He completely understood his wife's thought process.
Having missed the chance to fulfill her filial duties to her father, she naturally wanted to seize whatever time was left to take care of her mother, ensuring she harbored no more regrets.
Seeing him agree so readily, a faint, genuine smile finally touched Vivica's lips. "Thank you, darling."
"We're married. You never have to thank me for things like this."
She didn't say anything more. Though her heart was still heavy with grief, she forced herself to adopt a more optimistic outlook for the sake of the twins she was carrying, and tried her best to go to sleep.
—
Hayes Chase's funeral was kept deliberately simple.
However, back in Riverdale City, Joseph's parents, Sheridan and Melanie, insisted on flying down to attend upon hearing the tragic news.
Melanie was especially regretful. She had always intended to find an opportunity to visit Sydville City to officially meet Vivica's parents and pay her respects, but circumstances had kept pushing the trip back.
When Vivica heard they were coming, she looked at her husband in shock. "Mom and Dad are coming all the way here? They're older, and it's so hot in Sydville right now. The travel is going to be exhausting for them."
Joseph sighed helplessly. "I tried to talk them out of it, but they wouldn't listen. They insisted they had to be here."
Raymond chimed in thoughtfully. "If they're coming, I'll make sure their accommodations and transport are completely taken care of. I won't let them overexert themselves."
"That won't be necessary. I'll handle their arrangements," Joseph replied, politely declining Raymond's offer. He turned back to his wife. "If they insist on coming, we'll just have to let them. I'll hire a dedicated team to escort and look after them the entire time."
Vivica knew her in-laws were doing this out of deep respect and love for her. Moved by the gesture, she personally called Melanie to thank her and urged them to be careful on the journey, reminding them to call if they needed anything.
"Got it," Raymond nodded. "I agree. After everything they've done, there's no need to entertain their fake sympathy."
Thinking about the legal case, Joseph's expression turned ice-cold.
"After months of rigorous investigation, we've fully uncovered the extent of the Chase brothers' crimes, and the evidence is airtight. Once the case goes to court, they are absolutely facing prison time. It's highly likely their families want to attend the funeral just to corner us and beg for mercy."
It was common knowledge that if a suspect received a statement of leniency from the victim's family, the judge might consider reducing their sentence.
Realization dawned on Raymond's face. "Of course! I totally missed that. I was wondering why they were suddenly acting so eager. They're regretting their actions now and want to put on a show of apologizing."
Vivica's voice was resolute. "Absolutely not. Even if they get on their knees and beg, we are not signing a statement of leniency. They committed atrocious crimes and lived the high life for decades. Now that they're finally facing justice, they think they can just ask for a reduced sentence? Not a chance."

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