Jacqueline set down her fork, turning to me with a solemn look.

"Yes, the contract was about to be signed.

", It was the contract I had found in my dad's laptop.,

"Did the accident happen before it could be signed?

" My voice trembled as I asked., Jacqueline nodded silently., My breath caught in my throat, a turmoil churning inside me as Jacqueline let out a sigh.

"That contract was the first venture your dad and Herschel were about to embark on together.

", What?, So, Herschel was supposed to be a part of it all along, not just my dad?,

"Your dad and Herschel pulled out all the stops to clinch a deal with Lord Clark. They went fishing, car racing, and even skydiving with him, of all things,

" Jacqueline recounted with a shake of her head.,

"Lord Clark, who came up rough, knew how to play tough. But your dad and Herschel knew they needed his backing, even if it meant risking it all...,

"There was this time when Lord took them deep-sea fishing, and they got caught in a storm. With only two life jackets left, your dad and Herschel each insisted the other take it.,

"After that ordeal, Lord stopped giving them a hard time and agreed to proceed with the contract. Since your dad was more knowledgeable about these matters, Herschel had him double-check for any loopholes or traps.,

"Your dad did find some issues, so Lord had the contract revised. They were supposed to sign it, but then your dad had that accident on the way there.

", Jacqueline's narrative was slow and detailed, painting a vivid picture of the past., So, it wasn't as I had feared., I was secretly relieved, having already come to see Herschel and Jacqueline as my own parents.,

"I'm sorry,

" I blurted out, overcome with emotion., Jacqueline looked at me, gently shaking her head.

"If anything, we're the ones who should be sorry. Maybe if Herschel and your dad hadn't gone into business together, your parents would still be here.

" Is that really how it was? Maybe. Or maybe it was their fate.,

"Jacqueline, I guess my parents just weren't lucky,

" I said, observing her dignified aura. If my mom were alive, she'd probably carry herself with the same grace.,

"Felicia, I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're like a daughter to us,

" Jacqueline said, holding my hand tightly., I appreciated the sentiment, but I knew things could never be the same, especially with Conrad in the picture., I nodded slightly, and Jacqueline smiled softly.

"Come on, let's keep eating.

", I hardly had an appetite but couldn't resist Jacqueline's persuasion, managing to eat a little more before using Ernest as an excuse to end the meal., Ernest and Grant were still at their dinner when I dropped Jacqueline off and decided to wait. It wasn't just about waiting for Ernest; I needed some time alone to process everything I'd learned from Jacqueline. When Ernest arrived, I was lost in thought in the car.,

"Have you been waiting long?

" he asked as he got in.,

"Just a bit,

" I replied, noticing Grant waving at us from a distance., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.