Chapter 195

The hall was bright and alive, every corner glowing with warm golden light. Charlotte sat quietly on the sofa, her hands folded neatly on her knees. Her dark eyes followed the staff as they bustled around, moving trays and arranging plates, making sure everything was just right.
Soon, the coffee table in front of her was covered with delicate dishes, rare fruits, and an endless parade of snacks. Kevin walked through the room, hands behind his back, inspecting each dish. If anything had cooled off, he sent it straight back to the kitchen without a second thought.
Robert settled beside Charlotte, his hands fidgeting nervously. He tried to smile, looking hopeful and a little unsure. “Grandpa wasn’t sure what you like, so I asked them to make a bit of everything.” He picked up a plate of peeled longans and held it out, his voice soft. “Lottie, do you want to try these?”
Charlotte lifted her eyes, quiet and steady, and looked at him. She didn’t say anything right away, just pressed her lips together. Robert started to panic under her gaze. “If you don’t like them, I’ll get you something else,” he said quickly, ready to take the plate away.
“I like them.” Her voice was gentle, stopping him just as he was about to pull the plate back. Charlotte reached out, took a longan, and popped it into her mouth. It was sweet and fresh, reminding her of the ones Anthony used to peel for her. She reached for another, eating with a calm, quiet happiness that made Robert’s face light up.
Just then, Kenneth came downstairs, finished with his bandaged ankle. He spotted the plate in Robert’s hands and reached over. “Let me have one.”
Before he could grab it, Robert slapped his hand away. “Don’t take your sister’s food. If you want some, peel them yourself.”
Kenneth frowned, exasperated. “Grandpa, I’m hungry too.”
Kevin’s voice suddenly came from behind them. “Wait. Don’t throw out that cold noodle bowl. Give it to Kenneth.”
The housekeeper hesitated, glancing at Kenneth with a look that was almost sympathetic. Just a few minutes ago, Mr. Gates had told them to give it to the dog. Kenneth rolled his eyes, clearly used to this treatment.
By now, Robert and Kevin knew a little about Lottie’s story. Her mom had passed away when she was young and her dad remarried. She’d gotten sick years ago and was sent to the countryside to recove only coming back to Cabinda recently. Then there was some kind of fight with her family, and she’d been kicked out, left to drift on her own.
Thinking about it made Robert’s chest ache. His precious granddaughter, tossed around like that and treated so coldly. His eyes turned red as he looked at her. “Lottie, can Grandpa give you a hug?”
Charlotte paused, the food halfway
to her mouth. She blinked at himë silent. Robert rushed to explain, his voice a little shaky. “It’s okay if you dont want to just missed you so much. Don’t be seared.”
“You can,” Charlotte said. She lifted her chin and opened her arms, calm and generous. “Go ahead.”
Robert was stunned for a second, not expecting her to be so open. Then he pulled her into a tight hug, holding her close. “Lottie, I’m sorry. I should’ve found you sooner. I let you down.”
His shoulders shook as he held her, tears slipping from his eyes and landing on Charlotte’s pale arm. She looked down at the sparkling drops, and the walls around her heart began to soften. Slowly, shedifted her hand and gently patted his shoulder.
“I’m okay, Grandpa.”
Robert’s emotions spilled over, and he started to cry even harder. “Lottie, as long as
I’m here, I promise. No one will ever hurt you again. I won’t let you suffer or be wronged anymore.”