Chapter 312

Molly slowed her steps, quietly letting herself drift to the back of the group.

Her eyes clung to Verena up ahead, who was tenderly held between Joseph and Marisa, as though their arms formed a fortress around her. Marisa clutched Verena as if afraid she might vanish like smoke in the wind.

Molly recalled Marisa's affectionate gaze at the entrance earlier, and a storm of mixed feelings stirred within her chest.

The Sampson family had searched for Verena for more than twenty years, and Molly already knew they treasured their daughter beyond measure.

Yet,seeing it with her own eyes, she realized their devotion to Verena ran even deeper than she had ever imagined.

In silence, Molly reflected: Verena's standing in the Sampson family was immovable, as solid as a mountain.

Therefore, if she truly wished to win Luis' heart,she must avoid crossing Verena at all costs. pon hearing the news of the group's visit, Joseph ad quickly instructed the servants to prepare a velcoming dinner.

At the dining table, the dishes were laid out with meticulous care, fragrant steam curling into the air.

Joseph gazed at Verena with tenderness overflowing,his voice gentle as he said, "Verena, try this grilled fish.It's a specialty from your mother's hometown, made with a secret recipe. She personally asked the chef to prepare it."

Marisa,sitting close by, instantly placed a portion on Verena's plate, murmuring, "Sweetheart, taste it.Careful now,it's still hot."

Her eyes never strayed from Verena, brimming with attachment and reliance, as though every breath revolved around her.

Verena looked at the golden, finely shaped fish on her plate, its aroma teasing her senses.

Isaac quietly removed the bones for her, and Verena dipped the tender meat into the sweet-and-sour sauce before bringing it to her lips.

The flavor melted on her tongue-balanced, rich, and gentle-yet her eyes glistened red with tears. Parental love,absent for so long, now lay before her like a jewel finally unearthed.

Since Kaia's birth when Verena was seven, she had only watched from the shadows as Alec and Laura poured affection onto Kaia and Luka.

She had seen Alec prepare gifts with careful thought for Kaia's birthdays, his gaze overflowing with indulgence.

She had seen Laura spend sleepless nights by Luka's bedside when illness struck.

And Verena-she had been nothing more than a bystander.

No matter the envy or longing swelling within her,she had always buried it deep, never daring to let it show.

But tonight, for the first time, she felt how fierce and boundless a parent's love could truly be.

It wrapped around her, filling her heart with both sweetness and ache, a paradox of joy and sorrow mingled together. Overcome, tears welled and blurred her sight.

"Verena, why are you crying?" Joseph's voice carried anxious concern, while Marisa quickly clasped her daughter's hand. Verena brushed her tears away, forcing a fragile smile,er voice thick. "Dad, Mom, I'm fine. The fish is just so delicious... I've never tasted anything as divine as this."

Isaac pulled out a tissue, gently dabbing at her tears,his palm resting softly on her back to steady her.

Hearing her words, Joseph and Marisa finally breathed easier.

Joseph spoke warmly. "Good girl, if you like the fish,eat as much as you wish."

Verena managed a small smile, nodding.

Joseph's gaze shifted to Isaac, who had silently cared for Verena all evening. His appreciation for the young man grew like a flame fanned by the wind.

With a smile, he said, "Isaac, I wonder if these dishes suit your taste. If you have any preferences,let me know. I'll make sure the chef prepares something special for you next time."

Isaac set down his utensils at once, straightening his posture. With a modest bow and a respectful smile,he replied sincerely, "That's most thoughtful of you,Joseph. Tonight's meal has been a true delight, thanks to you and Marisa."

His eyes shone with genuine respect as he looked at Joseph.

From her seat,Verena's heart swelled with warmth.

She slipped her hand over Isaac's, smiling as she told her father, "Dad, Isaac isn't particular. Don't worry.We both love everything you and Mom prepared."

Marisa nodded eagerly, her face glowing with kindness."As long as you enjoy it, I'm content."

With a smile, Luis said to Marisa, "Mom,you must eat more as well. Tonight should be a true celebration-joyful and hearty-with Verena home again."

Seated quietly, Sherwood observed the harmony at the table. A faint smile played on his lips, though for an instant his kindly eyes revealed a sharp,calculating gleam.

It was gone in a heartbeat, replaced by warmth. He lifted his wine glass, rising with a voice full ofemotion."Joseph, Marisa, nothing brings me more joy than seeing your family whole again. All these years you searched high and low, spreading notices, asking anyone who might know. I've witnessed the toll it took-the effort, the cost-and my heart ached for you.But God has shown mercy, and the trial has finally ended."

His tone softened, and then brightened with a smile.

"Family reunion outweighs all else. And to know Verena has married Mr. Bennett, such a fine man-handsome,capable, and talented-truly, the two of them are a match made in heaven. It is the happiest of endings, and I rejoice with you."

Joseph's eyes brimmed with emotion at Sherwood's heartfelt words. He raised his glass in haste."Sherwood, for your support all these years, I thank you. Let's drink to this!"

"Joseph, we've walked side by side for many years,"Sherwood replied with feeling. "I've watched your devotion to your family, and now your dream fulfilled -I couldn't be happier."

Turning to Marisa before Joseph could answer, he added, "Marisa, from this day on, enjoy the blessings before you. With children so devoted, your days will only grow more joyous."

Then, he lifted his glass high. "This toast is for you both! May the Sampson family's future shine ever brighter, and may our friendship endure for generations."

At those words, Verena, Isaac, Luis, and Molly also raised their glasses.

Sherwood tilted back his head, downing his wine in one smooth motion, swift and assured.

As the glass lowered, his expression shifted ever so slightly, a glint flashing in his eyes-fleeting,subtle,and gone before anyone noticed.

Only Isaac, seated directly opposité him, happened to catch that instant.

As he set down his glass, his gaze lifted almost by chance, and in that instant he caught Sherwood's fleeting expression.

Though his heart tightened with suspicion, Isaac remained calm, his face betraying nothing.