Initially, out of sentiment for the years they'd spent together, Murray had planned to set Lauren up with some assets on the outside to prevent talk of the Brennans being heartless.

But after the poisoning incident, he rescinded everything.

With these matters settled, Mr. Brennan personally called Rosewood Manor. "If you have time tomorrow," he said to Anastasia, “bring Harrison and come for a proper family dinner. You've been married for so long; it's about time we all sat down together."

The old man's tone was awkward, and Anastasia paused for a moment after he finished.

"...Okay. I'll ask him."

After hanging up, she found Harrison, who readily agreed.

The next day, they arrived at the Brennan estate.

The family had clearly put great effort into the meal. The table was laden with an impressive spread of dishes. Juliet quietly told Anastasia that her grandmother had personally overseen the preparations, hobbling to the kitchen several times on her cane to check on things. In the end, she had even cooked a few of Anastasia's childhood favorites herself, something she hadn't done in years. Anastasia's tastes had changed over the years, but when she sat down and tasted those familiar flavors after so long, a genuine happiness spread through her. She cleaned every plate of the special dishes her grandmother had placed before her.

Since the portions were small, she didn't feel overly full.

The old woman watched her eat with loving eyes, a wide smile on her face. But as she smiled, her eyes began to well up with tears.

Knowing she was thinking of their years of neglect, Anastasia quickly comforted her, telling lighthearted jokes to cheer her up.

Soon, her grandmother was smiling again.

Anastasia sighed in relief. Suddenly, a napkin touched the corner of her mouth. Harrison, sitting beside her, was expertly wiping away a stray crumb.

This was such a common occurrence at Rosewood Manor that she instinctively tilted her chin up to help him. When he was done, she said out of habit, "Thanks, Hubby."

The Brennans stared, slightly taken aback. Juliet, however, puffed out her chest with a sense of superiority. "See? I told you Harrison pampers Anastasia. He takes care of her like this at home all the time you didn't believe me, but now you see it for yourselves!"

Anastasia blushed, realizing her slip.

Harrison, however, remained perfectly composed. "My apologies. It's become a habit."

The Brennans were silent.

Why did that feel... strange? It was almost as if he'd done it on purpose, a subtle mockery of their years of coldness toward Anastasia.

Were they just overthinking it?

Regardless of Harrison's intentions, Murray and the others felt a pang of awkwardness and guilt. At the same time, a weight lifted from their hearts. They hadn't been there for Anastasia when she got married, but it was clear she hadn't married the wrong person.

Mr. Brennan remained silent throughout the meal. It was only after everyone had finished that he seemed to make a decision. Come to my study," he said to Anastasia "There's something I need to tell you."

Before Anastasia could respond, her grandmother, who was still holding her hand, protested, “Whatever it is, can't you say it here? We're all family. There are no outsiders!"

Murray seemed to know what his father wanted to discuss. "Dad, just say it here. Benson, Juliet, and... Harrison don't need to be kept in the dark about this."

Hearing her uncle's words, Anastasia and her brother Benson exchanged curious glances.

What was this all about?

After a moment's pause, the old man nodded in agreement. He chose his words carefully before speaking to Anastasia. "Ana, your mother... she wasn't a Brennan by birth."