If I hold onto it, I fear he might retaliate."

Sylvia grew even more perplexed.

Eventually, she accepted the watch with a sigh. “If you encounter any challenges in the future, don't hesitate to reach out to me."

Melissa's nose twitched, and she nodded before slowly making her way out.

As she departed, she couldn't resist glancing back at the spot where she had experienced several sweetest days in her life with the man she loved.

The memory of Marcus would remain etched in her heart.

Melissa exited the hotel, feeling lost with no destination in mind.

As she stood there in a daze, a woman emerged from a blue taxi and called out upon spotting Melissa.

Turning around, Melissa recognized Ryan's mother, Merry Jenkins.

Merry, who had also been Melissa's adoptive mother, regarded her with resentment, though she refrained from causing a scene in public.

Eventually, they convened at a modest restaurant.

The table was sticky, and the teacup lacked cleanliness, but neither really had any interest in eating anything anyway.

Merry got straight to the point, stating, "Ryan's health is fragile, and he requires care. His father and I would be at ease if you stay by his side and looked after him."

Melissa remained silent, her complexion pallid.

Observing Melissa's silence, Merry couldn't contain her frustration.

"Melissa, did you hear what I just told you? If we hadn't taken you in, where would you be today? Understand this, you're bound to the Jenkins family as a servant for your entire life. You can't abandon Ryan to pursue ties with Marcus."

Merry sneered. “I bet you've made quite a fortune sleeping with Marcus lately. Hand it over. We're going to upgrade to a Larger house for Ryan. Consider the money well spent."

"I don't possess any money.

Merry, you adopted me, and I've already settled the debt with that $800, 000.

Regarding Ryan, there's no love from my side."