Deep down, she still felt closer to Julia, her sister-in-law.

The sisters-in-law brushed past each other.

When Adele Horne descended to the first floor, everyone looked at her with pity in their eyes. Her heart tightened; she truly disliked her family pitying her. It's true, I got pregnant before marriage. The child was conceived by accident, and I don't even know who the father is. It's a bit pitiable, yes. But I really don't like people looking at me with pity, especially my own relatives.

"Adele." Julia was about to head back to sit on the sofa when she saw Adele coming downstairs. She went to meet her, pulling her to one side.

"Sister-in-law."

Adele called out in a listless tone, which made Julia's heart ache for her. With a tender hand, she gently smoothed Adele's long hair and said affectionately, "Why don't you tie up your hair? Adele, I get very worried seeing you like this. You made this decision yourself, so you should be braver. This state isn't good for the fetus either. Books say that a pregnant mother's mood directly affects the fetus; if the mother is often unhappy, the child will be difficult to manage once born."

Adele managed a smile and replied, "I know."

"Later, I have to return to the company to deal with some important matters. After I'm done, I'll call you, and we'll go shopping. If my sister is willing to leave Marcel for a bit, I'll invite her too. But she's a newlywed, so I think it's better to let her spend time with Marcel," Julia said after a moment's thought.

With her company, Adele's mood would improve greatly.

Both were considered National Treasure Level figures and received the same excellent material treatment, yet their states of mind were worlds apart.

Adele Horne pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and then nodded firmly. Her expression softened, becoming a bit more relaxed and cheerful. Yes, this was my decision, my choice. I must continue to move forward, facing the wind and rain, no matter what, all the way to the end.

Thinking this way, Adele Horne's mood improved even further, and a natural smile appeared on her face.

Mila Anderson saw this and was touched to the heart. Regarding Julia, her daughter-in-law, she now genuinely felt that her son had married a good wife. Adele had previously been at odds with Julia, but in the end, it was Julia who cared for Adele in every way. This woman of equally noble birth, seemingly a bit carefree, was actually very meticulous. She paid attention to the needs of her family members and cared for them with the sincerest heart. No wonder the grandmother doted on her as if she were her own granddaughter.

After breakfast, everyone with tasks departed, leaving only a few elders, along with Ruby and Marcel.

The grandmother was clearly playing favorites. For instance, when Glades Horne and Julia married, the elderly lady had insisted everyone take several days off to celebrate properly. However, with the year's end approaching, every company was busy. Even Glades returned to the company daily for meetings and to handle business affairs. Consequently, other family members didn't feel the grandmother was biased. Marcel and Ruby certainly wouldn't dwell on such things. The newlyweds, new to intimacy, loved sticking together, whispering sweet nothings, as inseparable as glue.

Sovia Morris was pleased to see her son and daughter-in-law so close. The closer they were, the more her son's sense of responsibility would grow. To make Ruby happier, Marcel would surely work harder on his physical therapy. He would strive to stand up on his own again sooner, to be strong and dependable once more, and to shelter the woman he loved from life's storms.

Sometimes, the power of love is unimaginably strong.

After breakfast, Adele Horne strolled around the courtyard with the grandmother for a while. She could now somewhat understand the grandmother's loneliness. Her affection and respect for the grandmother now came genuinely from the heart; she no longer felt, as she once did, that the grandmother didn't dote on her.

"Adele, the weather is nice today. Why don't you go out for a walk? If you find it boring alone, invite your mother, your aunts, or your cousins," the grandmother suggested, sitting down on a stone bench, tired from their walk.

Adele also sat down.

"My sister-in-law said she'll come back later; we've made plans to go shopping."

"Your brother has no objections?" the grandmother asked, chuckling.

Glades was very indulgent with Julia. As long as something made Julia happy, he wouldn't object and would even do it himself. However, his possessiveness and protectiveness regarding Julia were also very strong. He wouldn't even allow his own sister, Adele, to take up too much of Julia's time. This was especially true after Julia's kidnapping incident. Since then, Glades had lunch and dinner with her every day, fearing a repeat of the incident.

The kidnapping case still had no leads. They only knew that the three kidnappers were not from T City and were orphans with no living relatives. Even though their identities were confirmed, their orphan status made it impossible to discover their usual associates. The case thus remained at a standstill. The longer it remained unresolved, the heavier the worry in everyone's hearts grew. With the enemy in the shadows and themselves in the open, who knew when their adversary might strike again?

Fortunately, Julia had agreed to stay home after the New Year to focus on her pregnancy alongside Adele, which somewhat eased the family's concerns.

"When my sister-in-law lays down the law, does my brother dare object?" Adele said with a giggle, her laughter tinged with envy for Julia. Any woman would envy Julia's extraordinary fortune—married to such an exceptional man who adored her to the heavens and had loved her for so many years.

If only I could marry such a good man too. But alas...

Unconsciously, her hand rested on her flat abdomen. At two months pregnant, it wasn't showing yet. My fetus doesn't seem as robust as the one in Julia's womb. After two months, there's hardly any sign, unlike Julia, who already had a noticeable bump even in less restrictive clothing at the same stage. With this little one, I probably won't marry a good man for the rest of my life. Who would accept me with a child? Even if someone were willing, they'd probably be after the Horne family's wealth. As a daughter of the Horne family, I'm bound to have a generous dowry. I don't want that kind of marriage. So, unless a man truly loves me and my child, I won't consider marriage. Otherwise, I'll live my life with my child.