Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)

Chapter 14

After a long moment, Berton realized that the person he had longed for didn't seem to respond.

Meanwhile, Winni clenched her fists tightly.

"Mr. Snow, are you done hugging her?"

"Jean, I..."

Berton saw nothing but coldness and distance in Jean's eyes.

"You must have seen the agreement. We're no longer connected. I came back only for Grandpa's

sake."

Now Berton had a chance to really look at Jean.

Her long black hair, once straight, was now styled in large curls, adding elegance to her every move. She seemed to have changed a lot.

But the tone of a stranger speaking made Berton feel lost.

As he watched Jean walk away, he wanted to chase after her, but Winni stopped him. "Berton, Grandpa's condition has worsened. We should go check on him first!" Berton could only watch helplessly as Jean left.

Winni's fists tightened in secret.

In the hospital room, Mr. Snow sighed, knowing that bringing Jean back was his last act of kindness

for his grandson.

"Berton, I know you've been angry with me for these past years... angry that I kept things from you. You buried yourself in work.

Now, all I can do is let you see her one last time. The rest is up to you. Remember, you must be clear

about what you want."

Afterward, Joy protested, "Berton, you both have ended your engagement. Grandpa's health is deteriorating. Why won't you marry Winni so he can leave in peace?" Why wouldn't he?

Losing to My Substitute

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Chapter 11

He thought of Jean's retreating figure.

In the quiet corridor, the sharp sound of a slap echoed as Berton struck Joy across the face.

Joy was left stunned.

Berton then warned his sister, "Joy Snow, if you don't want to lose your allowance, stop leaking my whereabouts to Winni. And no one is to meddle in my affairs!"

With that, Berton pressed the gas pedal and drove off to the address his assistant had sent him.

But when he saw the lights on in that house, he felt a mix of nostalgia and trepidation, hesitating to approach.

Outside the Palm Bay villa, it drizzled lightly as Duke Austin waited under an umbrella.

Seeing Jean return, he rushed to greet her.

The sight of them close together caught Berton's attention. He stepped forward to block them. "Jean, who is he?"

The rain soaked Berton's hair, leaving him looking disheveled while the other two appeared composed. Jean didn't want to waste words with him.

$ Duke assessed the man who had once hurt Jean. "What gives you the right to stand here and

question my identity?"

Indeed, what right did he have?

The agreement was signed; Jean was no longer his fiancée.

Jean turned to leave, but Berton didn't want to miss this opportunity. He grabbed her sleeve. "Jean, has your hearing returned? Didn't they say the risks were too high, and you wouldn't have the surgery? Did you undergo the ossicular reconstruction surgery for me?" Jean turned back and smiled at Berton, but her smile didn't reach her eyes; it was tinged with

mockery.

"Yes, but don't expect me to feel grateful. All the surgical plans were decided by me alone. I risked my life on that cold operating table while you were busy with your first love."

Duke placed a hand on Jean's shoulder, leading her inside.

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Chapel 14

Berton was left standing alone in the rain.

He wanted to hold her back, but just then, his phone rang urgently: "Mr. Snow has passed away."

Mr. Snow died on the night Jean visited him. The old man lived a long life, so it was a bittersweet

farewell.

At the memorial service a few days later, countless people came to pay their respects.

Jean also attended, lighting two incense sticks. Berton, dressed in black mourning attire, looked even thinner than a few days ago.

"Jean, you came," Berton said hoarsely.

Only then did Jean notice that after years apart, Berton's features had sharpened, and he looked even more gaunt, dark circles under his eyes betraying his exhaustion. "Grandpa treated me well."