to seize the family’s private assets?

She wouldn’t let him have his way.

Ever since that disastrous wedding and the scandal surrounding Oscar and Elsie’s murder case, the Saunders family had gone quiet.

They were living under a microscope. Owen had been hiding at home, and apart from Peggy dragging him into a mountain of debt, nothing else had stirred.

But Owen knew the family’s reputation was in ruins. He couldn’t bear to stay in Silverburgh any longer.

That’s when Lily knocked and came in, looking somber. “You’ve seen the updates on Oscar’s case, have you? I heard once the final ruling is in, he’ll be released without charges.”

Owen quickly covered the papers on his desk.

Lily gave a knowing glance. “Don’t bother hiding it–I know it’s the hospital land contract.”

Caught, Owen flushed and looked away.

“Sell it now,” Lily advised calmly.

He feigned hesitation. “Mom, Dad’s will includes Yunice and Oscar in the estate division. If I make the decision alone…”

Wouldn’t that be a little much?

Lily raised her eyes, expression unreadable. “If you want me to play the villain, then I’ll be blunt.”

Owen relaxed, releasing the breath he’d been holding.

Lily smirked. Of course he was waiting for her to take the fall.

It was clear to everyone: Oscar’s imprisonment had done the family no good. But his release wouldn’t help them either.

He and Yunice had long stopped seeing themselves as part of the Saunders clan. They wouldn’t lift a finger for the family’s sake.

The hospital couldn’t function anymore–staff had quit, salaries couldn’t be paid, and the business was circling the drain. If they didn’t sell now, it would go bankrupt.

If they waited for Oscar’s release, he’d claim his share–and help Yunice claim hers too.

That would leave Owen with barely anything.

And after all, he believed that being the one to “provide for the family” meant he deserved the lion’s share.

Lily said coldly, “Yunice isn’t even part of this family anymore. Her share should go to us. As for Oscar… he’s already been gone ten years. What’s a few more?”

Owen’s eyes widened. He wasn’t sure what Lily was planning, but she seemed more ruthless than he’d imagined.

Her proposal was shocking. “The hospital, and this house–we can sell them both. They’re worth quite a bit. Once we cash out, we’ll go abroad and start fresh. If we make it big, we can always come back.”

Owen was stunned. “Mom, isn’t this a bit extreme?”

The Saunders family had lived in Silverburgh for generations. He had never even considered leaving the city.

But Lily was decisive. “Without the hospital, what future do you have here? What work can you do? Paul’s in no position to help you. Yunice and Oscar are circling like vultures to snatch everything away.”

She glanced at the door, adding pointedly, “And let’s not forget that leech Peggy, just waiting to bleed you dry.”

“If we don’t leave,” she warned, “we’ll be left with nothing.”

Owen frowned deeply, turning it all over in his mind.

When had everything fallen apart?

Once, his life had seemed charmed, smooth sailing.

Now, he was surrounded by enemies–and the only person left to rely on… was his mother.