“Winnie?” Jacinta tensed up when she heard Winnie’s voice coming from behind. She immediately turned around and said, “When did you get home? I didn’t hear you come in at all! You nearly gave me a heart attack there!”

Jacinta had actually ended that call long before Winnie got home and was deliberately putting up an act for the latter now.

“What are you doing?” Winnie asked as she stared at the strings on the bed. “I made quite a lot of noise when opening the door, but you were too focused that you didn’t hear me.”

Jacinta pointed at the bundles of cash that she had tied up. “I was busy counting the money I withdrew from the bank earlier. I’m tying them into bundles so it’ll be easier for Rach and her father to distribute them. They’re very busy people, so I wanted to make things easier for them.”

Sitting down beside her grandmother, Winnie said, “If Mr. Zimmerman would find this difficult, then you’re probably asking the wrong people for help. Besides, we don’t know much about the situation in the village. Not everyone is equally poor, so I think it’s best if you let Mr. Zimmerman decide how he’ll distribute the money.”

Jacinta froze. “What? Does this mean my efforts were in vain?”

“Not at all! It’s easier to manage the cash when it’s tied up in neat bundles. By the way, did you know that you’re my greatest role model when it comes to charity? You adopted my mom and took great care of me for so many years. You looked after us even though we weren’t connected to you by blood. I’ve always aspired to become as kind as you, Granny!” Winnie replied with a smile.

She then wrapped her arms around Jacinta’s and nuzzled against the older woman’s shoulder like she did when she was younger.

Jacinta shot her a glance and patted her on the head.

“You’re a good girl, Winnie. Seeing you all grown up and successful makes me really proud, but…”

She paused halfway through her sentence.

Curious as to what Jacinta was going to say, Winnie looked up at her and asked, “But what, Granny?”

Jacinta frowned deeply as she replied, “Of all the men you could’ve picked, why did it have to be Xavier? He’s not a good man.”

“Granny…” Winnie let out a huge sigh and let go of Jacinta’s arm. “Why do you hate Xavier so much? He’s not a bad person! How about you tell me what exactly you hate about him? List it all out, and I’ll have him change accordingly.”

“Winnie, are you picking a fight with me right now? There are some things that I can’t quite explain, okay? I just feel that you two aren’t suitable for each other!” Jacinta exclaimed with a frown when she noticed Winnie losing her patience.

Displeased with Jacinta’s unreasonable behavior, Winnie stood up and said firmly, “Xavier and I are a married couple, and nothing is going to change that fact. You may not think he’s the right one for me, but I believe he is. He has always treated you with the utmost respect, so I think you should try to accept him. Putting aside all the things he has done for me, let’s talk about what he has done for you instead. Remember when he suffered from memory loss? He couldn’t even remember me at the time. He had tons of stuff to take care of after regaining his memories, and yet, he never forgot about you. He even offered to help you look for your grandson! Meanwhile, I’ve been so busy that I nearly forgot about that. All I’m asking is for you to give him a fair chance, Granny. He’s now my husband, and you are one of the most important people in my life. I would really appreciate it if you could treat him a little better. You’ll just make things difficult for me if you keep hating on him.”

This wasn’t the first time Jacinta had objected to Winnie’s relationship with Xavier, but it was the first time Winnie had stood her ground so firmly.

Jacinta was well aware of how savage Winnie was toward outsiders, but the latter had always been an obedient granddaughter at home.

This time, however, a wedge had clearly been driven between them.

Winnie knew what she said was a little over the line, but there was no way to take it all back. That was especially the case as everything she said was true.

in a much gentler tone, “Please

of silence, Jacinta stood up and said, “Winnie, tell Xavier

are you doing this because you’re mad

to begin with. Given how our attempts to search for him have been fruitless after so long, I’d say the chances of us finding him

you sure you want to give up now? Now that Xavier is helping you, you don’t

matter. It’s clear that fate does not want me to reunite with my grandson, so I shall give up

so convincing

don’t object to my relationship with Xavier anymore?” Winnie

Xavier, but I know you’re a tough and capable woman. Even if he does end up hurting you, I have faith that you’ll be able to rise stronger than before. You can count on me to always be on your side, Winnie. Instead of objecting to your relationship, I hereby give

a hug. “Xavier, too, wishes to

Xavier must’ve been pretty upset when I expressed my dislike for him, huh? Have him come over for dinner someday. I’ll apologize to him

be necessary, Granny. He can’t possibly accept an apology from an elder like you. I’m just glad you’re okay with him now!” Winnie said with

“Then go tell him to stop looking for my

Winnie respected her decision. “All right.

with a

stop the search,

already figured out her grandson’s true identity after reorganizing some of the memories

know Xavier has been onto me since the fire at the Fairchild residence. On top of that, he probably found out about me withdrawing money from the bank as well. Xavier might discover my secretive past if he continues the investigation. That would definitely spell disaster for me. I don’t think Winnie has ever suspected me,

that night, Winnie followed Jacinta’s instructions and

Xavier found Jacinta’s sudden invitation a little unusual, her behavior toward him hadn’t changed all that

cold attitude around him, which was considered normal for

with Dumbo because she’s genuinely trying to change, or is she simply putting up a convincing act to

wasn’t sure about Jacinta’s intentions, he didn’t dare let his guard down and continued

as far as checking her call history

that, three days

house, but it came as no surprise since he already knew about

would be seeing Michael and

to travel by plane, Michael and Rachel were originally going to take a flight home. However, their flight got canceled due to bad weather,

ferry ride was

all of that information with the help of his assistant, so he wasn’t the slightest bit surprised when

shocked when she

she got a call from Jacinta

Xander and I have a

Rach know when I see her later. They know you’re busy, so I’m sure

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

Comments ()

0/255