Chapter 403


    The orchid, with its rare and delicate breed, stood blooming beautifully Worth quite a bit, it only


    unveiled its petals every few years. Following its idental destruction, most believed its days of


    splendor were over But, to everyone’s surprise, Agnes intervened


    1 took the orchid after its ident,” Agnes shared with Alyssa 1 sought help from a renowned


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    professor at the agricultural university. It was a long shot, but together we revived it. I’ve cared for it


    ever since, and now it blooms. It belongs with you


    However, the orchid had always been a point of contention between Agnes and Alyssa. Ever since the


    incident, Agnes felt Alyssa’s attitude towards her had drastically changed. Wanting to bridge the gap,


    Agnes believed returning the orchid would mend their bond. However, Alyssa’s cold response, “I got


    the message left Agnes disheartened


    Dinner began soon after, with family members Ryder and Tim joining. The table showcased Alyssa’s


    delicious turkey, yet Agnes found herself distracted, the tension making it hard to eat. Tim and Alyssa


    soon departed for a private conversation, likely because of something Cilian had mentioned earlier.


    Jared soon followed, leaving Agnes in solitude


    Despite the festive lights adoring the yard on this Christmas Eve, Agnes felt a deep pang of loneliness.


    As she retreated to her room, there was an unexpected knock at her door. Assuming Jared would have


    entered without announcing himself, she wondered who it could be.


    Opening the door, she found Ryder “I want to talk,” he said. Agnes, though surprised, agreed. They


    headed to the yard, seeking sce under a tree with two swing chairs. As they settled, Oscar, the


    family dog, yfully ran around them, tail wagging in the night.


    Agnes asked, “What’s eating youtely?”


    Ryder stretched his legs, looking down, “Agnes, do you think I should go back to my dad?”


    Agnes didn’t expect Ryder to ask this.


    “The Thomas family?”


    “He’se to see me a lot. He promised to get me on the leading research team in neurology if I go


    back.”


    Agnes didn’t know much about this field.


    But she could tell, this was a huge temptation for Ryder


    Ryder continued, Tve applied many times, but I didn’t have enough experience, so I didn’t qualify. This


    research team is top-notch, I’ve always hoped to join them.” Agnes was silent for a while, “Aside from


    this research team, have you thought about going back to the Thomas family?”


    Ryder didn’t answer


    After a while, Ryder finally said, “Where I live, grandpa and mom only see Jared. No matter what I do, I


    can’t get their attention. Sometimes I think, maybe I should try somewhere else. Maybe then mom


    would think of me