Chapter 91
I could see condemnation in George's eyes. He probably thought I'd been badmouthing him to Grandma again. Otherwise, why would she pull him aside for a lecture?
At first, I'd said those humiliating things out of revenge, thinking Violet would see through the cracks in our relationship and stop trying to make us bond. But she just gave George a mild scolding.
"Go apologize to Grace right now. You must celebrate her birthday properly from now on, and make up for the gift." Violet was somewhat angry as she told George to apologize to me.
George nodded halfheartedly and sat back down beside me.
No promises, no explanations, and definitely no apology.
Violet looked at George, a flash of deep helplessness and exhaustion crossing her face.
But in the end, she said nothing more, just sighed again.
On the way back, Violet sat in the back seat while George and I sat on opposite sides of the front row. The atmosphere in the car was even more oppressive than on the way there. Violet still seemed worried about what had just happened. After a moment of silence, she spoke again, her voice carrying undeniable seriousness.
"George, on the eighth of next month, it's Grace's mother, Luna's fiftieth birthday. You must make time to go with Grace to celebrate Luna's birthday."
"After Grace's grandfather passed away, Luna has had a very hard time. We've all seen it. You need to respect and care for Luna as if she were your own mother, understand?"
Violet's words made my heart tremble slightly, and my eyes grew warm.
She and my late grandfather had been close friends, and she'd always looked after my mother.
That she remembered my mother's birthday and so solemnly instructed George showed she truly considered my mother and me family. I appreciated this gesture.
Only now did I fully understand the deeper meaning behind Violet's dinner today.
She not only wanted to ease the cold relationship between George and me, but also wanted to use my mother's birthday as an opportunity for George to participate as a good son-in-law.
She even hoped we could host a grand birthday party for my mother, using it as a symbol and starting point for our reconciliation and family harmony.
But I didn't want George involved.
I quickly spoke up, "Grandma, there's really no need to go to such trouble. Luna is low-key by nature and doesn't like big, noisy events. We'll just have a simple meal and keep her company. That would make her happier."
But Violet shook her head, her attitude firm. "That won't do. Fifty is a milestone birthday. How can we be casual about it? We must throw a proper celebration."
She turned to George, her tone almost commanding, "George, you need to take this seriously. Find professionals to plan it and make it respectable. Money isn't an issue. What matters is the thought. Grace can't handle everything alone. As her husband, you must help. It's your responsibility."
Listening to these words, I found them utterly ironic.
In my past life, before Luna's fiftieth birthday, George had also promised he would help me throw a lively birthday party for Luna, even promising to invite some important guests.
I was full of hope and gratitude then, thinking he was finally willing to put some effort into my family and me.
But what happened?
On the day itself, everything was ready, and guests were arriving, but George never showed up.
I called countless times, only to finally receive a cold message from Steven: [Mr. Smith has urgent business to handle and cannot attend.]
Later, I learned there was no urgent business at all. Sarah had been unhappy that George promised to accompany me to Luna's birthday, so she pretended to go missing.
George was frantic, putting all his people and energy into finding Sarah, forgetting his promise to Luna and me.
How could he remember the waiting guests and Luna's disappointment?
That birthday party that should have been full of laughter ended in awkwardness, coldness, and my forced smiles, becoming a regret in Luna's heart and another footnote to my failed marriage.
In this life, I'd already discussed with my mother that on her birthday we wouldn't make a fuss—just the two of us, with Milly, finding a nice quiet place to have a meal and talk.
After my rebirth, I never expected, nor hoped for, George to participate, let alone host a big celebration.
I firmly refused again, "Grandma, really, there's no need. My mother's company is just starting up, she's very busy herself, and has no time for any party. She's also made it clear she wants to keep it simple."
Violet looked at me, seeming to want to persuade me further, but seeing my determined expression and the complete absence of any expectation for George's involvement in my eyes.
She opened her mouth, but it only turned into a long sigh. "Alright, you young people have your own ideas. Since your mother feels that way too, we'll do as you wish."
The car arrived at the Old Smith Mansion.
As we got out, Violet held my hand and reminded me to take care of my health, then suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Grace, I'll visit you at your company sometime and bring you some supplements."
My heart jumped, and I instinctively glanced at George.
He still hadn't told Violet that I'd already left the Smith Group?
Did he think it didn't matter, or did he have other plans?
I didn't want Violet to make a wasted trip, and even less did I want to bring up those frustrating matters about the Smith Group in front of her, so I replied vaguely, "Grandma, please don't make a special trip. I've been... I might be traveling a lot for work lately, so I might not be at the office. I'd hate for you to come for nothing."
Hearing this, Violet immediately frowned and looked at George disapprovingly, her tone reproachful. "George, what are you thinking? Why are you arranging so many business trips for Grace? If you two are never together, how can your relationship improve? You need to be more considerate and stop making her travel so much!"
Receiving Violet's dissatisfied look, George's face remained expressionless. He just glanced at me coldly, his eyes seeming to flow with ice.
He responded to Violet in a calm, flat tone, "I understand, Grandma. I'll make adjustments."
Those four words were utterly insincere, more like a perfunctory brush-off.
Watching him like this, I almost couldn't help laughing sarcastically, but I managed to hold it in just in time.
Violet didn't seem to expect any heartfelt words from him either. She just sighed again and waved at me. "Alright, you two, head back. Drive safely."
She turned to go inside, then suddenly stopped and turned back to George. "Oh, George, that jewelry set I had Steven give to Grace last time. Did you give it to her? I specifically bought it for her at an auction. You need to personally hand it to her and see that she likes it."
Jewelry? Auction?
I was stunned and looked at Violet in confusion. "Grandma, what jewelry? I never received anything."