Chapter 1

It was 1:00 am.

Estelle Summer suddenly came across Susan Lynch's post on Instagram. She tapped on the photo and read the caption.

"Thank you for the gifts, Mr. Grant and little Tobias! The mug was even handmade by Tobias himself!"

A necklace and a handmade mug came into her view, and she could make out the words etched on the mug's surface. It read, "Happy Birthday, Mom."

Estelle glanced at the dining table. The meal on it had long gone cold, and the birthday cake sat untouched with its unlit candles. A self-deprecating smile played on her lips.

Estelle recalled a recent news notification on her phone.

"Confirmed! The Enigmatic and Untouchable High Society Elite, Julian Grant, Has Been Secretly Married for Years—And He Has a Five-Year-Old Son!"

In the photo, a tall, handsome man was walking through an amusement park, holding hands with a slender, beautiful woman and a little boy. Susan was gently stroking Tobias Grant's head with a smile. Meanwhile, Julian gazed at her silently with a focus and gentleness that Estelle had never seen before.

A handsome man, a beautiful woman, and a little boy who bore a striking resemblance to Julian made them a picture-perfect happy family of three.

Today was Estelle's birthday, and it was also her fifth wedding anniversary with Julian. And yet, it seemed like Susan was the one being celebrated instead of her.

Not only did her husband and son spend the day with Susan on her birthday, but they even gave her Estelle's gifts. Estelle was hardly surprised because she was already used to it.

Susan was Julian's first love, and she was terminally ill, with only a year left to live. Her dying wish was to see Julian one last time.

Julian told her that he wanted to do something for Susan in her final days, and he hoped that Estelle would understand. She didn't want to agree to it, but she also knew there was no stopping him as it was the first time Julian had spoken to her so solemnly.

There was a hollow and aching void in Estelle's heart as if a piece of it had been carved out. She wasn't sure how long she sat there in the dark. Suddenly, she heard the sound of the front door being unlocked.

Julian walked in with Tobias in tow. When Julian noticed Estelle sitting at the dining table, he clearly paused for a moment. He looked at her in surprise, seemingly having forgotten what day it was.

"Why are you still up?" Julian asked.

Estelle said coolly, "I need to talk to you."

Julian frowned slightly and glanced down at Tobias. "Tobias, go upstairs and get some rest."

Tobias rubbed his eyes and yawned as he passed Estelle. Then, as if remembering something, he stopped.

"Happy birthday, Mom." Tobias looked up at her with eyes that were remarkably similar to Julian's. He added, "Dad and I didn't forget your birthday on purpose. It's just that we still have plenty of time together as a family, but Ms. Susie only has six months left to live. You won't be mad at us over something so small, right?"

Estelle didn't know what hurt more. Was it being forgotten on her birthday or being remembered but deliberately ignored?

After Tobias left, a heavy silence hung in the air. Julian was the first to break it, and he asked, "What did you want to talk about?"

He was dressed in a white dress shirt and black trousers, his features sharp and defined. Julian's presence was cold and distant, like the moon on a winter's night—just as aloof and indifferent.

Estelle took a deep breath and said, "Julian, let's get a divorce."

A flicker of emotion surfaced in Julian's otherwise calm gaze. It disappeared quickly.

He said, "Estelle, I didn't forget your birthday. I even had your gift prepared a while back."

"A gift?" Estelle chuckled. "Didn't you give Ms. Lynch my mother's necklace?"

That necklace was a keepsake from Estelle's mother, Gloria Patton, left to her before Gloria passed. But Estelle lost it on the day she gave birth to Tobias, and Julian had promised to help her find it. He kept his word and found it, only to give it to Susan instead.

Julian's expression remained indifferent, showing no trace of embarrassment at being exposed. The only change was in his eyes, which grew even darker.

"I only lent it to Susan. We'll return it to you after a while," Julian said.

"And how long is 'after a while'?" Estelle countered. "The day she dies?"

"Estelle!" His cold, sharp voice cut her off. Julian's eyes flickered with a rare hint of anger, a stark contrast to his usual aloof and distant self. "That's enough."

Indeed. It really was enough.

Estelle was done with a husband who loved another, a distant child, and days of being looked down on by her in-laws.

