After Vivienne's departure, Kaitlyn broke down in tears.
Seeing her distress, Sadie quickly took her by the hand. "Kaitlyn, sweetheart, what's the matter?"
"Mom, it's nothing. I'm just so happy," Kaitlyn said, wiping away her tears. "I can finally see a glimmer of hope."
Sadie, moved by her words, began to cry as well. "Yes, after all these years, we can finally see some hope."
Kaitlyn held her mother-in-law's hand tightly and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Mom and Dad, for all the trouble I've caused over the years. I'm so grateful that you've stood by me through everything."
"What are you talking about, you silly girl?" Sadie said, patting her hand. "The moment you married Tyler, you became part of this family. Besides, do you think we're the type to blame you for things beyond your control? None of this is your fault. It's those people who've hurt your family, and now they're after ours.
Thank goodness for Ms. Hawthorn. She's no pushover, and with her around, we don't have to worry about those treasures being stolen from you."
Kaitlyn nodded. "I never imagined that a favor I did years ago would be remembered for so long. I just hope that once Tyler's leg heals, we can all work hard to get back on our feet. And when we're financially stable, we'll repay Ms. Hawthorn."
"That's right," Sadie agreed. "Ms. Hawthorn's help is too generous. If it weren't for her, your father and I might have been left incapacitated. We'll pay her back. It's the right thing to do."
Meanwhile, Julian, after a moment of contemplation, spoke up. "Kaitlyn, I've been thinking. Maybe you should entrust the treasure to Ms. Hawthorn. What do you think?"
Kaitlyn paused, contemplating the suggestion.
Julian continued, "Ms. Hawthorn seems very capable. She's not afraid of the Abernathy family, and she doesn't seem to care much for ancient warrior lineages either. If that's the case, she can surely protect those treasures."
Tyler nodded in agreement. "Kaitlyn, I think Dad's right. It's not that we're afraid or avoiding trouble, but the treasure is too important. We don't want it falling into the wrong hands. With our current situation, it's nearly impossible to keep it safe...
Today proved it. If it hadn't been for Ms. Hawthorn, Mom and Dad would have been harmed. Moving forward, the family would be relying solely on you. And even then, they wouldn't stop pursuing you. Maybe it's better to entrust the treasure to Ms. Hawthorn. She seems trustworthy and unlikely to use them for harm."
Kaitlyn, her gaze lowered, thought for a while before speaking. "To be honest, I did consider this. But I don't know if Ms. Hawthorn would be willing to take it."
"Why don't we ask her when she comes over the day after tomorrow?" suggested Tyler.
"Sounds good."
...
Across town, the Abernathy estate was in chaos.
Victoria Abernathy stormed in, rage coursing through her veins, and began to smash everything in sight.
Her father, Gavin Abernathy, in the study with Harrison Schram discussing business, heard the commotion and walked out to investigate.
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