Lucas smiled calmly. “I’m not helping the Stones. I’m just helping Maddy and Geoffrey.

“Although they’ve separated from the Stones, blood is still thicker than water after all, and it’s not that easy to cut familial ties.

“If the Stones really declined or perished, Maddy and Geoffrey would be the ones most saddened.

“I’m not really helping the Stones. I’m only planning to help them maintain the status quo and not let others go after them. That’s all.”

Hearing this, Jordan understood.

He remained silent for a while before saying sincerely, “Thank you, Lucas!”

“We’re buddies. Don’t mention it.” Lucas smiled and closed his eyes to get some rest in the backseat.

…

At the same time, in the Stone residence in DC…

Carlos had been sitting alone in his study in silence for a long time.

After returning from Geoffrey’s residence, he had locked himself up in his room and pondered over many things.

He was now in a study with a floor area of around 80 square meters. There were floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a luxurious crystal chandelier, high-end mahogany furniture, imported leather sofas, and a variety of precious antiques and trinkets.

Even a tiny ornament on his desk was worth more than the house that his father was now living in.

This was the residence of the Stones, a family second only to the eight top families of DC.

Everything here was luxurious, comfortable, and extravagant.

But at this moment, the sounds of Geoffrey’s cheerful laughter in that humble and shabby house kept popping up in his mind.

At the same time, many memories he thought that he had forgotten long ago surfaced in his mind.

He remembered that when he was still a child, Geoffrey had also laughed with him happily and cheered him on when he was mocked.

Furthermore, he had watched his daughter, Maddy, grow from a baby to an innocent and puerile child, then to a svelte young girl, and now a composed and mature woman.

One was Carlos’s father, and the other was his daughter. They were clearly the most important people in his life!

But why did things end up like this?

Why did he cause the matter to end up this way?

At the thought of the distant attitude of the two people who were supposed to be the closest to him, Carlos felt as if a thousand daggers were stabbing his heart, leaving him in utter misery.

For the first time, he felt that this luxurious villa he lived in was unbearably big, empty, and cold.

At this moment, the sounds of a ringtone broke the dead silence in the room and pulled Carlos out of his chaotic reminiscence.

“Mr. Carlos, Ms. Howard intends to sign a long-term cooperation with your family. If you’re interested, please be at the Howard residence before noon tomorrow.”

The person on the other end spoke very concisely and immediately hung up after saying his piece.

Carlos froze for a while before finally understanding what this person meant. His heart began beating wildly.

The Howards were extending an olive branch to the Stones!

The words ‘long-term cooperation’ was a guarantee of this relationship! At this moment, Carlos was ecstatic.

But at the same time, Carlos suddenly thought of a possibility that made the expression on his face instantly freeze.

Why would the Howards suddenly extend an olive branch at this juncture? It was undoubtedly because of Maddy and Lucas!

Even after being driven out of the family, Maddy still thought for him and the family!

At the thought of this, Carlos felt as if he had been struck in the head, and tears gushed out of his eyes!

“Maddy! I was wrong! I finally know my mistakes now! I’m not worthy of being your father! I’ve let you down!”

Carlos broke down with tears all over his face!

He had never felt so remorseful!

“Maddy! Father! I let you down! I was wrong!”

He had never wanted to see his father and daughter so badly.

“No, it’s not too late. They’re all still around. They only moved elsewhere. If I go over now and admit to my mistakes, there’ll still be time!”

This thought intensified in Carlos’s heart. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve, opened the door of his study, and ordered the bodyguards on standby outside, “Get the car ready! I’m going out!”

Forty minutes later, a luxurious black Rolls-Royce once again stopped at the entrance of the small farmhouse on the outskirts of DC.

It was already half past nine at night. Maddy was still playing chess with Geoffrey, and the two were having a whale of a time.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door outside.

“Who’s here so late?” Maddy frowned but still walked over and opened the door.

The wooden door opened, and Carlos’s familiar face immediately came into view.

“Why are you here again?” Maddy’s face immediately turned sullen.

She wondered if Carlos suddenly came again because his efforts this afternoon were fruitless, and he wanted to persuade them to return to come home again.

“You haven’t forgotten what Lucas said, have you? Aren’t you afraid that you’ll anger Grandpa again by coming over and disturbing us?” Maddy said coldly with a look of displeasure.

But to her surprise, she noticed that Carlos’s eyes seemed a little red and swollen, as if he had just cried. Have the Stones encountered trouble again?

“Did something happen at home?” Maddy asked as soon as she thought of the possibility.

Even though Maddy’s tone was impatient, she couldn’t fake her subconscious worry.

Carlos suddenly felt touched again!

“Maddy, I’m here to apologize to you and Father!” Carlos said sincerely with reddened eyes.

“What trick are you pulling this time? Hurry up and leave if there’s nothing else!” Maddy’s hand moved to close the door.

“Wait!” Carlos held the door to prevent Maddy from closing it. He said agitatedly, “Maddy, believe me. I really know I was wrong this time! I know now how wrong I was to have hurt the two more important people to me. It’s all my fault!

“Maddy, I’m sorry. I won’t behave like that again. Will you please give me another chance?”

Carlos apologized repeatedly, almost becoming incoherent.

Maddy opened her mouth but couldn’t say a word.

She could tell that Carlos was serious this time. Her father was really apologizing to her!

Just as Maddy was a bit at a loss for words, Geoffrey came out of the living room.

As soon as Carlos saw the white-haired Geoffrey, he could no longer control himself and rushed over to him. He dropped to his knees and burst into tears. “Father! I’m sorry! I’m too unfilial!”