Four years later, inside the Thirteen Provinces, in Brightmoor.
Another rainy day. The bamboo grove of Wenridge Manor rustled in the wind. The doorbell rang at the main house gate—a rare occurrence over the past four years.
A convoy of extended black cars pulled up. Bodyguards in black suits and sunglasses lined up in formation.
Serena opened the door. She hadn't seen such a grand scene in a long time.
When she did, the man inside the car stepped down with a cane, assisted by a butler holding an umbrella. His hair was white, one hand on his cane, but his sharp gaze locked onto her immediately.
She stood calm and composed.
Though slender and pale, she exuded the poise of someone born into a great family.
Far better than his unruly grandson, Adrian.
So thought the man—Sir Adrian's grandfather, Edric Pryce Senior.
"And you are?" Her voice was soft, like the breeze in a rainy season.
"Adrian's grandfather," he said bluntly.
At those words, Serena's body trembled—barely perceptible.
She stepped aside slightly and gestured for them to enter.
Wenridge Manor was vast, once meant to house a whole family.
Now, only a few people lived there.
Serena led Edric through the firefly corridor to the tea room once used by her grandmother.
The old man declined assistance but allowed the butler to hold the umbrella as he slowly walked inside.
Four years ago, Serena had returned to Wenridge Manor alone. Since then, she'd lived in seclusion, rarely seen by anyone.
The Sangster family had not been part of the Thirteen Provinces for years. When she returned, few paid her attention.
Once seated, Serena prepared tea for the old man.
Her movements were graceful and smooth. Edric could see traces of an old acquaintance in her manners.
A Go board sat between them, already arranged before his arrival.
Serena sat quietly, seemingly waiting for Edric to speak.
One window was open in the tea room, but the rainy air made the atmosphere heavy.
"Where are the children?" he finally asked.
"At preschool. They haven't been released yet."
She lowered her eyes.
No doubt, he already knew everything before coming. He just needed a way to start the conversation.
His hand tapped the cane lightly, again and again.
Though retired, Edric Pryce Sr. was still the true power behind the Pryce family.
From the moment he stepped in, Serena showed neither surprise nor panic—as if she'd expected them.
Her gaze remained lowered, avoiding his eyes.
It was the butler, Mr. Jason, who finally spoke:
"Miss Sangster, our master is aware of the little lord and lady's existence. As the direct heirs of the Pryce family, they cannot be left outside."
"As their biological mother, we would like to discuss custody rights with you."
Though he said "discuss," there was no room for negotiation in his tone.
Serena finally looked up. Her eyes resembled the bamboo grove outside: deep and still.
"The Pryce family wishes to take them back?"
She addressed the old man directly.
He nodded.
"Name your terms, Miss Sangster."
"Being a child of the Pryce family and living in Wenridge Manor —surely Miss Sangster can tell which offers a better future."
The butler's tone was resolute.
Wenridge Manor, once grand, was now just an empty shell.
Serena's hand under the table clenched, then slowly relaxed.
"I want to be Mrs. Pryce for one year."
"Also, thirty million."
Mr. Jason's brows furrowed.
Thirty million meant nothing to the Pryce family, but was the Sangster girl trying to gain status along with the money?
But the old man remained silent.
Serena continued calmly,
"A contractual marriage. One year. No ceremony. No announcement. I only need a legal certificate."
Just a marriage license? For what?
"The children have never left me. I need a year to help them process their identities. After that, I will relinquish both the title of Mrs. Pryce and their maternal guardianship."
Her tone was calm and matter-of-fact, as if stating a business arrangement.
Even if it meant giving up everything.
Mr. Jason couldn't understand her real motive.
Edric Pryce Sr. remained quiet, staring at the Go board before him.
The game had already begun, yet her intentions remained unreadable.
He looked at her and spoke, voice low:
"You're targeting the Sangster family."
It wasn't a question.
Serena's hand tightened. Her throat constricted.
Of course. He was one of the few in the Thirteen Provinces who could control everything with a word.
"Do you think I have the power to go against the Sangster family?" she asked calmly.
The old man didn't answer immediately. He stared at her for a long moment.
Then finally said, "No... you don't."
Serena breathed out slowly.
"The Pryce family will not support you."
Even if she denied it, Edric would make sure there was no possibility of involving the Pryce family in her revenge.
She nodded slightly.
She'd never expected help.
The legal team came quickly. A contract was drafted.
Serena signed it stroke by stroke, just like that rainy day four years ago.
Four years ago, she'd let go of the Sangster name. This time, she gave up her children.
After signing, she escorted Edric to the door.
Just before getting into the car, he brought up a name neither of them had mentioned until then:
"Now that you're legally married, in three days, I'll arrange for you to meet Adrian."
At the sound of that name, Serena's hand tightened around her umbrella.
"Alright."
The car drove smoothly along the overpass. Rain poured harder.
The old man leaned against the seat, eyes closed.
"Jason," he said, "what do you think of that girl?"
Mr. Jason recalled every moment from the door opening to the final goodbye.
He gave the most honest answer:
"Miss Sangster... is far too calm."
So calm, it was as if she weren't handing over her children.
So calm, it seemed nothing truly touched her.
Edric nodded in agreement.
Mr. Jason hesitated, then added:
"But according to our reports, Miss Sangster is deeply bonded with the children. They rely on each other."
They had prepared for a long negotiation today, but the woman had been surprisingly cooperative.
A contractual marriage. Thirty million.
Could that really bring down the Sangster family and Reginald?
Edric looked out at the rain.
Something still didn't add up.