Regret Came Too Late

Even while resting at home, Quentin couldn't stop thinking about the company. On top of that, the project he'd been working on for over two years was about to launch, so he felt the need to review every contract carefully.

Still in bed, he coughed a few times and glanced at Carmen. "Bring me my laptop."

Carmen sighed. "You're not in any condition to work. Alice is already handling everything at the company. Don't you remember how capable she is? She's been working nonstop all week, and I'm worried she'll wear herself out."

He smiled contentedly before rubbing his forehead. "Alice is certainly capable, but this project has been two years in the making. It's key to the Lambert family's international expansion. I've invested everything in it and can't let it fail now, especially with the higher-ups watching closely."

She sat next to him on the bed and took his hand. "Alice took your laptop. She said you'd never resist checking work messages. She even turned off your phone. Take it easy this week, and don't worry about anything else. She's even handling Grace's funeral, poor thing."

Quentin fell silent. The mention of Grace hit him like a wave-the pain in his chest sharp and sudden, draining the strength he'd been holding onto.

Only then did Carmen notice the tears in his eyes. He had always been the family's pillar, and the last time he'd cried was when Albert passed.

Her heart ached with sympathy, but she also felt a bitter resentment toward Grace. If only Grace had passed sooner, their family might not have been in this situation.

...

she found Paul and Maria cleaning

many, but

her right away

to Grace. She quickly dropped the broom and was about to run when Grace's words

as out of your mind as you've been pretending. You were faking it, weren't you? I have mentioned that things could turn around, but only if

then slowly turned

how much older Maria looked. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion and hopelessness, as though life had worn

lowering her head in desperate gratitude. "Ms. Lambert, thank you for

Maria's face. Only someone who had been through unimaginable pain

I came here today to confess something to you

had just received terrible news. Meanwhile, Grace remained patient, waiting for Maria to

last time I was here, I didn't tell you something important. I was in a car accident and lost all my memories. I didn't even remember who Taylor was. When I came that

made me realize how much I've been at a disadvantage. I'm being honest with you now, and I hope

sighing deeply. "No wonder. I knew something was off that day,