Joanna looked at Eric with resentment. “You're taking things this far over such a trivial matter? All I want is to adopt a daughter. Is that too much to ask of you?” “Did you not understand what I said or simply not want to hear it? Or perhaps you just don't care about what your biological daughter went through, insisting on having your way despite it all?” Eric countered wearily. Joanna's lips quivered. “It's you who's insisting on having your way and being biased. Cecilia is a nice girl.” “Aunt Joanna, you truly have a knack for being forgetful. If you want to claim that stealing someone else's boyfriend and bullying have nothing to do with her, what about the formula of the medicinal diet? Cecilia personally admitted that she stole the results of Janice's hard work, taking credit for her efforts. Never mind that you didn't bother to stand up for your daughter, but you even want to adopt someone with such questionable character?” Christopher derided with a cold laugh. “You're blind to your daughter's grievances yet feeling sorry for an outsider. Is this what you meant by being impartial, Aunt Joanna?” Carlos seconded. “Cecilia is already an adult. I truly don't understand what you're thinking to insist on adopting her, Aunt Joanna,” Rosalie couldn't help but mutter. “Isn't an adoption of age clear proof that she has her sights set on the Quirk family?” Eula spat venomously. Jake immediately chimed in, “Don't blow the whistle on her! What other reason could there if not the Quirk family's fortune? To acknowledge a father to support him in his old age?” “No, that's not true...” Cecilia urgently denied, instantly panicked. With a dark expression, Joanna interjected, “Don't spout nonsense here. I'm naturally well aware of Janice's grievances. Cecilia wants to apologize sincerely. She just had a momentary lapse of judgment. Who doesn't make a single mistake in their lifetime? Must you dredge it up and act so petty? Besides, Cecilia doesn't have her sights set on the Quirk family. Destiny brought our paths to cross, and we have been good to her, so she also wishes to reciprocate in kind.”It was likely the first time the crowd truly witnessed Joanna's double standard, and they whispered amongst themselves in disbelief. “If that's the case, why do you insist on going through the adoption process? Without adopting her, would you not like her anymore? And would she no longer be willing to be good to you?” Sarah asked astutely. The crowd of onlookers were no fools. Upon hearing that, they were greatly amused. What's with Mdm. Joanna? Is she determined to seek benefits for outsiders? “I-It's fine. Just regard it as us being destined to cross paths but not meant to be, Mdm. Joanna. Even if I can't be your daughter, I'm willing to be good to you always.” With that said, Cecilia put on an aggrieved look. It was as though she had been picked on by everyone. Joanna's face had completely drained of color. Outnumbered, she could only stubbornly hold Eric's gaze as if resolute and insisting that he had to make a decision. However, she ended up at a complete loss when Eric firmly declared, “My answer remains the same. Think about it carefully yourself.” Undeniably, Cecilia could read the situation. Gritting her teeth and biting the bullet in the end, she immediately took Joanna's hand and said, “Mdm. Joanna, I know you mean well, but don't quarrel with Mr. Eric for my sake. There's absolutely no need for that. It's quite odd for me to be adopted and call someone else Mom and Dad at my age in the first place, so it's okay.” There's always tomorrow, and there will always be more opportunities. I can't allow their relationship to further deteriorate now. If things completely fall apart now, there would no longer be a chance in the future. Dylan had deflated like a drenched cat earlier. But upon hearing Cecilia's words, he was heartbroken. He wanted to say something, but a glance from Cecilia stopped him. “It's truly fine with me.” After saying that, Cecilia politely apologized to Eric and also apologized to Janice for everything in the past. On the whole, there was not a single flaw to be found. Following that, many amidst the crowd pitied her. It simply seemed rather odd that she had saved someone yet had to apologize in the end. In fact, some people felt that the Quirk family had gone too far. After taking quite some time to regulate her breathing, Joanna finally said coldly, “Anyway, you're the one who calls the shots in this family. What say do I have? But she did save me, so we should at least compensate and reward her.” Eric did not object to that. Cecilia breathed a sigh of relief. But at just that moment, a voice rang out. Smiling brightly, Isabella remarked, “Uncle Eric, do prepare thank-you gifts in abundance. After all, she has saved your wife twice now. Who knows if there will be a third time? Just consider it an advance reward.”