Cecilia tenderly kissed her cheek, and then, holding her hand, they strolled in the garden, with Edwin trailing. He suddenly announced, "I want to stay in Duefron to finish high school."

Cecilia was taken aback by Edwin's declaration.

"You can discuss it with your dad later. If he's okay with it, so am I," she responded, smiling and affectionately ruffling Edwin's hair.

He nodded in agreement.

Edwin, mature for his age, had his unique way of thinking, which Cecilia respected.

Rena often said that among the children, Edwin was most like his uncle Waylen, while Leonel strangely resembled Mark a lot in character even though they weren't even related by blood. Marcus shared Rena's easygoing nature.

Olivia and Elva, on the other hand, seemed to inherit more traits from Cecilia herself.

As she pondered this, Mark and Waylen emerged into the bright afternoon sunlight, both looking splendid.

Cecilia stood to greet them, and Mark tenderly touched her head, his eyes filled with warmth.

Pulling Cecilia aside, Waylen shared a few words with her and then made to leave. Cecilia's curiosity piqued.

"Where's Rena?"

Taking a long drag from his cigarette, Waylen replied with a half-smile, "She's mentoring a young one."

He was actually talking about Kyle's son, Albert, from Heron.

He was such a free spirit, only ever listening to Rena.

Over the past two years, Albert had been under Rena's guidance, honing his temperament and capabilities.

His training was nearing its completion, and he was due to return to take over his family business, the Moore Group, in Heron. Waylen wanted to celebrate so bad, yet he hesitated, not wanting to disturb Rena.

His life as her husband sometimes left him feeling morose, a sentiment he chose not to share with Cecilia.

Cecilia, not delving too deeply, simply nodded, understanding the challenges Rena faced with the many children, including Leonel.

Waylen offered a gentle smile, waved farewell, and drove off in his black Maybach.

Left in contemplation Cecilia was interrupted by Mark's gentle query.