Chapter 132

Elena's POV

"Max, stay with your sister while I go downstairs to prepare something easy to digest," I said, kissing Lily's forehead.

Max nodded, climbing onto the bed beside Lily. I was about to leave when I heard rapid footsteps approaching.

Kathy appeared in the doorway, her eyes shining with unexpected brightness. She stared at Lily sitting up in bed, her small face unable to hide her joy.

"Lily... is better?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling with hope.

I nodded. "Yes, she's hungry."

Before I could say another word, Kathy spun around and raced down the stairs, shouting as she went: "Anna! Anna! Lily wants food! Prepare something quickly!"

Her urgent voice echoed throughout the mansion, bringing a smile to my face. Even the normally reserved Kathy became animated when concerned about her sister.

I prepared some nutritional items to help Lily recover.

Walking through the hallway, I was surprised to find Gerald still sitting in the first-floor living room. He held a cup, intently watching the evening news.

My body instantly tensed. Logically, he should have left after confirming his granddaughter was okay. If he stayed, he must have another purpose.

My instincts went on high alert.

Just as I was debating whether to approach him, Gerald turned his head, his gaze falling on me. His face lacked its usual sternness, instead showing a gentleness I'd never seen before.

"Lily's better?" he asked, his voice surprisingly calm.

I nodded cautiously. "She's recovering quickly."

"Come sit with me for a while." Gerald motioned to the sofa across from him, his tone sounding more like a request than a command.

I hesitated briefly before walking over. Whatever he wanted to discuss, I needed to face it.

Gerald put down the remote, turning off the television. He reached into his bag and pulled out an elegant small pouch, placing it on the table.

"It's been a long time since you've made tea for me," he said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "These leaves are from your hometown. I thought we might enjoy them together."

I froze, a lump forming in my throat. Six years ago, I often prepared tea for Gerald. Gerald was a tea enthusiast—one of the few shared interests we had.

He actually remembered.

I took the small pouch, opening it to release a familiar aroma. This was indeed a special tea from my homeland, with subtle floral notes and woody undertones.

My fingers trembled slightly as I temporarily set aside my wariness and began preparing the tea. This familiar process provided strange comfort, as if returning to a time before our relationships became so complicated.

"Your technique hasn't changed at all," Gerald commented, watching me skillfully prepare the tea set.

A few minutes later, the first cup was ready. I handed it to Gerald, who accepted it, inhaled deeply, and closed his eyes to savor the aroma.

"Perfect," he said, opening his eyes and taking a small sip. "Only you can brew it with this flavor."

We drank a cup of tea in silence. As time passed, I gradually relaxed, though questions still lingered in my mind. Finally, I gathered my courage and asked directly.

"So you're here today about that trending post on the forum?"

I expected his expression to harden, but Gerald surprisingly shook his head.

"No," he replied calmly. "That matter—I no longer wish to involve myself. It's Richard's business now. If he trusts you so much, I don't need to interfere."

I stared at him, stunned by his words.

"I came to apologize for my previous prejudice against you," Gerald continued, his voice low and sincere. "I watched you grow up—I know who you truly are better than anyone. I shouldn't have doubted you."

He held his teacup, looking at me with a bittersweet expression. "I shouldn't be interfering anymore. Instead, I should be asking for your forgiveness. Would you be willing to forgive me?"

I was completely dumbfounded. Gerald... was asking for my forgiveness? He wasn't angry about my book nearly exposing Richard's secret, but instead was apologizing for his past behavior?

The defensive walls I'd built began to crumble as complex emotions washed over me.

"Please don't say that," I responded humbly. "Some things... I truly did wrong."

Gerald looked at me, his gaze softer than I'd ever remembered seeing it. "But you have a heart that truly wants to protect him. That's what matters most."

His words hit me like a thunderbolt. This marked Gerald's genuine acceptance of my place in Richard's life.

After talking for a few more minutes, Gerald left.

Richard's POV

When I returned to Highland Estate, the night was deep.

The entire mansion was eerily quiet—no children playing, no sound of Elena moving about. Standing in the spacious foyer, I felt a strange sense of discomfort. In just a few days, I'd grown accustomed to coming home to the children's laughter and Elena's voice.

Tonight's silence created an odd emptiness within me.

I didn't even remove my coat or change my shoes before heading upstairs to find them. After passing several rooms, I noticed a faint light coming through the crack of Lily's bedroom door.

Pushing it open, I saw Elena sitting by the bed, with Max and Kathy lying next to Lily. The three children appeared to be asleep.

Elena immediately looked up, her face brightening with a warm smile. "You're back?"

That smile—genuine and welcoming—instantly improved my mood. I nodded, removing my shoes before entering the room and closing the door behind me.

"How's Lily? Is she alright?" I kept my voice low, not wanting to wake the children.

"She's fine now," Elena answered softly. "It was probably something she ate that didn't agree with her."

She stood up, apparently planning to go downstairs. "Are you hungry? I can prepare something for you."

"I've already eaten," I replied. "Company dinner tonight. Last day."

"Oh," Elena acknowledged, preparing to continue tending to the children.

"You need to come upstairs with me," I insisted. "I want to check your injuries. Don't forget, you're wounded too. You need rest."

She hesitated, looking at the children.

"Anna will look after them," I said firmly, leaving no room for argument. "Come."