Chapter 36
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Chapter 36 Gentle Judgments
Chapter 36 Gentle Judgments
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Arabella had been so occupied selecting gifts for her grandparents that she had forgotten to reply to Florence’s text earlier.
Seeing her now, Florence felt reassured and gave her a gentle, affectionate nod.
“Sweetheart, can I see the gifts you picked out?” Florence was sti
ll a little concerned about Arabella’s choices. She wanted to check them first–if they weren’t quite right, she had a backup gift prepared in her
“Of course. ”
Arabella signaled for the driver to open the trunk.
Florence stepped over to look and was immediately taken aback by the array of items inside.
Arabella, did you buy all of these p>
“Yes p>
“Naomi, I remember the flowers you’ve brought Grandma before weren’t like these, were they?” Florence recalled, turning to Naomi.
Naomi thought Florence was implying she hadn’t properly advised Arabella on Grandma’s preferences.
She quickly explained, “No, they weren’t. These are all varieties Arabella liked herself. I actually didn’t suggest she choose these–she had her own ideas. Since it’s her gift for Grandma, I didn’t push too hard. I just let her follow her own taste.
“Anyway, the flowers I bought for Grandma are right here. Arabella can give one of these to her if she likes. I bought an extra,” Naomi quickly offered one of the potted plants she had picked out for Grandma to Arabella.
She had told Arabella what Grandma usually liked, but Arabella hadn’t listened and insisted on choosing based on her own taste. There really wasn’t much else she could have done.
Seeing that Naomi had come prepared with an extra gift, Florence didn’t press the issue further. Instead, she looked at Arabella and said. ‘Since Naomi has a spare, you could give this one to Grandma p>
Arabella didn’t understand why Florence was hesitant about her own selection. “Mom, don’t you think the flowers I chose are nice p>
“Of course they are. They’re lovely,” Florence replied with a warm smile.
“Then it’s settled. Those are the gifts Naomi picked out for Grandma–I can’t take them. I’ve prepared my own. These flowers were chosen carefully by me.” Arabella was determined to give the gifts she had
selected herself.
Jonathan stepped in calmly. “If Arabella chose them thoughtfully, I’m sure Mom will appreciate them p>
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Chapter 36 Gentle Judgments
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“But…” Florence was worried that if her grandma didn’t care for Arabella’s gifts, it might indirectly affect her impression of her granddaughter.
Jonathan gave Florence a look that said it would be alright. After all, family bonds ran deep.
“Please take these gifts inside–carefully, Jonathan instructed the staff.
“Yes, sir p>
“ Arabella, Naomi, let’s go in. Jonathan said to the girls.
Both nodded, and the family of four made their way into the manor.
Inside the great room. Arabella’s grandpa, Ryan Hamilton, was enjoying a pipe. The butler approached. and informed him. “Mr. Jonathan Hamilton and his family have arrived p>
Hearing this, Ryan set down his pipe at once. “Let Lena know right away p>
“Yes, sir.” The butler departed promptly.
When Jonathan and the others entered the room and saw only Ryan present, Jonathan smiled warmly. “Dad, Florence and I brought the girls to see you and Mom. Is she home p>
Ryan’s face lit up as they entered. “She’s here–she’ll be down shortly. You should’ve told us you were coming! I’ll have lunch prepared right away!
“Grandpa, I can’t wait until noon. Do you have anything to eat here? I need a little something now,” Naomi said, genuinely hungry. Carrying all those bags had worn her out, and the carton of milk from earlier felt like a distant memory. She really needed to refuel.
Seeing Naomi ask for a snack so eagerly, Ryan was delighted. “You and your sweet tooth–always hunting for treats the moment you arrive. Good thing I keep something ready for you every day. Come here,” he said, gesturing her over with unmistakable fondness.
Hearing that Ryan kept snacks on hand just for her visits made Naomi beam. She happily went over and settled on the sofa beside him.
They hadn’t seen Naomi in some time and had missed her dearly. Knowing she was busy running her company, they hadn’t wanted to disturb her work with calls, even though they thought of her often.
“Grandpa, how are you so good to me? Did you miss me?” Naomi asked between bites of a tray beside him.
pastry from the
“Of course we did. Your grandma and I haven’t seen you in too long. Have you been so wrapped up in work that you forgot about us p>
“Never! I think about you both every day. That’s why I made sure to come today–and I brought gifts for and Grandma.” Naomi slipped into the role of the doting granddaughter, offering a playful pout.
you
Arabella watched this version of Naomi–so different from the composed young woman at home–and softened her expression slightly. It was clear Naomi shared a close, easy bond with her grandfather. Here,
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Chapter 36 Gentle Judgments
she wasn’t the polished executive, but a lively, cherished granddaughter.
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Then Naomi placed the gift she had brought into Ryan’s hands.
Seeing it was his favorite brand of pipe tobacco, Ryan’s face broke into a pleased smile. “You clever girl. Did you sense I was running low and come just in time p>
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.