Julian said, "Susan only has six months left to live, and even Tobias knows to be understanding. Why must you be so unreasonable?"

At that moment, Estelle no longer wanted to endure.

She heard the ice in her own voice as she questioned, "What does it matter to me how much time she has left? She's nothing to me, so why should I tolerate her?"

Julian didn't seem to have expected Estelle, who had always been so gentle, to say something so harsh. His gaze turned icy as he said, "Estelle, I thought we had an understanding."

Estelle chuckled. "Susan wanted to relive the sweetness of her first love, so I am to stand by and watch you rekindle your romance with her. She wanted to experience a wedding, so you gave her our wedding that I had spent months preparing. I had to watch as you held Tobias' hand and walked down the aisle with her instead."

Estelle continued, "She wanted to see the world's most beautiful sights, so you took her on a tour around the world. If she asked for the moon, you would probably find a way to bring it down for her, wouldn't you?"

She and Julian had been married in secret for five years, and there had never been a wedding.

One day, Tobias suddenly asked her what she would look like in a wedding dress. It was only then that Julian decided to finally give her a wedding. He had let her plan every detail according to her wishes.

She had spent six months carefully planning it, only for Susan to snatch it away with a single sentence.

Julian's gaze turned ice-cold as he warned, "Estelle, you're crossing the line."

She was crossing the line…

Estelle's chest tightened, and she closed her eyes in disappointment. For years, she had tried her best to be a good wife and mother. Yet no matter her efforts, Julian had always remained distant.

She had thought that was simply his nature. It wasn't until Susan's return that Estelle had a moment of realization.

The man the world saw as cold and untouchable was actually capable of such passion.

She picked up the divorce papers she had prepared in advance.

"I've already signed them. You should sign them soon too. If you can make Susan your wife before she dies, I'm sure she'll be even happier," Estelle said.

Julian's lips were pressed into a thin line, his expression frosting over. This was a clear sign of his extreme displeasure. He asked, "What about Tobias?"

Estelle's voice was soft. "He stays with the Grant family."

Just as Julian was about to speak, his phone suddenly rang.

"Julian, something's wrong! Susan collapsed. We've rushed her to the emergency room!"

Chapter 2

Julian's brows furrowed as he responded quickly, "I'm on my way."

Without sparing Estelle a second glance, he strode away and left.

She watched his retreating figure with no expression. Estelle had lost count of the nights he rushed off after yet another call about Susan's "critical condition".

…

The next morning, Estelle pulled her packed suitcase with her and got ready to leave. As she passed Tobias' room, her footsteps faltered for a moment. After some contemplation, she decided to check in on him before she left.

When Tobias was born, Estelle went into early labor. As a result, he had been frail and sickly since birth. She took care of everything related to him herself and never entrusted him to anyone else.

Tobias resembled Julian so much that even their distant nature was rather similar.

It was the weekend, and Tobias wasn't at school. He was in his room doing homework. When he saw her walk in, he greeted her with his usual "Good morning, Mom" before lowering his head and continuing to write.

Estelle looked at Tobias' face, which looked so much like Julian's, and said, "Tobias, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself."

Without even looking up, Tobias replied with a simple, "Okay."

Ever since Susan showed up, Tobias had become increasingly colder to Estelle.

Once, Susan had posted a video on her Instagram. In it, Tobias was eating cotton candy. His words were muffled as he said, "I love being with Ms. Susie. I get to eat all kinds of delicious food."

Susan had asked, "Doesn't your mom treat you well, Tobias?"

"Mom is always bossing me around, telling me what I can't do and what I can't eat," Tobias grumbled.

"Then, who do you think is better? Me or your mom?" Susan asked.

"It's you, of course! If Mom treated me half as well as you do, I'd be so happy!" Tobias said.

Estelle knew that a strict mother could never compare to a pretty woman who indulged and spoiled him.

To take care of his health, she made sure he went to bed on time every night. Since he had a weak stomach, she wouldn't let him eat unhealthy foods from outside.

Under her meticulous care, Tobias finally regained his health and no longer fell ill so easily. But at the same time, he grew more distant from her.

Just as Estelle was about to step out the door, Tobias suddenly called out to her, "Mom."

