Chapter 211

There are things in this world that are far more precious than diamonds and gold. No matter how much people struggle, chase power, or fight for wealth, family will always come first. Money can be lost and replaced, but blood, love, and connection cannot be bought.

Just a few seconds ago, John felt like the weight of the whole world was pressing down on his shoulders. His : heart had been through fear, anger, grief, and shock all in one day. He had faced betrayal, gunshots, and near loss.

But now, standing in the same room with his third son alive, his eldest son Gabriel returned, and his beloved daughter-in-law Isla safe and glowing, his joy could not be measured.

For the first time in a long while, his heart felt full.

Gladys was the first to react. She jumped up from her seat as if her body moved before her mind could process it.

“Isla?” she cried out. “Oh my God… Isla, you’re back!”

Her voice broke as she rushed forward. Tears filled her eyes as she pulled Isla into a tight embrace, holding her tightly.

Isla smiled brightly, but her eyes were already filled with emotions. As Gladys hugged her, Isla’s gaze drifted past her shoulder and landed on Uriel.

He was the reason they had rushed back.Seeing him in flesh and blood sent a strange feeling through her chest. Memories came rushing in. Desmond’s face flashed in her mind, and suddenly, everything made sense.

No wonder the little boy tooked so much like Gabriel.

Now she understood.

Uriel did not just resemble Gabriel. He was almost identical. The same sharp eyes. The same facial structure.

The same presence. It was like looking at Gabriel’s reflection from another life.

ISa stood there for a moment, stunned, her heart beating fast.

Before she could say anything, Gabriel had already stepped fully into the room.

He moved with purpose, with strength, yet his eyes were filled with emotions he did not try to hide. He went straight to his parents first. He hugged his mother tightly, pressing a kiss to her head. Then he embraced his father, holding him longer than usual, silently whispering into his ear.

Next was Landon. They exchanged a firm hug, one filled with understanding and loyalty. Then Gabriel turned to Carl.

Carl grinned despite the pain and reached out. Gabriel bent slightly to hug him carefully, mindful of his wound.After greeting everyone else, Gabriel finally turned around.

His eyes landed on the man sitting quietly on the sofa.

Uriel.

Gabriel stopped in front of him.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The room grew quiet, as if everyone understood that this moment belonged only to the two brothers.

Gabriel studied Uriel’s face carefully. He saw the hardship written in his eyes. He saw pain and survival. Yet he also saw strength.

“I knew you would survive,” Gabriel finally said, his voice calm but firm. “Welcome home, brother.”

He extended his hand for a handshake.

Uriel stared at the hand for a second. He scoffed softly, not out of disrespect, but because something about Gabriel struck him deeply. Standing so close to him now, Uriel saw leadership. Full control and confidence. He saw a man who had endured storms and still stood tall.

He felt proud.

Instead of shaking Gabriel’s hand, Uriel stood up and pulled him into a tight hug.

The sudden movement surprised everyone.Uriel’s arms wrapped firmly around Gabriel as emotions rushed out of him. Seeing Gabriel this close, feeling his presence, touched something deep inside his heart. The resemblance overwhelmed him.

For the first time in years, Uriel felt something he thought he had lost.

Hope.

Gabriel hugged him back without hesitation. He understood. He felt the pain, the longing, the silent questions. He held him firmly, as if to say, You are not alone anymore.

Gladys wiped her tears and moved toward Isla again. She hugged her gently this time, then pulled back slightly to look at Isla’s baby bump. Her lips curved into a soft, grateful smile.

“Thank God,” she whispered.

Isla walked toward John next. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead gently. Seeing her healthy, alive, and strong filled his heart with relief. He had worried endlessly about her.

Isla then turned to Landon and threw herself at him without warning. Landon caught her smoothly, holding her close. He kissed the top of her head gently.

Isla clung to him tightly, tears slipping down her face.

When she heard Landon had been suspected, her hearthad shattered. She had thought she lost him too. Now, knowing he stayed loyal to his family, knowing the truth was out, she felt peace.

Finally, Isla turned toward Carl.

Carl was already grinning.

She walked closer and saw how pale his face looked. Guilt filled her chest. If not for everything surrounding her disappearance, maybe this would not have happened.

“Don’t give me that look,” Carl warned playfully as she approached.

Isla laughed softly and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest.

“Ouch,” Carl winced.

She froze.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” Isla said quickly, pulling away. “I forgot.”

Carl chückled weakly. “It’s fine.”

Landon cleared his throat, sensing the emotions rising too high.

“I think we need to celebrate this reunion,” he said, changing the topic. “Our family is finally finding peace after months of mourning, betrayal, and threats that almost destroyed us.””First,” Gladys said, stepping beside John and holding his hand tightly, “we need a thanksgiving service. Our family needs it.”

“I agree with mother,” Carl added immediately.

“Yes,” Isla nodded. “We should invite our friends and family. Let us do it properly.”

Everyone agreed.

“Sister-in-law.”

The voice cut through the room and everyone froze.

It was Uriel.

All eyes turned to him.

“You look good with pregnancy,” he said simply.

Gabriel’s brows lifted in shock. So did everyone else’s.

But Uriel was not done.

“Seeing you,” he continued softly, “made me remember my girlfriend.”

Isla’s face softened.

“I hope I can find her soon,” Uriel added, regret clear in his eyes.

“Could you be talking about Sarah Adams?” Isla asked gently.Uriel stood up sharply.

His eyes narrowed. “How do you know her?”

Isla sat down calmly.

“I’m sorry if I sounded harsh,” Uriel said after a moment. “I never told anyone about her. And we are no longer together.”

“Do you love her?” Isla asked.

Silence fell.

Gabriel tried to interrupt, but Uriel spoke first.

“Yes,” he said quietly. “I love her. I just wasn’t good enough.”

Then Isla spoke.

“In that case… I know her.”

Uriel’s eyes widened.

“You do?”

Isla nodded. “Yes. And there’s something else.” She paused, looking at Gladys.

Gladys nodded.

“Your son,” Isla said softly, “looks exactly like you.”

Uriel dropped to his knees.His hands covered his face as sobs tore from his chest.

And just like that, he cried not from pain-but from love.