Chapter 423

Chapter 423

“Are you meeting Ell today?” Lydia asked, just to be sure.

She had just set down a plate of sliced frull for Josh and Rlana. Sin early morning, Grace and Althea had already left the house. Althea had been asked to come to Grace’s school for a storytelling erformance- an event involving children that she would never miss.

And Lydia knew well that today was the day Riana would meet E Privately. Without Selena. Josh, however, would be accompanying Riana, unwilling to let his grandmother go alone.

“Yes, that’s right,” Josh replied, picking up a slice of watermelon. s bright red color was tempting, and it tasted wonderfully sweet-Josh loved it. “Thank you, Aunt Lydia. The watermelon is ally good p>

Lydia smiled broadly and ruffled his hair. “Do you remember? You always used to pick the biggest watermelon slices whenever Chase came to your house p>

“I could never forget that,” Josh said with a smile. “Memories wit Daddy are the best p>

For the Miller and Callister families, Chase Miller’s sudden and unexpected passing had left a deep ache. Yet it hadn’t completely broken them. Life had gone on, carrying grief and loss quietly in their chests. Over time, they had come to agree on one thing to remember Chase through his kindness and the swe memories they would never lose.

“Because you are Daddy Chase’s eldest son, the one he loved so derly, Josh,” Riana added softly, joining the morning conversation.

The morning at Riana’s house passed without any real tension. Everything felt normal, unforced. Much of it was filled with Grace and Josh’s lighthearted chatter, and occasionally Cale teasing Grace just enough to make the little girl pout. Chris and Daven hadn’t returned over the past few days-Chris was still in JingShe, while Daven had yet to come back from Mighatan. It seemed their business there was far from finished.

Sunlight streamed gently through the large windows of the livingom, casting a warm glow across the polished marble floor. There was no frantic activity, no rushed preparations. Today’s meeting wasn’t something eagerly anticipated-it was something approached with care.

Riana sat on the sofa, wearing a simple pastel blouse. Her hands cdled a cup of tea that had begun to cool. Beside her, Josh lounged against the armrest, one leg, bent, his expression calm ase thoroughly enjoyed the fruit Lydia had prepared.

“Grandma,” Josh called softly.

Riana turned to him, her gaze warm. “Yes, sweetheart p>

“You’re… not nervous, are you?” he asked, curious.

Riana shook her head gently. “Why would I be nervous? This isn’t in important meeting you need to worry about p>

Josh let out a small huff.

“I just want to thank Eli,” Riana continued. “That’s all p>

“Because she shielded you that day,” Joshi added.

“Yes.” Riana took a sip of her tea. “And because whatever her inte tions were, she’s still a child who acted without thinking to save someone else. I just hope my sincerity won’t be taken advantage of p>

Josh didn’t argue. He nodded once, then looked out the window. “don’t mind meeting her,” he said honestly. “I just don’t want this meeting to be misunderstood p>

Riana smiled faintly. “That’s exactly why I asked you to come with me p>

A few minutes later, Riana stood and picked up her small bag. “Bere we leave, I want to give her something. Nothing big-just a small token of thanks p>

Josh raised an eyebrow. “A gift p>

1/3

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