She turned to look at him.

Tobias said, "Mom, you said before that you'd like whoever I liked too. I really like Ms. Susie. That means you'll like her too, right?"

Estelle froze for a moment, and the last thread holding her together finally snapped. She closed her eyes slowly, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Haven't you always wanted to protect Ms. Susie? From now on, you and your father can protect her together," Estelle said.

There was a trace of confusion in Tobias' eyes as he did not understand what she meant.

Estelle said nothing more. She turned and walked out of the villa.

…

Estelle's good friend, Zara York, was already waiting at the villa's gate.

After loading Estelle's suitcase into the trunk, Zara looked at Estelle and asked, "Essie, are you really going through with the divorce?"

Estella nodded lightly. "Yes. I've made up my mind."

"Then… What about Tobias?" Zara asked.

"Even if I were to fight for custody, I'd never win against the Grants. Besides…" A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Estelle's lips. She continued, "Tobias might not even want to come with me. To him, Ms. Susie is the best now."

Zara frowned disapprovingly. "You nearly lost your life after enduring a full day and night of difficult labor to bring Tobias into the world. You raised and cared for him, sacrificing so much of yourself. How could he possibly think some homewrecker is better?"

Estelle replied flatly, "That just proves they're father and son. Even their tastes in women are the same."

"What about Julian? Does he know you're leaving?" Zara asked.

Estelle shook her head. "He's probably with his true love right now."

Before marriage, Estelle had her own apartment, though she hadn't lived in it for years. After tidying up the place, Zara invited her out.

"Essie, we haven't gone out together ever since you had Tobias. Shall we do some shopping later?" Zara suggested.

It was true. Ever since Tobias was born, Estelle's life had revolved around her child and family. She had completely lost herself, sacrificing her own life and time.

Looking into Zara's bright, lively eyes, Estelle suddenly remembered that she had once been so full of life as well. But five years of marriage had left her dull and weary, and she was now a shadow of her former self.

Her eyes suddenly stung as she replied, "Okay."

Just then, Zara's phone rang. Whatever the caller said made her frown. After a brief silence, she replied, "Okay, we'll be right there."

After hanging up, Zara turned to Estelle. "Essie, someone is offering a high price for Summer Starlight, the violin you consigned to Linden Music Store. The store manager said that the buyer is someone important, and he doesn't dare to refuse them. Since you're free today, let's go check it out."

It had been five years since Estelle played. She had been so occupied with caring for Tobias that she left everything related to the violin in Zara's hands. Hearing about it now felt like it was something from another lifetime.

…

The moment Estelle and Zara walked into the music store, Estelle froze in her steps.

A tall, handsome man was standing beside a delicate, fragile-looking woman in front of an exhibition-only display.

The woman's soft, gentle voice drifted over. "The legendary Summer Starlight really is beautiful! Jules, didn't you always love listening to me play the violin? In my final days, I want to hold a concert using Summer Starlight. What do you say?"

Julian's deep, cool voice responded almost immediately, "Okay."

The store manager followed behind them nervously, wiping sweat from his forehead. When he saw Estelle and Zara, his eyes lit up as if he had just been thrown a lifeline.

He said, "Ms. York, you're finally here! Mr. Grant wants to buy Summer Starlight. You can set the conditions as you like. See…"

Chapter 3

Zara immediately frowned when she saw Julian and Susan, deep disgust showing in her eyes. She said coldly, "The violin is not for sale."

Susan raised her eyebrows slightly, and her gaze instantly shifted to Estelle, who was standing beside Zara.

While Susan was delicate and demure, Estelle had a graceful and confident presence. Her oval face framed striking features, and her warm eyes held a quiet charm. She had the timeless beauty and elegance of a muse brought to life from a classical painting.

The moment Susan saw Estelle, there was a subtle glint in her eyes.

She quickly walked up to Estelle and looked at her with a pleading expression. "Ms. Summer, does Summer Starlight belong to your friend? Could you ask her to lend it to me for a while?

"Jules and I met because of the violin. I was practicing in the back garden when Jules was drawn to my music. He later found me, and that's how we got together. He loves listening to me play."

Susan continued, "Ms. Summer, I don't know how much time I have left or if I'll even be able to hold my concert. But no matter what, I want to try one last time."

