Chapter 40

Aunty Rachael had asked me to meet her and my mother at their usual spot, a place filled with nostalgia and cherished memories. Despite not having been there in a long time, I felt a surge of excitement as I made my way to the location.

As I pulled up to the area, I was taken aback by its transformation. The once-familiar landscape had undergone a stunning metamorphosis.

"Are you sure it's this area?" Henry asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "This place looks so modernized."

I smiled, nostalgia washing over me. "It's my mum and aunt's holiday resort," I explained. "I couldn't forget this place, even if I tried. The area was just renovated, that's all."

Henry's eyes widened as he took in the sleek, contemporary buildings and lush greenery. "Wow, it's unrecognizable," he said.

As we stepped out of the car, the warm sunshine and gentle breeze enveloped us, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

I led Henry through the resort's elegant entrance, where a sparkling water feature cascaded into a serene pond.

"This used to be a small, cozy cottage," I said, pointing to a now-expansive spa. "My mum and aunt would spend hours here, sharing stories and laughter."

We drove further, passing by the resort's restaurant, where the aroma of delicious cuisine wafted through the air.

As we approached the meeting spot, I spotted Aunty Rachael already seated, their faces radiant with warm smiles.

"You're finally here, Knoxville," Aunty Rachael said, her eyes shining with warmth as she stood up and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Mrs. Lee, it's been a long time," I said teasingly, enjoying the familiar nickname I'd adopted since she married Uncle Lee, her loving Chinese husband.

Aunty Rachael chuckled, swatting at my arm. "You're not serious. I thought you'd changed." She settled back into her chair, her expression turning sentimental.

I sat down beside her, Henry following suit.

Aunty Rachael gestured to the array of dishes on the table. "These are your mom's favorite dishes. I made sure they were prepared especially for you."

My heart swelled with gratitude as I smiled. "Thanks, Aunty. For bringing back Mom's memory."

Aunty Rachael's eyes misted. "I couldn't forget those times, even if Tiana isn't with us anymore. I cherish every moment we shared."

Her voice cracked, and I reached out, taking her hand in mine.

"We all do, Aunty," I said softly. "We keep her memory alive through moments like these."

The table fell silent, filled only with the gentle clinking of utensils against plates as we savored the taste of memories.

"I must say, I'm so excited to finally meet you again after all these years," Aunty Rachael said, her voice trembling with emotion. "After Tiana passed, I couldn't bring myself to reconcile with your father. I was consumed by anger and grief, feeling he was partly to blame for her untimely passing."

Aunty Rachael's eyes flashed with resentment. "He never loved her the way she deserved, not like the way Tiana's loved him. If only he had shown her half the love and care..."

Her voice trailed off, and I reached out, taking her hand in mine.

"I understand everything, Aunty," I said softly. "I'm also aware of how he refused to let you see me after you decided to take me in. He sent me abroad soon after, when I was just a kid."

Memories long buried resurfaced, and I felt a pang of sadness.

"You wanted to protect me, Aunty, and he wouldn't let you," I said, my voice laced with empathy.

Aunty Rachael's gaze locked onto mine, tears welling up.

"Yes, baby. I fought to keep you, to give you the love and stability you deserved, but he wouldn't budge. Sending you away was like ripping my heart out."

Henry returned, discreetly taking a seat beside me.

Aunty Rachael composed herself, her expression determined.

"But I'm glad we're reunited now. I want to make up for lost time, Knoxville. I want to be a part of your life."

I smiled, feeling a deep connection to this woman, my mother's sister, my aunt.

"I want that too, Aunty. We have a lot of catching up to do."

"And I must say, I truly appreciate how you've been keeping the company going," I said, my gratitude sincere. "My mother left it in your care, and you've been incredibly faithful, even when no one was checking on you. You've taken it to the top five - that's phenomenal. I've been wanting to thank you for that."

Aunty Rachael's eyes sparkled with warmth, her smile radiant.

"It's quite funny you're appreciating what I did," she said with a chuckle. "You're my family too, Knoxville. Why wouldn't I take care of your company?"

Her expression turned serious, her voice filled with emotion.

"Moreover, this company has helped my family in countless ways. You just don't know. If not for KT, I wouldn't be where I am today. It's given me a platform, a sense of purpose."

I gazed at Aunty Rachael, moved by her sincerity.

"You're so genuine," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aunty Rachael's hands enveloped mine, her touch warm.

"I'm just keeping your mother's legacy alive, Knoxville. She trusted me with KT, and I vowed to protect it, to grow it. For her, for you, and for our family."

Henry, who had been quietly observing, nodded in agreement.

"KT's success is a testament to your dedication, Aunty Rachael," he said.

Aunty Rachael's smile encompassed both Henry and me.

"I'm glad you're back, Knoxville. Together, we'll take KT to even greater heights."

"Aunty, I'm not ready to take over KT now," I said, my determination clear. "My main agenda is reclaiming my dad's companies, the ones he built using Mom's legacy. I won't let him hand it over to my stepbrother. He doesn't deserve it."

Aunty Rachael's expression turned sympathetic.

"It's sad to hear you didn't get along with your brother," she said gently. "Your mother wouldn't want that. She was a peaceful person, always seeking harmony."

I sighed, frustration simmering. "It's not just about getting along, Aunty. It's about justice. My stepbrother doesn't share Mom's values or vision. He'll ruin everything she worked for."

Aunty Rachael nodded thoughtfully. "I understand your concerns, Knoxville. But remember, your mother's legacy extends beyond business. She taught us love, compassion, and forgiveness."

Henry, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "Perhaps, Knoxville, reclaiming the companies is not just about business, but also about preserving your mother's memory and ensuring her values continue."

Aunty Rachael's eyes locked onto mine. "Your mother would want you to find peace, Knoxville. Not just success."

"He probably doesn't want peace," I said, my voice laced with resentment. "He took after his mom. He doesn't want to see me happy, and I don't want to see him have what belongs to me."

Aunty Rachael's expression turned wistful, her eyes clouding.

"Quite unfortunate that my dear nephew has such hatred for someone," she sighed. "I often wonder, if I had raised you myself, you would have grown into that loving and peaceful man your mother envisioned."

Her voice cracked, and she paused, collecting her thoughts. "Your mother and I had dreams for you, Knoxville. We wanted you to spread love and kindness, not bitterness and anger."

"

"Aunty, I'm sorry I'm not the man you thought I'd be," I said, my voice laced with regret. "They've made me out to be wicked, and I've lost so much because of him. I have to stop him... Please, ensure no one discovers I'm the CEO of this company, or that I'm partnering with the Scofield family."

Aunty Rachael's expression turned understanding, her eyes sparkling with memories.

"Ah, you're bringing back history, Knoxville," she said, a hint of a smile. "Your mom and Lora Scofield shared a special bond. He even spoke of Electra being her daughter-in-law one day."

Her voice trailed off, lost in thought.

"I'll ensure everything remains confidential, you can trust me," Aunty Rachael assured, her gaze refocusing on mine.

"Thank you, Aunty," I let out, relief washing over me.

Aunty Rachael's hands enveloped min

e, her touch warm.

"I'll protect your secrets, Knoxville. And I'll help you reclaim what's yours. Your mother would want me to."