Chapter 624
A wave of pride washed over Stuart. If his wife could see their daughter now-so strong, so brilliant, so capable-she would be incredibly proud.
“Dad,” Caitlin said, “Grandma Hannah and my uncles don’t know you’re awake yet. We should call her and share the good news p>
Keira nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes, Caitlin’s right. Call your mother-in-law, quickly p>
Caitlin took out her phone and started a video call with Dowager Hannah Richards.
Hannah was in her garden walking her dog when the call came through. She beamed, scooping up her little Bichon Frise. “Caitlin, look! Grandma got a Bichon too. We’ll have to let him and Monday become best friends p>
“Of course, Grandma,” Caitlin agreed.
Suddenly, Hannah’s expression grew serious. “Caitlin, dear, are your eyes red? Have you been crying? Who upset you?” Even through the screen, her grandmother’s perception was sharp.
Caitlin’s heart warmed. “I’m fine, Grandma, no one would dare bully me in The Capital! I just have some wonderful news to share with you p>
“Never mind the news. First, tell me why you were crying,” Hannah insisted, her protective instincts kicking in. Good news could wait; finding out who had hurt her precious granddaughter could not.
Caitlin smiled. “Grandma, I’m about to show you someone. When you see him, you’ll understand why I was crying p>
Hannah paused. “Who is it?” she asked, her voice turning stern. “I want to know who was bold enough to make my princess cry. I’ll give them a piece of my mind p>
Just then, Caitlin shifted the phone, and Stuart’s face filled the screen.
Hannah gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. She was certain she must be dreaming. It had to be a dream. How else could she be seeing her son-in-law standing there, looking so healthy?
“Mom,” Stuart said softly.
The single word broke the spell. Hannah’s hand flew to her mouth. “Stuart! Stuart, is it really you? You’re okay?” For twenty years she had prayed for this moment, but she had never truly believed it would come.
“Mom, it’s me. As he spoke, the tears Stuart had just managed to contain began to well up again. “I’m so sorry failed to protect Carey and Caitlin. I’m so sorry.” Seeing his mother-in-law’s face brought him back to the day he had knelt before her, asking for Carey’s hand in marriage. He had promised to protect her, to cherish her for the rest of his life. He had broken that vow. He couldn’t bear to meet her eyes.
Hannah’s hand, holding the phone, trembled. “It’s not your fault, Stuart. Don’t you dare say that! This was a tragedy, something no one could have prevented. You must not blame yourself.” She was overcome with emotion. She never thought she would see him conscious again Her granddaughter was truly a miracle worker. Ever since she had returned, everything had started to turn for the better.
“Stuart,” Hannah said, her voice decisive, “your aunt and I are flying out to see you tomorrow!” She was referring to Jade Sinclair, who now ran the Richards family business.
“Mom, please, that’s too much,” Stuart protested. “You’re the elder. You shouldn’t be traveling so much I should be the one coming to see you. Caitlin and I have already made plans. We’re going to visit her grandfather in Silverhaven first and then we’ll come to Neon Spire to see you.” Without Fortune Kensington, there would be no Caitlin, and he would never have been reunited with his daughter. It was only right that they pay their respects to him first.
Hannah understood completely. “Yes, yes, you’re right. You should absolutely see Caitlin’s grandfather first. The old man has had a hard time, all alone in Silverhaven p>
Meanwhile, Ann returned to her villa to find it swarming with people.
The butler, Scales, stood in the center of the living room, directing movers who were carrying out boxes and furniture. Antique vases, paintings, and all of Ann’s designer bags and jewelry were being hauled away.
“Stop! All of you, stop right now!” Ann cried, running inside, her eyes blazing. “This is my home! Get out of here! What gives you the right to take my things p>
They were hers! All her most precious possessions.
Scales turned to her, his expression impassive. “Miss Templeton, you seem to be mistaken. This is not your home. This villa was purchased by Madam Gonzales, and everything you and your mother possess was provided by the Gonzales family. Per the madam’s instructions, she is not only reclaiming this property but also donating its entire contents to charity p>