Chapter 192

Chapter 192

Eugenie appeared at her grandparents' doorstep with her luggage. Grandpa Chase, who was sunbathing by the entrance, was the first to notice her arrival. He excitedly rose from his chair, attempting to stand.

She immediately dropped her suitcase and rushed forward to support him. "Grandpa, I know I haven't been back for a long time, but you don't need to get so worked up. Your health comes first."

Chase chuckled warmly, his face full of affection. "You know it's been too long. I've missed you so much. I was beginning to think I might never see you again."

Eugenie felt a pang in her chest. She should have come back sooner. Hearing Chase's words, she quickly said, "You're in great health. You'll definitely live to a hundred. Let's not talk about such unlucky things."

Chase, who had been hospitalized several times, had long come to terms with things. Seeing the deep concern in his granddaughter's eyes, he dropped the gloomy topic.

He patted her hand gently, his eyes full of approval. "I heard you've been running the company quite well. I knew you could do it."

Ever since Chase had stepped down from his position as the company's head and moved to this quiet countryside to retire, Eugenie hadn't realized he still kept tabs on company affairs.

But thinking it over, perhaps that was exactly why, in her past life, when the shareholders seized the opportunity to cause trouble with financing, her grandparents' reaction had been so severe.

Eugenie didn't bring any of this up. Instead, she preened a little, seeking praise. "I didn't expect Grandpa to still be so perceptive. I haven't done any worse than Mom, have I?"

Chase's face lit up. "You two are cut from the same cloth—both so strong-willed."

At the mention of the late Delta, tears welled up in Chase's eyes. Just then, Grandma Xanthe emerged from the small kitchen nearby. Seeing Eugenie, she excitedly waved the spatula in her hand. "Eugenie's back? I thought that voice outside sounded familiar! You've grown into such a young lady in the blink of an eye."

Eugenie helped Chase settle back into his chair, then ran toward Xanthe with open arms for a hug. "Grandma, I've missed you so much! It's been forever. Did you miss me?"

Xanthe reached up to pat her back, nodding in her embrace. "Of course, I missed you. When I heard your voice just now, I almost thought I was hearing things because I wanted to see you so badly."

Being back with familiar family, Eugenie could briefly set down the burdens she carried and be a child again around them.

"You should have told us you were coming so I could tidy up your room. I've been so busy taking care of your grandpa lately that I haven't had time to clean."

With Chase's illness, Xanthe had stayed by his side every step of the way. Eugenie understood completely and certainly didn't want to trouble her. "It's fine. I have hands and feet and plenty of energy. I can clean it myself later. Let's eat first."

As she spoke, Eugenie glanced toward the kitchen, already breathing in the aroma. "What did you make for lunch today, Grandma? It smells amazing."

"Your timing is perfect. I bought fresh fish this morning. I was planning to make fish soup, but how do you want it—soup or grilled?"

Xanthe pulled Eugenie into the kitchen to show her the fish still flopping around in the sink.

Eugenie answered humbly, "Whatever Grandma decides. However you cook it, that's how I'll eat it."

When she looked up and glanced outside, she discovered that Chase, who had been sitting perfectly fine on his stool, had somehow stood up and was slowly making his way toward the suitcase she'd left by the door.

Xanthe followed her gaze and naturally saw what Chase was doing.

"That old man just can't sit still. Can't relax for even a minute." Xanthe's tone carried a hint of reproach, but more than anything, helplessness.

"Grandma, wait a moment. I'll go put the suitcase away and come back to help."

Xanthe waved her off. "Hurry now! When he was discharged, the doctor said your grandpa needs plenty of rest. He should avoid physical work if at all possible."

If even the doctor said so, Eugenie was even less willing to let Chase help. She dried her hands and went outside.

Seeing her come to take the suitcase, Chase blocked Eugenie's way. "What, you think I'm just some old man who can't do anything? I can handle this much."

Eugenie kept Xanthe's words in mind and refused to back down. "Grandpa, you're the most capable gentleman. Who could look down on you? But the doctor said you need to rest properly, right? Shouldn't we listen to what the doctor says?"

Chase's grip on the suitcase handle didn't loosen as he muttered, "Doctors don't know everything. Old folks need to move around."

After several unsuccessful attempts, she could only grab the walking cane he used for support and push it into his hand. "If you get tired, lean on this, okay?"

Chase's affection lasted all of three seconds before he started complaining. "Go help your grandma with the cooking. Your suitcase isn't heavy, and it has wheels. Pushing it takes no effort at all, so stop standing here getting in my way."

Eugenie didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the stubbornness of this old man. As she turned back toward the kitchen, she kept looking back over her shoulder, worried that Chase had just been putting on a brave face but was actually struggling.

When Xanthe learned that Eugenie had been sent back, she muttered a few complaints under her breath but ultimately let Chase have his way without complaining any further.

Meanwhile, Eugenie was washing vegetables nearby. When Xanthe passed by and happened to notice the wound on her palm, she couldn't help but express concern. Upon learning how the injury occurred, Xanthe kept cursing Bernard, calling him a terrible villain and a rotten person with a black heart.

Listening to Xanthe's grumbling, the oppressive frustration that had been weighing on Eugenie's chest gradually dissipated.

After eating her fill, Eugenie went to tidy up her room. Xanthe wanted to help, but Eugenie didn't want her to tire herself out and refused her assistance. She moved a chair over for Xanthe to sit in, so she could watch as Eugenie gradually cleaned the room and changed the sheets and duvet cover.

Throughout the process, Xanthe kept talking about Delta's childhood. Eugenie listened with rapt attention, feeling somewhat nostalgic herself. If Delta hadn't died, she would probably be living a relatively happy life by now.

"If your mother hadn't passed away so early, the house would be so lively right now." Looking at Eugenie's face, which bore some resemblance to Delta's, Xanthe felt bitterness rise in her heart.

Once everything was tidied, Eugenie walked over and hugged Xanthe, burying her head against her shoulder and patted her back as if she was comforting a child. "Mom is watching over us from heaven, so we need to live well. That way, Mom can be happy up there."

Having finally made it back for a visit, Eugenie didn't plan to leave so soon. She'd specifically brought her laptop back with her to handle work remotely.

Before returning, she'd made a special trip to the company to find Nolan and had given him instructions on various matters. Any documents that needed her attention could be handled remotely if possible.

Living in the countryside, her pace of life slowed down. After handling work, she'd walk the field paths with Xanthe.

A few years ago, Xanthe had suddenly wanted to farm. She'd found someone to rent her a few plots of land and had bought seeds to plant. Eugenie had thought it was just a passing fancy, but she could see it for herself now—the seedlings were lush and green, growing healthy and strong.

"I didn't expect Grandma to have such a talent."

Xanthe glowed with pride at the compliment. "Now you know you underestimated me back then! I'm good at everything I do."

They picked a full basket of vegetables. Eugenie carried it as they headed home, but when they got to the doorway, they saw a tall man standing inside the living room. Hearing the commotion at the entrance, he turned around. When she saw who it was, she was somewhat surprised.

"What are you doing here?"