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

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

his nonsense. He's just looking for trouble out of boredom," Mary said, trying to reach out to Leanne with a warmth that belied her usual demeanor. "How was your day out? Did Curtis feed you too much?

outstretched hand hanging and her smile

confronted her, "What really happened to my parents? Please don't

eyes, too, reddened with a mix of love and guilt, "Darling, let's not talk about that. Can't things

affection felt more painful than any harsh word could ever be. As she tried to hold back her tears,

who kidnapped us... I never forgot the

truth hovered before Leanne, fragile as a thin sheet of paper, piercing

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

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