She lowered her head and, whether intentionally or not, revealed a familiar necklace. The overhead lights reflected off the necklace, making it shine brilliantly.

Estelle immediately felt a burning sensation in her eyes. She replied indifferently, "People die every day in this world. Am I supposed to accommodate and give in just because someone with a terminal illness shows up in front of me?"

Susan's eyes reddened instantly as if she had never heard such harsh words before. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to fall.

Julian's expression darkened, and he said, "Estelle, it's just a violin. Why must you be so unreasonable? If you want one, I'll just get you another."

Estelle looked at him. "That's true. It's just a violin. So, if she wants one, you can buy her another violin. Why must it be mine?"

Susan pleaded from the side, "Ms. Summer, what will it take for you to lend me this violin? You can name any condition."

Estelle could name any condition? In the end, wouldn't Julian be the one paying for it?

Estelle curved her lips into a quiet, mirthless smile. She said, "Ms. Lynch, you seem to have a fondness for my mother's belongings. First, her necklace, and now, her violin."

Susan muttered in confusion, "I don't understand what you mean, Ms. Summer."

Estelle watched Susan feign ignorance and sneered inwardly. She said, "Summer Starlight was my mother's gift to me. And that necklace around your neck? She left that to me too."

Susan's face suddenly turned pale. "I'm sorry. I really didn't know this belonged to your mother. Last night, Tobias handed me a gift box with the necklace inside. I thought it was a gift from Jules, so I put it on. I didn't expect it to be your mother's…"

Estelle chuckled softly and said, "Well, now that you know, can you return it to me?"

Susan touched the necklace at her throat, biting her lip lightly as she looked at Julian with tears in her eyes. She muttered, "Jules, since Ms. Summer has asked… Why don't we let her have the necklace? There's no need to upset her over something so trivial. It's not worth it."

Susan had intentionally used the word "let" instead of "return".

Her underlying meaning was clear. Just because the necklace had once belonged to Estelle's mother, it didn't mean Estelle had any claim to it. Susan was merely being generous by allowing Estelle to have it since she had asked.

Julian had already felt that Estelle was using the divorce as a threat, which left him displeased. His expression grew even colder when he heard Susan's words.

"No need." Julian's voice was cold and cutting. "I gave it to you, so it's yours."

"But—" Susan wanted to say more when Julian cut her off.

His expression was calm and unreadable. "There's no reason to take back a gift that's been given."

Susan looked visibly moved.

Estelle clenched her fists without realizing it. Then, a faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Ms. Lynch, didn't you want me to lend you the violin? No problem. As long as Mr. Grant is willing to beg me, I'll consider it," Estelle said.

Susan widened her eyes in disbelief.

Julian's expression grew dark and menacing. He said icily, "Estelle, enough."

Estelle sneered, "I thought you'd do anything for Ms. Lynch, Mr. Grant. But now… it seems that's not the case, after all."

In the past, Estelle had thought Julian would sacrifice anything for Susan. But it was clear now that whatever he sacrificed was trivial. They were all unimportant, like her.

After seeing things for what they were, Estelle no longer felt anything.

She turned to the store manager, who stood frozen to the side. "If I remember correctly, the consignment for this violin expires today. Please take it down. I'll be taking it with me."

The store manager took a cautious look at Julian's expression.

Estelle raised an eyebrow and said, "What? As the owner of the violin, do I not even have the right to take it with me?"

"No, of course not." The store manager quickly forced a smile. Then, he said, "I'll have someone arrange the handover for you right away, Ms. Summer."

Once settled, Estelle took the violin and left without sparing Julian or Susan another glance.

Julian stared at Estelle's retreating figure with a deep frown.

Susan lowered her head slightly, guilt written on her face. "She must be upset because you forgot to celebrate her birthday yesterday. I hate that my health is so weak and that I keep causing you trouble."

"It has nothing to do with you." Julian looked away and said flatly, "Just focus on preparing for your concert. I'll have someone send you Summer Starlight after some time."

Susan beamed happily. "Okay."

…

That evening, Julian came home on time for once. However, Estelle hadn't set the table and neither was she waiting for him like she usually did.

