Return of the Crowned Heiress

Chapter 489

The mountain was steep, and climbing it at noon during the hottest part of the day was exhausting.

Felicia knew better than to rush to the top all at once. She paused periodically to rest, buying water from vending machines along the way and taking a few sips before continuing.

She had to admit that those who were well–trained were definitely different. Stanley was doing remarkably well. Despite the grueling climb, he wasn’t even out of breath. At one point, he found a sturdy tree branch and offered it to Felicia as a hiking stick.

She declined the offer.

She had never stopped training and strengthening her physical abilities. Her endurance had improved greatly, and climbing a mountain like this posed no real challenge.

By the time they reached the summit, a refreshing breeze swept over them.

Felicia first headed to the location of the old tower. The towering structure stood silently, its surface marked by the passage of time yet still majestic regardless.

A little further ahead stood the ancient tree, lush and full of life. Its branches were adorned with countless red ribbons and small wooden plaques, their varying shades a testament to how long they had been there. The plaques swayed in the wind, producing a crisp, melodious sound.

“Do you see that plaque at the very top? Help me take it

something specific. Without hesitation, he leaped up, using the tree branch in his hand to dislodge the plaque,

had helped Carmen hang all those years ago. The handwriting, delicate and neat, had

how Carmen had carefully shielded the plaque with her hand as she wrote with

wishes on

single wish was for

happy every day and

less hardship and that

everything will always

she read the last row of

for yourself, you silly girl?”

fingers over the faded handwriting, a mix of sorrow and guilt washing over her. These emotions churned within her, leaving her heart aching unbearably each time she thought

eyes briefly, then pulled out a small knife and carved a line of words on the back of the wooden plaque. With a quick toss, the plaque landed firmly on the highest and most visible branch of

back into her pocket

to ask but didn’t dare