Mark, considering his sonâs desire for privacy, raised no objections.
Post holidays, the house filled with festive goods and specialties.
The butler and servants loaded these into Edwinâs car.
Mark then beckoned Laura to his study.
Nervously, Laura followed.
Inside, Mark smiled gently.
âYouâre not afraid of me now, are you?â
He paused, then tenderly touched her head, just like in her childhood.
Laura obediently entered the study, closing the door behind her.
Inside, Mark poured tea, filling the room with its aroma.
Laura sat opposite him, visibly tense.
Mark observed his niece, remarking, âPeter and Lina have taken good care of you!â
Laura responded with a quiet âhmâ and after a moment, added, âBack then.
.
I understand.
â
Mark could only muster a wry smile.
He lit a cigarette, holding it without smoking, his gaze distant, lost in thought.
By the time he returned to the moment, the cigarette had burned halfway.
He softly said, âIn the end, we still end up as family.
â
Looking at Laura, he remarked, âEdwin is quite fond of you.
Heâs stubborn, just like me.
He wouldnât have brought you here if he didnât truly care.
â
Laura listened in silence.
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Mark then opened a drawer, revealing neatly arranged items: two property deeds, a jewelry box, and a bankbook.
He explained gently, âThese apartments are in Duefron and Czanch, both prime locations.
Thereâs also two hundred million in this account.
Think of this as my welcoming gift for you.
And thisâ¦â
He opened the jewelry box to reveal a ruby set, its deep red hues rare and exquisite.
Mark spoke softly.
âCecilia received this from Rena.
She adores it and only wears it on important occasions, but when Edwin brought you home, she said it would suit a young girl like you better.
â
Laura sniffed quietly.
Sensing her turmoil, Mark stood and gently patted her back, his voice kind.
âCecilia doesnât hate you or anything like that.
Sheâs just too shy to give this to you herself.
â