"If Absolon had been willing to marry you back then, I would never have taken such drastic measures, forcing you to marry into Northam." Terry looked resigned. "Daughter, our family's standing in society is important. Do you truly wish to...

"Dad, if you hadn't made me marry a man with chronic health issues, would I have been bullied so? You have no idea how I've managed all these years. My in-laws don't accept me, Northam's society won't tolerate me, and even my husband is distant, likely being unfaithful. I've suffered so much... "

As she spoke, Alivia covered her mouth, sobbing bitterly, as if she had been severely wronged.

Terry was utterly at a loss, never knowing how to respond to these grievances.

"Why do you have to bring up such painful memories for our daughter?" Lydia glared at her husband. “Our daughter has finally found some peace. Shouldn't we, as her parents, support her?"

"And how am I supposed to support her? Are you saying you'd approve if she wanted to marry Absolon?" Terry was exasperated.

Lydia suddenly stood up. "Why not? Our daughter is so outstanding, beautiful, and gentle. Why shouldn't she be with Absolon?"

Alivia's eyes lit up instantly, and she rushed into her mother's embrace. "Mom, I knew you'd support me."

Terry's face changed dramatically, pointing at Alivia, unable to utter a word for a long time.Knowing she was in the wrong, Alivia knelt down in a gesture of deep respect.

"Dad, I truly love him. My feelings haven't changed all these years. I've wasted so much time already. Do I have to waste more time finding someone I don't love?"

Terry staggered back, nearly falling.

Alivia crawled over, looking at her father with tear-filled eyes.

After a long silence, Terry finally waved his hand. "Fine, fine, do whatever you want."

Alivia was overjoyed, immediately getting up to share the good news with her friends, but she felt it was too soon to talk about it since nothing was settled yet.

She decided to keep her feelings hidden for the time being.

Later, she called for the butler.

The butler reported that the people he had hired could no longer be contacted, likely having taken the money and fled.

"And what about that wretched woman, Joselyn? How is she doing?"

Alivia asked coldly.

The butler hesitated, finally saying, "Miss, I'll investigate right away."

Alivia waved her hand impatiently. "No need. That fool is probably crying in some corner, stupid enough to challenge me.

Just wait for her downfall!"

But her fantasies were soon shattered.

The next afternoon, Joselyn showed up at her door with Lilah and Miranda.