The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 924

They have gone completely overboard, even bringing out Eleanor's pampered dog because they remember how much Tara loves playing with it. Seeing her powerful, usually stoic older brothers scrambling to please her makes her chest tighten with a complicated mix of affection and regret. Now that she has finally lowered her defensive walls, she notices the tiny, desperate details of their love that she used to ignore.

As she steps into the foyer, Deanna approaches. Her mother looks frail and hesitant, wanting to reach out and hold Tara's hand but too afraid of rejection to actually do it. She stands awkwardly to the side, wringing her fingers. "Tara, you're here. Thank goodness your brothers had the staff deep-clean the house, or it would be a total mess."

Though Deanna's eyes have been hollow lately, seeing her daughter brings a fragile spark of life back into them. Seeing her mother so desperately eager for connection yet terrified of overstepping breaks Tara's heart.

She takes the initiative, reaching out to grasp Deanna's hands warmly. She offers a bright smile. "It's not my first time here, Mom. You don't have to treat me like a guest. We're family."

Those three words shatter Deanna's fragile composure. Tears well up in her eyes and spill over her cheeks. She has waited years to hear her daughter say that again. The brothers standing nearby share the exact same sentiment, their shoulders sagging with profound relief. They have finally earned their sister's forgiveness.

Tara knows that smiling depression is deceptive. Her mother might look happy right now, but there is no telling what dark thoughts consume her when she is alone. Tara silently vows to visit as often as possible. Psychological wounds cannot be cured with medication alone. She refuses to waste another second of her life holding onto the past. She wants to cherish the people she loves while they are still here.

"Danny is here too! Come in, sit down. This is the perfect time to discuss your wedding plans," Nikolai says enthusiastically.

"Exactly! Next time, we need to invite your family over for a massive dinner. It'll be great," Jake adds.

After dinner, Deanna pulls Tara onto the living room sofa, holding her hand while reminiscing about Tara's childhood antics. The brothers gather around, throwing in their own humorous memories and making everyone laugh.

It is a deeply beautiful, harmonious night. Though one person is glaringly absent, Tara knows that wherever her father is, seeing his wife and children finally reconciled and laughing together would bring him absolute peace.

Later that night, back at their own home, Tara pulls out the belongings her father left behind, her mind drifting back to the unsolved mystery of his death.

"Dad," she murmurs softly, tracing her fingers over his old notebook. "Our family is finally back together. If you're watching over us, give me a sign. Help me find the monster who took you from us."