Jessie, however, didn't see it that way.

She had already decided to divide the remaining funds. Twenty million was set aside for her mother's retirement. It was a non-negotiable reserve.

The rest, she planned to invest in her dream of opening a studio.

Gifted with languages and musical talents, she aimed to teach children.

As the evening unfolded, it brought with it a chill that seeped into the bones.

Moonlight streamed into the living room, giving it a chilly glow.

Jessie flicked on the light and saw Lettie still hadn't gone to her room, curled up on the couch, half-asleep. Jessie couldn't resist asking, “Mom, why not head to your room for some sleep?"

Startled awake, Lettie blinked back to awareness.

"I was waiting up for you," she confessed.

Lettie, with her sharp sense of smell, noticed a hint of alcohol on Jessie and questioned, "Have you been drinking? How did you get home?"

Jessie hesitated before lying, "Melissa had Marcus drop me off."

“That was very nice of her." Lettie sighed in relief.

Just then, Melissa called to check if Jessie made it back safely.

Worried Melissa might let something slip, Jessie ended the call quickly with a few mumbled words.

Lettie, ever observant, picked up on Jessie's subdued tone, sensing something was off.

"Did something happen tonight?" she probed.

A memory flashed in Lettie's mind about the morning news — the wife of the Waston Group's president had died, and the company's headquarters were moving to Duefron. Could it mean Albert was in Duefron?

"Jessie, be honest with me. Did you run into Albert?"

Jessie was torn.

She didn't want to keep it a secret, yet the thought of upsetting her mother held her back. Plus, her relationship with Albert was over.