Inside the hospital ward, the air was thick with a somber atmosphere until the moment Alyssa walked in. Newton’s eyes brightened instantly, his frail frame seeming to regain some strength as he called out, “Alice, come over here!” Alyssa, sensing the shift, transformed her demeanor, stepping closer to Newton with a respectful obedience. “Grandpa, how are you feeling? Is there any pain?” “Even if it hurts, just seeing you makes me feel better,” Newton replied, tugging gently at her hand, his concern evident. But then, his expression darkened as he fixed his gaze on Jasper, the man whose very presence seemed to add weight to the room. “Alice, this rascal told me you two are divorced. Is that true?” “Yes, Grandpa, we’re divorced,” she managed to say, her voice quivering like the flutter of a wing, and her heart felt as though it had plummeted into a void. Newton’s face contorted with rage, his feeble body trying to rise against the couch’s embrace. “You blind fool! You have such a wonderful wife, and yet you fail to appreciate her!” His voice turned into a fierce growl aimed squarely at Jasper, who stood frozen in worry, concerned for the elder man's health. “Grandpa, please don’t be mad at him,” Alyssa soothed, placing a gentle hand on Newton's back. “I don’t want to continue this marriage. I believe it’s for the best that we part ways.” Jasper’s eyes narrowed as he weighed her words. *Is this a new strategy? Is she trying to manipulate my grandfather to gain my attention and somehow resurrect this failed marriage? What gives you the confidence, Alice White, to think I might still be drawn to you?* “Did you suffer during your time with the Becketts? Did Sophia mistreat you in any way?” Newton asked, concern flooding his features. “No, Grandpa,” Alyssa responded quietly, her gaze turning distant. “I just don’t think Jasper and I are meant for each other. We wouldn’t develop any real feelings. It’s best if we go our separate ways.” But within her, a storm churned. Memories of love once vibrant flickered like ghosts. “Please don’t blame Jasper. We indeed shared some fond memories in these three years. That’s enough for me. Neither of us has regrets.” Jasper frowned, tugged by a perplexing emotion that haunted him. *Good memories? What good moments? We never even had a wedding ceremony—just a rushed certificate obtained under Grandpa’s insistence. She packed and left for the Becketts like it was a mere transaction. Did she truly cherish those memories, or is this a façade?* “Is this my fault, Alice?" Newton’s eyes glistened dangerously close to spilling tears. “I had such hopes for you. I thought you would be happy together, and now...” His voice trailed off into regret. “I thought I had done right by you.” “Don't say that, Grandpa. Love can fade. I’m relieved to have my freedom now, and I’ve moved on from this relationship,” she said, her words piercing like shards of ice. Deep inside, letting go of the love she carried so fiercely for 13 years felt like being stripped of her very skin. She didn’t want to become one of those desperate women who cling to a man for scraps of affection—she cherished her dignity too much for that. “Ben, bring over the birthday present I prepared for my granddaughter-in-law,” Newton commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. Ben appeared, dressed in white gloves, handing over a velvet jewelry box. As it opened, Alyssa gasped softly, revealing an exquisite emerald bracelet nestled inside—a marvel that truly seemed to hum with history. “Grandpa, this is Grandma's...” Jasper’s eyes widened in shock. “Yes, I gifted it to your grandmother when we first got together. A precious heirloom of the Becketts, passed down from your great-grandfather,” Newton’s voice softened as his gaze wandered over the aged yet timeless piece. “When she passed, she told me this was her favorite. She wanted me to gift it to the granddaughter-in-law I truly loved and was happy with. Since she isn’t here, I will pass it on to Alice. She is the only one deserving of it.” “No, Grandpa, that’s too much! I can’t...” Alyssa protested, feeling overwhelmed. “Even if you’ve divorced Jasper, you are the only granddaughter-in-law I accept,” Newton's eyes gleamed with determination. “You must accept it or I’ll be forced to smash it!” “Don’t! No!” Alyssa gasped, gripping his hand in horror, her heart racing amidst the fright. “I’ll take it. Thank you, Grandpa.” “Now that’s more like it!” Newton beamed, carefully placing the bracelet on her wrist. The delicate green contrasted beautifully against Alyssa’s fair skin, enhancing the elegance of her arm. For the first time, Jasper regarded her hand closely, noting its soft beauty. The bracelet complemented her perfectly, igniting a flicker of something in his chest. “What did you give Alice for her birthday?” Newton inquired, a sharp edge to his voice. “Grandpa, Jasper... gave me an unforgettable present,” Alyssa replied, a wry smile creeping onto her lips, humor concealed within her words. Jasper clenched his fist, his pallor betraying the dark truth: he had handed her divorce papers—not exactly a gift of joy. “Is there truly no way back for you and Jasper?” Newton pressed, unwilling to concede. “Grandpa...” she took his hand gently, her voice softening. “If you truly love me, you should support my decision. I want to live life my own way, honestly.” “It’s come to this, and I can’t protest further. But I ask just one thing of you: stay until my 80th birthday. It's barely a few days away,” Newton’s request came with a sadness darkening his brow. “That’s not proper,” Jasper interjected, frowning at the notion. “Why not? Are you really considering bringing that woman to my birthday? Creating a situation where she can claim to be my granddaughter-in-law? I won’t allow anyone to push around the Beckett men! They might think they can get what they want by meddling! In their dreams!” Newton’s frustration erupted as he smacked his hand against the bed, the impact resonating like thunder. “If you respect me, and wish me to live a little longer, keep her away. I will never accept her!” Outside the ward, Liana paced nervously, flames of fury flickering in her eyes. “Stop it! My head is spinning because of you!” Sophia groaned, pressing fingers to her temples. “Why are you so flustered? You know how Newton feels. He’s hanging by a thread, and he won't control Jasper for much longer. Just capture his heart. That’s all you need.” “Easier said than done! As long as Newton is alive, he’ll never accept me! If he’s around, I can’t marry Jasper,” Liana said, panicking and then quickly covering her mouth as though the very words might summon misfortune. “Newton didn’t accept me either when I pursued Javier. And yet, here I am!” Sophia said, flipping her hair as she admired her perfectly manicured nails. “The heart is inexplicably weak and soft. That’s his grandson after all. If Jasper truly wishes to marry you, do you think he can actually be stopped?” Liana considered Sophia’s words, her anxiety easing into a semblance of calm as clarity washed over her. At that moment, the ward door swung open, and Ben led Alyssa and Jasper outside. Liana, regaining her composure, approached Jasper with a charismatic smile, only to notice the enchanting emerald bracelet on Alyssa's wrist, shimmering like a beacon of envy. The lustrous piece far outshined the supposed family heirloom that she wore, and it was clear: Alyssa had not arrived with the bracelet—it had just been gifted to her. A venomous jealousy curled within Liana, and a wicked plan began to formulate in her mind. Without warning, she lunged at Alyssa, feigning a twisted ankle as she snatched the emerald bracelet from her wrist, intending to crush it to pieces. But Alyssa, quick and agile, was prepared. She evaded Liana’s grasp, her eyes narrowing with determination. With a startled gasp, Liana tumbled to the ground, her own bracelet splintering apart as her ill-fated plan crumbled into chaos around them.