Honey, You're a Billionaire?

Rose couldn't understand why Evan was apologizing to her. She wanted to ask more questions, but Evan had already turned away, his guilty and self-reproachful aura lingering in his silhouette. "Evan..." she called out softly.

Her voice made Evan's guilt grow even stronger, but he didn't dare to face her, and he couldn't bring himself to reveal that Dawn had played a part in her accident that night. Thinking about what had happened on this trip back to Aquastead, his eyes darkened with sorrow.

Even after Evan's figure disappeared, Rose remained standing there, still trying to make sense of everything. "What in the world happened on his trip to Aquastead?" she pondered. It was evident that he wasn't ready to discuss it. She yearned to know more, but some matters required patience. Perhaps, in time, Evan would feel comfortable opening up to her. Rose sighed softly. After placing her grandfather's suit in her room, she received a call from Miles. When she answered, a woman's hoarse voice came through the line. "Rosie..." Rose paused for a moment before she recognized the voice. "Etta?"

"See that, Miles? Rosie recognized my voice right away. Rosie, Miles and I are waiting for you outside the hospital," Harriette chirped. However, the phrase "recognized my voice right away" made Miles, who was sitting in the driver's seat, feel a pang of heartache.

"You're waiting for me outside the hospital?" Rose was puzzled. "Is... something the matter?"

"Come out, and I'll explain everything," Harriette replied, promptly hanging up the phone before Rose could respond.

Rose stared at her phone, her brows furrowing slightly. Given the current situation, she realized she had no choice but to go out and meet them.

Upon leaving the hospital, Rose immediately spotted Miles' car from afar. Harriette quickly exited the passenger seat and greeted her as she walked toward it.

"Rose, come on. Get in the car," Harriette said, opening the rear door for her. A flicker of realization crossed her face, and she smiled apologetically.

"Rose, I'd like to sit next to Miles. You won't mind, right?"

Rose hesitated briefly before forcing a smile. "No, I don't."

"I knew you were easygoing! Miles kept singing your praises on our way here, Rosie. He thinks you're just wonderful," Harriette teased, casting a playful glance at Miles.

Then, as if remembering something, she suddenly urged, "Let's get going, Miles!"

"Let's get going?" Rose thought as she inquired, "Where are we headed?" She looked at Miles through the rearview mirror, expecting him to answer.

But before he could speak, Harriette chimed in. "Well, I thought you were staying at the Young Estate, Rosie. So, when Miles mentioned that you've been here at the hospital for some reason, I thought it would be great to see you tonight.

"I casually mentioned how much I missed you, and Miles suggested we pick you up so we could all go back to the Young Estate together. Rosie, I hope you don't mind that we didn't ask for your consent first. Miles speaks highly of your understanding nature, so I just..." Harriette gazed at her expectantly, her eyes pleading. "Please, Rosie, won't you come back with us to the Young Estate?"

Rose fell silent. For some reason, an odd feeling began to creep over her. She couldn't help but recall Clover's words. "Subtle manipulation..."

However, a moment later, she inwardly mocked herself with a wry smile. She didn't want to be someone who would judge others arbitrarily. Besides, it seemed that if she didn't agree to go back to the Young Estate, it would hurt Harriette's feelings. Since Harriette was Oliver's granddaughter, Rose didn't want to be unkind.

"Rosie, let's just go back together," Miles said gently, noticing Rose's hesitation. Their eyes met in the rearview mirror.

"Okay," Rose agreed with a slight smile.

Harriette's face brightened, and her excitement was palpable. "Wonderful!"

However, her expression shifted to one of slight disappointment at the next moment. "I guess Rosie will only listen to Miles' words, huh? But that's okay. I'm sure that once we spend more time together, we'll become the closest of sisters!" Her words were filled with warmth and affection, revealing a genuine liking for Rose. This made Rose wonder if she had been too distant toward the woman.

"Is it due to Harriette's past as Jonathan's childhood friend? Or is it because of the photograph I had discovered in Jonathan's room at the Finch Manor?" she mused as she took a deep breath, making an effort to warm up to Harriette.

Throughout the drive, Harriette was

particularly chatty. However, as

soon as they entered the Young Estate, her mood seemed to shift and she became unusually quiet. She looked at the various buildings on the estate, pausing deliberately at each one.

"This was where Harriette had grown up..." they mused.

To Miles and Rose, it was clear that this place held many memories for Harriette. After being away for so many years, it was only natural that Harriette would feel deeply moved upon her return.

"Etta, you're finally home," Miles said gently, giving Harriette's hand a comforting squeeze. "From now on, you can live here in peace. Grandpa would surely be overjoyed to see this, even from the heavens." "Yes, I'm back." Harriette nodded, though deep down, she yearned to say, "I'm finally here!"

"Mr. Miles, Ms. Rose, welcome back." Patrick greeted them as he emerged from the house.

He was surprised to see Rose at the estate and even more astonished by the person standing beside Miles and Rose. He froze in his tracks.

He stared at the familiar face before

him, convinced that his eyes were playing tricks on him. He rubbed them, attempting to refocus his vision. When he looked again, the

face remained unchanged. Still,

Patrick struggled to believe what he

was seeing.

It wasn't until Harriette spoke that he finally accepted the reality. "Patrick... It's me, Harriette. I've come home."

"Ha-Harriette. Patrick swallowed

hard and, with growing excitement,

stepped forward. He carefully

examined the person in front of him

again, and only after a thorough look did he confirm that the person standing before him was, indeed, Harriette.

Tears welled up in his eyes. "M-Ms. Harriette, you're back... Why did you return only now? Sir, he's..."

"Grandpa..." Harriette's voice trembled with guilt. "I should have come back sooner, but I..."

It was apparent that she was struggling with something she couldn't easily express.

Upon noticing the change in her voice, Patrick asked with concern, "Ms. Harriette, your voice..."

"I... I injured my throat back then, so... Patrick, does it sound unpleasant?" Harriette forced a bitter smile.

To those around her, the smile only deepened their empathy for her.

"Etta..." Miles squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Understanding the delicate nature of the situation, Patrick chose not to push further. "Ms. Harriette, you must have endured much over the years. Even though sir is no longer with us, you still have Mr. Miles and all of us here." "Yes, I still have Miles and all of you. And now, I have Rose too. I'm truly blessed," Harriette replied, her smile radiating warmth and optimism.

It was as if neither the injury to her voice nor the hardships she faced over the years had left any negative marks on her. She remained cheerful and radiant.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Patrick couldn't help but feel relieved. "Ms. Harriette, your room has been kept just as it was. I've had it cleaned regularly, so you can stay there tonight. Coincidentally, Ms. Rose's room is right next to yours."