Chapter 205

As Verena stepped into the main hall, she greeted the guests warmnly and raised a glass in their honor,though it was only filled with fruit juice.

That detail was no accident-Isaac had arranged it thoughtfully in advance.

After a while, mindful of Verena's health, Isaac suggested she take a rest in the lounge, while he remained behind to host the guests.

She could feel the care behind his words and, without protest, accepted his suggestion.

Outside the lounge, elegant flower baskets from the guests lined both sides of the corridor, a silent parade of courtesy and good wishes.

Verena paused, letting her eyes linger on them, when her gaze caught a card tucked among a basket of lilies. The names Alec and Laura stood out boldly.

She had never invited them. 5

It was clear they must have seen the news reports and hurried here, eager to flaunt their blood ties with her.

Verena's brows drew together in a faint frown.

Just as she was about to instruct someone to remove the basket, Alec's voice drifted from behind her."Verena."

She turned, only to find Alec anc Laura approaching with wide, eager smiles.

Alec's familiar, flattering tone made her stomach twist with diståste.

She stood quietly, her expression cool, watching the hypocritical pair draw near.

Before she could speak, Alec hurried forward, his grin stretching wide. "Verena, you've really accomplished something remarkable. As your parents, we're truly proud of you. Having such an outstanding daughter is

our greatest pride. You've been clever and capable since childhood, and we always believed you were destined for greatness."

His words dripped with sycophancy, his smile so forced that the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes bunched like crumpled paper.

As he spoke, he kept stealing glances at Verena, trying to read her reaction.

Laura quickly nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, Verena, you've always been our pride. Please, don't hold the past against us."

Once, she had disliked Verena openly. But the tide had turned.

Now Verena was not only Isaac's wife, but also revered far and wide as Evelyn, the healer spoken of almost with awe.

Laura dared not let such wealth and status slip away like sand through her fingers.

With that thought, her smile only grew brighter.

The couple continued their chatter, piling one insincere compliment on top of another, as though a stream of empty words could wash away the wounds they had left behind.60

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They never noticedthe flicker of mockery in Verena's eyes.

To her, their act was nothing more than a hollow charade.

Lifting her chin, she fixed them with an icy stare. A faint scoff escaped her lips.11SO1,now you've come to compliment me? Do you think I would so easily forget the hurtful words and actions you once threw at me?"

Her voice was sharp as a frosted blade, every word cutting with cold finality. "When you thought I was worthless, you feared | would disgrace you. Now that I stand here, it is I who fears you'll disgrace me."

Her eyes narrowed on Alec as she continued, "Out of respect for my grandma, l've let you off, which is the only reason Willis Group still stands. But if I find you trading under my name, don't blame me for being merciless. If others bring me up in your presence, you had better be honest and tell them the truth-that we have cut all ties."

Her words struck Alec like cold iron, and his face turned ashen. Regret gnawed at him.

He had assumed that, with so many eyes watching, Verena would swallow her anger and give a courteous reply to spare him humiliation.

But he had never imagined she would turn so unflinchingly cold.