"Grace." Joanne Chase couldn’t bear to watch any longer. Having never felt parental love herself, she found the scene unbearable and wanted to go help.

But Grace Winslow held her back and shook her head.

Joanne Chase looked at Grace Winslow, completely bewildered. "Grace, why aren’t we helping him?"

"Do you think his daughter knows about their family’s situation? That they’re farmers, and even if they scrimp and save all year long, they still can’t afford a single piece of clothing from here? She grew up in that house. How could she not know?"

"So why, when she knows perfectly well that her family is poor, would she force her father to lose face and come all the way here to buy a flashy but impractical dress?"

"You can go buy the dress for him. He can take it back to his daughter, and you’ll have fulfilled a father’s profound love for his child. But you can’t save their family."

"People are always fantasizing about things they can’t have. If you give her what she wants this one time, she’ll think it’s a shortcut. Then she’ll never be satisfied. She’ll always be looking for the next shortcut and will lose the will to stay grounded and work hard."

"Helping him now would only harm them in the long run. If his daughter doesn’t learn her lesson, that family is beyond saving."

"Come on, let’s go look somewhere else."

With that, Grace Winslow took Joanne Chase’s hand and led her away.

Joanne Chase fell silent. She glanced back one more time at the helpless man, standing there as a crowd gawked at him.

This time, however, she didn’t step forward with the urge to help him.

She suddenly understood what Grace Winslow meant.

Grace had been willing to give her a hand because she was hardworking and driven. She had never tried to take shortcuts or latch onto someone rich just to live a life free from worry.

She had always believed she could get everything she wanted through her own two hands, not by relying on others’ charity.

"Grace, wait for me!" A smile bloomed on Joanne Chase’s face as she hurried to catch up.

The two of them visited a few more shops and bought quite a few clothes. On their way out, they passed by that first store again. The man was still standing at the entrance, his rough hand clutching a wad of cash, his eyes vacant and lost. Shoppers bustled past him, a few pausing to shoot him looks of disdain and annoyance.

A short while later, a mall security guard came over and politely escorted the man out.

Grace Winslow and Joanne Chase only spared him a glance before taking their things and heading home.

It was Joanne Chase’s first time visiting the Holland family, and she had bought many gifts.

Evan Holland was an only child. His parents were highly educated; his mother was a middle school teacher and his father was a university professor. His grandfather was a former soldier, and his grandmother had passed away. The family structure wasn’t very complicated.

He also had a younger uncle with two children, and they would all come over for the New Year.

Grace Winslow and Joanne Chase prepared gifts for everyone.

Evan Holland had already told Joanne Chase all about his family beforehand, afraid she might feel awkward during the visit.

Seeing that Grace Winslow and Joanne Chase had bought so many things, Irene Lynch asked about their plans. When she learned that Joanne was visiting her boyfriend’s family on the second day of the New Year, she prepared another gift for her.

It was a box of pastries she had made herself.

Irene Lynch’s shop had already opened two new branches and was quite famous in Coronet. Many people came from other cities, drawn by its reputation, just to have a taste.

On New Year’s Eve, Irene Lynch was busy as a bee preparing the reunion dinner.

With two more people joining for dinner this year, there was even more to prepare.

Nolan Winslow and Brandon Winslow came over early in the morning, bringing lots of things with them.

They put their things down and went to help put up the New Year’s couplets.

Hayley, Lily Callahan, Grace Winslow, and Joanne Chase all went to the kitchen to help.

The little ones were playing in the courtyard.

Grandpa and Gregory Winslow sat in the garden, drinking tea and chatting. They couldn’t help but smile as they watched the children play around their feet.

Archer Rhys treated his wound in his room and put on an extra layer of clothing before coming out.

Lunch was simple. Irene Lynch made ramen with huge chunks of beef, leaving everyone very satisfied.

Hayley had prepared New Year’s gifts for everyone, adults and children alike, including Archer Rhys and Grandpa.

The children were always the happiest during the New Year.

In the afternoon, Ryan Winslow took his younger brothers out to play.

Their little sister was too young and was left at home.

The little one they had taken in still didn’t have a name, so for convenience, Irene Lynch gave him the temporary name Joel Thatcher.

Joel Thatcher was very lively. In just two days, he had already hit it off with his new brothers. Now, dressed in new clothes, he followed Ryan Winslow outside to play.

The air outside was filled with the laughter of children and the crackling of firecrackers.

Irene Lynch sent Grace Winslow and Archer Rhys out to buy fireworks and firecrackers, as every household set them off for the New Year.

Fireworks weren’t banned yet, and the children outside were already starting to play with them.

Grace Winslow and Archer Rhys bought a lot, especially some small fireworks and sparklers for the kids.

On their way back, they ran into George Holland at the entrance to the alley. He greeted Grace Winslow, but his gaze was fixed on Archer Rhys.

Archer said a few words to Grace and walked over. "You were looking for me?"

"Yeah. Vulture has slipped into Coronet. Someone saw him a couple of days ago. I suspect he’s after you. After all, you killed his brother. He’s definitely going to want revenge. You need to be careful."

"These are all ordinary people. If Vulture finds them, I’m afraid..." George Holland’s expression was grim.

A murderous glint flashed in Archer’s eyes. "He wouldn’t dare!"

"I’ll give my life to take a piece out of him. I won’t let him hurt Grace."

"Boss, I can’t assign any men to you. You’re on your own, so be careful. I’ve received a new mission and I ship out tomorrow. Do me a favor and pass a message to Grace... wish her a Happy New Year." George Holland’s expression grew more solemn. He gave Archer a long, deep look, as if trying to commit his face to memory.

A bad feeling instantly welled up in Archer’s heart. "Where are you going?"

"Boss, you know the drill. Our missions are classified. I can’t tell you," George Holland said with a small smile.

Archer pursed his lips.

Sensing the heavy atmosphere, George Holland chuckled and added, "Don’t worry. I’ll definitely be back for the wedding feast when you and Grace get married."

"Monica Morgan is still waiting for you. Aren’t you going to give her some kind of answer?" Archer frowned, the feeling of unease growing stronger.

George Holland’s expression seemed to go distant for a moment before he shook his head. "It’s impossible between us. It’s better if she just forgets about me. Boss, I’m heading back. You be careful."

"Take this. If it becomes necessary..."

George Holland said nothing, just gave Archer a smile and turned to leave.

Archer tightened his grip on the gun.

Watching George Holland’s receding back, he had a strange premonition that this goodbye would be their last.