Mary was on the cusp of her 80th birthday, a milestone that seemed both monumental and just another day in her long life of ups and downs.

She had lived through storms and even stirred up a few herself.

Reaching this age, she was as crafty and sharp as they come.

Mary had a knack for playing her family like a chessboard, always staying several moves ahead.

From manipulating the press to force Maddox and Jennifer to adopt Leanne, to orchestrating moral dilemmas that led to Leanne's marriage to Curtis, Mary was always in control.

it was Leanne, the adopted granddaughter from outside

with her usual mix of stubbornness and evasion, but in front

that belied her usual demeanor. "How was your day out? Did Curtis feed you

leaving Mary's outstretched hand hanging

tears, Leanne confronted her, "What really happened to my parents? Please don't lie to me

talk about that. Can't things go back to how they were, with me doting

harsh word could ever be. As she tried to hold back her tears, they broke through, streaming down her

man who kidnapped us... I never forgot the mark on his hand. Hanley was the one who killed my

The truth hovered before Leanne, fragile as a thin sheet of paper, piercing it through felt

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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