Chapter 296: The Man Standing Outside the Door

Bianca had already climbed onto Olivia's bed and was chattering away right by her ear.

It had been a while since she last talked to Olivia, so she was recounting all the events that had happened at kindergarten, occasionally mentioning Grace, Jasper, and Charles.

The room was quiet, and everyone could hear Bianca's words.

Grace, who was closest to her, couldn't help but start giggling.

Mia also couldn't hold back her laughter, her face full of smiles.

Meanwhile, the people in the room were unaware.

Outside the door stood a tall figure, Charles dressed casually, arms crossed, listening intently to the laughter and conversation coming from inside.

As he listened, his thin lips curved into a smile.

Bianca talked until her mouth was dry, eventually tiring out and leaning against Olivia, dozing off.

Even Jasper, who had been listening to her, was exhausted, his small hand propping up his chin, nodding off.

It was now noon, and they had been bothering Olivia all morning. It was time to leave.

Before leaving, Grace took Olivia's hand and smiled, saying, "Grandma, the kids are sleepy. We should head back. We'll come visit again when we have time."

With that, she and Mia carried the two children out of the room.

Seeing Olivia's room door open, Nathan immediately stepped forward, smiling as he tried to persuade them to stay. "It's already noon. The kitchen has prepared lunch with dishes that Mr. Jasper Montague and Ms. Bianca Montague like. Why not stay and eat before you go?"

Grace smiled and shook her head. "No, I shouldn't stay for lunch since Charles and I are divorced."

Nathan was momentarily stunned. "You..." He then looked at Mia, seeking her opinion.

Mia thought for a moment and agreed with Grace. "I think Grace is right. It's not appropriate for us to stay for lunch."

Nathan couldn't insist, given their reasoning. He could only look upstairs helplessly and sigh. "Alright then," he said, his tone full of resignation.

After saying goodbye to Nathan, Grace carried Jasper out of the living room, and Mia quickly followed with Bianca.

They left the living room and soon appeared in the yard.

Meanwhile, on the balcony at the end of the second-floor hallway, Charles stood by the wall, his deep gaze following Grace's figure.

His eyes were gentle and soft, and his lips unconsciously curved into a smile.

The kindergarten had started its winter break, followed by the elementary and middle schools.

Grace's art academy was also about to end its courses and go on break.

Today was Thursday, Grace's last day of teaching before the holiday.

She had breakfast with the two children before heading to work, repeatedly reminding them, "I'm going to work now. Be good and listen to Mia, okay?"

Bianca, with her big round eyes, nodded. "Okay, Mommy."

Jasper also nodded. "Alright."

After kissing the two children, she put on her coat and left.

She drove to the art academy, parked her car, and walked towards the office building.

She spent the morning preparing lessons, and before she knew it, it was noon. Just as she was about to go for lunch, she remembered that Milo was also there, so she took out her phone and sent him a message.

Grace: [Milo, do you have classes today?]

Milo quickly replied: [Yes, I do.]

Grace: [Great, it's lunchtime. Let's go eat.]

Milo: [Sure.]

She tidied up her desk, put on her coat, and left the office.

As soon as she stepped out, she saw Milo closing his door. He was wearing a long brown coat today, which accentuated his tall and straight figure, his face stern.

Grace smiled politely at him and asked softly, "Do you have anything in mind for lunch?"

Milo walked over to her and they headed outside together. "Anything is fine."

Grace nodded. "Alright."

She was craving something flavorful today.

Luckily, there was a good restaurant near the art academy, so she and Milo headed there.

Outside, it was freezing, but inside the restaurant, it was warm and cozy.

Soon, all the food was served, and Grace started eating.

The food was quite spicy, making Grace's face turn red and feel hot.

She had to take off her coat and use a napkin to wipe her sweat.

Milo also took off his coat and placed it on the chair next to him.

Grace, feeling the heat, picked up her water glass to drink, and when she looked up, she saw his well-defined collarbone.

Milo was wearing a white low-neck shirt today, and whenever he moved slightly, his skin was visible.

Grace glanced at him and felt it was inappropriate, quickly turning her head away.

Milo didn't seem to notice her discomfort and even added more food to her plate.

This action made his chest more visible.

Grace fanned her flushed face with her hand and coughed lightly.

Milo finally noticed her discomfort. "What's wrong? Did you choke?"

Grace shook her head, looking away. "Your shirt is a bit low. Can you pull it up?"

Milo looked down at his shirt and smiled. "That's just the design."

He then leaned forward deliberately.

Grace turned her head and saw his chest muscles and even his abs.

She quickly lowered her head and pointed at him. "Your shirt is really too low."

Milo smiled. "Is it? I think it's fine. But if it bothers you, I can put my coat back on."

Grace didn't want to make a fuss and waved her hand. "Never mind, let's just eat."

Milo didn't say anything more and continued eating.

Whether it was the heat or the spiciness, Grace'sface was red throughout the meal.

Grace paid for the meal, and they left the restaurant.

The cold air outside hit her face, making her feel better.

Suddenly, a large hand touched her face, giving her a different sensation.

Grace was startled and looked up.

She saw Milo touching her face. "Your face is so red and hot. Are you feeling unwell?"

Grace felt his concern and panicked a bit, quickly answering, "No, I'm fine. The food was just too spicy."

Milo continued to look at her face and gently reminded her, "Next time, don't eat such spicy food."

Grace lowered her eyes and nodded. "Okay, let's go back."

She hurried forward, wanting to escape his gaze.

Watching her rush ahead, Milo smiled, his gaze deepening.

They quickly returned to the office, and as she sat down, the redness on her face gradually faded.

In her mind, Milo was still the chubby little boy.

Now, he was wearing low-neck shirts, and his abs were clearly visible.

Grace suddenly realized that Milo was no longer a child. He was even a few months older than her.

She had overlooked this. She told herself she could no longer treat Milo as a child. He was now a grown man.

With this realization, she calmed down. Seeing there was still some time left for lunch break, she rested her head on the desk.

At the top floor office of the Montague Group building, a string of phone rings broke the silence.

Charles glanced casually at the caller ID and frowned slightly.

The call was from Ruby. He thought for a moment and answered, "Aunt Ruby, what's up?"

Ruby chuckled. "Charles, the Adams family will be moving back to Silverlight City in about ten days. Your grandmother, Kismet, and I grew up together and are very close. The Adams family wants to have a gathering when they return. Do you have time to attend?"

Charles frowned and looked at his schedule on the desk, then replied calmly, "I can't. I have a business trip."

He wasn't lying; he really had a trip planned.

Ruby hesitated, then tried to persuade him. "Charles, could you attend on behalf of your grandmother? Just an hour would be enough. The Adams family is very close to your grandmother, and they really hope you can be there."