Chapter 1849

Ariana noticed Rodneys odd behavior and followed his gaze to the jade bracelet.
Rodney, she said, her brow furrowed, what is it about that bracelet? Her question snapped Rodney from his thoughts.
He met her curious look and held up the bracelet.
This used to be your mothers.
An heirloom of the Valdez family.
Ariana took the bracelet, turning it over in her hands, Her gaze then drifted to Moss lifeless form, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions churning within her.
Moss love-his obsessionfor her mother had been all-consuming, driving him like a moth to a flame even until his death.
By all rights, Ariana knew she should hate Moss.
His machinations had nearly cost her life and robbed her of precious days with her son.
Yet, at that moment, she found herself unable to summon hatred.
Instead, a wave of pity and sorrow washed over her.
She recalled what Holden and Rodney had told her of Moss pasthow he had been adopted by the Valdez family only to suffer abuse at the hands of Bennetts mother, leaving scars that never truly healed. He had drifted through life, lost and purposeless until he met the kind-hearted Emilia.
But then Emilia had fallen for Amiri, ultimately sacrificing her life to save him… Holdens gentle voice broke through Arianas thoughts.
Despite kidnapping Melon, Moss never harmed Melon, he said softly.
In fact he protected the boy on the island, shielding him from Zaydens cruelty.
Before Ariana could respond, Rodney interjected, his voice laced with skepticism, Moss had such a kind heart? Melon told me that, Holden replied.
When Moss died, Melon wept bitterly.
If Moss hadnt shown him genuine kindness, Melon wouldnt have mourned him like that.
After a pause, Holden continued, Whats more, my men were able to locate Melon because Moss had pre-programmed the boats navigation system.
The destination was set for Eleymond.
As soon as the vessel entered Eleymond waters, we detected it.
Ariana was shocked, her eyes widening in disbelief.
She whirled to face Holden, her voice tinged with incredulity.
Yes.
Ariana stood rooted to the spot, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
She grappled with the absurdity of Moss actions-kidnapping Melon only to care for him tenderly.
Could Moss past claim of only wanting to meet his grandson be genuine? Her gaze drifted to the exquisite jade bracelet nestled in her palm.
At that moment, she made a decision.
With careful movements, she lifted the white cloth and gently placed the bracelet back into Moss Lifeless hand.
Nearby, Rodney furrowed his brow, perplexed by her actions.
That bracelet is Emilias family heirloom, he said.
Dont you want to keep it? Ariana shook her head, her voice soft but resolute.
No.
Even though I now know Emilia was my birth mother and Im the last of the Valdez line, it doesnt feel like a part of my life. Keeping this heirloom wouldnt mean much to me.
Its better to return it to Moss as a token of gratitude since Moss took care of Melon on the island.
Rodneys initial reluctance melted away as he listened to Arianas heartfelt words.
After a moment of contemplation, he nodded in understanding and helped cover Moss face once more with the white cloth.
In his twilight years, he no longer wished to cling to old grievances.
With Moss passing, it was time to let those grudges fade away.
The group went back to Mercy Hospital, their concern for Melons well-being palpable.
They swiftly arranged for a comprehensive check-up for Melon.
Outside the examination room, Ariana paced anxiously.
Holden gently held her hand, his voice a soothing balm.
Dont worry.
Our son will be alright.