Marcus pondered whether he had grown too lenient on Melissa upon his return and if concerns about her still lingered.

It became evident that the reality unfolded beyond Marcus' sight.

Gazing at Melissa one final time, Marcus concluded that their chapter had reached its end.

Marcus departed in silence.

On the opposite side of the street, Melissa forcefully disengaged from Ryan.

Ryan fixed a pained gaze on Melissa, revealing, "My parents were fatally struck by a car. Melissa, don't you feel any remorse? We're now parentless."

Taking a step back, Melissa recalled the letter and diary she had received that day, along with Merry's assault and threats. Despite Merry being her adoptive mother, Melissa felt no sorrow.

In fact, she was relieved.

Unaware of the truth, Ryan remained in the dark. With Merry's passing, the fact that Melissa was a love child of the Smith family was a secret now known to no one in the world.

A subtle smile graced Melissa's Lips.

Enraged, Ryan exclaimed, “My mother was correct. You're utterly ungrateful. I've grossly misjudged you. I intended to look after you for the sake of my parents, but your heartlessness has caught me off guard. Let's be clear- we'll evenly divide the funeral expenses for Mom and Dad."

Melissa, composed, inquired, "I can cover the expenses. However, what about the house in our hometown? Am I entitled to a share?"

Ryan's gaze bore into her.

After a prolonged silence, he uttered softly, “Are you out of your mind? I can't fathom why you'd covet the house they left behind. I'm their sole heir. Do you genuinely believe you deserve a portion of that property?"

"In that case, I won't contribute to the funeral expenses. Moreover, we have no ties."

With those words, Melissa pivoted and walked away.

Initially, Ryan considered catching up with Melissa, but then he concluded that since she wouldn't comply, she was no longer useful, and he saw no reason to engage with her. Having amassed considerable wealth recently and having a house in his hometown, he could be deemed quite successful.

Melissa was abandoned by Marcus.

In Ryan's eyes, she appeared as nothing more than a spiteful woman.

In a fit of anger, Ryan spat and stormed away.