Chapter 1059:
The funeral of Lucilla’s daughter was conducted with great respect and solemnity at the most prestigious cemetery in Crolens, fully organized by Rylie.
Selah could easily perceive an unspoken distance slowly growing between Rylie and Lucilla.
Rylie took her place at the dining table, discussing the funeral arrangements with the others, her voice clear enough for Lucilla to hear. The rest remained silent, exchanging only glances as they patiently awaited Lucilla’s response. Rylie asked politely, “Lucilla, is there anything you want to change or add?”
The plan was impeccable, leaving Lucilla with nothing to criticize; she could feel the careful thought Rylie had poured into every detail. Her voice hoarse from tears, she nodded and whispered, “Thank you, sweetheart.”
The moment the word “sweetheart” escaped her lips, Lucilla froze, her eyes instinctively seeking Rylie’s.
After a brief pause, Rylie dug into her bag and retrieved a bank card, a key, and the meticulously prepared funeral plan, pushing them gently across the table toward Lucilla. “I’ve purchased a villa for you on the hillside, with all property fees fully covered for the next fifty years.”
Lucilla’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you trying to push me away?”
Rylie’s lips tightened as she spoke. “I’ve seen how much better you’ve been. It struck me the morning you woke up early to prepare breakfast for everyone.”
At that time, she had genuinely believed they could rely on one another—mother and daughter in every way but blood—healing their past scars together.
𝗗𝗈𝗇’𝘁 𝗆i𝗌𝘴 𝗻e𝘸 𝘳𝘦𝘭еa𝗌𝗲𝘀 о𝗇 𝗴𝖺𝗅𝗻o𝗏e𝗹𝘴.со𝘮
“The house is near the cemetery, just a thirty-minute drive away, making it easy for you to visit whenever you wish. And this card contains thirty million.” Rylie gently tapped the bank card, her voice quiet and measured. “This is what I can provide for your daughter, and for you.”
Lucilla’s gaze lingered on the slender card and the cold metal key. A heavy silence settled over the room. Even the faintest clatter of utensils against plates seemed to vanish.
Selah opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end, she let out a slow, weary sigh and turned her gaze away.
“Do you honestly believe a house and a sum of money could ever make up for it?” Lucilla’s voice came out dry and coarse, like gravel. Gradually, she raised her eyes to meet Rylie’s, her gaze hauntingly sharp yet filled with sorrow.
“No,” Rylie responded promptly, her tone calm and unwavering. She met Lucilla’s eyes without flinching. “I know that for a life lost, this is worth nothing. But beyond a house and money, I don’t know what else I can offer you right now.”
With that, she stood. “I won’t be attending the funeral. There are other matters I need to handle. I’m leaving now.”
Felix rose too. “I’ll see you to the door.”
Selah exhaled softly and turned to Marcus. “Tell me, what exactly happened that day? Rylie’s behavior feels unusual.”
Marcus looked toward Lucilla, shaking his head gently. “Rylie has made her decision, and it won’t change. But you’re welcome to remain here if you wish, Lucilla. After all, you saved Rylie’s life—we owe you that.”
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