C5 Three years later, we meet again

In the blink of an eye, three years had passed...

Paris International Airport.

Jisoo wheeled her luggage out through the security checkpoint. With a bare face, her lively almond-shaped eyes scanned the surroundings, radiating a maturity beyond her years.

Finally, amidst the crowd, she spotted Vincent, the Worthington family driver, holding a sign that read 'Jisoo.'

Approaching with a slight smile, she greeted, "Hello, Jisoo."

"..."

Vincent looked at Jisoo, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes. "You, you're... Miss Jisoo?"

"Yes," Jisoo nodded with a gentle smile.

She knew she had changed since four years ago—thinner, and even her height had shot up a bit with a second growth spurt.

"Girls grow up so fast."

After a brief moment of astonishment, Vincent beamed, praising, "You're even more beautiful than before."

"Vincent, you flatter me."

"Come, let's get in the car."

After a short exchange, Vincent led Jisoo towards the car parked outside. "The car is waiting at the entrance. Granny has been eagerly anticipating your arrival for days."

Once outside, Jisoo settled into the car.

As the car pulled away, she confirmed that the Worthington family had only sent a driver; Reginald hadn't come...

Eventually, the car stopped at a sanatorium in the southern part of the city.

Eleanor, the elderly matriarch of the Worthington family, was unwell—suffering from heart problems and scheduled for heart surgery.

This was the reason they had brought Jisoo back after three years—there were risks associated with the surgery, and Eleanor was worried, just in case...

So, before the operation, she wanted to see Jisoo.

Approaching the door of the ward, they heard Eleanor's voice from inside.

"Is she here yet? Why is it taking so long?"

Knock, knock.

Vincent stepped forward and knocked on the door.

"Come in quickly!"

Vincent stepped aside to let Jisoo in. "Miss Jisoo, please."

"Alright."

Jisoo nodded and entered the room.

"Jisoo?"

Eleanor peered out, catching a glimpse of the girl at the door. She seemed somewhat like Jisoo, but Eleanor wasn't entirely sure.

"Grandma."

Jisoo walked over quickly.

"Indeed, it's Jisoo!" Eleanor reached out to her with excitement, "Come, let Grandma have a good look at you."

Jisoo obediently let the old lady scrutinize her.

"Good, very good."

Eleanor's eyes reddened, and she choked up, "You've grown up; you're a young lady now."

When Jisoo left three years ago, she still had a round face and a childlike innocence.

"Reginald didn't allow me to contact you; he wanted you to become independent. It seems independence does indeed build character, doesn't it?"

Upon hearing this, Jisoo hesitated for a moment but didn't refute. She nodded with a smile, "Grandma is right."

Seeing her so docile, Eleanor became even more pleased. She patted Jisoo's hand and sighed.

"You've changed over these years, haven't you?"

At these words, Jisoo paused again. Instead of giving a direct answer, she said, "In the past, I was immature and made Grandma worry."

"Ah..."

Eleanor sighed, "Your temper was quite unruly before. It's partly Grandma's fault for spoiling you, leading to the mistakes you made."

Jisoo pressed her lips together but didn't argue.

Eleanor touched Jisoo's hair and exclaimed, "You've changed, and Grandma doesn't want you to be upset. From now on, live a good life. You are still Grandma's beloved daughter-in-law, alright?"

"I understand, Grandma."

Jisoo nodded and silently clenched her fists.

After chatting with the old lady for a while, Eleanor felt fatigued and needed to rest.

"I won't keep you any longer, dear. You just arrived today; let the driver take you back and rest."

"Alright, Grandma."

Leaving the sanatorium, Vincent drove Jisoo to the Gold Coast villa area—the marital home she shared with Reginald.

"Miss Jisoo, take good care and rest. I'll take my leave now."

"Thank you, Uncle Vincent."

Standing at the entrance of the Gold Coast villa, Jisoo took a deep breath. Finally, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Her hands trembled as she opened the door.

Anywhere else, she didn't want to set foot in this house again.

But circumstances had made her poor.

Just returned to Europe and hadn't found a place to stay.

Stay in a hotel?

That was impossible.

She wished she could split her meager funds in two. She'd rather sleep on the streets than spend that money.

Staying at Silver Beach, she could at least gauge Reginald's mood.

So what if he looked down on her?

She was used to it.

Over the years, hasn't she been subjected to enough scorn? She had long cultivated a resilient spirit.

Inside the foyer, Jisoo placed her suitcase in the corner.

She took out toiletries and the clothes she planned to change into today, leaving everything else untouched.

She wouldn't stay here for long; it was just a temporary stopover until she found a more permanent residence. There was no need to fuss.

Downstairs, Jisoo took a shower in the guest bathroom, washing away the dust and fatigue of the journey.

As the sky darkened gradually, Reginald hadn't returned yet.

Entering the kitchen, she observed that it didn't look like someone had cooked recently, and there were limited ingredients. After searching for a while, she found a pack of instant noodles, nearly expired.

Additionally, there were a few eggs in the refrigerator.

Boiling water in the pot, Jisoo started cooking the noodles.

Clear broth noodles with a poached egg on top, devoid of any greenery.

"Mmm..." Jisoo lifted the bowl, squinting her eyes as she inhaled deeply. "It smells so good."

For her, a simple and clean meal was already a delicacy.

She picked up the chopsticks, ready to eat.

There was a commotion near the entrance.

Jisoo paused. It was him—Reginald. He had returned.