This was Vivian’s wish. She understood what she meant but she still could not wrap her head around some of the things she said. Nevertheless, she did not hesitate and promised solemnly. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I will do my best to handle the Richards Group and protect the family. This will be my home in the future and it will be the place that I will protect with my life. Grandma, rest assured, I will not let anything happen to it.”
With that, she knelt on the ground and lay her head on Vivian’s knee as tears streamed down her cheeks.
She knew that Vivian had always treated her well. She once thought that Vivian cared about her only because she was aware of Norton’s sins. However, she changed her mind. Vivian had always known that Earl was associated with her father’s death. She truly cared about her. Her love and care for her were irreplaceable. She was grateful to have met her.
“Jenna.” Vivian stroked her head, choked by her sobs. “Back then at Wullen Town, when you refused to return with Hansen, I knew the reason behind your actions, although everyone else failed to understand it. You don’t wish to be part of a prestigious family, nor do you wish to bear the responsibilities. It’s too exhausting. I understand it perfectly well. Hence, I was on tenterhooks. Please forgive me for not stopping them from bringing you back as I yearned for your return. Hansen can’t live without you, nor can we, the Richards family, survive without you.”
Jenna’s heart was filled with mixed emotions. Vivian was being so honest to her. She truly understood what was on her mind.
Living a simple life and growing old with the person she loved was something very precious to her. However, her future was sealed from the moment Vivian laid her eyes on her. She was fated to bear many responsibilities. This was her destiny.
Nevertheless, as time passed, she did not regret it. She loved Hansen. Hence, she would muster the courage and accompany him on this journey, even if there would be lots of challenges and obstacles ahead.
“Grandma, don’t worry. I will do my best to handle everything. Since I have already made my decision, I will not back down, no matter what. I’m not afraid of the challenges ahead and I have never regretted marrying Hansen, not even when I did, seven years ago.” She smiled as tears trickled down her cheeks.
“Good, good.” Vivian was so ecstatic that her hands quivered. She wiped away the tears on her face and said, “Your promise put my heart at ease. Even if I die right this second, I will leave knowing that everything is in good hands.”
Jenna held Vivian’s lined hand in hers. Her expression was solemn.
“Jenna, all the large companies in this world have been through lots of ups and downs. You reap what you sow. Richards Group has been through many obstacles. It has almost gone bankrupt many times but there was always someone who stood up for the family and saved the company despite the struggles. All this while, the Richards Group had contributed a lot to society. Some still consider it as private property and think that it is only natural that we protect it for the sake of our family. However, I have a different opinion. Everything has a purpose in life. What is special about Richards Group? Why did we survive when the others didn’t? In my opinion, those who have gone bankrupt did not contribute enough to society. Hence, they lost their business. We are the perfect example. The Richards Group survived because we never go against our principles to earn money, nor do we take advantage of others for our own benefits. Only people with integrity and principles can earn money. It’s rare to see integrity and principles among businessmen. We don’t need to be the best, but we should always abide by our principles.” Vivian glanced out of the window as she reminisced about her past. She revealed everything that was on her mind.
Jenna listened attentively and finally, she understood what was on her mind. She learnt that the Richards Group had achieved great heights through hard work and perseverance. It was no miracle. In fact, she was moved.
“Jenna, I still have some records about the family history and the development of the Richards Group with me. I will instruct Meroy to bring them over to Green Jade Garden by today. Do spend some time going through them when you are free,” Vivian said earnestly.
“Okay, thank you, Grandma.” Jenna nodded and thanked her.
“Jenna, I have gone through a lot in my life. I have always done good, but I am, after all, just a human. I have my own share of mistakes.” Vivian seemed to be filled with anguish as her voice faltered. She stared blankly ahead, apparently in distress as she looked back on her past. She looked down.
Jenna was startled. Vivian had always been optimistic and confident. She rarely saw her looking so crestfallen. Was it true that people change once they grow in age? Or was Grandma’s health deteriorating?”
The thought crossed her mind and she was about to give her some words of comfort.
Vivian sighed and closed her eyes. With a heavy heart, she said, “Jenna, Grandma once did something wrong. I may have my own reasons for acting in that manner but deep down, I knew that I was being selfish. Every time I recall what happened, I will be plagued with guilt.”
Jenna raised her head and looked at her in surprise. Even Vivian had done something wrong in the past. What was it? Why was she filled with sorrow when she thought about it?
She glanced at her sullen expression and wondered. It was truly a shock as she had never seen her in this manner before.
She held her hands tightly and attempted to comfort her. “Grandma, we experience many things in life. It’s only natural for us to make mistakes. So what if you made a mistake? There’s no reason to feel guilty. Besides, it’s not necessarily your fault.”
Jenna tried to encourage her. She even grabbed a porcelain cup from the table and fed her some water.
After taking a few sips of water, Vivian finally calmed down.
“Jenna, listen to what I’m going to say. If I don’t tell you the truth, you won’t understand why I’m so concerned. If you happen to experience something similar in the future, it will serve to guide you before you make a decision.”
Jenna was silent. Did Vivian really want to tell her the truth? Could she bear the pain and agony again by talking about her past?
Just as she was pondering the matter and wondering whether she should stop her, Vivian’s voice rang.
“Back then, Claude brought a woman back to the house. A nine-year-old girl tagged along. To be frank, I was really shocked and distressed. After investigating the matter, I discovered that the woman was just a prostitute and she was actually married. I was furious when I received the news and I wanted to drive the woman away. However, Elmore disagreed, as the woman was pregnant, whereas Claude’s wife was infertile. I did not have a choice and was forced to let her stay. To everyone’s dismay, she suffered a miscarriage two months later. The woman was in agony and almost committed suicide. After investigating the matter, I realized that Claude’s wife was responsible for the tragedy. She fed her some abortion pills. Without a doubt, we were in the wrong and we were forced to let her stay. Hence, she stayed with us for another three years. Three years later, Claude met Maria, and Maria gave birth to Norton. We were shocked yet delighted when we received the news. After all, we finally have a grandson. However, we were afraid that Claude’s wife would harm the baby again. Therefore, we made an excuse and did not allow Maria to stay with us. Finally, Maria gave birth to a boy and a girl. However, I made the wrong decision. I drove the woman and her daughter away. Alas, after Elmore’s death, Claude’s wife could no longer tolerate their presence. Besides, the woman’s husband kept threatening and blackmailing us. I did not really like her from the start and after that incident, I could not bear it any longer.”
Vivian sighed as she finished telling the story. She seemed to be exasperated as well as feeling guilty.