Chapter 1776: Chapter 1775

Chapter 1775

Ellinor studied Bertha for a long moment before saying, “If what you're telling me is true, then I've

misunderstood you.”

Bertha responded with a bitter smile. “Ellinor, I understand your skepticism towards me. But I just

wanted to warn you. Sophia is manipulative. She'll do anything to keep Marcus by her side, and

Thaddeus will fall for her pitiful act. You must be careful.”

Ellinor seemed somewhat convinced by Bertha's sincerity. She nodded. “Thanks for the warning. I'll

be careful. Is there anything else, ma'am? If not, I should return to my office. I have work to do.”

As she spoke, Ellinor glanced at her wristwatch.

Bertha, aware that Ellinor was eager to leave, scanned the room one more time.

Marlinie was still nowhere to be seen.

She sighed. “Alright then, Ellinor. If you have things to do, go ahead. When you're free, I'll introduce

you to that old friend.”

At the mention of this mysterious old friend, Ellinor squinted. She was intrigued, but not overly

interested. “Okay, I'll take my leave now.”

She bid her goodbye as she politely nodded at them.

Lea waved goodbye reluctantly. “See you, Ellinor.”

Without turning back, Ellinor raised her arm in a casual wave before pushing the shop door open

and stepping out onto the street.

While watching Ellinor's retreating figure heading towards the Blanchet Building, Lea grimaced.

"Ah... Mom, we finally managed to meet with Ellinor, but we didn’t achieve anything. And we still

can't find Ms. Marlinie.”

Bertha sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Let's go, honey. Let's check the restroom for Marlinie.”

The mother-daughter duo headed to the restroom.

The restroom was empty, apart from a few closed stalls.

Bertha called out, “Come on out! She's already left!”

Lea blinked, looking at the stalls.

Sure enough, a stall door opened.

Marlinie emerged, looking distraught. Her eyes were red and glistening with tears.

Lea rushed over. “Ms. Marlinie, what happened? Weren't you supposed to meet with Ellinor? Why

did you hide here?”

Marlinie's voice was hoarse. “I didn't know how to face her... I... I owe her an apology... I couldn't

face her..."

Lea's eyes widened. “Ms. Marlinie, are you saying that you're sure Ellinor is your long-lost

daughter?”

Marlinie covered her mouth to stifle her sobs, nodding, “It's her. I didn't need to ask her anything. I

recognized her at first sight. She's my Pearl...”

Lea beamed. “That's great!”

Bertha patted her friend's shoulder, trying to calm her down. “Isn't it a good thing? Your daughter is

alive, so you should be happy.”

Marlinie closed her eyes, trying to swallow back her tears. “I'm so glad she’s alive, but I also feel so

guilty. Why didn't I investigate properly back then? Why did I so easily believe what others told

me?!"