Noticing the omission of his name, Darian breathed a sigh of relief.

Jasper's gaze met the policeman standing before him, leaving him in a state of disbelief. Desperate for assistance, he turned to Darian, urgency Lacing his voice as he pleaded, “Dad, say something.”

However, Darian nervously averted his eyes, evading any contact.

The arrogance he once possessed had dissipated, replaced by overwhelming anxiety. He feared that speaking another word might result in the police taking him away. His lips remained tightly sealed.

Witnessing Darian's refusal to help, Jasper felt a profound sense of disappointment engulf him.

He recognized their relationship for what it truly was - a transaction built solely on self-interest, devoid of any genuine family affection.

He should have realized long ago that Darian was nothing more than a profit-driven businessman, incapable of fostering a true bond between himself and his son.

Jasper's glare pierced Darian, accompanied by scolding words, “Didn't you proclaim yourself as the master of the Anderson family? Weren't you the one who claimed to be a father? Why don't you save my mother and me? What kind of a human being are you?"

Even in the face of Jasper's reproach, Darian remained silent, withdrawing into himself. He hunched his shoulders, avoiding any glimpse of Jasper or Sharon.

It wasn't until the police escorted them away, their car slowly fading into the distance, that Darian couldn't hear Jasper's verbal assault anymore. He finally exhaled, relieved to have escaped.

However, as he lifted his head, his eyes met Theodore's meaningful smile.

Fear coursed through Darian's veins, instinctively knowing that Theodore wouldn't let him off so easily. Just as he mustered the courage to speak up and inquire, Theodore shifted his gaze elsewhere, diverting his attention.

“The ceremony goes on."

The priest nodded and commenced the burial of the coffin.

After the ceremony concluded, Theodore bid farewell to the guests, and the guards whisked Darian away to a secret place.

Now, amidst the silence of the cemetery, only Theodore and Ariana remained.

Standing before the tombstone, they fixated on a photograph of a youthful, resplendent woman, an extended silence enveloping them.

Aimee's eyes, shimmering Like summer blooms, captivated Ariana as she ‘looked at the photo.

She couldn't help but notice Theodore's resemblance to Aimee, particularly his striking eyebrows and eyes that mirrored hers.

A wave of sadness washed over Ariana as she sensed Theodore's sorrow.