It was dinnertime, and Tobias came downstairs as usual. But when he saw the empty dining table, he looked confused.

"Dad, didn't Mom make dinner tonight?" Tobias asked.

Estelle was the epitome of a devoted wife and mother. Over the years, she had remained quiet and non-confrontational, faithfully fulfilling her duties as his wife.

Tobias had a weak stomach and was extremely picky about food. Because of this, Estelle had always prepared his dinners and suppers herself, rarely relying on the helpers.

Julian pressed his lips together when he recalled the events of the day, and faint displeasure appeared on his face. If Estelle thought she could manipulate him this way, she was thinking too highly of herself.

"Let her be," Julian said indifferently. "I'll take you out for dinner."

Tobias clapped his hands happily and exclaimed, "That's awesome! We can invite Ms. Susie too, and I can have yummy cotton candy again!"

"Cotton candy?" Julian paused momentarily. "Didn't your mother say you shouldn't have it?"

Chapter 4

Tobias pouted and said, "My condition is much better now. The doctor said it's fine to have a little once in a while. But Mom keeps wanting to control me, always telling me what to do."

Hearing a five-year-old boy say the word "control" felt extremely odd.

Just as Julian was about to speak, his phone rang. He answered, and Susan's voice came through.

"Julian, are you home yet?" Susan asked.

"I am," Julian replied.

"Ms. Summer hasn't come home yet, has she?" Susan said.

Julian was silent for a moment before asking, "What is it?"

"Julian, I think I just saw Ms. Summer…" Susan hesitated before speaking. "She's having dinner with a young man, and they seem rather close."

She paused, then cautiously asked, "Do you think what happened earlier in the day upset her again? Julian, maybe you should explain things to her?"

Julian's gaze grew cold. Instead of coming home to cook, Estelle was out on a date with another man. His tone turned a few degrees colder without him realizing it. "Where is she now?"

Susan gave him the address.

"Got it," Julian said before quickly hanging up.

…

In the restaurant, Zane Jackman looked intently at Estelle. He asked, "Have you really made up your mind?"

Estelle nodded. "Summer Starlight was custom-made for me by my mother, but for five whole years, I gave it up for my family…"

At that point, Estelle sighed softly, and her expression carried a hint of melancholy.

"And now?" Zane's voice was deep. "Returning to the stage means constant performances, and you'll be incredibly busy. I'm afraid you won't have much time for your husband and son."

"Tobias is healthy now." A faint, mocking glint flashed in Estelle's eyes. "Besides, he doesn't need my care anymore."

"What about Julian?" Zane asked. "Will he agree?"

Estelle's expression turned icy at the mention of Julian's name. "I don't need his approval for my own matters."

Zane studied her intently for a moment before saying, "But he would never agree to let you near me."

"I don't need his permission." At that moment, she recalled how she had distanced herself from Zane because of something Julian had said. A flicker of guilt crossed her face. "I'm sorry, Zane."

But Zane shook his head and said, "Essie, you don't owe me an apology. I'm the one who failed you. I promised your mother I'd protect you. But I couldn't, and you ended up suffering so much because of it."

Zane was Estelle's senior. The two had studied violin together under Gloria when they were young.

He later became a renowned violinist. His good looks and brooding presence shot him to fame, making him the dream man of many young women. He was just as famous as the top celebrities in the entertainment industry.

Despite his wealth and status, he was still no match for a powerful businessman like Julian.

Estelle said, "It's not your fault. I was the one—"

Before she could finish speaking, a soft voice suddenly sounded from behind her.

"What are you doing here, Ms. Summer?"

Estelle turned around and saw Susan, dressed in a pure white dress. It was truly unfortunate to run into the woman she despised twice in one day.

She replied icily, "What does that have to do with you?"

Susan smiled warmly and said, "No need to get upset, Ms. Summer. I'm just curious. Since Julian is rarely home, why aren't you there making dinner for him?"

Susan spoke lightly, her gentle expression making her look entirely demure and innocent. In comparison, Estelle seemed cold and distant—even harsh and indifferent.

However, Estelle could hear the provocation and mockery hidden in Susan's words. She looked up and caught the fleeting trace of smugness in Susan's eyes.

