Meanwhile, Laura headed back to the villa.

Lina, having just settled her husband, rushed downstairs, her relief palpable upon seeing Laura's return.

"Is he gone?" queried Lina.

Laura affirmed with a nod.

Lina came over and gently embraced her shoulder, “What happened?"

Laura shook her head and uttered, "I don't know! We haven't been in contact lately."

Astute as ever, Lina understood after thinking it over. Edwin was doing this on purpose; he believed that since she was aware, he might as well elucidate things, expecting her to cover for him with her husband and his family.

Dream on!

Lina seethed, consumed by both anger and worry for her daughter. If not for her husband's birthday, she would have hastily sent her back to Duefron.

Laura now had lost all interest reading and abandoned her book.

She ascended the stairs.

Reflecting on the bizarre turn of events, Lina summoned the household servants. She sternly warned them about the incident they had witnessed; knowing her methods, no one dared to utter a word...

With this matter addressed, Lina returned to her room.

Peter lay in peaceful slumber.

At his age, he still wanted to cuddle with Lina when he got drunk.

She couldn't suppress her anger and kicked him annoyingly.

Meanwhile, Edwin drove Olivia home. Mark awaited him in the yard...

Edwin opened the car door and gazed silently at his father.

Mark was standing under the wisteria tree, his figure still as slender as in his youth, with only his hair slightly grayed under the moonlight.

A cigarette hung loosely between his fingers, seemingly forgotten and unsmoked.