"It just so happened that Claude's wife had come over to Ink Garden to complain about her. She was in tears. Well, she knew that I detested the woman. Hence, she came over frequently to complain about her. To be frank, ever since the woman and her daughter had stayed in Emerald Garden, everything had become chaotic. She was always crying, and eventually, even Claude could not tolerate it anymore. He rarely came home and was no longer interested in the woman. He lived elsewhere and focused on Maria. I knew that the household was in a mess and it would be a disaster if it continued. Besides, Elmore had just passed away. I wish that the atmosphere could be quiet and peaceful. Hence, I drove the woman and her daughter away without giving them a chance.

When Vivian talked about the matter, it was apparent that she was in distress. She did not have a choice back then and she was exasperated.

Jenna lowered her head and pondered the matter. This was the fate of being a mistress to a man from a prestigious family.

No matter what Raina did, even if she was infertile, they could not get a divorce. Hence, Claude had lots of mistresses and seldom came back for the past ten years. She heard that Claude had a mistress in Africa as well and they were living together.

"Alas, I've heard that she died from an illness after she was driven out of the Richards Group. I had no idea what became of her daughter. I did ask Paul and Irvin to find them after they were driven out, but the woman had already passed away when we found them. The daughter had been returned to her father. She was after all his flesh and blood. I thought that it was a good idea and it was the best option then. I was finally at ease. I instructed Paul to send them some money so that the daughter can get a proper education. After all, I felt apologetic. The woman had suffered a lot when she lived in Emerald Garden as the madam would not leave her alone. Besides, I drove her out just because I disliked her. It was kind of cruel but I did not have a choice. There was no reason for her to stay. She was married, and she only brought trouble to the family. However, from this incident, I gained some experience. Hence, that's why I never allowed Maria to stay with us."

"She was not considered part of the Richards family. Only after Norton and Andrea had grown up did I let them stay in the Richards Group. When Norton and Andrea were still kids, I did not dare to make it known when I brought them over to play. They were really cute, and I adored them. Hence, every year, I would bring them over and let them stay at Ink Garden for a while. This would be kept a secret from Raina. Ink Garden was the only place I found safe enough to keep them. Eventually, Raina discovered what happened. Although reluctant, she was forced to accept it, under my orders. However, ever since Maria and the kids stayed with us, the atmosphere in Emerald Garden changed once more. Not long after, Claude seldom came home again. Besides, the Richards Group had prospered, thanks to Trevor and he had become well-known in the industry. In comparison, Claude did not have any achievements. Hence, he went to Africa. Even now, I don't really know what he's doing, but I heard that he has started some businesses."

Tears coursed down her cheeks as she spoke. She was filled with anguish and she seemed to age suddenly in an instant.

Back then, the Richards Group was facing some difficulties. To overcome the crisis, Elmore forced Claude to marry Raina. However, Claude did not have any feelings towards Raina. As a result, he seldom came home and no longer cared about what happened to the family. Things turned out to be a disaster. It was not what she wanted.

However, she never expected that Norton, whom she had cared for since he was just a kid, would bear such resentment. For the sake of his future, he betrayed Javon.

Tears continued to trickle down her cheeks. Jenna did not utter a response. However, she was filled with anguish as well. After a long silence, she held Vivian's hands and said reassuringly, "Grandma, it's all in the past. You did not have a choice. It's not all your fault. Even if the woman stayed in the Richards Group, her life will still be tough. After all, she had nothing. Driving her out was actually a better option for her Nobody could have foreseen her misfortune after that. Hence, don't feel guilty, just let bygones be bygones."

Jenna could only comfort Vivian in this manner. Somehow, her mood was affected.

"Jenna, you are right, but I still feel guilty. After all, the woman died right after she was driven out of the Richards Group. No matter what, I still bear some responsibility for her death. If I wasn't so concerned about the family's reputation and allowed her to stay, she might not have died," Vivian replied, sighing deeply.

Jenna wiped away the tears on her face with tissue paper. She sighed. This was not an easy matter to deal with. There was no right and wrong. It was very complicated. Vivian was feeling guilty because she was kind. It was only natural for her to feel guilty. Hence, she continued. "Grandma, don't worry. I will not let something like this happen again in the Richards Group. If I ever meet the girl in the future, I will compensate her for the loss. As for Norton, he is currently working hard to pay for his sins. Once he has repented, I will allow him to come back to the family. After all, he is part of the Richards family. Nobody could ever change that!"

"Good girl. I was right about you." Hearing what she said, Vivian was over the moon and seized her hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks and relief washed over her.

"Grandma, don't worry. I know what I need to do." Jenna held her hand and smiled. "This is my duty as Hansen's wife."

"Okay, that's great." Vivian was so jubilant that she nodded her head repeatedly. She sighed. "Jenna, my health isn't what it used to be. I'm near my end. As I look back on my past, I couldn't help thinking about what would have happened if I had chosen otherwise. Now that I have told you everything, I feel much better. One last thing, Paul and Irvin are remarkable and talented. They are my confidants and have helped me a lot throughout the years. They are well aware of everything happening in the Richards family and I don't wish to lose them.

Hence, I will now hand them over to you. Let them follow you. They will help you when you need them."

Vivian seemed to have revealed everything that had been troubling her. Once she was done, she heaved a sigh of relief. However, she was exhausted and started to doze off. After all, she had spoken a lot. Jenna was worried as she noticed Vivian's current mental state. She quickly nodded her head in agreement.

She patted her back and helped her to lie down. She then tucked her into bed. Vivian really seemed to be exhausted. She closed her eyes and fell into a slumber upon finishing her sentence. Suddenly, Jenna was filled with anguish. She was under immense pressure as her responsibilities doubled.

"Grandma, please have a good rest. Don't worry. As long as I'm here, I'll definitely make sure that the mansion and Richards Group are in good hands. I will protect them and let them persevere despite the challenges ahead." Jenna promised silently to herself. She stayed for a while until she was sure that Vivian had fallen asleep before she left.

Soon, Meroy entered the room to stay by Vivian's side and take care of her.

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