I had no time to think too much. I got out of the car first and hurried to the window of the car in front.

In the back seat, Edmund was on the phone, arranging work details. His sharp, cold facial lines made me instinctively pause my hand that was about to knock on the window.

Sensing my presence, he did not even lift his head. He only slightly raised his chin toward the driver's seat to signal.

A person who looked like an assistant got out and walked over to me. "Miss, based on what just happened, this is entirely your responsibility."

I was about to respond when my phone rang again. "Miss Elliott, your mother has been rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Please come as quickly as you can!"

Hearing this, my heart jolted. Even though my mother had never treated me well, I still hoped she could stay in this world with me for one more day.

In a rush, I pulled out paper and a pen from my bag, wrote down my number, and handed it to the assistant. "All repair costs, please confirm and call me afterward. I will take full responsibility and never shirk it. But I really have to leave right now. My mother is in emergency surgery at the hospital. Please make an exception."

The assistant hesitated for a moment. Seeing the unmistakable anxiety on my face, he finally nodded in agreement.

I thanked him quickly and turned to leave.

At that moment, Edmund had also finished handling his work inside the car.

He looked up and, through the window, caught sight of my departing figure. For an instant, he froze.

Eight years ago, that long-buried memory suddenly came alive in his mind.

The girl's silhouette overlapped for a split second with the woman hurrying away in front of him.

"Mr. Holt, we've already discussed it. She takes full responsibility. But she was in a hurry to get to the hospital, so she left her contact information and asked us to reach out after assessing the damage."

After the assistant finished his respectful report, he noticed Edmund's grave expression. A moment later, he asked again. "Or should we call the police to handle..."

"No need." Edmund came back to his senses and interrupted the assistant. "You don't need to handle it anymore. Give me the contact information. I will deal with it myself."

The assistant was puzzled but still agreed.

I rushed to Central Hospital at the fastest speed possible. The light above the operating room was already on. I sat alone on the bench outside, filled with anxiety and unease.

It was not until the surgery was nearly over that my father and Colton finally hurried in.

My father passed by me with a cold face, as if I were nothing more than air. He did not ask a single question about my mother's condition.

I had long grown used to his indifference. I only found it strange. Since he did not care about my mother or me, why had he come at all?

Colton stood beside me. Seeing my worried expression, he spoke in a flat tone. "Don't worry."

Remembering how he had described his feelings toward me back at home, those words now felt even more laden with pity.

I tugged at the corner of my mouth. I had no desire to accept his pity.

The three of us waited in silence like that, separated by the widest distance in the world.

Finally, the light above the emergency room went out.

Colton and my father immediately rushed over.

I thought they still held some concern for my mother. But before any relief could show on my face, their concerned words interrupted everything.

"Shirley, how are you? Are you tired?"

"Shirley, why is your face so pale? Did you not have time to eat anything today?"

Hearing those familiar terms of endearment, my heart skipped.

Then the doctor slowly removed his mask. A face that resembled mine by seventy percent, yet softer and more delicate, appeared.

It was Shirley!

Eight years apart, and she shone even more brilliantly than before. Even in a white coat, her graceful figure could not be hidden.

My father gently stroked Shirley's head, his tone full of indulgence. "Look at how exhausted you are. I had someone stew soup. It's being kept warm in the car. I'll have it brought to you right away."

Colton's gaze never left her for a moment. In his eyes was the deep affection I had once longed for.

I watched the three of them together in perfect harmony and gave a self-mocking laugh.

In the end, my mother and I had never been worth mentioning in front of Shirley.

They had only come for her.

I abruptly interrupted their eager conversation. "Doctor, how is my mother?"

At that, Shirley's gaze finally fell on me, carrying the pity and superiority of someone looking down from above. "I'm sorry. I did my best. She has already passed away."

Before I could shed a tear, my father had already stepped forward to hold Shirley's hand. "It's not your fault, Shirley. You did wonderfully. She simply wasn't fortunate enough."

Colton also spoke softly in agreement from the side. "Derek is right, Shirley. You must not feel guilty over this."

Big tears fell one after another. Suddenly, a surge of courage rose in me. I coldly questioned my father. "Dad, have you ever cared about my mother in your heart? Even just a little?"

My father snorted coldly. He could not even be bothered to glance at me. Instead, he turned to Colton and said, "Colton, take Shirley back to rest. And about the divorce, hurry it up. I don't want to wrong Shirley. As her father, I want to give her the grandest wedding, so she can marry in splendor."

Colton smiled brightly. "Of course. Shirley is the love of my life. I would never let her suffer."

In the vast corridor, only I grieved for my mother's death.

I saw through my father's heartless indifference and no longer held any expectations toward him.

The Elliot house felt even quieter than before.

My father had long since built another family outside. Not long after I got married, my mother drank too much one night and fell down the stairs. She ended up bedridden for years and later developed heart disease.

At first he would send token amounts for her care. Later he claimed the company was struggling and stopped sending anything at all.

