Chapter 8 Chapter 8 1/3 After the plane touched down at Kilead International Airport, the moment Cora and Aaron stepped into the arrivals hall, she felt the weight of an invisible pressure. At the exit, a wall of security guards in black suits and earpieces stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a vacuum of space that made other travelers stop and stare. At the center stood a man whose presence commanded the room. Hubert Schmidt, who was well into his 50s and took his self-care seriously, looked amazing for his age. His facial features were sharp, and his temples flecked with gray added to his air of authority. He ignored the murmurs and commotion around him, keeping his eyes locked on the gate. For a moment, there was a flicker of anticipation in his eyes, like any ordinary dad waiting for his child. Cora halted in her tracks with clear resistance written all over her face. But Hubert recognized her the moment she appeared. 15 years later, the father and daughter looked at each other across the crowd. The corners of Hubert's tightly pressed lip eased as a faint, uncontrollable smile broke through. He strode forward, his pace slightly faster than usual. "Cora." His deep, steady voice held a slight tremble. Cora instinctively took a step back as he approached, avoiding his raised hand. Her reply was cool and detached. "Dad." Hubert's hand awkwardly lingered in midair as the entire entourage nervously held its breath. The butler, George Williams, stiffly scrambled for an excuse. "Ms. Schmidt just got off a long flight. She must be exhausted..." Cora frowned and corrected him, "My last name is Spade." She'd changed her last name to her mom's the day Hubert left for Molina and betrayed their family, Cold sweat rolled down George's face as he closed his eyes in despair. He braced himself for the inevitable storm, but it never came. Hubert's hand hovered only half a second longer before he naturally withdrew it and adjusted the cuff of his immaculate sleeve. His gaze shifted to Aaron, who stood just behind her, and he nodded. "Thank you for looking after Cora, Aaron." Chapter 8 2/3 Hearing that, George nearly dropped his glasses. Was that it? Aaron offered a polite smile. "It was no trouble, Mr. Schmidt." Hubert extended an invitation to the estate for a light dinner, but Aaron shook his head and carefully reminded him, "What Ms. Cora needs most right now is rest and a full medical checkup, including psychological evaluation." Hubert's expression tightened. Instead of returning to the estate, he took Cora to a private hospital for a comprehensive health assessment. While they waited, he sent his men back to Chremford to dig into every detail of Cora's life from the past few years. She'd sworn off all ties with Hubert years ago, so he was elated now that she had a sudden change of heart. She was his only child and the apple of his eye, and everything he owned would one day be hers. If she hadn't resented him for his remarriage, they wouldn't have turned into such strangers. Still, Aaron's words left him uneasy. The doctors didn't have an immediate conclusion. One of them frowned and explained that specialists would need to review her results in depth for an accurate diagnosis. That sentence had Hubert's heart in his mouth. By evening, the neon lights of the streets and skyscrapers began to light up. From the top of the tower, the lights wove a dazzling tapestry. "Ms. Cora, all shops on this street and five estates, including the one on the Isle of Length, have been transferred to your name. It includes this very tower, whose top floors are reserved as your private residence," George respectfully explained. Hubert said nothing, but the whole time, he watched Cora's face for the slightest shift in expression. To his disappointment, all he could see in her eyes was exhaustion. She nodded somewhat dismissively. "I'm tired, Dad." Just then, a knock came from the door as the private doctor entered with a thick stack of reports. "Sure. Get some rest and tell George if you need anything." Behind the closed doors of the soundproof study, the doctor read aloud and translated the complex medical jargon into plain language, line by line. Chapter 8 3/3 Hubert sat back with his eyes closed. He might seem calm, but the tight line between his brows betrayed the turmoil stirring in his heart. "In addition to her physical conditions, Ms. Cora shows signs of moderately-severe depression that requires timely intervention." Toward the end, the doctor wiped cold sweat from his temples. Hubert slowly set down his teacup. The corners of his lips were turned down, and his expression was icy. Since Cora had protested his excessive concern in the past, he'd avoided prying into her life. But after Ella mentioned that Cora had married a guy named Axel Jaeger, he'd discreetly and openly provided substantial support to him and the Jaegers. He thought her material comfort would at least be secured, but not only was she malnourished now, but she also had more health issues than an average person. And clearly, she was deeply unhappy. Since the Jaegers had obviously failed to take good care of her, it seemed his resource pipeline was no longer necessary. Suppressing the anger in his eyes, he slowly said, "Brian, send word at once. Effective today, Schmidt Group and all its subsidiaries are to cut ties with Corestone Real Estate and all related entities. This order takes effect now." "Roger that, Mr. Schmidt." Brian Fox turned and swiftly left to execute the order. He'd never sense such an oppressive air from Hubert. Pressing a hand to his racing heart, he could sense the incoming storm.