Even in her final moments...

all Nana was worried about was me.

Fresh tears threatened to spill from my eyes again.

But after a few seconds, I slowly took a deep breath and looked upward.

A weak smile appeared on my lips.

Nana had made me promise not to cry too much.

And even though it hurt so badly...

I wanted to keep that promise.

After lying there for what felt like hours, I finally forced myself to get up.

I freshened up before calling Alexander.

I tried convincing him to simply send Jim instead, but he insisted on coming personally.

Even after arriving, he made sure I ate lunch first.

Then he carried me into the car while Jim silently drove us toward our destination.

There were very few places I hated more than the funeral home.

Because it reminded me of every loved one I had already lost.

And now...

I was here once again.

This time, for the last person who had ever truly cared for me—not simply because I grew up around their family...

but because she genuinely loved me as her own.

As we approached the funeral home, Alexander gently held my hand.

"Nadia already arrived earlier," he said softly. "Once we’re inside, stay close to her and don’t worry about anything else, alright?"

"Mm," I replied quietly.

Nadia was already waiting near the entrance.

The moment she saw us, she immediately walked over.

"I’ll take care of Alicia," she told Alexander as she reached for my wheelchair. "You should go handle everything else."

"Thank you, Nadia."

Alexander crouched slightly beside me again before speaking softly,

"If you feel uncomfortable or tired, don’t force yourself. Call me immediately, alright?"

"I’ll be nearby."

The funeral preparations were still ongoing around us.

"Got it," I replied quietly.

After giving me one last glance, Alexander finally turned and walked away.

Nadia slowly pushed my wheelchair toward the lounge area.

The moment she noticed my swollen eyes, her expression softened.

"Alicia," she sighed gently, "don’t let this destroy you too much. Everyone eventually leaves someday. Grandma wouldn’t want to see you this devastated."

"I know..."

My voice trembled weakly.

"It’s just..."

I lowered my head slightly.

"I miss Grandma so much."

Nadia sighed quietly.

"Alexander originally wanted to keep everything from you for a little longer," she admitted. "But once the media found out, it became impossible to control."

Her expression turned helpless.

"He was furious this morning. A reporter tried taking photos at the hospital and Alexander smashed the camera on the spot."

A faint ache spread through my chest.

That really did sound like Alexander.

Grandma’s death hurt him just as deeply as it hurt me.

And the media’s intrusion had probably only made everything worse.

"Something this serious..." I murmured quietly. "How could he possibly hide it from me? He should’ve told me the truth once Grandma was admitted."

"He only wanted to protect you," Nadia said softly.

Then she gently pushed the wheelchair forward again.

"Aunt Jane and Amelia are already waiting in the lounge. Let’s go."

When we arrived, Aunt Jane immediately stood the moment she saw me.

"Alicia..."

The moment she held my hand, my eyes instantly reddened again.

"Aunty..." My voice broke.

She sighed deeply before gently patting my hand.

"You poor child."

Then her brows furrowed with concern.

"Why did you come here in your condition?"

"I needed to see Grandma..." I whispered shakily. "One last time."

Aunt Jane’s eyes softened immediately.

"You’re such a good girl," she murmured gently. "But once you’ve said goodbye, you should go home and rest. Your grandmother wouldn’t want you exhausting yourself like this."

Traditionally, the deceased would remain at the funeral home for two days before burial so family members could properly mourn.

I slowly shook my head.

"Please don’t worry about me, Aunty. I’ll be fine."

The Blackwood family cemetery was located deep in the mountains.

Because of my condition, I wouldn’t be allowed to attend the burial.

I wouldn’t get to watch Nana being laid to rest with my own eyes.

So this...

was my only chance to stay beside her a little longer.

Nadia, Aunt Jane, and several relatives all tried persuading me to go home and rest.

But I remained stubbornly firm.

After some time, Alexander finally came to check on me.

Even he tried convincing me.

But after realizing he couldn’t change my mind, he simply sighed helplessly and asked Nadia to stay close to me.

Later, Grandma’s body was moved into a private room for the family.

I quietly stared at her familiar face.

She looked exactly the same as always.

Peaceful.

As though she were only asleep.

But my Nana...

would never wake up again.

The thought hit me so suddenly my vision blurred once more.

Tears gathered in my eyes immediately.

But remembering my promise, I quickly shook my head and looked upward.

"Nana," I whispered weakly, forcing a small smile, "I know you’re watching over me now."

"I’m not crying anymore."

"Just like I promised you."

And suddenly, memories began flooding my mind one after another.

The way she used to cook all my favorite meals.

The way she stayed beside me after my father died, comforting me even while grieving Grandpa herself.

The way she always protected me quietly.

A painful ache spread through my chest.

Because now...

who was going to comfort me like that anymore?

Third-Person POV

Two days later, Roseline Blackwood’s memorial service was held.

The entire funeral hall was filled with white flowers.

Long aisles stretched beneath soft mourning lights while wreaths and condolence messages lined both sides of the room.

The atmosphere was solemn and oppressive.

Nearly every member of the Blackwood family had arrived.

The social elite of Velaridge City also came in large numbers, along with several influential political figures, all dressed in black as they offered their condolences.

Luxury cars continuously arrived outside the funeral home throughout the day.

But beneath the grief and mourning...

there was something else lingering quietly in the air.

Calculation.

After paying their respects to Roseline, many guests quickly approached Alexander and Steve Blackwood under the guise of concern.

Some small business owners attempted to use the opportunity to build connections and gain favors.

Meanwhile, the board members of Blackwood Dominion offered their condolences with solemn expressions while subtly trying to gather information from Alexander.

After all...

Roseline Blackwood had held the majority shares of Blackwood Dominion Enterprises.

Now that she was gone—

someone would inevitably take control.

And everyone present wanted to know who that person would be.