My mother used to be one of the most admired beauties in the capital. But marriage wore her down. For the sake of a man who never loved her, she forced herself into becoming the bitter, jealous woman people whispered about.

I refused to become a second version of her.

With that thought I quickly finished sorting through my mother's belongings, then went to retrieve the jewelry locked inside the safe in my old room.

"Jonathan, my mother passed away. I'm also about to finalize the divorce from Colton. I need money for the funeral arrangements, and I need these pieces to restart my career. Please help me arrange the auction as soon as possible."

Jonathan expressed his condolences about my mother's death, then promised with confidence that he would get me top prices and bring my name back into the spotlight.

After hanging up, I returned to the Walton villa and began packing again, determined to leave as quickly as possible.

Colton saw me dragging the suitcase downstairs and his brows furrowed slightly. "I know your mother just passed away. You're in a bad state right now."

His tone carried a condescending generosity. "I can delay the paperwork a few more days. You can keep staying in the…"

"No need." I cut him off, walked up to him, took out my identification, and slapped it onto the coffee table. "We're doing it now."

Colton looked completely stunned. He clearly hadn't expected me to be so resolute.

He stared into my eyes, searching for any sign of pettiness or bluff. When he realized I was serious, an inexplicable irritation rose in his chest. "Fine. Whatever you want."

When we walked out of the city hall, Colton actually spoke first for once. "Where are you going? I'll drive you."

"No thanks." I ignored the dark look on his face after being rejected, turned, and flagged down a taxi by the roadside.

Right then my phone rang. An unfamiliar number.

I answered. A deep, magnetic male voice came through. "Miss Elliott, this is Edmund Holt. The owner of the car you rear-ended last time."

I suddenly remembered the matter still hadn't been settled and hurried to apologize. "Mr. Holt, I'm really sorry about last time, I…"

"You don't need to apologize. I don't blame you at all. I just wanted to ask if you're free right now. We could discuss the damage assessment for the car."

He interrupted me gently. His voice carried a soothing quality that made me feel strangely steady.

"I'm free. Just tell me the repair cost, then give me your account number and I'll transfer the money."

There were two seconds of silence on the other end before he spoke again, still in that warm tone. "I think, to be fair, the assessment should be done together in person. It's the proper way."

His firm tone left no room for refusal.

When I arrived at the agreed-upon auto shop, I immediately saw the two people I least wanted to encounter.

Shirley was holding Colton's arm. The two of them stood beside a Porsche, discussing interior color options.

I felt a wave of disgust and intended to pretend I hadn't seen them, but Colton spotted me first. "Mira Elliott, are you following me?"

His opening words were an accusation. Shirley chimed in right away. "Mira, I know it's hard for you to accept right now, but Colton has already divorced you. Please stop clinging to him, okay? I suggest you don't copy your mother's obsessive tactics. Otherwise Colton will only end up despising you the way Dad does."

The mention of my mother ignited fury inside me instantly.

If it hadn't been for Shirley and her mother back then, how could my gentle, dignified mother have been forced into becoming a paranoid, resentful woman!

I rushed forward and slapped Shirley hard across the face.

Shirley stumbled from the force and delicately fell into Colton's arms.

Colton was distressed. He wrapped her protectively in his embrace and shouted at me. "Mira, that's enough! Apologize!"

I ignored him and stared straight at Shirley, enunciating every word. "You want to steal Derek and Colton? Go ahead. But if you ever disrespect my mother again, it won't be just a slap."

Colton froze for a moment. Looking at my stubborn, pale face, his anger gradually subsided and a trace of guilt crept in. "Fine. You've made your scene and hit her. Isn't that enough? Don't you still have your mother's funeral to arrange? Go back already. Stop following me."

I gave a cold laugh and was about to speak when a mocking voice sounded from behind. "Your mother-in-law just passed away, and you're already out shopping for cars with your lover. I've truly never seen anyone so shameless."

I turned around in shock. It was Edmund Holt.

He strode over, his tall frame completely shielding me behind him. "Besides, Miss Elliott is here to meet me. Sir, you should not flatter yourself."

Being mocked so bluntly made Colton's face burn. Seeing Edmund standing protectively beside me only made the sight more grating.

He looked at me, malice practically spilling from his eyes. "I misjudged you completely. The moment you're divorced you're already throwing yourself at another man. Utterly shameless."

I met his gaze and returned the mockery coldly. "Right back at you."

Colton choked on my words, his expression growing even uglier.

When Edmund heard the word "divorced," a subtle change flickered through his lowered eyes.

Eight years ago, a near-fatal accident abroad had nearly taken his life.

After barely returning from the brink of death, the first news he received was that Mira had married into the Walton family.

The Waltons held considerable power, and Colton wasn't a terrible person, so Edmund had always believed Mira lived a happy life.

He could only bury those feelings from their youth deep in his heart and silently wish her well.

But now, he suddenly had the chance to start over.

"Mr. Holt? Mr. Holt!" I felt uncomfortable under his intense gaze and called out loudly. Only then did Edmund snap back, realizing he had lost composure.

