Chapter 17 Thankfully, Mistvale had grown quickly over the years. To cater to tourists, plenty of cafés and quick-service restaurants had opened up, so Harold didn't have to step out of Meadow & Bloom and feel lost about where to go. Inside a café not far away, he ordered a simple cup of coffee and sat across from Sloane. In just five years, she looked like she had been reborn. He couldn't stop himself from letting out a long sigh. If only he hadn't indulged Julian's coldness and resentment toward her out of guilt. If only, five years ago, when she asked to leave, he hadn't agreed so readily-would things look different now? The thought passed quickly. He knew he couldn't persuade Julian, who locked himself away in his own mind, nor could he persuade Sloane, who had suffered enough and only wanted to be free. Life really did play cruel tricks. "I'm sure you can guess why I'm here," Harold began. He paused, slid a bank card across the table, and continued. "I didn't want to disrupt your life. But ever since Julian saw you, he's been withdrawn and unhappy at home. Sloane, you know he's my only grandson. I've always cherished him most. Of course she knew. Without Harold's blind favoritism, Julian-struggling with autism-would never have been able to inherit the Shaw Group. It was Harold's personal guarantee that secured his place. And it was Harold's concern for Julian's future that had led him to bring Sloane into the Shaw Estate as a childhood fiancée. But that bond was built on blood. It was family. None of it had anything to do with her. Sloane stayed silent, waiting for him to finish. "I thought since you're divorced, it was best to let things be. But I can't bear to see him so heartbroken. He has feelings for you. So, this old man is swallowing his pride to come ask you. This card holds ten million. Take it as compensation for... everything. I only have one request, Sloane. I hope you can return to Julian's side. He needs you. 11 The words stunned her. She had thought of many reasons Harold might have come. She had even assumed he wanted her to stay far away from Julian. But this-asking her to go back-never once crossed her mind. The shock left her speechless for a long while. Her eyes dropped to the card. Ten million. The kind of money she could never earn selling flowers in a lifetime. To Harold, it was nothing but a gesture, money tossed across the table. And yet, instead of feeling valued, she only felt the weight of how pitiful her old self had been. After years of Chanter 17 11.18% sacrifice, she had left the Shaw Estate with nothing but a few clothes and her ID. Now, just because she refused to return, a fortune appeared in front of her, effortless. It was almost laughable. "I'm sorry," she said finally. Her voice was calm, her refusal absolute. "I'm not interested." Chapter 17 11.18% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!