Raelynn, Julie, and the others felt the weight of the crowd’s stares, and their faces flushed with embarrassment. Before they could say much more, Arthur coldly interjected, "Mrs. Gray, I cut ties with you two years ago. I ask that you stop interfering in my life." The small spark of hope that had ignited in Raelynn and her daughters was instantly doused in ice. Raelynn opened her mouth, but her throat felt unbearably tight. "Arthur…" Arthur looked at her tear-filled eyes and felt nothing but cold amusement. She always used the same expression, the same pitiful act, to guilt-trip me—to make me submit for Zac’s sake. Eight years. No, sixteen, if I counted my past life. Sixteen years of humiliation and neglect. Did she really think a simple apology could make all that disappear? Arthur still remembered it clearly. In his previous life, when he had been on the verge of death, he had begged Raelynn to save him, to help him just once. But no one had come. They only had eyes for Zac. With family like that, what use do I have for them? Raelynn’s hands trembled as she stepped closer, her voice nearly pleading. "Arthur, I was wrong before. I was deceived by John and Zac, that’s why I treated you so unfairly. Please, can you forgive me?" Her voice broke at the end. Julie and Rosie supported her, their own expressions full of remorse. Julie spoke shamefully, "Arthur, we really know we were wrong. I know you’re still angry, but blood is thicker than water. No matter what, we’re family." Rosie’s eyes were red. "Arthur, it was my fault. I didn’t stand by your side, I didn’t speak up for you, I never considered your feelings." Susie pressed her lips tightly together. She wanted to say something too, but with so many people watching, she refused to embarrass herself any further. The surrounding guests watched the scene unfold, some murmuring amongst themselves. "I mean, yes, they hurt Arthur deeply, but his sister is right. Blood is blood. Can family ties really be severed so easily?" "I’ve been following the Gray family’s situation lately. I heard Gray Corporation has been losing money. They even had to sell their family estate and are now living in a small house Julie bought years ago.""Yeah, I also heard that Zac and John are still in the hospital… and they might be getting divorced." "Serves them right, honestly." "Judging by their expressions, they do seem to genuinely regret it." Arthur listened to their words, his lips pressed into a tight line, his eyes void of warmth. Standing beside him, Ashley clung to his arm, silently lending him support. She knew that deep down, this situation must have been difficult for him. Who wouldn’t long for love from their own family? But these people… Raelynn, hearing the murmurs, turned her gaze toward Ashley. Her eyes lit up with sudden desperation, and she rushed forward, grabbing Ashley’s hands. "Ashley, I… I’m your future mother-in-law! Please, talk to Arthur for me. You want our family to be whole and harmonious, don’t you?" Arthur’s sisters didn’t say anything, but their eyes were filled with expectation as they looked at Ashley, silently urging her to intervene. Previously, they had even gone to Arthur’s office to formally apologize, but he had refused to forgive them then. Now, they had no other choice. Arthur loved Ashley, so she was their only hope. Ashley froze, her gaze instinctively shifting to Arthur. Of course, she wanted Arthur to have warmth in his life, to have a family that truly cared for him. If they had treated Arthur with kindness before, she would have gladly embraced her role as their future daughter-in-law, showing them the utmost respect. But the way they had treated him… Ashley wanted Arthur to have a loving family, but more than anything, she wanted to respect his feelings. She was marrying Arthur, not the Gray family. What mattered most to her was Arthur’s choice. If he truly wanted to forgive them, she would support him and even try to mend their relationship. But only if he wanted to. Only if it was his decision, not something forced upon him. Arthur’s expression darkened when he saw Raelynn grab Ashley’s hands. His brows furrowed, and without hesitation, he pulled Ashley away, stepping back several paces. That single action spoke louder than words.Ashley immediately understood. She didn’t need to ask anything. Arthur had already given his answer. Raelynn stood there, frozen in place, her outstretched hand hovering uselessly in the air.