After hanging up the phone, Victoria was seized by another violent coughing fit. She grabbed a few tissues to cover her mouth, knowing deep down that her days were numbered.

This time, the coughing felt as if it would pull the very air from her lungs. Erica brought her a glass of warm water and noticed the bloodstain on the white tissue in her hand.

"Madam, have some water," Erica urged, her voice tinged with concern. The sight of the blood was shocking, even to her, but Tina remained unbothered, as though she had grown used to it. Calmly, she wiped the blood away, tossed the tissue into the trash, and showed no emotion on her face.

After taking a sip of warm water, Tina's heart was still ice-cold. "Erica, what day is it today?"

"Madam, Christmas just passed. Didn't you watch Ms. Aurora's livestream about her perfume a few days ago?" Erica reminded her gently.

From a young age, Victoria had always had an excellent memory-a trait inherited from her family. The women of her lineage were born exceptional, with sharper minds and stronger memories than most.

How could she forget something as simple as the date? It was a sign of her worsening health, a decline that seemed to accelerate with each passing day.

"Oh, that's right. How could I forget so quickly?" Tina chuckled softly to herself. She picked up her tablet and opened videos featuring Aurora.

"Look at this child. She's incredible," Tina said, her voice tinged with pride. Erica already knew the truth and didn't bother concealing it anymore.

"Madam, how could your daughter not be incredible? Everyone's praising her new sales model, and the reviews for her perfume are glowing. Speaking of which..." Erica hesitated, as if something had just come to mind.

"What is it?" Tina looked at her suspiciously.

Erica retrieved a carefully wrapped box. Inside was a custom-made bottle of perfume, accompanied by a handwritten card.

"Merry Christmas, Mom!"

striking handwriting was unmistakable. Tears blurred Tina's vision as she

she still acknowledges me as her

others-strong, untouchable, and commanding-now sitting on the edge of her bed,

Aurora is clever. She didn't sign the card because she

like a normal person," Tina murmured, her gaze fixed on the screen playing Aurora's videos.

the proud legacy of the R family's exceptional genes. Madam, you were always meant

a bitter laugh. "On the surface, it looks glamorous, but if I had the choice, I'd have rather been born into an ordinary family. I just wanted to live as a simple

understand," Erica replied, fully aware of why Tina had urgently summoned John Walsh

was-someone who could

for so many years. You know

loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Yes, I called him back because I'm afraid he

that you..." Erica was stunned. She had always thought that the events with the Montgomery family

her voice soft. "I've seen everything he's done for me. I

to give him hope in the first place. That's why I kept pushing

I was the one who sent him away. I didn't want him to see me like this-so frail, so weak.

me.

him. I miss him so much it's driving me mad. I know I'm selfish,

of her blanket, tears streaming silently down her face. This was the most

length-not because she didn't care, but because she didn't want to hurt

ached for her. She leaned forward and embraced Tina. "Madam, you've done nothing wrong. Not a single thing. I believe that Mr. Walsh wants to

rest of your days together in

waited for you to return. No matter

for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! You pushed him away, hoping he'd find someone else, build a happy family, and free himself

So why keep

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