704  Chapter 703

Three days later.

At old Mr. Sims’ gravesite.

Holly Sims stood by the tombstone, dressed in all black, with a white flower in her hair. Her eyes were swollen from crying, and she seemed emotionally drained. Keira stood silently beside her, offering quiet support.

No one had expected old Mr. Sims’ passing to be so imminent. He had been holding on, waiting for Barry Brandt to return. Once that was done, he let go.

Holly’s eyes were red from all the tears she had shed. The person she had been most proud of was now gone.

Barry, Brian, Luke, and many other important figures had come to pay their respects, leaving flowers at the grave. The black-and-white photo of old Mr. Sims on the tombstone showed him smiling broadly as if he had no regrets.

Keira looked at Holly. “This is considered a peaceful passing for someone of his age. You don’t need to feel so torn up.”

“I know,” Holly murmured. “But I had no idea Grandpa’s health had deteriorated so much. If I had known earlier…”

Her words trailed off as her throat tightened.

Keira spoke softly. “Even if you’d known, you’d still have supported his decision, wouldn’t you? After all, the Sims family has always been dedicated to serving the country, willing to sacrifice everything. It’s in your family’s blood.”

Holly paused, then nodded slowly. “I know he never did anything he wasn’t proud of,” she continued, her voice wavering. “And I know he felt fulfilled making his final sacrifice for Professor Brandt. He left this world in the way he wanted… but…”

Suddenly, tears streamed down her face again. “But I can’t bear the thought of losing him.”

Her sobs deepened, making her sound like a child, utterly heartbroken.

Seeing her cry like that left Keira feeling awkward, unsure how to comfort her.

Erin approached from behind, eating pistachios but carefully spitting out the shells into a small bag. After coughing lightly, she looked at Holly.

“Death is inevitable,” Erin said. “In a way, we’re always learning to say goodbye. From the moment we’re born until the day we die.”

She turned her gaze to Keira. “Mr. Sims lived a full life, and he got what he wanted in the end. No regrets. At least he got to witness Barry Brandt’s return to the country.”

If Barry had followed the original plan and returned in two more years, old Mr. Sims wouldn’t have made it. He would have passed away with the burden of guilt, his name tarnished. But now, he was able to leave the world with honor.

Holly nodded slightly. “I understand, but it still doesn’t make it easier. My heart can’t let go.”

Keira patted her gently on the back. “Take your time.”

Just then, a tissue appeared in front of the two of them. Keira looked up and saw Luke standing there, offering it to Holly. He looked a bit awkward as he spoke. “Here, wipe your tears. Mr. Sims was someone I’ll respect for the rest of my life.”

Then, as if trying to cheer her up, he added, “Don’t worry. Even without Mr. Sims around, I’ll make sure no one in the Special Division messes with you. I’ll look out for you.”

Holly flushed slightly and turned her head away. “I don’t need you to look out for me! I’ve got Keira, and that’s more than enough!”

Luke glanced over at Keira and scratched his head. “That’s true. Besides, I’m no match for her.”

Keira blinked, feeling speechless.

Erin coughed.

Holly looked down, still holding back tears.

Luke, confused by the sudden silence, asked, “What’s going on?”

Keira cleared her throat. “Nothing. I just remembered I won’t always be around in the Special Division, so in the future, I’ll leave Holly in your hands. You’ll need to watch out for her.”

Luke nodded quickly. “Don’t worry, I’ll be nice to her!”

Keira couldn’t help but sigh internally. Could this guy even manage to ask Holly out?

She pressed her lips together and coughed again. “I’ve got some things to take care of. You two should talk for a bit.”

Luke nodded. “Sure.”

As Keira and Erin walked away, they overheard Luke say, “Stop crying. Your eyes are getting all swollen. It’s not a good look.”

Keira raised an eyebrow.

Erin chuckled. “That guy is something else, isn’t he?”

They both shook their heads, heading further away from the gravesite.

In the distance, Keira spotted Lewis standing quietly and staring at the grave.

There was a subtle sadness about him, the kind that made his gaze linger a little too long on the tombstone.

Keira approached him. “What are you thinking about?”

Lewis clenched his jaw slightly before replying, “I was wondering… if Grandma will leave us the same way.”