Chapter 491: Mason Froze Momentarily Stunned

"What?" Mason froze, momentarily stunned.

"Was I wrong to break up with Clara back then?"

Mason's expression instantly turned complicated. "Grant, you're only realizing this now?"

Grant remained silent.

"Clara was amazing! If it were me, I'd have treasured her—"

Mason immediately regretted his words.

"I mean, if I had your luck, I'd never let her go."

A woman like that comes once in a lifetime.

"On your birthday, she went out of her way to celebrate with you, and you dumped her in front of everyone. I was speechless!"

"Julian even told me you'd regret it someday."

He just didn’t expect karma to strike so fast.

He’d thought they’d keep dragging things out, given their history. But this time, Clara was done for good...

"Grant, I get how you feel, but Clara—"

"I know I messed up. I apologized." Grant stared at the cigarette crushed between his fingers. "But she won’t forgive me."

"What should I do?"

Mason hesitated.

Knowing Clara, there was no chance of reconciliation.

But how could he say that?

Seeing Grant’s desolate expression, he couldn’t bring himself to—

"Grant, there are plenty of great women out there. Why not move on? Maybe you’ll find someone better?"

Grant laughed bitterly, the cigarette disintegrating in his palm. "Yeah, there are plenty. But Clara? There’s only one."

Mason had no response.

If only he’d realized sooner.

"Driver for order 5593?"

"Here!" Mason quickly waved. "Grant, I gotta go. Take care of yourself."

He hesitated before adding, "Stay strong."

Watching Mason leave, Grant didn’t move.

The dim streetlight cast a lonely glow over his silhouette.

The next day dawned clear and bright.

Sunlight bathed the city in warmth, a gentle breeze in the air.

After their last trip to the museum, Daniel suggested visiting a garden.

Popular spots were too crowded for a spontaneous outing.

"...Let’s go to Ivy Garden!"

Originally the private estate of a wealthy merchant named Yi, the garden had a storied past.

Built as a summer retreat for a Dean dynasty prince, it was later gifted by Emperor Aldric to a nobleman, then passed down as a dowry.

After changing hands multiple times, it was purchased by salt merchant Walter Davenport during the Republic era and renamed "Ivy Garden."

Before the war, the Davenport family often summered there with their relatives.

After economic reforms, the garden was returned to its rightful owners.

"...And then?" Helen listened intently, her eyes alight with curiosity.

"That’s it." Clara stood before the final exhibit panel.

It detailed Ivy Garden’s turbulent history, listing every owner and their stories from ancient times to the present.