Chapter 43

• "Please. I know it may sound selfish, but I fear for your safety. What if our concerns prove true, and you end up in harm's way? What if everything goes awry, and you face real danger? What would I do then? I have grown deeply attached to you and the thought of losing you is unbearable. I'm apprehensive for your well-being. They never valued or appreciated you. You were unhappy with them. You meant nothing to them. That's not the case with me... you're my family. There's no need for you to return anymore."
• Her words struck a raw nerve within Sophia, prompting her to bite her lip to quell the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. The warmth of Glenda's affection fulfilled a long-standing yearning within Sophia - to feel acknowledged and cared for, to experience genuine familial love once more. While acknowledging Johnny's care, it was rooted in possessiveness and dependency rather than genuine emotional connection.
• "I'm not blameless. I've harbored resentment and engaged in regrettable acts. I was resentful. If I do nothing, the wealth will vanish. With that resource, I could revitalize the village, provide for you endlessly, and initiate a new beginning. Transform your life into something entirely different, free from financial worries. It's my penance for being aloof and callous for the majority of my life," Sophia asserted, highlighting her self-awareness and desire for redemption, observing Glenda's reaction as her resolve wavered.