Estelle retorted, "And why is it that Julian rarely comes home? Because all his free time is taken up by you, Ms. Lynch. Are you playing dumb or just pretending not to know?"

Susan's expression turned panicked as she grabbed Estelle's hand. She hurriedly explained, "Ms. Summer, please listen to me. That wasn't what I meant—"

Before Susan could finish, Estelle cut her off. "If you're not pretending, then that just means you don't know your place."

Estelle pulled her hand away. "Ms. Lynch, people who lack self-awareness are downright insufferable."

"Oh!" Suddenly, Susan let out a startled cry and fell backward.

Before Estelle could react, a tall figure quickly caught Susan before she could hit the ground.

"Susan, are you okay?"

Susan turned toward the newcomer, her face pale. Tears filled her eyes as if she had been greatly wronged, making her look helpless and pitiful. She said, "Julian, I'm fine. Ms. Summer didn't mean it, so don't blame her, okay?"

Julian's gaze flickered slightly before he finally noticed that Estelle was nearby. Frowning, he said in an icy voice, "Estelle, apologize to Susan."

This wasn't the first time something like this happened.

In the past, Estelle would have anxiously defended herself and said things like "It wasn't me!", "Let me explain", "I didn't do it", or "Please, just believe me".

But Julian had never taken her side. Every time, he would make her apologize to Susan. If she refused, he would simply give her the cold shoulder. He wouldn't take her calls or reply to her messages. He would treat her like she didn't exist by ignoring her and not even sparing her a glance.

Eventually, even Tobias joined in and treated her the same way. In the end, she would have no choice but to give in and apologize.

At that thought, Estelle scoffed. "Why should I listen to you? Who do you think you are?"

Julian froze, almost thinking he had misheard her. "What did you just say?"

Estelle looked at him and said coldly, "When I cared about you, whatever you said went. But now that I don't, what does that make you?"

Julian finally understood what she meant.

In his memory, Estelle had never spoken to him this way before. She had always been gentle and considerate. She would leave the lights on when he came home late. On nights when he worked late in his study, she would prepare supper for him.

And whenever he had too much to drink, she would bring him tea to help with his hangovers.

Ever since Susan's return, Estelle was no longer as pleasing to him as she once was. But she had never outright defied him like this or confronted him so directly. For some reason, a sliver of frustration stirred within Julian.

Just then, a child's voice suddenly rang out.

"Mom, you taught me that when we make a mistake, we should apologize. So, now that you've done something wrong, shouldn't you apologize to Ms. Susie?"

Chapter 5

Estelle turned around to see Tobias standing behind Julian. Although Tobias was speaking to her, his worried gaze remained fixed on Susan.

In the past, whenever Susan showed the slightest sign of distress, Julian and Tobias would become incredibly anxious.

There was once when the four of them went to the park together, and Susan almost fainted. It was unclear whether she had suffered from heatstroke or if her illness had acted up again. Julian and Tobias had rushed toward her at the same time.

In his panic, Julian had even shoved Estelle aside to get to Susan, but no one noticed her fall. The most ironic part was that afterward, Julian saw her bandaged hand and even asked how she got hurt.

A weak and feeble voice interrupted Estelle's thoughts. "Tobias, I lost my balance. It has nothing to do with your mother."

Susan shook her head at Tobias. Tears slid down the corners of her eyes, making her look incredibly pitiful. She muttered, "It's all my fault. My body is just too weak…"

Tobias pouted. "But I saw it with my own eyes! Mom pushed you."

Then, he turned to look at Estelle with a stern expression. "Mom, you've always taught me to admit my mistakes and to correct them. You're an adult, so you wouldn't go back on your word, right?"

Estelle had gone to great lengths to nurse Tobias back to health. Yet when it came to his education, she never had to worry.

At just five years old, Tobias had already mastered three languages and was remarkably eloquent. Despite his young age, he could sometimes leave adults completely speechless.

Julian's mother had once said that Tobias' intelligence was just like Julian's when he was a child. And now, Tobias was using that sharp mind against her for Susan's sake.

As an adult and as Tobias' mother, Estelle had to lead by example. If she couldn't do it herself, how could she expect her child to? And how could she teach him to keep his word if she failed to follow through on hers?

