Chapter 151
“You did what?” Gabriel snapped at his father, his voice rising sharply in the quiet room. “Why would you sign such a document without telling us first?”
John remained calm, almost too calm. “Trust me, I know what I am doing.”
“Father,” Landon cut in before Gabriel could speak again. “Gabriel is right. Giving Mother half of what belongs to you is insane. If you ask me, I will tell you this-“he paused, shaking his head in disbelief “she doesn’t deserve a single penny from this family. Not after everything she caused us.”
Wyatt sat comfortably in his chair, legs crossed, hands folded in his lap. He didn’t say a word. He simply listened. His silence stood out, almost suspiciously.
John noticed it.
He knew how greedy Wyatt had always been. He expected Wyatt to be the first person to object, the first to shout, the first to fight him for giving Anna anything. Instead, Wyatt was relaxed-far too relaxed for someone who always cared about money more than anything else.
“The divorce agreement has been signed by both parties already,” John said. “My lawyer will meet with hers in court today and finalize everything.” 1
Gabriel’s jaw tightened. He wasn’t happy about his father’s decision at all. But John was a grown man who made his own choices. Whether Gabriel liked it or not, he had to support him.
Landon felt the same conflict. He didn’t need Anna’s money. He didn’t care for the inheritance. But he still believed she did not deserve that much from the family-especially after all the pain she caused.
John finally turned to Wyatt. “Wyatt, what do you think about my decision to give half of my wealth to Anna for the divorce settlement?”
Wyatt shrugged casually. “I think you did the right thing. After all… she’s still our mother.”
His answer told John everything he needed to know.
But John said nothing.
***
The day had finally arrived—the day Alfred Wyndham would be laid to rest. All the staff from every Wyndham company gathered at the memorial park. They stood quietly, waiting for the family to arrive.
The Cathedral was already overflowing and could not accommodate the large crowd, so many people went straight to the cemetery to wait.
When the family finally arrived, they were shielded closely by bodyguards.
Other bodyguards lined the entire area. Paparazzi and reporters crowded around the grand memorial park,
pushing past each other to get the best shots. Police officers patrolled the grounds, providing security-not just for the Wyndhams but for the wealthy guests who attended.
The burial was massive.
Family, friends, business associates, government officials, in-laws, and countless well-wishers were present. Every one of them attended the church service earlier that morning, and now they gathered at the cemetery to pay their final respects to the man who shaped so much of Richbouph’s future.
Despite the family’s grief, they stood together-united for this moment.
John, Alfred’s only child, had not yet arrived at the graveyard, and his children kept glancing around anxiously, searching for him.
Even Anna had been brought from prison, escorted by prison warders. She stood far away from the family, positioned behind a barrier of guards. They allowed her to pay her last respect, nothing more.
“Anna Wyndham is in prison?” Someone muttered.
“Since when?” Another asked.
But no one could provide any answers to their questions. Even the royal family, her supposed family, didn’t pay her any attention since she had brought shame to them.
Isla noticed her immediately.
Anna’s presence triggered a storm inside Isla’s chest. It reminded her of her loss, of the pain the woman had caused. Tears filled her eyes again, spilling down her face. She cried harder, knowing Anna’s actions had led to everything they were suffering now.
Everyone wore dark sunglasses and black clothing. The women were in elegant dark dresses. The men stood tall in tailored black suits.
A sleek car approached, rolling slowly toward the graveyard. A group of bodyguards surrounded it instantly.
Camera lights exploded everywhere, flashing repeatedly as the press fought to capture the moment.
The car door opened.
John stepped out first.
His children released a breath of relief-until the second door opened.
Another figure stepped out gracefully.
A woman-tall, elegant, with dark sunglasses hiding her eyes. Her dark brown hair was neatly styled, her posture upright and composed. Even from a distance, something about her carried quiet power.
Isla’s heart clenched.
She knew immediately.
No one had to tell her.
She is Gladys-Gabriel’s biological mother. The woman who gave birth to him. John’s first love. The woman whose absence had shaped Gabriel’s entire life.
John walked beside her, guiding her toward the family silently. It wasn’t time for introductions yet, presence alone stirred the entire gathering.
but her
RRETH
Gabriel’s emotions tangled inside him.
Grief… for burying his grandfather.
Shock… at seeing his mother for the first time in his life. And something else he couldn’t even name.
The priest began reading from the holy book. The paparazzi continued to take pictures, some focusing especially on Anna. Her conviction had been kept secret from the press, so they didn’t fully understand why she stood far away with warders by her side. But they sensed a story behind her presence.
The casket was slowly lowered into the earth. Silence filled the air-a heavy, suffocating silence.
Even though Alfred Wyndham was a very wealthy and well-known man, he was buried like a simple man-in a quiet, humble way, just as he had always wanted.
He was laid to rest beside his wife’s grave.
John remembered how his father once told him that the best gift his children could give him after his death was a simple burial. No grand display. No extraordinary decoration. Nothing that would turn his resting place into a spectacle. Just peace, simplicity, and nothing more.
John took a handful of dust and dropped it gently on the coffin. Gladys followed, doing the same.
Then one by one, the grandchildren stepped forward with their wives, each performing the final ritual.
The priest prayed once more.
And just like that…it was over.
Gabriel wrapped his arm protectively around Isla and led her away. Stone walked close behind them, ensuring their space remained clear.
Diana and Charles also stepped forward to pay their final respects before leaving.
John and Gladys paused briefly near Anna.
Their eyes met hers-the woman who had caused them so much pain.
Anna’s expression was unreadable. She looked at them without emotion, without guilt, without remorse. Members of the Royal family approached her briefly, offering a few words. They did not stay long. This was not an occasion for drama.
“Gabby?”
A woman’s voice called out suddenly.
Gabriel froze. Isla froze.
Isla recognized the voice instantly.
It was Delphine.
She stood with her parents at a distance, hoping to say hello-or perhaps something more. But Gabriel did not
turn. Not even once.
He helped Isla into their waiting car, closed the door gently, and joined her inside.
The car drove away.
One by one, every guest followed.
Just like Gabriel and Isla, they left the cemetery with heavy hearts… and a piece of Alfred Wyndham buried
inside them forever.
P
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Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.