Chapter 444
Chapter 444
Althea gave a faint smile and turned back to the headstone. “I believe in you,” she said firmly. “I believe you never betrayed us p>
She touched the stone with her fingertips-lightly, but with profound meaning.
“If you were still here,” she continued, “you’d be angry seeing your name used like this. And you’d tell me to stand beside you and uncover the truth p>
Lydia smiled softly. “That sounds exactly like the Chase you always describe p>
“Yes,” Althea replied. “He always said-never let anyone else control the story of your life p>
Silence settled around them once more. The rustle of leaves and the distant footsteps of other visitors drifted faintly through the air.
“Althea,” Lydia said again, more gently, “you’re not alone. Whatever happens, you have us. Mommy Riana, Daddy Nathan, Daven, Josh, Grace. Even Cale and Chris. And don’t ever forget-you have me p>
Althea turned toward her. Her eyes glistened, but her gaze was steady. “Thank you. I needed to be reminded of that p>
“You don’t have to choose between being gentle or firm,” Lydia added. “You can be both p>
Althea nodded. “I’ll be fair. But if someone deliberately tries to tarnish Chase’s name and shake my family… paused, making sure every word carried her full intent. “I will protect what he left behind. Without hesitation p>
Lydia gave Althea’s shoulder a light pat. “That’s the right stance p>
She
Althea took a deep breath, then released it slowly. The weight in her chest hadn’t completely lifted, but she felt far calmer now. No longer gripped by wild fear-only a clear awareness to remain vigilant.
“Let’s go,” she said at last. “I’ve said what I needed to say today p>
“I hope after this, there won’t be anything else that tears our thoughts apart p>
“I hope so too p>
“I’m really happy Grandpa was the one who took me and picked me up today,” Grace said, looking up at him with sparkling eyes.
“Is that so?” Nathan chuckled softly, holding out his hand so they could walk into the house together.
Dusk settled slowly as Nathan’s car entered the grounds of the Miller family home. Golden light brushed against the leaves and the iron gate, casting long, peaceful shadows. Today, Nathan had deliberately stayed away from the office. He chose a role he hadn’t taken on much lately driving his grandchildren to and from their activities.
As soon as the car stopped, Josh got out first. He returned the greetings of the staff who came to welcome them but didn’t let any of them carry his sports bag. He said it was his responsibility. Josh knew his mother would scold him if he let himself be waited on too often.
“Grandpa, see you at dinner. I’m going to rest for a bit. Practice today was pretty intense p>
“Go ahead,” Nathan replied with a smile. “Make sure you drink plenty of water p>
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Grace, still holding Nathan’s hand, stepped closer, her eyes shining with hope. “As for me, can I rest while having a chocolate snack? I haven’t had one in so long,” she pleaded, her tone deliberately pitiful.
Josh, who had already started down the corridor toward the right wing, stopped short. He turned back with a scrutinizing look. “Seriously, Grace? Didn’t you just get some from Aunt Lydia yesterday?” His voice was flat, but the objection was clear. “I saw you carrying two pieces p>
Grace pressed her lips together, then pouted in annoyance. “That was yesterday. Today is a different day p>
Josh let out a short breath. “Classic excuse p>
“I’ll only eat a little,” Grace protested quickly. She edged closer to Nathan, taking advantage of the protection of her grandfather. “Just a tiny bit. This big.” She demonstrated with her small fingers. “I still want it, Grandpa. Please p>
Nathan studied his granddaughter’s face. The wide, hopeful eyes, the half-formed smile, the deliberately softened voice-an all-too-familiar combination. He glanced briefly at Josh, then back at Grace.
“You know,” Nathan said slowly, as if weighing his words, “I don’t like negotiating under emotional pressure p>
“I’m not pressuring you,” Grace protested quickly. “I’m just… hoping p>
Josh snorted. “She’s emotionally blackmailing you, Grandpa p>
Grace turned halfway toward him, glaring indignantly. “I am not blackmailing. I’m asking politely p>
Nathan chuckled softly, rubbing the top of Grace’s head. “You two…” He sighed in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. You can have some chocolate p>
Grace let out a small cheer. “Yay p>
“But,” Nathan added quickly, lifting a finger, “not too much. Just a little. Too much and your teeth will hurt.
Grace nodded exaggeratedly. “I promise. Just a little p>
Josh raised an eyebrow. “That’s what you said yesterday p>
Grace stuck her tongue out at him, teasing without a shred of guilt. “But today I’m more responsible p>
Nathan laughed quietly, his low voice warm. “I hope so p>
A female attendant approached with a polite smile. “Miss Grace, may I accompany you to your room p>
Grace nodded enthusiastically. “Yes. But I want the chocolate first p>
The attendant smiled, then turned to Nathan. “I’ll bring it according to your instructions, sir p>
“Thank you,” Nathan replied.
Grace took the attendant’s hand, then looked back. “Bye, Grandpa. Bye, Josh p>
Josh gave a short nod. “Don’t forget to brush your teeth p>
Grace giggled and skipped away, her steps light.
Another attendant approached Josh. “Mr. Josh, I can help carry your training bag to your room p>
Josh nodded. “Thank you p>
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He glanced at Nathan briefly. “I’m going to rest for a bit p>
“Go ahead,” Nathan said. “Dinner will be ready soon p>
Josh turned and headed inside, accompanied by the attendant.
The courtyard grew quiet again. Nathan stood there for a moment, letting out a soft breath. That warmth-the small arguments, the brief laughter-brought him a calm he rarely admitted to himself.
“Where’s my wife?” Nathan asked one of the nearby attendants.
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