Chapter 760

After hanging up, Andrew’s assistant muttered a few complaints under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief. Even someone as poised as Mr. Lane, it seemed, wasn’t immune to those marital suspicions.
Andrew Lane ended the call and chatted with Dennis for a bit before another call came through.
It was his mother.
He answered, and Mrs. Lane’s gentle voice came on the line. “Andrew, I heard Benjamin is back from overseas?”
Andrew let out a quiet sigh, rubbing his temples, his voice low and a bit weary. “Yes, he just got back.”
Benjamin Gomez’s mother and Mrs. Lane were half-sisters, making Andrew and Benjamin cousins, though Benjamin was a few years older. Despite the family tie, the two households weren’t particularly close and rarely saw one another.
There was a hint of reproach beneath Mrs. Lane’s soft tone. “When did you find out Benjamin was back? Why didn’t you mention it to the family? I haven’t even welcomed him home yet. It feels terribly rude-Eleanor Peterson just called to tell me about it.”
Eleanor Peterson, Benjamin’s mother, was Mrs. Lane’s half-sister.
Andrew rubbed his brow again, voice gentle. “Would you like me to arrange a meeting with him for you?”
Mrs. Lane declined, “I heard he’s in the capital, and I’m still abroad. I can’t make it back right now. Why don’t you go meet him instead? Make him feel at home. You’re both young-you’ll have things to talk about. Your father and I are tied up at the moment, so we’ll stay out of it.”
Andrew’s schedule wasn’t too hectic these days. He could easily make time to see Benjamin, so he agreed.
Mrs. Lane added, “The Gomez family has done well for themselves overseas these years. Building a good relationship with Benjamin would be beneficial for you and the family. Take Isabella and Dennis with you to the meeting-they should get to know him, too.”
Isabella Austin and Andrew had enjoyed a happy, stable marriage for years, blessed with a clever, lively son. Mrs. Lane was thoroughly pleased with Isabella as a daughter-in-law and always considered her, taking her along to social events and reminding Andrew to treat her even better.
Andrew didn’t mention anything about Isabella’s recent troubles, only replying, “I understand.”
Mrs. Lane had always trusted Andrew’s judgment—he was sharp and handled things with maturity. A few gentle reminders were all she needed to give; she knew he’d do what was right.
Suddenly, Mrs. Lane chuckled. “Is Dennis there? I’d like to say hello.”
“He’s here.” Andrew handed the phone over. “Dennis, it’s Grandma.”
Dennis, ever the well-mannered child, took the phone and greeted his grandmother enthusiastically. Mrs. Lane’s laughter was warm and delighted on the other end.
They chatted for over half an hour, and by the time they finished, it was getting late. Andrew crouched down, scooping Dennis up into his arms. “It’s late, buddy. Time for bed.”
Dennis nestled his head against Andrew’s shoulder and nodded sweetly. “Okay, Dad.”
The day Alex White decided to visit Matthew Ross was also the day he left the hospital. He’d arranged for a home health aide to pick him up, not bothering to inform his family.
After a day of rest at home, he asked the aide to drive him to the police station the next afternoon.
He was met by a female officer. Emily Blair, who was well acquainted with the officer, had already given her a heads-up the day before. So when Alex walked in, she noticed him immediately.
Still pale and frail, Alex leaned on his cane as he entered. The officer hurried over to help. “Mr. White, is that right?”
Alex nodded, surprised. “How did you know?”
She explained that Emily Blair had spoken to her the day before. Alex fell silent, nodding in understanding.