Chapter 218: Chapter 226

“Exactly! Just look at how this funeral has become the talk of the town. Old Mr. Sorelle indeed hadn’t doted on you for nothing.”

A humble grin spread across Joseline’s face as she lay in Hanson’s embrace.

“This is the least I can do for Grandpa. I only hope he can rest in peace.”

That had always been her forte—to put on a filial act so flawlessly when the situation called for it.

Nevertheless, Angeline was not even mentioned throughout their entire exchange.

As Hanson watched Joseline’s pretentious behavior, a wave of disgust assailed his heart. “I’ll head over there to help out. You can keep our relatives company.

“Sure.”

With a smile playing on her lips, Joseline wore her usual look of a considerate wife as she suggested, “Hanson, you must be tired after helping me for so long. Why don’t you go rest up for a bit in the lounge first? I’ve got this covered.”

“Mm.”

Hanson shot the woman a meaningful glance and could not help scoffing inwardly.

Joseline must’ve spent a lot of effort to get her hands on Sorelle Group. To think that she’d hold such a grand funeral for her grandpa—she must be desperate to show the world how dutiful she is.

At the thought of that, Hanson unwittingly caught a glimpse of Angeline not far away among the crowd.

There the woman was, holding the hands of a boy and a girl on each side, seemingly trying to keep a low profile.

Hanson could not help but feel sorry. He then paced steadily toward Angeline.

At that point in time, Angeline was in a dilemma after hearing Floretta’s bizarre question.

“Look, Angel, that’s Old Mr. Sorelle’s photo right there. But why haven’t I seen him anywhere? We’re celebrating his birthday, are we not? Why’s everyone crying?”

Floretta looked up at Angeline, her big, round eyes shining with puzzlement.

As Angeline listened to the little girl’s words, tears began to well up in her eyes once more. She turned to the side and silently wiped them away.

Sebastian hastily grabbed Floretta’s tiny hand and anxiously gestured for the girl to zip her mouth.

The latter merely tilted her head, looking even more curious than ever. “Can’t I ask that?”

Angeline composed herself and wheeled around before patiently explaining the matter to the little girl, “It’s not that, Floretta. Do you see the crystal coffin over there? Grandpa will be staying inside it from now on. He’s gone to a very beautiful place, so we’re here today to say our goodbyes.”

“Oh.” Floretta seemed pretty dejected. “Then, will I be able to see him again in the future?”

“Definitely. I’m sure he’ll be back to visit all of us,” comforted Angeline gently, but she was all choked up deep down.

After all, she did not have the heart to tell Floretta the hard truth, so she said those words to console herself as well.

All of a sudden, Sebastian reached out to hug both of them. Even though he did not utter a word, he was patting their shoulders very lightly the whole time.

Angeline could tell that he was just as sad as they were and was glad that he was able to feel that way.

Right at that moment, a warm, male voice rang out. “Why didn’t you guys come over to the front?”

That voice brought Angeline back to her senses. She lifted her head and landed her gaze on the man. At once, her eyes turned chilly.

“Hello, Mr. Yiurk.”

Bitterness washed over Hanson when he heard the way Angeline addressed him. “Actually, Angeline, you don’t have to be so formal with me.”

“Sorry, but we’re not that close.”

Angeline sounded frosty. She was polite yet distant at the same time.

As Hanson eyed the woman, it seemed like he wanted to get something off his chest. Still, he held back his words in the end. All he did was offer a reminder.

“This section is for guests. Family members are to be gathered in front. You’re also one of the granddaughters, so you shouldn’t be sitting here. Was this Joseline’s arrangement?”

“Who else would it be if not that wife of yours?” mocked Angeline as expected.

That mockery only served to leave a sullen look on Hanson’s face. Outraged, the man went through the roof.

“What right does she have to do this? Come with me, all of you!”

“Forget it.” Angeline seemed rather indifferent as if she did not actually care at all. “I did come late with Sebastian and Floretta. Besides, we’re only here to mourn Grandpa, not to be bothered by these cumbersome customs.”

Her words struck Hanson with guilt. Helpless, he apologized, “I’m sorry that you had to go through all this.”

Angeline did not offer a response to that. He seems to have changed. He used to be so confident in the past, but now, there’s always some sort of sorrow in his eyes. Well, it’s none of my business.

She then shifted her line of sight to the sparkling lighting all over the place. Without conscious thought, she curled her lips into a sneer, and a snort escaped her.

When Wilfred was still alive, Joseline had not even bothered to get him a caregiver.

At last, she got what she had been wishing for when Wilfred finally went six feet under, only to pull such a fancy funeral for the deceased.

Worst of all, those relatives who attended the funeral that day had never been close to Wilfred. They had not even bothered to visit Wilfred when he was on his deathbed. The only thing they had ever cared about was how they could profit from the Sorelle family.

Yet, Angeline could see they were busy weeping crocodile tears. They sure know when to put on a show.

Just who are they fooling? What a joke!

With Sebastian and Floretta by her side, Angeline approached the mourning hall to put down the condolence flowers and pay her last respects.

After that, she was all ready to leave with the kids, for she did not want to spare another minute being around those pretentious beings. Just when the trio reached the exit, they were stopped by the attorney who had been commissioned by Wilfred before his death.

“Ms. Sorelle, we’ll be announcing the distribution of Sorelle Group’s assets. According to the law, you ought to stay for the hearing.”

Angeline instinctively frowned. In truth, she had no inclination of getting anything whatsoever from Sorelle Group, not even the company shares. Even so, she did not want to put the attorney in a tough spot either.

“Okay. Thank you.”

Left with no choice, she took the children and waited in a corner.

“Please come in, sir.”

Joseline’s eyes lit up the second the attorney came into sight. It was as clear as day that she had been longing for that moment for ages. Of course, she would be excited.

She quickly ordered her assistant, “Hurry up and get him a seat!”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to trouble yourself.”

The attorney turned her down nonchalantly. Standing at the center of the hall, he enunciated the instructions written on the document in his hands, “I hereby relay Old Mr. Sorelle’s will and declare that Ms. Joseline will have full authority over Sorelle Group from now on. If anyone has doubts, you may check this transfer agreement right here.”

During the interim, Joseline looked no different than an obedient student as she waited for the announcement to be made. Only after hearing the attorney’s statement did she feel a great sense of relief.

My dream has finally come true!

“Thank you so much for your help.”

Joseline was sure fast to express her gratitude. She then started to tear up as she added, “Rest assured.

I won’t let Grandpa down.”

As soon as she dropped that remark, the crowd gave a round of applause. No matter how dissatisfied the relatives were, there was nothing they could do except muster a smile.