Chapter 419
Chapter 419
When they arrived home, the atmosphere felt far quieter than usual, not a cold silence, but one deliberately created so everyone inside could breathe a little easier. Lydia went straight to the kitchen without much comment. She rolled up her sleeves, unpacked the groceries, and began working with efficient movements. There were no complaints, no drama, and she declined help from the staff each time it was offered.
Only the soft sounds remained, the knife tapping against the cutting board, water running gently, pots placed carefully on the stove.
She prepared the soup with extra care. Nothing elaborates-just a warm, clear broth with vegetables and the fish she had personally chosen at the supermarket earlier. But Lydia knew that on a night like this, simple warmth was far more needed than anything extravagant.
Unfortunately, the dining table wasn’t completely filled.
Althea chose to eat with the children in the right wing of the house, keeping a distance that felt intentional- not because she didn’t want to be together, but because she didn’t want Josh sinking deeper into unnecessary worry. Grace was too young to understand much, and Althea was determined not to let anxiety turn into a habit.
Everyone understood her decision and didn’t object.
Nathan lingered over the empty chair for a moment before speaking softly. “It seems Althea doesn’t want Josh to worry even more about his grandmother p>
No one disagreed. The words felt true-and that was precisely why they weighed so heavily.
Riana ate only a small portion. She looked calmer than she had that afternoon, though fatigue still lingered clearly in her eyes. From time to time, Lydia watched her quietly-not as a future daughter-in-law, not as Cale’s partner,
but as someone who genuinely cared. That was why, when Nathan suggested Riana rest early, Lydia agreed without hesitation.
“What Daddy said is right, Mom. You should go to bed early,” she said gently but firmly. “Today was far too long”
Riana gave a small smile and didn’t argue. Perhaps for the first time that day, she truly allowed herself to comply.
Cale, in his own way, made sure everything moved quickly and smoothly. He even glanced at Lydia before dinner was fully over. “You too,” he said shortly. “Go to bed early p>
Normally, Lydia would have responded with a sarcastic remark or half-hearted refusal. But tonight, she simply nodded. Her body was tired, and her mind was fuller than she cared to admit.
One by one, the lights were turned off. Footsteps faded. Bedroom doors closed softly. The Miller house sank back into calm-a fragile calm, but enough for tonight. Behind its walls, everyone carried their own thoughts, holding questions they weren’t yet ready to voice.
And the night passed, leaving the house in a silence filled with meaning.
“Come with me,” Nathan said, giving Cale a quiet order.
Cale didn’t refuse. He knew there was much they still needed to talk about.
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Chapter 419
+25 Bonus
“I didn’t expect this,” Nathan said at last, his voice low but weighted. “I thought that after everything that happened years ago, this family had finally found its peace. Turns out… someone still dares to disturb it-and whatever this is, it feels far heavier than before p>
They spoke in Nathan’s study, accompanied only by cups of coffee and a few light snacks the staff had
prepared.
Cale leaned back, fingers interlaced. “Whoever’s bold enough to do all this isn’t acting alone. This is a complex network, Dad. Erick has confirmed the same patterns, the same methods, and carefully chosen timing, And…. the same kind of targets p>
“The drone at the cemetery,” Nathan murmured. “In front of my child’s grave, he dared to aim a weapon at my wife.” His jaw tightened. “That wasn’t coincidence p>
“You’re right,” Cale replied immediately. “I’d say it was a message. And that message was sent in two directions
– at the Miller family and the Callisters p>
Nathan met his gaze. “I want you to see this through to the end, Cale. Whoever’s behind it. I don’t care about big names, positions, or blood ties that might be involved p>
“That’s already the plan,” Cale said without hesitation. “Erick is moving on the ground. I’ll close the gaps at the top. We’ll meet in the middle p>
Nathan let out a long breath. “I’m tired of seeing the people we love used as tools. My colleague, Kate Callister- no matter what, she was family to us. And now… my wife.” His voice hardened. “Don’t let them turn their sights on my grandchildren p>
Cale nodded. “And that’s exactly why we have to stay calm. They want us to react. But if we investigate quietly and carefully, they’ll surface on their own. And when they do-it may be at the most unexpected moment p>
“A deadly appearance,” Nathan added.
“Exactly p>
No one spoke after that. They allowed the silence to settle—not an awkward quiet, but a pause meant steeling their resolve.
“You’re certain about this course?” Nathan asked softly.
“There’s no other way,” Cale answered. “If we stop halfway, they’ll sense weakness p>
Nathan nodded once. “Alright. Do it. I’m behind you p>
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