No Wife, No Life Chapter 100

Holden picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Harper, then one for himself.

His eyes sparkled as he gazed into the distance, like he was looking back through time, reliving old memories.

"After your mother returned to the country, she has been building a team to conduct research in this field, but these studies are so advanced that they threaten the interests of many others."

Holden's voice was deep and a bit raspy. "If this tech got into cars, it would shake things up big time. The old models would be toast, and even rideshare drivers across the country would be out of a job. So, in a way, your mom's research pissed off a lot of folks."

"When word of her AI research spread, the Taylor family faced numerous adversaries, and no one could protect her, including your grandfather. So she came to me, entrusting all these valuable materials and the privately established research institute into my hands, hoping I could safeguard them for you, preventing them from being seized."

He turned his gaze back to Harper.

"Currently, countries around the world are conducting research in this field, and many enterprises in our nation are also working on it. Therefore, I believe that handing these over to you now should no longer pose any trouble for you." Holden explained.

He had his reasons for choosing this moment to give Harper the data.

Now that Harper was divorced from Alex, it was time to return what rightfully belonged to her.

Alvina was really smart, but women like her often made mistakes when it came to love.

Her only mistake was choosing a man as foolish and wicked as Brad.

Despite that, she left valuable data for Harper.

These precious documents and a large sum of money were in Holden's possession.

With this data, even if Harper didn't want to continue the research, she could sell it and live a carefree life with the money.

Harper's hands trembled, and her face turned pale.

She carefully accepted the precious documents, which had cost her mother her life to protect.

"Your mom mentioned that the head of the research institute was named Manuel Bailey. He wasn't exactly loyal to your mom; he was very arrogant because of his intelligence. Only your mom could keep him in check. After she passed away, Manuel left the institute."

"He's a dangerous guy, always interested in researching dangerous things. If you have the confidence, you could try to find him and ask him to come back."

Holden squinted, thinking for a moment before continuing, "He's crazy and ruthless, but he's incredibly smart. If he comes back to the institute, the project will definitely make progress."

"Manuel probably still has another part of your mom's research data. Harper, if you want to continue your mom's research, find him. If you don't want to take it on, you can sell the data."

He looked at Harper and sighed heavily, the light in his eyes dimming. "Harper, whatever decision you make, I'll support you."

Harper pondered.

If she chose to continue the research, it would undoubtedly upset many people and put her in great danger.

She might achieve significant results, but her enemies would likely act against her first, setting traps.

Her other option was to sell the documents, which would earn her a substantial sum of money.

This would also signal to those individuals that she had no interest in the research, thereby persuading them to leave her alone and refrain from taking any action against her.

Harper's gaze remained fixed on the thick stack of documents.

As she flipped through the documents, she could clearly see her mother's handwritten notes..

Through these heavy documents, it was as if she could see her mother's gentle eyes.

But now, she felt deeply confused, and a strong sense of bitterness welled up in her heart.

It seemed her entire life's path had been arranged by her mother.

At the tender age of eight, when she was still but a child, Alvina entrusted her younger brother Dennis to her care.

Alvina had said that as the older sister, she had to protect her brother and ensure he grew up safely.

To safeguard Dennis, she had sacrificed her dignity, kneeling to plead with Brad, whom she had always despised, just to ensure a tranquil life for Dennis.

Dennis could grow up happily, but what about her?

She had always existed in the direst of circumstances, with no one to care for her, and no one to love her. She fought her way through life with her own strength.

She valued the little bit of love Alvina had left behind, so she had made an early decision to avenge Alvina and continue her research on automotive AI.

But did Alvina really care about her?

Did Alvina really love her?

If Alvina truly loved her, why had she arranged everything—Dennis's life, the future of the research—while neglecting her, even now using these things to control her life?

She had never given Harper a choice.

By having Holden hand over the data to Harper, wasn't Alvina just trying to make Harper continue the automotive AI research and fulfill her dream?

In hindsight, it was all part of her plan.

Harper lowered her eyes and downed her tea in one gulp, feeling bitter.

Setting down the cup, she smiled, but there was more sarcasm in her smile.

"Of course, I'll choose to continue the research and fulfill her dream."

She gently stroked the documents, looking up with a deeper meaning in her eyes.

"Grandpa, do you think my mother loved me?"

She looked up at the ceiling, asking softly, as if questioning Holden, herself, and her mother in heaven.

Holden remained silent.

He could see clearly that Alvina did not love Harper.

Holden's silence confirmed it for Harper.

She didn't press further, instead smiling faintly as usual. "Thank you, Grandpa."

She hugged the thick stack of documents and turned to leave.

As she opened the door and stepped out of the study, she was about to head down the stairs when she saw Caden waiting there.

Seeing her, he immediately walked over and took the documents from her.

"Let's go home. We need to talk." Her expression was calm.

Caden understood.

As they walked downstairs, they saw Alex and Jeremy playing chess in the living room.

Kaitlyn was idly scrolling through her phone.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up at Harper, wanting to say something but ultimately staying silent.

Harper nodded at her, not greeting Alex and Jeremy, and left with Caden.