In his deep sleep, Winston furrowed his brows tightly, and his fingers twitched reflexively. Perhaps he was dreaming, or perhaps it was a telepathic connection with his daughter, Alyssa. "Was Mom... a member of the royal family?" Liam held his breath.


    Alyssa shook her head. "I don''t know. Even if she were and got chased out for some reason, there wouldn''t be absolutely no record of her.


    "So, I''m guessing that she might have been someone from the pce or someone connected to the royal family. However, I''m not sure about the specifics. After all, we aren''t familiar with the situation in Kontina at all.


    "There''s one thing I''m sure of, though." Her eyes gleamed with a cold intensity as she sped her hands together. "There was probably some kind of grudge between Mom and the Kontinian royal family that forced her into exile.


    "By some miraculous chance, she ended up in Belbanks, and of all people, Dominic saved her."


    The word "grudge" hit Liam like a sharp, invisible knife. "Dad has always showered us with love, and he let us make our own choices in life. Even though we''re from a wealthy family, he never pressured us into marriage alliances. He wanted us to find happiness on our own terms."


    Tears welled up in Liam''s eyes as he knelt beside Winston''s bed, holding his father''s wrinkled hands. "Yet, he''s so against Yules and me. Maybe your theory is worth exploring, Lyse. Maybe there''s something dark in Mom''s past with the Kontinan royals. That could exin Dad''s strong reaction."Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Upon hearing that, Alyssa plunged into deep thought.


    Indeed, Winston had been exceptionally lenient with his and Jennifer''s five children, indulging them to a fault. In contrast, he was stricter with Mandy''s and L''s children.


    He fiercely opposed Miley''s marriage to someone from Kontina, tried to arrange a marriage alliance for Tatiana with the Schmidt family, and constantly nagged Cyrus about settling down.


    However, he treated his five children with Jennifer differently. For Alyssa, he only put up a strict front. Whether it was her stint with Doctors Without Borders or other rebellious moments, he always ended up giving in.


    Jennifer was indeed the one Winston loved the most, and he extended that love to their children. However, if he was so in love with her, why did he have to marry time and time again?


    If Jennifer reciprocated Winston''s love and their life was blissful, why did she allow him to marry again and again? Why didn''t she stop him and even be close to his other wives?


    Alyssa was also a woman, yet she couldn''t understand Jennifer''s perspective.


    All humans have always had emotions. How could Jennifer not be jealous? She wouldn''t have been able to live through those days of polygamy unless there was no ove between her and Winston. So, how did she end up having children with a man like him?


    "If there really was bad blood between Mom and the Kontinian royal family, I... I will have a clean break with Yules. I won''t have any contact with her anymore."


    Liam''s breathing hitched as he fought back a surge of emotions. In a raspy and trembling voice, he continued, "Before it''s all toote."


    "Liam, at this point, everything is merely my spection. It wouldn''t be fair to sacrifice your happiness based on what-ifs." Alyssa''s heart ached for him.


    "I''ve lost Mom very early on. I cannot lose Dad too. I won''t risk his health."


    Liam hung his head low. Waves of regret and sorrow washed over him. "I''m not a high-achiever, Lyse. I''m not courageous enough to give everything up for the sake of love. All I want is for Dad and everyone else to be happy. This will be the reason for me to live."


    Liam and Alyssa fell into silence. After spending more time with Winston, Liam left the room dejectedly.


    "Dad, what in the world happened to Mom? When... When will you be able to open up to me about it? I really want to know," Alyssa sighed as she sat beside him, troubled.


    She nced at Winston''s face. A flicker of surprise crossed her features as she noticed tears tracing silent paths down his cheeks, dampening his pillow.


    Winston cried in his sleep.