Chapter 77

Ruby's mind was in turmoil. How could she possibly tell her father that Michael, someone she never openly discussed, had been helping him quietly for so many years? It was this kindness that her mother had made immense sacrifices for. James, her father, was about to celebrate a major victory. This project, which he considered a stroke of luck, was actually the result of Michael’s guidance. Michael’s words and suggestions had paved the way, yet James had no idea about it. Ruby declined to attend the celebration. She made the excuse that she needed to pick up her son, but the truth was, she wasn’t ready to face her father’s appreciation at this moment. "How on earth do I tell him?" Ruby wondered aloud. Her inner conflict was growing with each passing moment. Between Michael’s help, her mother’s sacrifices, and her father’s ignorance, her head felt like it was about to explode. Ruby couldn’t figure out how to untangle this mess. In the evening, Ruby took her son out for dumplings. She had