Chapter 34
When did Harrison get here? Cold sweat trickled down Diana’s forehead as her words stuck in her throat. She’d only tried to block Gwyneth’s mother from getting an honored place in the family memorial hall. She never meant to mess with the Lopez family.
The Jenkins family stood there, stunned into silence. Quentin was the first to find his voice. “Oh, what brings our esteemed Harrison here! We’re completely unprepared for your visit
“You blocked my mother–in–law’s way without any preparations. Harrison’s eyebrow arched coldly, a frosty glint in his eyes. “If you were prepared. would you dare block me too?”
Quentin’s face drained of color as he shoved Diana aside. “Stop blocking us. Gwyneth’s mother was my first wife. If her photo doesn’t belong in the memorial hall, then whose does–yours?”
Diana’s eyes reddened with anger. She covered her face and ran off
Quentin quickly put on a flattering smile, urgently gesturing for Gwyneth to carry the photo inside.
This sudden change in attitude made Gwyneth feel a pang of bitterness. What a despicable mant Such a guy caused Mom so much pain all those years—she deserved so much better?
wave of sadness washed over her, but she felt a gentle pressure on her shoulder. Harrison’s calm voice broke through. “I checked–the timing is perfect. Let’s take your mom’s photo into the memorial hall now.”
Harrison gently guided Gwyneth into the memorial hall. She glanced back and noticed his wrinkled suit–clear proof he’d rushed here to support her. She smiled and carried the photo frame inside. Thank you, Harrison
Harrison watched as she carefully placed the photo, feeling a bit more at ease. Clyde murmured nearby. “The office keeps calling.” “Let’s go.” Harrison turned and left immediately, his expression hurried. It seemed his only purpose here had been to help Gwyneth.
Quentin Jenkins watched shrewdly–if Harrison was this invested in Gwyneth, exploiting that connection could bring the Jenkins family advantages
The heavy doors of the memorial hall clanged shut. Harrison was long gone, and Gwyneth was left alone, praying for her mother
As the rest of the family filed out. Gwyneth sat in solemn silence. After what felt like an eternity, a flicker of flame burst from the shadows. Before she could react, the fire roared toward her. She threw up her arms instinctively to shield herself.
Her arms throbbed with pain. She screamed and scrambled backward as the entire hall was engulfed in flames, the fire spreading with terrifying speed. She murmured, “The photo-
“Gwennie” Zachary’s voice cut through the chaos from the side door. Before Gwyneth could reach for her mother’s photo, he grabbed her arm and yanked her toward the eat. “It’s too dangerous! We have to get out of here now,”
“No My mother’s photo is still in there.
“Are you kidding me! At a time like this, you’re worried about some stupid photo?”
During his time in Jorucity, Zachary had uncovered the truth Gwyneth was no orphan; she was the daughter of the Jenkins family. Her return to Joracity wasn’t about abandoning him—it was about going home.
He had come to talk to her after hearing that she was bringing her mother’s photo into the hall, only to find the place engulfed in flames. “Your life is what matter, Zachary shouted, dragging her away with all his strengt
