Chapter 280: Two Men, One Heart

Elena's POV

After leaving the hospital, I headed straight to the Huntington estate to inform Grandpa of my decision.

As I entered his study, I paused by the large bay window, watching the gardeners tend to the immaculate grounds. The estate had been in turmoil since Ryan and Elbert's arrest, and now all eyes within the family had turned to me. I could feel the weight of expectation settling on my shoulders.

"I've decided to return to America," I said, turning to face my grandfather.

Grandpa looked up from his desk, surprise evident in his weathered face. "So soon? I thought you might stay longer, especially after everything that's happened."

"The situation here is stabilizing. Ryan and Elbert are facing justice. It's time I returned to my children and my company."

Grandpa nodded slowly, a smile spreading across his face. "I knew I hadn't misjudged you. You're a good child, Elena."

"Don't say that," I laughed softly. "You're still quite robust, Grandpa. You could easily work another few decades. The Huntington family needs your steady hand to maintain order."

He chuckled, rising from his chair to pat my shoulder affectionately. "You go ahead. Don't worry about things here. I'll handle everything."

I smiled, knowing no matter what, the burden of the family will eventually fall on my shoulders. Going back now is preparing myself to better shoulder that responsibility when the time comes.

As I left Frank's study, I spotted Henry leaning against the corridor wall, arms crossed over his chest.

"Leaving us already?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

I studied him carefully. "You managed to stay clear of this whole mess. Impressive as always, Uncle Henry."

He smiled enigmatically. "Just lucky, I suppose."

The next morning, I made my final preparations to leave England.

At Heathrow Airport, Terry stood with me near the security checkpoint. Miley was still in the hospital, so Terry had come to see me off.

"Thank you for everything you did," Terry said, squeezing my hand warmly.

I squeezed back. "Between us, there's no need for thanks."

Terry's gaze drifted to where Reginald and Donovan stood several feet apart, pointedly ignoring each other. "Given our relationship, surely you can tell me what's going on between those two? The tension is thick enough to cut with a knife."

I followed Terry's gaze and smiled mysteriously. "Don't worry. They'll become good friends eventually."

Terry raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Are you sure? They look like they'd happily throw each other into the Atlantic."

I laughed softly. "The more they act that way, the more they have in common."

"I'll never understand how your mind works," Terry said, shaking her head.

On the plane, I sat several rows behind Reginald and Donovan, watching their interaction with amusement.

"You did this on purpose, didn't you?" Teresa whispered beside me.

I replied innocently. "I'm just helping them bond."

Teresa rolled her eyes. "With this arrangement, they'll be at each other's throats the moment we land."

I smiled contentedly. "Wouldn't that be entertaining?"

"You've changed, Boss," Teresa said, shaking her head as I leaned back in my seat, feeling genuinely relaxed for the first time in weeks.

The moment we landed at JFK, Reginald and Donovan practically raced off the aircraft, each determined to avoid the other.

In the arrival hall, I heard excited voices calling out, "Mommy! Daddy!"

Ethan and Zoe came running toward us, faces lit with joy. I crouched down and opened my arms, bracing myself as they crashed into me.

"Mommy, why were you gone so long?" Zoe asked, arms wrapped tightly around my neck. "We missed you so much!"

I kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry, sweetie. I broke our promise. Can you forgive me?"

Zoe pretended to consider it seriously, then nodded. "I guess I have to. You're my mommy, after all."

When Zoe spotted Reginald, she rushed to him. "Daddy, you're back too!"

Reginald lifted her into his arms, shooting a triumphant look at Donovan over her head.

In the limousine, I sensed tension building again between the two men.

"The children are hungry," I interrupted. "Let's focus on dinner, shall we?"

Both men tried to make separate plans with the children, but I cut in, "I've already made reservations at The Metropolitan. We're all going together."

They each took separate cars, faces dark with displeasure.

During our ride, Ethan and Zoe eagerly filled me in on everything I'd missed.

"Mommy, we planted flowers with Grandpa Richard!" Zoe bounced in her seat.

"And Grandpa taught me chess," Ethan added proudly.

I listened with a smile, marveling at how quickly they were growing up.

---

At The Metropolitan, Reginald and Donovan immediately flanked me, each trying to outdo the other with food recommendations. I caught Teresa's eye and gave her a subtle nod.

"Ethan, Zoe," Teresa called, "I'm sure your mommy wants to sit between you two."

The children eagerly took their places beside me, effectively separating me from both men, who reluctantly moved to opposite ends of the table.

As the children chatted about their adventures with Grandpa Richard, I found myself caught in Reginald's intense gaze. My heart raced, and I quickly looked away.

"Excuse me for a moment," I said, flustered, placing my napkin beside my plate and practically fleeing to the ladies' room.

In the bathroom, I stared at my reflection, patting my flushed cheeks. "Pull yourself together, Elena."

I took a deep breath. "They're both part of your past. Just enjoy the present."

When I returned to the table, I had composed myself. "Children, "This dish is delicious. You should try more."

The rest of dinner passed pleasantly, the children's chatter filling the air. Donovan engaged with Ethan's school stories while Reginald proudly watched Zoe show off new words she'd learned.

When dessert arrived, Zoe gasped at the chocolate soufflé. "Can we make this at home, Mommy?"

"Of course," I smiled, thankful for their presence easing the tension.

As both men reached for the check, I intercepted it. "My treat, gentlemen."

Ethan's yawn cut through their objections. "Time to go home," I said, gathering my things.

"Here we are," Reginald announced, pulling up to our apartment after insisting on driving us.

"Can't Daddy stay?" Ethan pleaded.

I ruffled his hair. "Daddy has his own place. He needs rest."

"Since Mommy's been away," Zoe said slyly, "could she take tomorrow off to play with us?"

"I'd love that, but I'll need to check with Benson and Matilda about your behavior first."

Zoe stood tall. "I've been perfect!"

Reginald jumped in. "If you're good tonight, Mommy and Daddy will take you out tomorrow."

I raised an eyebrow. "Adding yourself to our plans?"

"Just making the children happy," he smiled.

"Yay! Both parents!" Zoe cheered, racing to the door.

Ethan looked up seriously. "Mommy, are you still mad at Daddy?"

I knelt down. "I was never angry at him, sweetheart."

I watched Reginald walk toward his neighboring villa. With the children so excited, how could I possibly say no?