Chapter 168 Catherine and Elodie's Past
The Windsor family gathered around the maple tree sculpture Richard had brought back. If Catherine hadn't been sure the USB drive was inside, they would've thought they grabbed the wrong thing! This sculpture didn't look like it could hide anything at all.
The maple tree sculpture felt smooth and seamless, like it was carved from a single piece of high-quality jade.
Brandon exclaimed, "Last year, a jade sculpture by Ryder sold for fifty million dollars at an auction. If we sold this, it wouldn't go for cheap either."
Charles asked, "Catherine, did grandma buy this jade sculpture?"
Catherine shook her head. "I gave it to grandma. I bought it for ten bucks at a flea market."
Actually, this jade sculpture was the first piece Catherine carved after learning the craft. Elodie loved maple trees, so Catherine made one for her. The stone only cost ten dollars, but the jade it turned into was worth a fortune.
The Windsor family was stunned to hear that such a finely crafted jade sculpture only cost ten dollars!
Philip asked, "Dad, are you sure you didn't mistake this for Ryder's work?"
Brandon slapped him, furious. "There's Ryder's mark on it. Most people wouldn't know, but I've bought so many of Ryder's works that I can recognize an authentic piece at a glance!"
Marcus waved his hand. "Shut up. Catherine, quickly check where Elodie hid the item. Do we have to smash this jade sculpture?"
Brandon hurriedly hugged the sculpture. "No way! This jade sculpture is a masterpiece!"
"Get out of the way. Is a jade sculpture more important than what your mother left behind?" Marcus said.
"But the jade sculpture was also left by my mom!" Brandon said.
Marcus thought for a moment and realized Brandon had a point. 'This jade sculpture is clearly something Elodie cherished. If we smash it, Elodie will definitely be upset.'
Catherine stepped forward, picked up the sculpture, and easily removed a section of the maple tree branch. "This is the USB drive."
This USB drive was something Catherine had come up with when she was living with the Smith family. She felt it inconvenient to store things, and she didn't want Oliver and the others to find out, so she made it on a whim. Removing the maple tree branch didn't affect the overall look of the sculpture. In fact, it added a touch of endless charm, which made Marcus marvel. "Ryder's work is indeed something special, brilliant."
"Absolutely, Ryder is a master in the world of sculpture!" Brandon said.
Catherine touched her nose, accepting the Windsor family's praise for Ryder. She connected the USB drive to the large screen in the living room of the Windsor Mansion.
The family sat together, eyes wide with anticipation as they watched the screen.
A soft cough was the first sound to be heard, and Elodie, dressed in a royal blue top, appeared on the screen.
Her hair was pale, each strand meticulously pinned behind her ears, highlighting her picturesque features.
Even in her old age, Elodie remained elegant and gentle, her eyes filled with a flowing warmth.
At the sight of Elodie, Marcus's eyes immediately reddened! "Elodie!"
Marcus had imagined countless times that when he grew old, Elodie would still be as stunning as she was in her youth and would probably despise him. Seeing Elodie aged, Marcus realized how much he had regretted all these years! He regretted not spending these decades with Elodie, not witnessing her grow old!
Elodie spoke softly, "Catherine, by the time you see this video, I should have already left. I'm sick, and my health is getting worse every day. When you're not home, I find myself forgetting many things from the past. I'm afraid one day I'll forget you, so I recorded this in advance. If I leave nothing behind, you'll definitely cry in secret. I know you used to hide and cry when you were little."
Tears welled up in Catherine's eyes, but she blinked them away quietly. Every day since Elodie left, Catherine had missed her so much!
"I may not have much time left, Catherine. You can't be sad. I know you're not Oliver's child, but he's not my child either, so it doesn't matter. You must study well and grow up well. If you have the chance to find your family, I will be very happy. Such a wonderful Catherine must be happy. If you can't find your family, take my things and go to the Windsor Family in Imperia City. Brandon will treat you well, and Marcus is also a good person." Elodie said, smiling at the camera.
She continued, "As for the things I kept from you, I hope you can understand. I was sick when I was young and forgot many things. Now that I'm about to die, I remember everything. As long as the Windsor Family sees my bracelet, they will accept you. You don't have to live a hard life with me. When you were three, you could wash dishes and cook, standing on a chair to make porridge for me. You fell once and didn't make a sound, making me heartbroken."
"Catherine, if the Windsor Family doesn't treat you well, Marcus will have to answer to me even in hell." Elodie smiled gently, coughed several times, and took a while to straighten up. "Catherine, I'm sorry I only remembered the past now, making you suffer so much with me. I will bless you forever. Brandon, I'm sorry it's our first meeting in this way. I'm sorry I didn't watch you grow up and let you suffer. As for the Smith Family, I know they're not good people. Catherine, you must leave them and live your own life."
The video ended, and the Windsor family remained silent.
Brandon hadn't expected that Elodie knew of his existence! In such a video, Elodie still remembered to say a word to him, knowing that he might not have had an easy life all these years. It was a mother's concern for her child.
Aurora felt an overwhelming sadness and hugged Catherine tightly, crying uncontrollably. "You and Elodie have had such a hard time. You've suffered so much!"
Just from Elodie's few words, she could glimpse their past life—hard, poor, even struggling for food and clothing.
Aurora's heart ached. Thinking of how Catherine had to be so sensible at such a young age, taking care of Elodie and worrying about whether they could eat the next day, she couldn't stop crying!
Catherine forced a smile and gently patted Aurora's back. "I'm fine, Mom. Although it was tough back then, grandma and I were very happy. She also said that you all treat me very well. Now that we're together as a family and living well. That's enough."
For Catherine, her lifelong wish was to reunite with her family, for everyone to be safe and happy. Nothing else mattered!
Marcus remained silent, his hand holding the cane trembling constantly, emotions surging in his heart, unable to speak for a long time! "Elodie, you still haven't forgiven me."
Marcus slowly exhaled, tears streaming down his face, his once straight back now hunched. "Rest assured, our whole family will never mistreat Catherine!"
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