Cutting ties

As Allen finished, two bodyguards entered the room. He picked up his mother, carrying her as if she weighed nothing. Despite her protests that she could walk, he refused to let her feet touch the ground.

Lilian hugged Katie, whispering, "Take care of yourself." She lingered for a moment, her eyes filled with emotion, before following Allen out.

At the doorway, she turned, blowing Katie a kiss and waving with a bittersweet smile. Katie stretched a hand toward her, wanting to stop her from leaving, but Lilian was already gone.

Victoria watched them leave, her heart heavy. She respected Allen for his integrity and strength.

"If only my daughter had married a man like him," she murmured wistfully.

As the Rowan family departed, Aiden trailed behind like a shadow, his steps heavy with guilt. Tears welled in his eyes as he realized the enormity of his mistakes. His family's shame, Katie's suffering, his brother's wrath—they were all his doing.