C168 New Bonds

After taking several deep breaths outside the dining room, Samantha finally managed to calm herself. She gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes before putting on a faint smile. No matter how heavy her heart felt, she refused to let anyone worry because of her. She slowly pushed open the door and walked back inside. The conversations immediately came to a halt.

Seeing that everyone had returned to their seats, Tracy slowly stood up from hers. She looked around the table before finally resting her gaze on the Smith family. "Now that everyone is here," she began softly, "I would like to continue." The atmosphere instantly became solemn. Tracy looked directly at Mary and Quinton. "Mary... Quinton..." Her voice carried both guilt and sincerity. "I know that during the past few weeks, our family has treated yours very unfairly."

She paused before continuing. "Our son dismissed both of you without proper evidence, without proper investigation, and without giving you an opportunity to defend yourselves." She slowly turned toward Mike. "And Michael..." Her expression became even more apologetic. "We now know that our son framed you for something you never did." Kelvin lowered his head slightly before continuing in her place. "As parents, we should have been wiser." "We allowed ourselves to become blinded by the conflict between the younger generation. Instead of seeking the truth, we unknowingly became part of the injustice."

Tracy nodded. "That is why my husband and I would like to sincerely apologize." She stood up completely before bowing respectfully. "We know an apology cannot erase the pain you experienced..." "...but we hope it can become the first step toward healing." The room fell completely silent. No one had expected the Chairman and Chairwoman of Wood's IT Company to bow so humbly. Even Alicia looked surprised.

Kelvin slowly added, "If you are willing, we would also like to compensate your family for everything that happened." "And..." He smiled gently. "Our family doors will always remain open to both of you." "If you ever wish to return, you will always be welcome." Only then did Mary and Quinton fully understand why Tracy had invited them today. It wasn't simply for lunch. It was to give them the apology they had deserved all along.

Mary smiled warmly before standing up. "Mrs. Wood... Mr. Wood..." "You really don't have to blame yourselves." She shook her head. "What happened has already happened." "We know very well that neither of you personally wanted us to suffer." Quinton nodded in agreement. "I've always respected both of you." "The mistakes were made by the younger generation." "We have no resentment toward either of you."

He smiled before continuing, "Besides..." "You paid us generously during the many years we worked at your house." "We managed to save enough to live comfortably." He glanced proudly toward Mike. "Our son is now the Vice Director of Lucia Goods..." "...while our daughter-in-law has become its Director." "We're already very satisfied." "Going back to work now would probably create unnecessary misunderstandings."

Kelvin couldn't help smiling. "I understand." "But remember..." "Our invitation will never expire." "If you ever change your minds..." "You'll always have a place at our house." Mary nodded gratefully. "Thank you." The tension around the table gradually disappeared. Kelvin then turned toward Alicia. "Alicia..." "I still remember the little girl who used to visit our company with her father." He smiled proudly. "Now you've grown into an outstanding young woman." "You've become Mrs. Smith..." "...and the Director of Lucia Goods." "Congratulations."

Alicia smiled respectfully. "Thank you, Mr. Wood." Kelvin continued, "Please thank your father on our behalf." "He not only helped uncover the truth..." "...he also chose compassion." "He even agreed to let our son be released." "Our family will never forget that kindness." Alicia nodded politely. "I'll certainly pass your gratitude to my father."

Tracy smiled. "Alicia..." "Now that you're married..." "...allow this old woman to give you a little advice." The young woman immediately listened attentively. "In marriage..." "Always respect your husband." "Protect his dignity." "When you're outside, let him feel respected." "When you're at home..." "...be each other's peace." She smiled lovingly. "There will be misunderstandings." "There will be disagreements." "But never sleep while carrying anger in your hearts."

She reached across the table and gently held Alicia's hand. "And when the time is right..." "Give him a beautiful family." "Fill your home with children's laughter." The words instantly made Alicia blush. Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. She instinctively glanced toward me before lowering her head shyly. "Thank you, Mrs. Wood." "I'll remember every word." "I promise to take good care of my husband..." "...and build a happy family with him."

I smiled without saying anything. Watching Alicia become embarrassed somehow made her even more adorable. Across the table... Samantha lowered her head. Every blessing Tracy gave Alicia reminded her of the future she had once imagined with me. Her fingers tightened around the glass in front of her. She silently forced herself to smile. No one seemed to notice. Except Sarah.

Seeing the atmosphere becoming emotional, Sarah suddenly stood up while holding her glass. "Since everyone has apologized..." "...I think it's time we create new memories." She looked around the room with a bright smile. "We've spent enough time looking backward." "Today..." "...let's start looking forward." Everyone nodded. Sarah looked directly at me. "Mike..." "My brother committed many unforgivable mistakes." "But I hope..." "...I won't be judged for what he did."

She looked toward Samantha. "And Samantha shouldn't continue carrying the burden of decisions she never made." I smiled sincerely. "I've never blamed either of you." "The guilty person should answer for his own actions." "No one else." Sarah looked relieved. She then turned toward Alicia. "I also know Mike was once Samantha's first love." The room became quiet again. "But life has moved forward." "You and Mike clearly love each other." "I sincerely hope the past remains where it belongs..." "...in the past."

Alicia smiled before standing up beside me. She raised her juice glass. "Then..." "Let us make a toast." "To new friendships." "To forgiveness." "To families becoming allies instead of enemies." She looked toward Sarah with a playful smile. "And since my brother Chris has already been accepted by your family..." "I suppose I should start calling you my little sister-in-law." Laughter immediately filled the dining room. Even Tracy laughed. Sarah couldn't help laughing as well. "I think..." "I actually like that title."

The atmosphere instantly became warm and lively again as every glass around the table was slowly raised into the air. "To new beginnings!" Everyone spoke together before gently clinking their glasses. For the first time in a very long while... The Smith family... The Wood family... The Chambers family... Shared genuine smiles around the same table. It truly felt like the beginning of something new.