But, even in her final moments, she was still thinking about my wedding.

She held my hand, her voice barely audible. "Hazel… Mom probably won’t be able to see your wedding. Edward is a good child. After I’m gone, he will surely take good care of you. Can you call him over? Mom wants to say a few words to him…"

With tears streaming down my face, I gently pulled the blanket over her. Then, I ran out to find a doctor.

But when the doctor came to check on her, he only shook his head helplessly. He said my mother was gravely ill and her body could no longer withstand surgery.

All he told me was to start preparing for her funeral.

I swallowed my anger and drove to Edward’s company. But before I could step inside, I heard Florence’s voice from outside.

"Edward, you’ve already helped me so much these past three years. Mrs. Thornton is still alive, after all. If you let me take charge of the project, my sister will definitely be upset."

Edward’s voice was filled with bitterness, low and suppressed. "You are my sister-in-law. It’s only right for me to help you. Sign it. You’ll have to get familiar with the company’s affairs sooner or later. As for Mrs. Thornton… she probably won’t last much longer. You don’t need to worry about her."

A flicker of triumph flashed in Florence’s eyes before she quickly replaced it with a concerned expression. "Mom’s not going to make it? Then I’ll go visit her at the hospital today. Even though she never acknowledged me as her daughter, I still want to earn her forgiveness."

I could no longer contain the fury burning in my chest. I pushed the door open with force and snapped, "There’s no need for your fake kindness. My mother doesn’t want to see you either!"

Edward’s expression shifted to panic as he quickly got up and walked toward me. "Why are you here? Don’t misunderstand. I was just discussing the new project with Florence, nothing more. She just mentioned it casually, don’t overthink it."

Florence stood up, smiling as she waved at me. "Hazel, long time no see."

I didn’t spare her a glance and turned to head downstairs. But Edward chased after me, anxiously explaining himself over and over.

Watching his desperate expression, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of mockery in my heart.