Chapter 596
Chapter 596
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Chapter 596
Riana glanced briefly at the empty seats.
“Daven and Althea won’t be joining us tonight,” she explained. “They’re still out p>
“Cale and Lydia aren’t coming back tonight either,” Nathan added.
“Well… that’s just outrageous,” Chris grumbled with a click of his tongue. “The moment they get some free time, they disappear together. Honestly, it’s annoying p>
“If you’re jealous, then find your partner,” Riana scolded lightly. “Let them enjoy their time together. Do you really mind p>
“No,” Chris replied with an exaggerated sigh. “I’ll just dedicate my time to taking care of my beloved niece and nephew p>
He pulled Grace into a playful hug before exchanging an enthusiastic high-five with Josh.
As for Eli-she had expected Chris to ignore her entirely.
Instead…
Chris reached out and gently ruffled the top of her shoulder with a soft pat. When their eyes met, his gaze softened.
Even such a small gesture filled Eli with quiet happiness.
She clenched her hands tightly in her lap, trying to contain the rush of emotion in her chest. Now and then she listened to Chris chatting lightly with Nathan, or teasing Josh about his training sessions at
home.
The dining table felt a little quieter than usual tonight, but the warmth remained.
Not long after everyone had taken their seats, the servants entered the dining room in calm, orderly steps. They carried large trays filled with steaming dishes for dinner.
One by one, the plates were arranged neatly across the table.
At the center sat a large bowl of creamy corn soup with slices of carrot, baby potatoes, and fragrant green onions. Thin wisps of steam rose slowly from its surface, spreading a comforting aroma through
the room.
On another platter, the servants placed a rosemary-roasted chicken, its skin golden and crisp. Beside it were roasted vegetables-broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots lightly drizzled with olive oil.
Several small bowls of fresh salad were set along the table, accompanied by baskets of warm bread just
out of the oven.
“Please enjoy,” the head maid said politely before stepping back.
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Grace leaned forward immediately.
“The soup smells amazing,” she said cheerfully.
Nathan smiled faintly. “Then let’s start eating before it gets cold p>
They began their dinner, and light conversation once again filled the room.
Chris was still teasing Josh about his training.
“So you really swam thirty laps today?” Chris asked while slicing into the roasted chicken on his plate.
Josh nodded proudly. “Coach said my stamina has improved a lot p>
Chris raised an eyebrow. “Good. But don’t push yourself so hard that you’re too exhausted to study
afterward p>
Josh immediately pointed toward Eli. “That’s what Eli’s for,” he said casually. “She’s going to help me with my physics p>
Eli, who had just taken a spoonful of soup, nearly choked. “Me p>
Grace quickly chimed in, “Josh always asks Eli to teach him. He really needs help p>
“Hey!” Josh protested.
Felicia laughed softly at the exchange. “Helping each other is a good thing,” she said. “It’s much better than avoiding your textbooks… and arguing p>
At the end of the table, Riana watched them with a gentle smile. She ladled some soup into Eli’s bowl
and slid it toward her.
“Make sure you eat enough,” she said quietly. “You haven’t eaten since this morning, have you p>
Eli nodded slightly. “Thank you, GrandMom.” The warm soup soothed her throat as she drank it.
Meanwhile, Nathan and Chris resumed a light conversation about work.
“I’ll have to return to Daven’s office tomorrow,” Chris said. “There are still several reports that need to be
finished p>
Nathan nodded. “This case isn’t truly over yet. And make sure Richard doesn’t overlook anything.” His tone remained calm, careful not to let the conversation turn the dinner atmosphere too serious.
Suddenly, Grace raised her small hand.
“I have a plan,” she announced, her eyes sparkling.
Everyone turned to look at her.
“What kind of plan do you have, dear?” Nathan asked with amusement.
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“If we’re starting school again on Monday, then this weekend we should do something fun p>
Chris grinned broadly and snapped his fingers enthusiastically. “Great idea p>
“Like what?” Felicia asked.
Grace thought for a few seconds before answering with excitement. “Maybe a picnic! We can bring lots of food. I’ll ask Mommy to make a delicious lunch p>
Josh sighed dramatically. “Grace always thinks about food p>
Grace shrugged without the slightest embarrassment. “Because food is important p>
Soft laughter spread around the table. Without realizing it, Eli found herself smiling too.
The atmosphere felt warm, filled with simple conversations that flowed naturally from one person to another. There was no tension, no pressure-just a family enjoying dinner together.
And for the first time since that morning, Eli felt a little calmer sitting among them. Even though she mostly stayed quiet, listening to everyone talk. Still, deep down she knew there was something she needed to say tonight.
When dinner was finished, she finally gathered the courage to speak.
“GrandDad… GrandMom p>
Nathan turned toward her. “Yes p>
Eli clasped her hands together in her lap. She looked nervous.
“May I talk to you for a moment p>
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