Chapter 199
She got up. Grandma had already eaten breakfast bread bought during last night’s shopping trip. Several crates of milk were stocked at home. Grandma had even fried an egg. Seeing Lucille awake, Grandma beamed and went to fry another egg for her.
“Grandma, I can do it myself.”
Grandma waved her hand. “At my age, I need to move around. It’s like exercise.”
Lucille shook her head with a smile. Grandma would come up with any reason to take care of her.
But for lunch today, Lucille cooked with Grandma. After eating and cleaning up, she would head to the airport.
Grandma lived alone in Capital City. Lucille had a thousand things she wanted to say.
From household chores to going out, every little thing – Lucille repeated her instructions over and over. Grandma fi- nally laughed. “You! Turning into a little old lady already! Is Grandma so useless? I haven’t lost my marbles yet!”
Lucille laughed too, hugging Grandma tightly.
She knew Grandma understood everything, but she still couldn’t help worrying.
“Grandma, safety first.” It was the “pointless” advice she’d emphasized countless times.
“Don’t worry!” Grandma patted her back, and quietly slipped the bank card into Lucille’s bag.
Lucille had no idea. She was just repacking her freshly laundered intimate wear from last night into her suitcase, dou- ble–checking for any forgotten items when Aydan arrived to pick her up.
“Don’t worry, Lucille. Go ahead! Grandma can manage just fine!” Grandma urged her.
“Alright, Grandma. Tonight-”
“I’ve already decided what to cook for dinner. I’ll start preparing soon–got it all planned out.” Grandma cut her off, gently nudging her toward the door.
Lucille felt both reluctant and amused. “Grandma, only a few of us know your new number now. Don’t answer calls from anyone else. My phone will go on airplane mode after boarding. I’ll text you my new international number once I land.”
“Got it. Now hurry! Take good care of yourself overseas.”
Lucille hugged Grandma one last time before finally stepping out.
Aydan’s chauffeur drove them to the airport. An hour later, as dusk began to settle, they arrived.
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Chapter 199
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Meredith was already there, along with other dance company members trickling in. After Meredith took attendance, everyone proceeded to check luggage and clear security.
During the wait, fiery sunset hues blazed beyond the terminal windows.
“Lucille, look! Doesn’t that sunset resemble a phoenix rising from ashes?” Aydan pointed outside.
“Absolutely.”
Lucille’s reply was resolute.
Gazing at the gold–and–crimson clouds streaking the horizon, a fierce impulse surged within her–to dance like that reborn phoenix. Her mind conjured an imaginary girl twirling, soaring…
It was inspiration for new choreography. A pity she couldn’t complete it herself.
But it didn’t matter. Others would bring it to life. So many brilliant dancers in the company could soar for her…
As the last golden–red streak dissolved into night, boarding commenced.
Since Lucille and Aydan had checked in together, their seats were adjacent.
After settling in, Lucille texted Grandma: “About to take off. See you in a dozen hours.”
Grandma replied: “Safe travels, Lucille.”
Reassured, Lucille switched her phone to airplane mode.
The plane taxied out, waiting for takeoff as darkness engulfed the world outside.
Meanwhile, Cedrick and Maricela had just returned to their hotel after dinner.
Cedrick had been on a call since leaving the car, continuing through the lobby without pause.
Gradually, his frown deepened. “Strange. Why isn’t it going through?”
“Who? Lucille?” Maricela asked.
“Yeah. What’s she doing? Grandma’s phone is off too.” He dialed another number. This time it connected. “Mylee? Did Mrs. Maynard visit you today?”
Mylee was still in the hospital, so naturally she said no.
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Chapter 200