A lump formed in her throat, and she spoke softly, "Grandpa, Dad, Mom, Julian. I'm home."
Catherine's eyes brimmed with tears as she rushed forward, pulling Serena's hands into hers with overwhelming affection.
"Our girl is just incredible! Eleven consecutive wins in the group stage! You broke the world record!"
"The research report your team presented showed the international medical community exactly what Elyndor is capable of!"
"All those leading experts were saying your findings are the biggest breakthrough in neurology our country has seen in a decade!"
Old Mr. Lancaster beamed with pride. "Of course she is! That's my granddaughter!"
The family surrounded her, showering her with praise for her achievements and her brilliance.
As for why she had abruptly vanished during the most glorious moment of the award ceremony...
Or why she had handed off an honor destined for the history books to her teammates...
The Lancasters didn't ask a single question.
They were simply overjoyed by her success, relieved she was safe, and so incredibly happy she was home.
This profound, unconditional support and respect made the warmth in Serena's chest grow even stronger.
She looked quietly at her family.
A memory from when she was sixteen suddenly surfaced—her grandmother holding her hand on her deathbed, whispering, "All I want is for you to be happy, to be cared for, to be loved..."
Serena's thick lashes fluttered, and a faint mist blurred her vision.
She looked at the family standing in front of her.
Then, she remembered the soothing warmth of Nicholas's embrace just moments ago.
A soft, genuine smile curved Serena's lips.
*Grandma, among all the lights in this vast city, it seems a few of them are finally shining just for me.*
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