"I object! Shen Xue brought shame to the family back then, so how does she have the right to come back and manage the family business? It's already merciful that we didn't kill someone who disgraced the family, but letting her come back? Impossible!" Shen Ning entered, his face dark as he spoke.

Seeing the eldest son, who was favored by the patriarch, appear, Shen Wu also showed a pleased expression and immediately added, "Yes, Father, Ning'er is right. I also disagree. It was you who personally stripped Shen Xue of her inheritance rights and confined her. Now, how could you…"

Bang!

The Shen family patriarch slammed the table, his face icy as he glared at his children and grandchildren present. He said coldly, "What? Now that I'm paralyzed, do you all think I'm about to die?"

As his voice fell, Mrs. Du, who was standing beside the patriarch, glanced coldly at everyone present.

When Shen Wu and the others heard how harshly he spoke and saw Mrs. Du's guarded stance, they immediately looked helpless and stayed silent.

The patriarch scanned the room like an enraged lion. He snorted coldly and said, "If you want to fight over the family assets, do it after I'm dead and can't see it anymore. By then, I won't care if you beat each other's brains out. But for now, the Shen family is still mine, and you all better remember that!"

"Yes, Father."

"Understood, Grandfather."

Everyone hastily replied, all apologizing with smiles plastered on their faces.

Seeing this, the patriarch snorted in satisfaction before continuing, "Do you all not recognize Shen Xue's capabilities? If that disgraceful child hadn't had an affair and borne a bastard, would I have worked myself to the bone and ended up paralyzed? If any of you had shown some promise, I wouldn't have to lose face by bringing that disgrace back into the family!"

No one dared to say a word.

At this moment, Mrs. Du gently patted the patriarch's back and spoke softly, "It's also our bad luck. If the Zhou family hadn't had their incident, with their support, the Shen family could have slowly developed. But now, alas…"

Her words made everyone feel helpless. Indeed, the Shen family had planned everything well, but in the end…

The patriarch said blandly, "Enough, eldest, make the call. The terms are the same. If she agrees to come back, I'll allow her to return to the family, and she can have the million yuan as well! If I can tolerate that disgrace, how can I not tolerate the bastard child!"

The Shen family members looked at each other. After all, the patriarch was still the head of the family, and in such a traditional family, his word could indeed strip them of their inheritance rights!

Realizing this, no one dared to speak further. They all fell silent, even Shen Ning, the most favored grandson, lowered his head without a word.

No matter how unwilling they were, with the patriarch's authority pressing down on them, they had to accept it.

…

On the top floor of the Boli Hotel.

Yang Yi looked at the sleeping Shen Xue and Tiantian, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

He gently held his wife and daughter's hands as he sat by the bed, quietly watching them.

At this moment, Yang Yi felt a peace he hadn't experienced in years. Even if the world ended at this moment, as long as he could stay by their side, he would have no regrets.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

There were still traces of tears on Shen Xue's face, and even in her sleep, she frowned slightly, looking uneasy.

This made Yang Yi feel overwhelming guilt once again. He regretted why he had left back then and never looked back.

At this moment, Shen Xue's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes, immediately locking gazes with Yang Yi.

Shen Xue lowered her head first, and when she saw Tiantian in her arms, she looked relieved. Then, she suddenly blushed because she realized Yang Yi was holding her hand.

She softly murmured, "You…"

But Yang Yi tightened his grip. "I'm sorry, Xue'er. I'm late."

These words made Shen Xue's eyes turn red. She looked up at Yang Yi again and found that his face was already covered in tears.

In an instant, Shen Xue also began to cry. She smiled gently, shaking her head vigorously, "No, you're not too late!"

Yang Yi leaned in and gently hugged her, murmuring, "I'm sorry, Xue'er, I'm sorry!"

Shen Xue sobbed quietly, not wanting to wake her daughter. But her tears flowed uncontrollably, as if endless.

She had too much pain in her heart, but at this moment, she didn't want to say anything. She just wanted to cry in his arms.

Yang Yi, feeling even more guilty, held her tightly.

Suddenly, Shen Xue pushed him away, her eyes filled with fear as she said, "The Zhou family, what happened to the Zhou family? You…"

Yang Yi shook his head lightly, "It's okay now. Don't worry, no one will hurt you or Tiantian anymore. I'll protect you both, I swear!"

Shen Xue didn't believe him. She looked around and realized she was in a hotel room. She gently got up and covered Tiantian with the blanket.

Stepping outside, she noticed the decor and saw the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"This is a presidential suite?" Shen Xue realized and then looked Yang Yi up and down.

Seeing him dressed in combat fatigues, she frowned and asked, "Did you borrow money? From your comrades? Or your superiors?"

Yang Yi nearly burst out laughing but felt more warmth in his heart. This woman was still worried about him even now.

He thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes, I borrowed some. I'm, uh, somewhat capable and quite valued."

Shen Xue didn't think he was lying. She walked over and asked, "And the Zhou family issue, was it your comrades who helped?"

Yang Yi nodded, "Don't worry anymore, really. It's all over. Trust me."

He held Shen Xue's hand and stood with her, looking out at the bright blue sky. "I'll protect you and our daughter, Xue'er. I was wrong before. I shouldn't have left you both. But I'm back now. Please give me another chance to take care of you and make up for the five years I wasn't there, okay?"

Shen Xue's eyes reddened again. She covered her mouth, her eyes bright and teary. She stared at Yang Yi for a moment, then suddenly slapped him hard across the face!

Slap!

The sharp sound echoed, but Yang Yi didn't dodge or flinch. He continued to look at Shen Xue with a firm and gentle gaze.

The next moment, Shen Xue burst into tears, throwing herself into his arms and crying out, "You bastard! You bastard, if you ever run away again, I'll kill you! I'll definitely kill you! Bastard Yang Yi!"

Yang Yi's eyes filled with tears as he held the woman in his arms tightly. He owed her and their daughter too much.

As long as Shen Xue could forgive him, even a slap or a stab wouldn't matter.

Shen Xue cried even longer this time, sobbing for a full half hour before finally stopping. But it was clear she had completely forgiven him, holding onto his hand and not letting go.

"Stop crying, or when our daughter wakes up, she'll think I bullied her mom!" Yang Yi said with a comforting smile.

Shen Xue indeed stopped crying, but then she suddenly asked, "How much did you borrow?"

"What?" Yang Yi was taken aback.

Shen Xue glared at him with beautiful, angry eyes, "From your comrades! How much did you borrow? We have to pay it back!"

Yang Yi was dumbfounded, ready to explain when Shen Xue's phone suddenly rang.

Seeing the caller ID, Shen Xue frowned, thought for a moment, then answered the call:

"Third Sister, why haven't you come back yet? The patriarch has decided to let you return to the family. Come back, we're waiting for you at home."