Xyla smiled.

"Mom, what are you talking about?" She linked arms with her mother, acting like the perfect, affectionate daughter. "Mom, you're forever young. I think you look under 50-still so youthful!"

"You and that sweet tongue of yours! Always so good at flattering others."

Chandra was indeed pleased by the compliment.

"Come on, let's head inside," she said. "What if you start feeling unwell again?"

"Alright, let's go in," Xyla said; she gave Christopher a look, her gaze flicking toward the gates, as if silently urging him to leave.

"Mom, since Xyla's fine, I'll head back now and visit you another day," Christopher said, playing along.

"It's so late already, and you've come all this way," Chandra said. "Why don't you stay the night and leave tomorrow?"

"Mom, I have to be up early tomorrow, and it's quite far from here to the office. I'd better go back now. You and Xyla should also get some rest."

"Alright then," Chandra said. "Make sure to take care of your health. Don't overwork yourself. You've always been so driven. You've worked yourself into the hospital before. Let your subordinates handle things—don't take everything on yourself, understand?"

"I've been trying to do that. See? I'm perfectly fine now."

Chandra raised her hand and gently patted his arm. "Good. My son is strong, and my daughter is so devoted. It's just a pity that my eldest son left us too soon, but at least I still have you two."

When she mentioned her eldest son, a wave of sadness passed over her face.

Xyla immediately changed the subject. "Mom, let's head inside."

"Sure." Chandra turned to Christopher. "Drive carefully on your way back. Let me know when you've arrived, alright?"

"I will. I'll be off, then."

With that, Christopher got into his car and drove away.

Xyla clung to her mother's arm. "Mom, what kind of nightlife have you been up to? It sounds so exciting. Tell me about it!"

"My nightlife? You kids wouldn't find it interesting."

"Mom, how do you know I wouldn't be interested if you don't tell me? Come on, give me a hint!"

"My dear daughter." Chandra suddenly stopped, her gaze becoming noticeably more serious as she looked at Xyla. "Yes?"

Chandra raised her hand and gently stroked Xyla's face. "You always tet yourself be wronged. Why is that? If I don't stand up for you, are you just going to let yourself be wronged again and again?"

Hearing her mother suddenly bring this up, Xyla had a sinking feeling and began to piece things together. Sydney was undoubtedly in her mother's hands.

"Mom, how am I suffering? I'm not suffering at all. I'm very happy being with you now."

"Are you really happy? Don't you feel even a little bit wronged?"

"Mom, it's been so long. What is there to feel wronged about anymore? All I want now is to stay with you Let's never be apart again. After all, when I think about it, you're the one I can rely on most. Men, on the other hand, are unreliable."

Saying this, Xyla wrapped her arms around her mother, leaning her head on her shoulder in a playful, affectionate manner.Property © of .

Chandra smiled. "I don't know how

long I can protect you, but don't

ne

worry. Before I can't anymore, make sure to deal with anyone who dares to make you suffer."

Xyla frowned. "Mom, what do you mean by that? No one's making me suffer!"

Chandra chuckled. "It's so late, and Chris came all the way here by himself. He usually never goes anywhere without a bodyguard. He must be very anxious."