"Sorry. Let's go." Edmund took my hand and led me away. Colton watched us leave, practically shaking with rage.

Shirley squeezed his hand to comfort him. "Colton, don't get yourself upset. My sister has always been this unruly. Otherwise why would no one ever like her?"

Colton looked at Shirley and finally calmed down.

Still, he couldn't shake the strange feeling. Why on earth was he so angry over an ex-wife who he never loved?

Only after stepping out of the auto shop did I realize my hand was still being held by Edmund Holt.

"Mr. Holt, thank you for helping me out back there." I quietly slipped my hand free.

"You're very welcome. Let's head to the coffee shop next door to discuss things." Edmund held the door open for me like a gentleman and ordered hot drinks.

"I just overheard the shop staff talking to you about the repairs. The cost has been settled, right?" I took a sip of coffee, wanting to wrap this up quickly.

Edmund waved it off casually. "It's not much money. I'll have my assistant handle the rest. I can cover the expenses myself."

I shook my head immediately. "That won't do. This was entirely my fault. No matter the amount, I have to be the one to compensate. Otherwise I won't feel right..."

"Miss Elliott, really, there's no need to worry about it." Edmund gave a faint smile. His deep eyes seemed ready to pull me in at any moment. "I heard from my assistant that you were rushing to the hospital that day because your mother was in critical condition. But earlier I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Your mother..." He paused, his tone growing heavier. "My condolences. I hope you take good care of yourself and find a way through the pain soon."

His solemn and respectful demeanor made my eyes sting. He was the first person to show me genuine concern since my mother's passing.

I lowered my head, not wanting him to see my moment of weakness.

When I spoke again, I no longer dwelled on the money. "Thank you. Thank you for letting me leave that day, and for your kind words today."

For a second I thought I imagined it, but a trace of heartache seemed to flash through Edmund's eyes.

Suddenly Edmund pulled me toward him. Caught off guard, I fell into his arms.

The next instant came the sharp sound of a glass shattering nearby.

A server carrying hot water had slipped behind me and nearly collided straight into my back.

Edmund steadied me, then quickly released his hold. "Are you all right?"

I shook my head and thanked him again.

Until the moment we parted that day, Edmund kept reassuring me gently, urging me to find peace about my mother's passing.

I watched his lips move and suddenly understood what it truly meant to let go. My heart felt clearer than ever.

My mother's funeral was kept very simple.

The farewell hall was almost empty. Aside from the staff, only a handful of people attended, leaving the space vast and cold.

Colton arrived dressed entirely in black, a white flower pinned to his chest, faint red marks still visible on his neck.

Halfway through the service, his phone rang.

I recognized the ringtone immediately. It was the special one he had set for Shirley.

He answered quickly. Even from a distance I could hear Shirley's soft, sweet voice. "Colton, don't tire yourself out. I made soup for you. Come back soon and drink it."

Colton murmured back to her in low tones, occasionally glancing my way with obvious conflict and hesitation in his eyes.

But soon he walked over. "Mira, something urgent came up at the company. I have to go."

I didn't bother looking at him. My gaze stayed fixed on my mother's photo, where she still looked radiant, untouched by the erosion of marriage.

When I gave no response, Colton stood there a moment longer before hurrying away.

Near the end of the service, my father finally appeared.

He tossed a bunch of white chrysanthemums onto the table in front and walked off quickly, as though they were something unclean.

As he passed me, he paused just long enough to hiss a warning. "I'm telling you ahead of time. Your mother deserved what she got. If you try to use this to make trouble for Shirley or ruin her wedding, you and I are finished."

I had thought I was beyond crying over Father's words, but in the end the tears came anyway.

A handkerchief carrying the faint scent of cedar appeared in front of me. I looked up. It was Edmund.

After I returned home last time, Edmund had messaged me saying that since fate had brought us together, he wanted to attend my mother's funeral.

I hadn't wanted the service to feel too lonely, so I agreed.

But I never expected he would be the one who stayed with me until the very end.

After everything was settled, I returned to the Walton house, dragged my suitcase, and prepared to leave.

Claire found me and pressed a bank card into my hand. "Mira, in the end the Walton family owes you. There's five million here. Consider it my compensation."

I looked at her face, shadowed with guilt, and gently pushed the card back. "Claire, I appreciate the gesture, but I won't take the money. From now on I just want to live my own life."

By refusing everything from the Walton family, I could finally sever the past completely. From this moment on, Mira Elliott would be only Mira Elliott.

With that thought I stepped out of the Walton house.

Right at the entrance, a car screeched to a stop in front of me.

Colton had just come back from Shirley's place. When he saw me with the suitcase, sudden panic flashed across his face. "Mira, where are you going?"

He stepped forward, reaching for my hand, but I dodged it. He could only offer a guilty explanation. "I'm really sorry about the funeral. Shirley was waiting for me, and I didn't want to hurt you, so I used the company as an excuse."

If this had been the old me, I might have softened and given in. But now, facing him, I felt only cold indifference. "No need to explain. Colton, we're already divorced. Your life has nothing to do with me anymore."