Chapter 224

“But Mom always said—“ Vivian began, still clinging to some memories of their mother. Mom always told them never to have anything to do with the Bayer family.

“It’s all in the past now, Vivian. The Bayer family is still Mom’s family. We shouldn’t shut them out. Do you want to come with me?” Sienna asked.

Vivian hesitated for a moment, then nodded, “Okay.”

The Bayer family were strangers to her, with no memories attached, but since Sienna was going, Vivian would follow her anywhere.

“Dad, Sienna’s here,” Josef shouted excitedly as he ran out. When he saw the gentle, sweet-looking girl standing next to Sienna, he did a double take. She looked oddly familiar.

“Josef, this is Vivian. She’s your cousin too,” Sienna introduced.

Josef greeted, “Hi, Vivian,” and Vivian nodded back. The two of them barely knew each other, so their interaction was as awkward as if they were total strangers.

But Josef and Sienna, on the other hand, seemed much more at ease with each other.

“Sienna, if it weren’t for you, Dad wouldn’t have recovered so well,” Josef said gratefully.

“It was the least I could do,” Sienna replied. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about the surgery. A friend of mine just returned from abroad. He’s an excellent doctor, and I’m confident he can ensure the operation’s success.”

“That’s great, Sienna. As long as Dad gets better, that’s all that matters to us,” Josef said, relief clear in his voice.

Sienna handed over several boxes that Selina had left behind. She didn’t know the passwords, but from the names written on them, it was clear they were meant for the Bayer family.

“Thank you, Sienna,” Calvin said as he took the boxes. He entered the password, and the box popped open with ease. The very first thing inside was a letter.

With trembling hands, Calvin opened the envelope and read: “[Calvin, by the time you read this letter, I might already be gone to find him.

I’m sorry, Calvin. My stubbornness ended up hurting not just myself, but all of you, my family. I always blamed you, but only now do I finally realize everything you did for me. Calvin—]”

By the time he finished reading, Calvin was already sobbing, unable to hold back his tears. A lifetime of pent-up emotions finally poured out, and at that moment, everything was forgiven. No one had ever truly been at fault.

“Calvin, I want to go see Jacob. Can Josef come with me? Vivian, these two boxes are for Grandpa and Grandma. Can you take them over to them?” Sienna said.

“Of course, Sienna,” Vivian answered.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Winifred headed to the cafeteria to grab some food. Watching Winifred walk alone, Olivia hesitated for a while before finally mustering up the courage to catch up to her.

“Wan, Winifred,” Olivia called out.

Winifred turned around, her voice icy. “What do you want?”

Olivia was so startled she took two steps back, nervously clenching her fists. “I still owe you 260 thousand dollars. I’ll transfer it to you.”

Only then did Winifred remember Olivia’s doing. Winifred had always let Ryan handle things for her. “No need. Just think of it as me proving you a discount,” Winifred said.

Olivia bit her lip. “No, I have to pay you back. Winifred, thank you for helping me see what kind of person my dad really is.

“He’s been with so many women, and my classmate was just one of them. I shouldn’t have hoped or pinned all my hopes and feelings on someone else like that.”

Chapter 221

Winifred shot Olivia an amused glance, a half-smile tugging at her lips. “Guess you’re not as clueless as I thought.”

“So you knew all along,” Olivia said, hurrying to keep up with Winifred.

Winifred didn’t answer. She picked up her food and sat down in a corner.

Olivia followed and sat across from Winifred. “Winifred, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things about you before, or looked down on you. I really am sorry.”

Olivia’s apology was genuine. She’d been so spoiled and arrogant, always thinking Winifred was some kind of delinquent or a bad girl.

But now Olivia realized Winifred was more real and free-spirited than anyone else she knew.

“Are you done? Then stay away from me,” Winifred’s voice was as icy as ever.

Olivia froze for a second, clutching her plate, then shot to her feet. “Sorry, I’ll go right now,” she stammered.

Winifred’s long hair was carelessly tied back. She spoke offhandedly. “I told you. That’s a discount.”

Olivia paused mid-step, staring down at her food. ‘Did she notice something?’ she wondered.

After the plagiarism scandal, Sylvie had to keep her head down and act as inconspicuously as possible at school every day, afraid of drawing any more attention.

Damn that Winifred, Sylvie thought bitterly. ‘It’s all her fault that I’ve become the target of everyone’s gossip and scorn.’