Chapter 246

Anthony just smiled, a little helpless. “Grandma, this is my place. Who else would be here?”
“Don’t you play dumb with me.” Patricia huffed, her hands tucked behind her back. “Where’s that girl? I saw her just now.”
Anthony’s eyes softened at the mention of Charlotte. “She’s asleep.”
Hearing that, Patricia automatically dropped her voice, though it still sounded sharp. “She’s just a kid and you’ve already brought her home with you?”
Patricia stomped her foot, practically fuming. “Anthony, if you start acting like those spoiled rich brats, I swear I’ll break your legs myself.”
Anthony listened, his eyes glinting with the hint of a smile. “I’m not playing around, Grandma. I mean it.”
He really did. He was all in.
Patricia blinked, caught off guard. She knew her grandson too well. For Anthony to admit he was serious… that just didn’t happen. Not unless it was the real deal.
“So, whose family is she from?” Patricia sighed, sinking down beside him. Her expression turned serious. “Our family has rules. Since you two are already living together, it’s time to think about an engagement. You owe her that much.”
“You already know her,” Anthony said quietly.
Patricia perked up. “I do?”
“She’s the one who treated you last time.”
Patricia froze, trying to process. The healer? The girl who saved her?
She sat there in silence for a long second, then slapped her thigh, all her anger gone. “So it’s her! No wonder she looked so familiar when I was hiding in the bushes spying on you
Anthony’s lips quirked up. “Yes, it’s her. She’s almost nineteen now. She’s an adult.”
Almost nineteen… okay, technically an adult, but the age difference was still pretty big. Patricia remembered catching a glimpse of Charlotte during her treatment. Now, thinking about it, she looked at Anthony lips pursed.
After a pause, she asked, half joking, half serious, “Is she even into you?”
Anthony really only had money
going for him. He was older, clueless about fomance, never dated before… Patricia suddenly felt like charlotte.. was way out of his league.
Anthony caught her meaning and couldn’t help laughing softly, his eyes full of warmth. “Probably not. I’m not exactly a catch.”
A miracle worker, a genius hacker, and now apparently Echo… Lottie managed to surprise him every time.
Patricia heard the teasing in his voice and got flustered. “Then you need to try harder!”
“She’s still young. Once she goes to university, she’ll meet all these younger, better guys She didn’t need to finish the thought.
Anthony’s fingers tensed for a moment. He glanced at the quiet staircase and let out a low laugh.
“Nothing’s set yetat you keep
barging in, you’ll just scare her off.”
“If she gets scared and runs away, I’ll be single forever.”
Patricia realized she might be coming on too strong. “Fine.”
She finally left, turning back to look at the house every few steps. At the gate,
inspiration struck. She leaned dramatically against Anne.
“Oh, Anne, I think my old illness is acting up again. Nothing helps. Maybe we should
ask Miss Healer to come take a look in a few days.”
Anne could barely hold back a laugh. This wasn’t about a headache. Patricia just wanted another excuse to see that girl.