Chapter 156 Return to the Elikin Family
"Mr. Jennings, how thoughtful of you to come visit our Quinny again!"
Marlee's face lit up with a smile as she walked over, basket hooked over one arm.
Her family was right here, but Quinley didn't dare reveal herself. After six months, Marlee had put on a bit of weight and looked healthier.
"Yeah."
Zachary's response was brief. Right in front of Marlee, he naturally draped an arm around Quinley's shoulders.
Marlee's sharp eyes quickly swept over Quinley. She didn't recognize her, but she spotted the enormous diamond ring on her hand.
"Is this your fiancée, Mr. Jennings?"
"Yes."
Zachary confirmed.
"Mr. Jennings, you have excellent taste. This young lady looks so well-fed and fortunate. Not like our Quinny—unlucky thing. Finally married into a good family, didn't even get to enjoy it before she was gone."
Marlee kept chattering away.
Listening to this, Quinley couldn't help the tears welling up.
"Mr. Jennings, let me say something for Quinny first."
Marlee walked to the gravestone.
"Quinny, I came to see you. Wherever you are now, please watch over us and your brother."
A painful lump formed in Quinley's throat.
Marlee turned to her. "Young lady, thank you for coming to visit Quinny. I'm sure she'll bless you."
"Mm."
Quinley fought hard to hold back her tears, not letting herself cry. Several times, she desperately wanted to reach out and hug Marlee. But she held herself back.
They all left the cemetery together.
"Take care, Mr. Jennings."
Marlee headed toward the nearby bus stop. Quinley got in the car and sat in the passenger seat, but her eyes stayed locked on Marlee at the bus stop.
She hadn't given birth to her, but she'd raised Quinley. As a daughter, unable to care for her parents properly, she felt deeply guilty.
Zachary seemed to sense her reluctance. He drove toward Marlee.
"Get in. I'll give you a ride home."
He rolled down the window and called out to Marlee.
Marlee looked delighted. "Is it on your way?"
"It is."
Marlee opened the door and settled into the back seat.
"Mr. Jennings, you're such a good man. Too bad our Quinny didn't have that kind of luck. If she'd ended up with you back then, who knows how well she'd be living now."
After six months, Marlee had become more talkative. The whole ride, she chattered on nonstop.
Quinley wanted to interrupt several times, wanting to ask about Colin and Dennis. She didn't ask, but Zachary did it for her.
"What's Dennis doing these days?"
"Oh him, he just took over a restaurant recently. He and his wife are trying to start their own business. Mr. Jennings, we're just simple folk, can't compare to you—you make the big money in big business. Us? We're just hoping for a comfortable little life. Denny's my only son now. As long as he's doing well, I'd do anything."
Marlee played favorites—Quinley had always known that. But Dennis was her brother, so she didn't hold it against her.
"How's your husband's health lately?"
Quinley couldn't help asking. During her time away, she'd been worried about Colin's health.
Marlee didn't notice anything unusual, just kept on talking.
"He's much better now, can even come downstairs and walk around. The two of us old folks are doing pretty well. We're just hoping Denny settles down soon. If his business does well and they have a kid, then we'll really have something to look forward to."
From start to finish, every sentence was about Dennis.
Listening to this, Quinley felt a pang in her chest. She wasn't their biological child, but Dennis was. Biological and adopted children—there was always a difference.
The car pulled up to the old apartment building. Colin was in the courtyard playing chess with someone. His tall frame was hunched, he'd gained weight, and only the hair on his head had gotten whiter.
Seeing Marlee step out of Zachary's Maybach, he stood up, brow furrowed as he looked their way.
"Mr. Jennings, you and the young lady should come in for some water. After all that walking, you must be tired. We really can't thank you enough today—without you, I don't know what time I would've gotten home."
"We can't—"
Quinley declined. The closer to home, the more her emotions stirred. She was afraid she'd lose control and reveal who she was.
"Alright."
But Zachary answered for her. He took her hand and led her inside, his voice low. "I know you've been worried about them. So let's go check on them."
Stepping into that small apartment, all the familiar memories came flooding back. The furnishings hadn't changed—everything was exactly as before.
Marlee bustled around hospitably, making coffee for Zachary and pouring water for Quinley.
"Mr. Jennings, please stay for a simple meal. You two sit down—I'll go cook, won't take long."
She tied on her apron and got busy. Marlee had always been warm and welcoming—that hadn't changed.
Colin sat in his chair the whole time, quiet and saying little. The old TV set played in the background, everyone's eyes fixed on the screen.
"Let's go for a walk."
Quinley stood up.
"Sure."
Zachary followed her out.
Leaving the courtyard, Quinley headed straight for a nearby store. Coming back this time, she hadn't revealed herself to Colin and Marlee, but seeing them living so simply, her heart ached.
Quinley bought tons of household goods.
"You're buying all this?"
Zachary stared at the mountain of supplies piled by the entrance, surprised.
Quinley nodded. "They're my parents. This is the least I can do."
They couldn't carry it all, so they asked the shopkeeper to deliver it. But just as they approached the apartment, Marlee's crying drifted out.
"Colin, what are we going to do?"
The sound of her crying was heartbreaking.
Quinley's heart sank. She immediately reached for the door, but Zachary stopped her, signaling for the shopkeeper to go in first.
When they all came in carrying the supplies, Marlee quickly wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Mr. Jennings, you're too kind. You bring so much every time you visit."
"Just some everyday things."
Zachary replied casually.
"You're too generous. You're such a good person."
Marlee sighed gratefully.
Quinley's gaze swept to Colin. He remained silent, still not speaking. Everyone stood around. Marlee quickly wiped her hands on her apron and brought out a few simple dishes.
"Mr. Jennings, I didn't get groceries today. Just some home cooking—please don't mind."
She enthusiastically served food to both Quinley and Zachary. The familiar flavors tasted different now to Quinley.
She was worried, so she couldn't help asking, "We heard you crying outside earlier. What's wrong?"
With that question, the atmosphere in the room instantly dropped. Colin set down his bowl, let out a heavy sigh, and got up from the table.
Marlee's mood had improved, but now her eyes reddened again. "It's Denny. My son's in trouble."
Hearing Dennis was in trouble, Quinley's heart seized up.
"What happened?"
Marlee couldn't hold back and started crying. "Didn't he want to start a small business? He just took over a restaurant, but turns out he got scammed. Lost a huge amount of money."