Chapter 157

Hilda could hardly contain her excitement when the message arrived, tears of joy welled up in her eyes.

Her daughter Had finally reached for her.

They were finally going to see each other, what outfit would feel right for such a moment?

And what gift could possibly match the weight of the occasion?

The nerves were clearly getting to her, so she brought in a personal stylist to help craft a look that reflected warmth and quiet grace, something fitting for a poised, loving mother.

Jeff's eyes landed on Hilda's polished look, and confusion crept in. "What's with the fancy getup?You didn't even go all out like this for Lainey's recognition event." Too distracted to engage, Hilda brushed him off with a quick excuse. "I'm heading to Verdant Crest to catch up with an old friend. Don't worry, it's just another woman."

She was careful with her answer, worried that Jeff might want to tag along if he sensed anything was amiss.

Jeff fully believed in Lainey, and seeing her alongside Eleanor could shatter that trust in an instant.

With her plans set, Hilda left the house in high spirits,leaving Jeff with no option but to watch her go.

Not long after, Lainey came downstairs, stretching and stifling a yawn. "Where's Mom?" she asked.

Jeff nodded toward the door, still puzzled. "She just left. Said she's meeting an old friend at Verdant Crest. I've never seen her that happy, not even on our wedding day."

Without much thought, Lainey gave a shrug and dismissed it. She had wanted to borrow some jewelry from Hilda,planning a spa day with her friends.

Being a Benton meant always looking the part, so she needed something suitable.

Hilda's absence didn't faze her. She was happy to help herself.

She explained things to Jeff, then went straight to her parents' room.

Inside, she found drawers overflowing with glittering jewelry.

Lainey's eyes widened with delight as she sifted through the treasures.

It felt like a goldmine.

All of this would eventually belong to her once Hilda was gone.

And even now, while Hilda still breathed, there was no harm in slowly making it hers.

As her daughter, slipping on a few pieces of jewelry didn't seem unreasonable, did it?

With a spark of excitement, Lainey eagerly picked out a few pieces she deemed just right.

Right before turning to go, her eyes caught a glimpse of a photo hidden underneath the jewelry box.

Curiosity getting the better of her, she picked it up.

The image sent a jolt through her.

It was Eleanor.

Eleanor's face stared up at her from the photo.

Jeff had mentioned how cheerful Hilda seemed as she left earlier. Could Hilda actually be meeting Eleanor?

The idea rattled Lainey.

No. She wouldn't let things spiral out of her control.

True or not, she needed answers.

She hoped that Hilda wasn't meeting Eleanor. But if Hilda was, then she had to act fast and figure out her next move.

One thing was certain. There was no way she would let anyone take her place as a Benton.

Without hesitation, Lainey messaged her friends to cancel their spa plans, then made her way to the door in a rush.

Before stepping out, she doubled back to her room,opened a small safe in the corner, and pulled out a packet of white powder.

After handling that, she dashed out of the house,leaving Jeff baffled by the sudden chaos.

What was with everyone today?

As Jeff remained deep in thought, Hilda had already made it to Verdant Crest.

She got there thirty minutes early, unable to contain her nerves.

Taking a seat by the window, she gazed outside, anticipation growing with every minute.

Then, at last, she saw the familiar silhouette appear at the entrance. The sight brought tears to her eyes.

After all this time, she had found her daughter. The pain of losing her never left.

More than twenty years of waiting, longing, and regret had weighed on her heart every day.

She had kept up a strong front for the sake of her three sons, but each night, loneliness and sorrow closed in, the memories of her lost-daughter haunting her.

No one could possibly understand what it meant.

This was her daughter, her own flesh and blood, the baby she had cradled through endless nights.