Estelle watched as Julian and Tobias gathered around Susan. Suddenly, she felt that they seemed more like a family than she ever did with them.

She no longer had expectations for Julian and Tobias, but her son's attitude still sent a sharp pain through her chest.

She looked down and met Tobias' gaze, then said, "You're right. I did tell you that if you made a mistake, you should apologize. But…"

Estelle paused for a moment before continuing, speaking each word slowly and deliberately. "I did nothing wrong, so why should I apologize?"

In the past, Estelle would have compromised for Tobias' sake. But today, she would not.

Tobias blurted out, "But I saw you push Ms. Susie!"

Estelle didn't argue and merely smiled. "Who said that pushing her automatically means I'm in the wrong?"

"But Mom, you said that hitting people is wrong…" Tobias tried to protest.

Estelle's voice was soft and calm. "I also told you that while we must never bully others, we shouldn't allow ourselves to be bullied too. If someone keeps crossing your boundaries, then you should never hold back."

Although Tobias was smart, he was still only five years old. He hadn't expected Estelle to say such things and was left stunned, completely at a loss for words.

Just then, Zane's voice came from the side. "Tobias, you shouldn't talk to your mother like that."

Both Julian and Tobias turned to look at him as though they had just noticed his presence.

Tobias murmured in a daze, "Mr. Jackman?"

Julian frowned deeply. "Why are you here?"

He had seen Zane many times before as the man was Estelle's senior and childhood friend. He had also heard Estelle mention him on many occasions.

Estelle told him that Zane lost his parents at a young age and was sent to live with his grandparents after their passing. But during middle school, they passed away one after another, and he was left completely alone.

Coincidentally, Gloria discovered Zane's musical talent and took him in as her student.

At that time, Zane was distant and melancholic, completely ignoring everyone around him. It had taken Estelle three whole years to get Zane to accept her and see her as a junior and a friend.

Yet for some reason, Julian had intensely disliked Zane from the moment he met him.

"If you can meet up with your ex-girlfriend, what's so odd about Essie having dinner with a childhood friend?" Zane's tone was calm, yet each word was laced with sarcasm, and he ruthlessly ripped away Julian's and Susan's facade.

Julian's gaze darkened, and his expression turned stormy. He growled, "Estelle, we're going home now."

Estelle refused coldly. "No, I haven't finished my dinner with Zane yet."

Julian's voice took on a chilling edge. "Estelle, I'm saying this one last time. Come back with me."

Estelle knew this was already a sign of his fury. If she didn't back down now, things would escalate beyond a mere silent treatment. He would resort to methods to force her into submission.

She would never forget that stormy night. Estelle had been drenched to the bone as she kneeled pitifully at his feet. Her face was streaked with tears as she begged Julian to return Tobias to her.

He had looked down at her with contempt, asking, "Do you realize your mistake?"

She had sobbed uncontrollably, and she could only apologize for Susan's near-drowning incident. He always seemed to have a way to deal with her.

Estelle's lips curled up into a hollow smile at the memory, and she muttered a single word, "No."

Julian's gaze turned frosty, and his lips were pressed into a thin line. "Estelle, you'd better think about the consequences."

"Just go ahead and use whatever tactics you have, Mr. Grant," Estelle said.

Her only weakness back then was Tobias, but she had given up on him as well now. Julian no longer had any leverage against her.

Estelle turned to Zane and said, "Zane, it smells in here. Let's go somewhere else for dinner."

Zane looked at her silently for a moment before nodding lightly. "Alright."

She picked up her bag and prepared to leave without sparing the other three people a glance.

Behind her, Tobias demanded stubbornly, "Mom, are you really not going to apologize to Ms. Susie?"

Estelle's steps only faltered slightly before she left without turning back.

Julian watched Estelle's departing figure, his gaze turning dark and frigid. Tobias was staring at Estelle's back too, confusion flickering across his face. His mother seemed different now.

Seeing that both of their attention was on Estelle, a deep chill flashed in Susan's eyes. Suddenly, she let out a soft gasp.

Julian's and Tobias' focus immediately snapped back to her. Her face was deathly pale, and her body swayed as if she were about to faint.

Julian's expression changed subtly, and he immediately carried Susan in his arms.