Chapter 491
That afternoon, when Eleanor went to pick up her daughter, she spotted a familiar figure waiting by the school gates. Surprised, she hurried over and called out, “Grandma, what are you doing here p>
For six years now, Eleanor had called Magdalen “Grandma,” and after all this time, it still felt natural.
Magdalen’s face lit up as she saw her. “Ellie, there you are p>
“Have you been waiting long p>
“Not at all,” the old lady replied with a warm smile, giving Eleanor a once-over. “You look well. Maybe a bit thinner, but you’re glowing p>
“How did you get here, Grandma p>
“Oh, I just walked from home. I missed Evelyn and thought I’d come by p>
Eleanor suddenly remembered that since Magdalen had moved to this neighborhood, she hadn’t yet invited her over for a meal. Feeling a pang of guilt, she said, “Grandma, why don’t you come over for dinner tonight p>
Magdalen’s eyes brightened. “I’d love that! I’ve been wanting to see your place p>
Eleanor picked up her daughter and, together with Magdalen, headed home for dinner. Joslyn, the housekeeper, quickly got busy in the kitchen.
Magdalen settled onto the sofa, taking in Eleanor’s home. “It’s lovely. So warm and inviting—just right for you and Evelyn p>
Eleanor poured her a cup of tea. Magdalen accepted it, her eyes brimming with affection. “Ellie, I haven’t really had the chance to talk to you about things with lan p>
Eleanor’s smile faded. She answered directly, “Grandma, I don’t want to talk about him p>
Sensing her discomfort, Magdalen let it go and changed the subject. “I wanted to thank you for that vase you sent me. It’s the perfect companion to my old one- they make a beautiful pair p>
Eleanor smiled softly. “I’m glad you like it, Grandma p>
“It must have cost you a fortune-far too generous.” Magdalen’s gratitude was obvious. Then she added, “But of course, I know you really meant it as a donation for charity p>
Knowing that Magdalen understood her intentions, Eleanor was relieved-she wouldn’t refuse the gift.
Just then, Evelyn snuggled up beside her great-grandmother and chattered happily about her day at school, making Magdalen laugh with delight.
Eleanor’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen-an incoming text from lan. “Is Grandma at your place p>
He must have known she wouldn’t answer his call, so he’d chosen to text instead. She replied with a single word: “Yes p>
“I’ll come pick her up around 8:30,” lan wrote back.
“I’ll drive her home,” Eleanor responded, not wanting him at her house.
“Alright,” was his only reply.
Eleanor tossed her phone aside and turned her attention back to Magdalen, chatting with her about family matters. She held no love for those who had hurt her, but she never forgot those who had shown her kindness.
She remembered when she gave birth to Evelyn-her mother-in-law was too ill to travel, yet Magdalen, despite her age, endured an eighteen-hour flight just to care for her and the baby. Eleanor would always be grateful for that.
At dinner, Joslyn prepared a table full of dishes tailored to Magdalen’s tastes. The old lady was deeply touched. “You’re all so thoughtful p>
The meal was warm and full of laughter. After dinner, as the clock struck half past eight, Eleanor didn’t want to keep Magdalen any longer-she knew the old woman liked to turn in early.
“Grandma, let me take you home,” Eleanor said gently.
Magdalen nodded. “Alright. And bring Evelyn to visit us whenever you can. The house feels so empty without her p>
Eleanor agreed, “I will, Grandma p>
But Magdalen knew she probably wouldn’t-Eleanor had been too deeply hurt by her grandson to make casual visits.
It took only ten minutes for Eleanor to drive Magdalen back to the Goodwin family’s house.
In the driveway, a sleek black Rolls-Royce was waiting. Ian leaned against the car, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers, smoke curling in the night air.
When Eleanor’s car came to a stop, he quickly stubbed out his cigarette and strode over, opening the back door to help his grandmother out.
Catching the scent of smoke on him, Magdalen frowned in disapproval. “Why are you still smoking? It’s awful p>
lan managed a small smile. “Just one, Grandma p>
“You never used to smoke,” she scolded him.
She made her way to Eleanor’s window. “Ellie, I won’t keep you-Evelyn’s waiting for you at home p>