Chapter296
Alex remained by the car, watching her silhouette dissolve into the distance.
As if swallowed whole by the blizzard’s white fury.
Peach County.
Lisa grew uneasy waiting for Alex’s return to the office.
First time she’d lost track of his whereabouts. She dialed impulsively.
“Alex, where are you?”
Alex slid into the driver’s seat, murmuring: “Handling something outside. Not coming back today.”
“But tonight’s business dinner…”
“Cancel it.”
Lisa had been taking care of Alex for at least ten years, and she sensed something off from his tone today.
“Alex, if something’s on your mind, don’t keep it bottled up. You can tell me. I won’t tell anyone else.”
Something on his mind…
A hint of self-mockery flashed in Alex’s eyes. He said gently, “You’re overthinking. I’m fine. Focus on your work.”
After hanging up, he couldn’t help but cough.
His illness was considered cured now, but there were still many aftereffects, and it was uncertain when it might relapse.
That day, instead of driving home, Alex drove to a spot where he could see Maureen’s place and sat in the car, watching.
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Meanwhile, Maureen went back with mixed feelings.
As soon as she opened the door, she smelled food from the kitchen.
Geoffrey came out from the dining room. “Where did you go?”
“Just went for a walk.”
Maureen lied.
Geoffrey didn’t press further. “Dinner’s ready.”
“Okay.”
Maureen walked over. The table was filled with her favorite dishes.
Zoe had come down early.
“Reenie, come eat. He had all your favorite dishes made.”
The “he” Zoe referred to was naturally Geoffrey.
Maureen nodded. “Okay.”
At the dinner table, the three of them ate together.
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Zoe couldn’t help but chatter: “I’ve always dreamed of when our family could properly share a meal together. Never thought it’d finally come true.”
Family.
Maureen hadn’t expected Zoe to truly accept Geoffrey.
Geoffrey spoke up: “Doesn’t Zoe have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow?
I’ve arranged for some medical equipment to be brought over.”
“Good, you’re always so thoughtful.”
Zoe praised.
Maureen watched their exchange, unsure what to say.
“By the way, how’s Jacob doing at Katherine’s place?
And how’s Ethan at the hospital?
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Ive been unwell lately, barely had time to check on them.”
Noticing Maureen seemed off today, Zoe inquired.
Swamped with work, Maureen had forgotten to contact the kids.
“I forgot. I’ll call after dinner.”
“Alright.”
After the meal.
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Maureen dialed Katherine first. For days, she’d only heard Jacob was fine, but wondered if he’d caused trouble.
The line took a while to connect. Maureen heard Jacob’s hushed whisper: “Mommy, what’s up?
Aunt Katherine’s getting an earful from Grandpa right now.”
“Grandpa?”
Maureen was completely baffled.
Jacob remembered to explain: “It was Aunt Katherine’s dad. She brought me back.”
Maureen froze, barely catching Scott’s roar through the phone: “Who’s the father?
I’ll kill that bastard!”
Shattering vases and crashing furniture echoed in the background.
Jacob heard it too, urgently whispering, “Mommy, gotta go. I’ll check on Aunt Katherine before Grandpa hits her.
Maureen: “…Okay.”
Jacob hung up and stepped out of his room.
Katherine sprawled on the sofa like a dead pig unfazed by boiling water, while Scott hurled objects around.
Though vases shattered, every throw deliberately missed his daughter.
“Dad, stop asking. I just don’t know who the father is-just some fleeting encounter in the crowd.”
Katherine yawned lazily. “So quit pushing me toward Sean or setting up blind dates. Those rich
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kids won’t accept a woman with baggage”
Scott’s face purpled realizing she truly didn’t know the father “You-learning every vice hut virtue!
Where does this leave my dignity?
TII beat you senseless today!”
He snatched a porcelain figurine. “Do you really not know whose bastard that is?
Answer or I’ll dump him at the orphanage!”
Scott raised his hand, poised to strike Katherine’s face.
Jacob immediately stepped forward, tugging Scott’s sleeve: “Grandpa, don’t hit Mommy. If you’re angry, hit me instead.”
He puffed out his chest with solemn determination.
Scott’s heart melted seeing Jacob-barely reaching his thigh yet radiating responsibility and intelligence.
“Honey, go back to your room. Grandpa wasn’t going to hit your mom, just…” Scott paused, “…patting her shoulder.”
He then heavily patted Katherine’s shoulder.
Katherine nearly rolled her eyes, astonished by her stern father’s uncharacteristic gentleness toward Jacob-a tenderness she found nauseating.
“Grandpa, will you still send me away?”
Jacob’s wide eyes locked onto Scott’s face.
How could Scott bear to part with such an obedient child?
“Silly boy, you misheard. I meant that stray cat outside, not you.”
“You’re Grandpa’s treasure. I’d sooner abandon your mother than lose you.”
Having never experienced grandfatherly affection before, Jacob felt warmth spread through his chest at Scott’s kindness: “I’ll take good care of you when I grow up.”
“Good. I’ll wait for that day. Come, let’s talk inside-it’s too cold out here.”
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