Chapter 884: Chapter 883
Eunice glanced at Bard with a sense of urgency in her eyes.
Bard, realizing the futility of further secrecy, laid bare the truth.
It was only then that Kenneth and Louisa learned that their beloved daughter had endured hardships in the so-called "triangular zone" long ago, narrowly escaping death before emerging as the renowned Boss.
Tears welled up in their eyes in unison.
"She’s been back for so long, never once mentioned it." Louisa wiped away her tears, her voice laden with heartache, "She was just a child when she went to that dreadful place."
The helplessness she must have felt, the despair.
Her skills, honed in such harsh conditions.
No wonder she always seemed as cold as ice.
Having danced with the Grim Reaper for so long, witnessed the darkest sides of humanity, and still grown into such a fine person with unshakable principles. it was nothing short of miraculous!
"We only knew of the hardships she faced with the Murphys; we had no idea the extent of her suffering was even greater than we imagined," Kenneth said, tears streaming down his face despite his efforts to wipe them away.
Louisa was similarly distressed, covering her face with her hands as she sobbed, "I knew she was sensible, kind, and clever, but I never imagined that every one of her virtues was hard-won."
she bore was a testament to her blood and tears, known only to her.
"There, there, Rose didn’t tell you because she didn’t want you to worry or feel guilty," Eunice soothed, patting Louisa’s back gently, "She didn’t even tell me. If it weren’t for a twist of fate that led Bard to ask about her, which in turn led him to tell me, I’d be just as in the dark as you are."
She, too, had only learned of Rose’s other identity through Bard.
Such a child, having faced so much difficulty from such a young age, was truly heartbreaking.
"I’ve failed her so badly." Louisa couldn’t stop thinking about her daughter enduring hardships while Serena lived a life of luxury with the Collins family. It was as if her heart was being pierced by countless
blades, the pain nearly suffocating her.
Just then, the sound of an airplane grew from a distant hum to a nearby roar.
Eunice looked up, "Looks like Mom and Dad have arrived. Dry your eyes; we don’t want them getting upset seeing you like this."
Eunice helped Louisa dab away her tears. To Louisa, Eunice was like an elder sister, always there to care for her.
Despite her efforts, Louisa’s tears refused to stop. She fought to calm herself, taking deep breaths until finally managing a smile.
The plane slowed to a halt on the runway, and the door opened. Darren, holding his wife Belinda’s hand, stepped out, both looking dignified yet visibly aged.
Their somber presence could be felt even from a distance.
"Mom, Dad."
Smiling, the group greeted them and climbed the stairs to welcome the elderly pair.
Darren and Belinda managed smiles, but it was clear they were forced, their faces etched with sorrow and humility.
"We’ve been looking forward to seeing you." Louisa stepped forward to hug her father, then her mother.
Sharp-eyed Belinda noticed right away, "Have you been crying? Is it because of Serena?"
Before coming to Reflections Villa, Eunice had briefed them on Serena’s actions. They had been shocked to the core, fainting from the emotional overload. Once recovered, they had dressed and made their way here.
As tears welled up in Louisa’s eyes again, she quickly reached up to wipe them away. "Why bring her up? I’m just heartbroken over Rose’s situation."
She revealed the truth about Rose being the leader of Mafia Flame, and the grandparents couldn’t believe that their granddaughter was someone so significant.
It was a reputation hard-earned through blood and tears.
All those loyal people following her showed how she was worthy of their love and respect.
Their granddaughter was truly remarkable.
It was heart-wrenching.
The grandparents silently wiped away their tears, proud and yet just as pained for their
granddaughter’s plight as Louisa.
"Where has she gone? Why don’t I see her?" Belinda scanned the room, not spotting her beloved granddaughter.
If she wasn’t busy, she would have definitely been here to greet them.
"She’s on her way back from overseas, should be here in a few hours. Let’s go inside to talk," Louisa suggested, taking coats from the servants and helping her mother and father put them on.
Eunice wrapped the scarves she had prepared around their necks.
The weather was getting colder, and they linked arms with the elders, guiding them into the main house where a fireplace warmed the room.
Darren, having weathered many storms over the years, sipped his tea before asking, "What’s to be done about that child?"
Louisa knew he was referring to Serena and glanced at her sister-in-law.
Eunice nodded, encouraging her to speak. Louisa began, "Mom, Dad, you’ve already heard about her character from my sister-in-law, but what I’m about to tell you might be too much to bear. I hope you’re
prepared."
"Could there be anything worse?"
Belinda had been shocked and furious upon learning of the child’s actions the day before, and now,judging by her daughter’s expression, there seemed to be more severe issues they were unaware of.
Louisa signaled to a servant, who immediately went to fetch the family doctor to wait in the nearby parlor.
Once the doctor was on standby, Louisa played the security footage that Rose had sent. It showed Martha’s people kidnapping Rosemary, Serena not only refusing to help but also wanting to carve words into Rosemary’s face, making her kneel and beg.
Darren couldn’t handle the shock. He clutched his chest, gasping for air, visibly shaken.
Was this the Serena he knew?
No, she didn’t carry the Collins name; she was the child of Erik and Martha.
And the three of them dared to bully Rose.
"Dad, take it easy. Breathe deeply." Louisa quickly patted his back.
Belinda was too outraged to form a complete sentence, "She actually, actually."
"Mom?" Eunice hadn’t expected her mother to faint from the overwhelming emotions, and she called out, "Doctor, quickly!"
Several doctors rushed from the parlor, medical kits in hand.
"How could she become like this." Darren’s vision went dark as he collapsed.
Had Eunice not caught him in time, he would have hit the floor.
Kenneth and Bard laid them out on the sofas, thankfully spacious enough for them to lie flat.