The Billionaire's Ultimate Challenge

Chapter 4:

Despite being just eight, Abigail was thrilled to see her parents. She had always wondered why she couldn’t live with them and what had happened eight years ago to make Ricard develop such an abnormal attachment to her.

She had once asked her grandfather, but he always smiled and said, “You are still young. When you grow up, I will tell you.”

Since then, she eagerly anticipated adulthood. Unexpectedly, at eight years old, her grandfather passed away, leaving no chance to tell her. Fortunately, in a few days, Ricard would allow her to see her parents, and she could ask them directly.

“Don’t get too excited. Only your parents will be visible on the funeral day.” He could read her thoughts so clearly, it was as if he wanted to torture her.

Despite this, she still looked forward to the funeral, hoping for a miracle. A few days later, the funeral was held as scheduled. The body was cremated on the mainland, making this Abigail’s first time leaving the island. The outside world was bustling and lively, with people coming and going, students carrying school bags, and even the air felt fresher than on the island. Everything was so novel to her.

Ricard stayed by her side the whole time. One was eighteen years old, the other eight, and though their heights differed significantly, their striking appearances made them stand out among the mourners. As the body was taken for cremation, Abigail’s small heart twisted in sorrow, her brows furrowing, her gaze blank.

In front of many people, Ricard held Abigail’s small body in his arms, whispering softly, “Abigail, don’t be afraid.”

Abigail couldn’t say a word. After a while, she saw Ricard’s confidant, Henry, carrying an urn of ashes.

Then she was taken by Ricard to the car. Over an hour later, they arrived at the William family’s private cemetery. Many people, all dressed in black with white flowers pinned to their chests, were already gathered there.

The driver opened the door for Ricard and Abigail. Ricard got out first, adjusted his black suit, then turned and extended his hand.

Abigail’s small hand slipped into his large one, and she stepped out of the car.

The mourners made way for them, and Ricard led Abigail up the stone steps. If Ricard’s rigid face resembled a corpse, Abigail’s young, enchanting face stood in stark contrast.

This was Abigail’s first time at the William family cemetery, and she found it fascinating. Her Grandfather had once told her that all the William family members were buried here after they died, and she would be no exception.

She remembered clearly that her grandfather had told her this just a week ago. Unexpectedly, a week later, she was separated from him by life and death, and his ashes were indeed being buried here. She also remembered Ricard saying that she would see her parents at the funeral, so she felt very confused, occasionally glancing around as she strolled. Unfortunately, there were too many mourners, both men and women, crowded together. Unable to distinguish her parents, she saw everyone as identical from afar.

She knew the William family’s influence well, having heard that they wielded power in both the black and white worlds. Perhaps because she had never left the island, she hadn’t felt the William family’s status. Now, seeing the crowded cemetery, she realized the rumors were true. Without her grandfather’s power and the William family’s influence in country A, the funeral wouldn’t have drawn such a crowd, and the police wouldn’t have been needed for order.

The stone steps were long and high. Leading the way were Ricard and Abigail, followed by bodyguards and attendants, with the mourners bringing up the rear. After what felt like forever, the procession finally arrived at the hill’s peak.

At the summit, her grandfather’s tombstone lay cold, a black-and-white photograph of his calm face in the center. It was a pity that a lifetime of triumphs ended so soon because of illness, leaving his only grandson to continue his legacy.

A black-robed priest patiently waited by the grave. When the deceased’s family and mourners stopped, the funeral ceremony began.

Henry carefully placed the urn in the grave, and the priest began speaking passionately and fluently. According to country A’s burial customs, the priest first recited prayers for the deceased’s ashes. Afterward, the family would scatter flowers, and finally, the deceased’s family would receive condolences from the guests.

After the priest finished reciting the prayers, everyone waited for Ricard to scatter the flowers. To their surprise, Ricard walked up while still holding the little girl’s hand.

Abigail didn’t understand why Ricard was holding her hand and leading her out. She only knew the flowers in the priest’s tray were beautiful. With a girl’s love for pretty things, she really wanted to grab all the flowers and scatter them around.

The priest stood in front, handing the flowers to Ricard. Just then, she heard an icy voice, “Abigail, let’s scatter the flowers over Grandfather’s urn together.”

Following his instruction, Abigail carefully took a bunch of flowers, watching Ricard’s scattering motion before mimicking it. On the mountain, the icy wind blew continuously, and the flowers in her hand slowly drifted down into the grave.

After scattering the flowers, the grave was sealed, and the deceased’s family began receiving condolences from the guests. According to the customs of country A, no matter how noble the deceased’s family was, they had to nod and acknowledge the guests at the funeral. Ricard was no exception, standing in front of the crowd, nodding to each person. However, his expression remained blank, and the guests, fearing him, dared not linger their gazes.

Abigail observed each person pass by. Most of the guests were elderly, all dressed in black, making it difficult for her to distinguish one from another, let alone guess who her biological parents were.

After a long time, the guests finished paying their respects and orderly left the stone steps. Abigail, unsatisfied, asked Ricard, “Were my parents there?”