Jane Sheridan frowned in confusion.
She came here seeking justice, yet her father actually asked Ann Vaughn if she wanted to stay for dinner?
Did she not care about her own dignity?
"Thank you for your kindness, but I think it’s unnecessary. I did break that longevity plaque, and I’ll compensate you for it. I’m very sorry."
Even though she wasn’t sure what Stanley Sheridan was planning, she was indeed at fault. Even if they didn’t hold her accountable, Ann Vaughn still felt bad about it.
She had worn that longevity plaque for four years, and her fake identity as "Aquarelle Vaughn" borrowed the word "Aquarelle" from the pattern on the plaque.
"It’s not something particularly valuable; there’s no need for compensation. Don’t worry about it," Stanley Sheridan waved off.
It was unclear whether he didn’t need Ann Vaughn’s compensation or was too proud to accept it, but Stanley rejected her offer decisively, leaving Ann unable to continue discussing compensation.
If that longevity plaque could be repaired, it might somehow make up for Old Mrs. Sheridan...
After Ann returned to the attic living room, Uncle Vance relayed that Old Mrs. Sheridan was in a bad mood and didn’t respond even when he knocked on the door, suggesting she visit another time.
After asking Uncle Vance to convey her apologies to Old Mrs. Sheridan, Ann finally left Sherwood Manor.
Not long after she left, Stanley Sheridan had Ethan Chaney call Wilder Sheridan’s agent, who was still filming in the mountains, to inform him that he could return his phone.
He also asked him to relay everything that happened today to him.
So just after Ann departed the Sheridan home, her phone was bombarded with messages from Wilder Sheridan.
You could feel his explosive anger between the lines.
"I’ve been thrown into the middle of nowhere to film, just got my phone back, and I’m at odds with that old man!"
"He treats strangers like treasure, while his own son is worthless! That old geezer is truly something!"
The message continued with nearly a thousand words of kindergarten-level insults before it finally mentioned that Eli Sheridan was recently abroad on an inspection. He had previously asked to let her know that with the year-end approaching, he might be too busy to return calls and messages promptly.
Any important matters could be addressed by calling the overseas division’s landline directly.
Aside from the things she saw in Ian Vaughn’s safe, Ann didn’t have anything significant to discuss with Eli Sheridan.
If there was something, it would be the meaning of the numbers and words on that paper in Ian Vaughn’s study.
Ann thought for a while and replied to Wilder Sheridan’s message.
"I want to ask if you have any impression of this set of numbers..."
Wilder didn’t text back but called directly, "How did you know my family’s safe code?"
Ann initially guessed it was part of a phone number, but she never imagined it would be the safe combination for the Sheridan family!
She was stunned for several seconds as Wilder muttered, "But we have so many safes, I can’t remember whose it is."
Ann cringed slightly, feeling momentarily conflicted.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being flaunted with wealth.
"No worries. When you come back, there’ll be a chance to help me check it out." Googlᴇ search ɴovᴇl(F)ɪre.ɴet
That string of numbers couldn’t fully prove a connection to Ian Vaughn’s accident, but Ann didn’t want to overlook any clue.
After hanging up, Ann received a text from Flynn Murray, saying there were some issues in the experimental process and he wanted her to come over to personally guide things.
Ann then instructed the driver to turn around, skipping Viridian Palace, and headed straight to the Vaughn Group’s research lab.
Jane entered Old Mrs. Sheridan’s room after knocking, seeing her sitting by the window bathing in sunlight, holding an album in her hands, and displaying a long-missed smile.
"Grandma." Jane walked over softly, squatting by Old Mrs. Sheridan’s knees, and said gently, "I just reached out to the Saxons for you; as long as Elder Saxon agrees, we can definitely repair the longevity plaque."
She glanced at the photos in the album, all of which were baby pictures she had never seen before.
This album was always off-limits, and it was Jane’s first time seeing the photos within.
Old Mrs. Sheridan shook her head, slowly brushing her fingers over the photos, "The longevity plaque can be repaired, but my Sweetie will never return."
Jane’s throat tightened, a hint of spite flashed in her eyes, "I once heard you say it was something my younger sis wore since birth, so I thought repairing it could hold some memories."
"You’re very thoughtful." Old Mrs. Sheridan nodded with gratification, "By the way, that girl..."
"I’ve already asked her to leave. She’s lucky to meet a kind and generous person like Grandma, avoiding responsibility for her actions." Jane smiled sweetly, "Maybe she was just curious and wanted to take a look at the plaque."
Taking without asking is considered stealing.
Old Mrs. Sheridan frowned, sighing, "Forget it, to err is human. Now that she’s gone, let’s drop the matter."
Back in Marinia, Old Mrs. Sheridan was known for her fierce temperament and sharp demeanor, with very few daring to cross her.
Even Old Mr. Sheridan, famous for his roguish reputation, had suffered many losses before marrying her, and wouldn’t dare speak a word in front of her.
But since her only precious granddaughter went missing, Old Mrs. Sheridan slowly tempered her disposition, becoming more gentle and kind, doing countless charitable deeds.
She hoped that wherever her granddaughter might be, she’d encounter kind-hearted people and be treated well.
In hopes of bringing fortune to her granddaughter, Old Mrs. Sheridan never ceased donating to charity funds or helping children in orphanages.
Even knowing her granddaughter would never return to her side, upon seeing Ann Vaughn standing there nervously, Old Mrs. Sheridan’s heart softened.
Consider it as accumulating blessings for her Sweetie’s next life.
"Grandma, don’t be sad. I’ll always be here with you, even if you chase me away, I won’t go." Jane watched Old Mrs. Sheridan’s sorrowful expression, nearly digging her nails into her palms.
She had been the one growing up by her grandmother’s side, there with her through so many days and nights.
But why couldn’t she compare to a granddaughter whose image lived only in their memories?
Jane masked her resentment and unwillingness well, ensuring Old Mrs. Sheridan didn’t notice.
Hearing Jane’s words, Old Mrs. Sheridan reassuringly patted her hand, "It’ll just be the two of us from now on."
As Ann Vaughn left the research lab, she bumped into some Vaughn Group executives visiting for an inspection, and she was surrounded and questioned for quite some time before she could get away, feeling too drained to speak.