Witnessing the unfolding scene, a wave of guilt washed over Mr. Clemens Senior. He yearned to speak, to voice his remorse, but the burning re of Micah''s contempt kept him silent.


    Straightening his posture, Mr. Clemens Senior adopted a facade of stern seriousness. "I''m relieved to see you''ve returned," he dered. "You should stop wandering around aimlessly. You''re not alone in this world. You are the heir to the Clemens family, and these three children are your responsibility."


    Micah offered no response, leading the children wordlessly into the safety of the house.


    He kept his loathing for Mr. Clemens Senior locked away, preventing it from erupting, all for the sake of the children.


    The world, as seen through the eyes of a child, is simple. They had just lost their mother and Brenda. The loss of their great-grandfather would onlypound their grief.


    "What''s with his attitude?" Mr. Clemens Senior muttered under his breath.


    "The fact that Micah can remain soposed is a miracle in itself," Ss counseled in a grave tone. "Give him time."


    "Have I erred in all my actions, taken in the name of this family and these children? Was I truly mistaken?" Mr. Clemens Senior questioned, seeking answers from Ss, and from himself.


    He couldn''t help but wonder if he was truly in the wrong.


    "Fate has a cruel sense of humor," Ss sighed heavily. "While it''s not your fault, we must bear the burden of Miss Roth''s death. Micah''s silence on the matter, especially in front of the children, is a blessing." Mr. Clemens Senior fell silent upon hearing these words.


    He had braced himself for a heated confrontation with Micah upon his return, but it never came. This unexpected calmness unsettled him further.


    "Don''t worry, Micah is resilient," Ss reassured, knowing the thoughts guing Mr. Clemens Senior. "With the children around, he''ll find his footing again."


    "Yes," Mr. Clemens Senior nodded, his thoughts drifting to the three children. He realized then that all his actions, no matter how questionable, were worth it.


    "Time will heal all wounds," Ss said, leading Mr. Clemens Senior away.


    Mr. Clemens Senior cast a final nce at the second floor. The master bedroom was dark, but the study was bathed in light. He sighed deeply, instructing, "Arrange for a private jet. We''re returning home tomorrow." Surprised, Ss asked, "Not staying to watch over Micah?"


    "He''s an adult, not a child in need of constant supervision," Mr. Clemens Senior retorted impatiently. "Life is not always smooth sailing. Experiencing setbacks doesn''t equate to surrender. That''s not the Clemens way!" "Understood," Ss nodded, assisting Mr. Clemens Senior into the car. "Bring Nelson to the house. I wish to speak with him."


    "Of course."


    Meanwhile, Micah had tucked the children into bed and retreated to his bedroom.


    After a three-month absence, everything remained untouched, preserved as it was on his wedding day. No one dared to alter anything without his express permission.


    Yet, all the wedding photos featuring him and Sadie had vanished.


    There were no physical reminders of Sadie throughout the house, but her presence lingered in every corner.


    Micah could almost see her sitting at the dressing table, a soft smile on her lips as she told him, "Go take a shower."


    He could almost feel her gentle touch as she helped him out of his coat, whispering, "You''re back. Are you tired today? I''ve prepared a bath for you. Go soak."


    Her phantom moved about the room, so close yet always just out of reach. Each time he reached out to touch her, she would dissolve into smoke and disappear. His hand hung in the air, frozen, mirroring the state of his heart.


    Micah lowered his gaze, a profound sadness washing over him.


    Despite the overwhelming grief, an inexplicable confidence surged within him. He was certain that Sadie was still alive. She had to be.