Matthew didn't know how to explain it to Lorraine. Some adult matters were simply beyond a child's understanding. He realized he had made a mistake by involving Lorraine before he and Rachel had established their relationship. Seeing her father's silence, Lorraine smiled and said, "Daddy, my birthday's coming up in a few days. Rachel promised she'd celebrate with me. Do you think she'll remember?"

He decided to prepare her for the possibility that Rachel might be unable to make it. "She is very busy right now and might not have time to come see you," he said.

Lorraine pouted and said, "I understand. I'm sure Rachel will come to see me once she's done with her work."

...

Inside a villa, the air was filled with the soothing aroma of tea. Two teacups sat on the coffee table as Rachel offered one to Fred.

He took a small sip before setting the cup down. He looked at his well-behaved granddaughter with a frown and sighed.

"Ah, it seems that beauty often comes with a tragic fate. I built this business empire hoping it would bring you a lifetime of peace and happiness. But even with all this wealth, I can't guarantee your right to choose who you marry." Rachel's usual icy demeanor softened, and she showed a hint of melancholy. "You've already done so much for me. The rest is something I have to fight for myself."

Fred smiled bitterly. "Even with our wealth worth billions of dollars, we're powerless against the Wood family. Maybe you shouldn't face this alone. I've heard that Matthew is a martial artist. Perhaps he has a way to deal with them."

She frowned with concern. "The Woods are armed and have an army. They're a military family. Even if Matthew is a martial artist, how can he defend against bullets? He saved your life and has done so much for our family. I can't let him risk his life for us."noveldrama

He fell silent and studied her with a thoughtful gaze. He sighed and said, "You've fallen in love with Matthew But fate can be cruel. I can't guarantee your happiness, so the point of having all this wealth?"

what's

Rachel raised an eyebrow. "I want to take control of my own fate. I've made a three-year deal with Isaac. I plan to use those years to multiply our family's assets tenfold.

"I'm going to build a business empire, one so powerful that the Wood family won't dare touch me. If I succeed, and Matthew is still waiting for me, we may pick up where we left off."

Fred's weary eyes

widened in

astonishment. He looked at her with surprise and admiration, as if seeing her for the first time. Her ambition surpassed even his own, and he

deeply respected her rese

After a long pause, he said, "I support you. Life is about daring to dream and taking risks. It's not about chasing wealth, fame, or recognition but having the strength to live life on your own terms.

"To be free from the constraints of the weak and fearless in the face of the powerful. To love what you love and live freely."

Rachel was surprised and looked at her grandfather. She had expected him to scold her, not encourage her.

Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked, "Grandpa, aren't you worried I might drag our family down? If I fail, we could end up with nothing."

Suddenly, Fred burst into laughter. "Our family is full of incompetent fools except for you. If you succeed, they'll share in the glory. If you fail, they'll face the downfall. That's the fate of the weak. Don't hold back. Fight for yourself, not for anyone else."

Rachel was deeply moved. Fred didn't look down on her for being a woman or criticize her for being selfish. She felt lucky to have such a wise, courageous, and loving grandfather.

She couldn't help but express her gratitude. "Grandpa, thank you. Being your granddaughter is the greatest blessing of my life."

Fred smiled and said, "Sweetie, you've sacrificed your own happiness to save my life. You're the only one in the world who would do that for me. You are my greatest treasure."