Chapter 66 A Grandmother’s Hopes
Anna leaned in.
Finished
The photo captured Lauren pinned against the Phantom hood by Felix, the dim streetlight casting an intimate glow over them.
Kate had been over the moon, already picturing great–grandchildren.
“Anna, what do you think?”
Lauren’s profile showed a high nose, full forehead, and red lips, strikingly beautiful.
But Anna felt a twinge of recognition she couldn’t place from just a side view.
“She’s lovely, just too skinny.”
Kate studied the image. Lauren’s hands gripped Felix’s collar, her arms so thin her bones stood out, definitely undernourished.
“Too thin, indeed. Anna, pack my bags. I’m off to Hoverdale to fatten up my granddaughter–in–law
Madam Kate, Anna cautioned, “the forecast says Hoverdale’s got heavy rain coming. It’s not safe to travel. and showing up drenched wouldn’t do for meeting her
Kate nodded. “Fair point. I’ll wait out the rain, I can’t let her think I don’t take her seriously.”
This rare chance at a granddaughter–in–law couldn’t be squandered.
“Oh, Anna, check our stock of donkey–hide gelatin, cordyceps, deer antler, buy more if we’re low. She’s. frail, she needs nourishment. Once the rain clears, we’ll head out with the supplements. Her health’s in your hands, your medicinal cooking’s the best. Get her strong this year, and maybe next year, a chubby great–grandson! Oh, finally something to look forward to!” Kate said.
Kate clapped gleefully, her smile ear–to–ear.
Anna shared her joy and thought to herself, Mr. Elliot was flawless, just too reserved.
Rumors had painted him as a womanizer or impotent, prompting Madam Kate to book urologists, thankfully, Josh had stepped in.
He’d said, “In CEO novels, the president’s the ultimate loof prince, girls love it. He’s fine, Madam Kate.”
She’d shot back, “Aloof prince? He’ll end up a monk! Normal men have kids by thirty. If he’s not defective, why avoid women? Josh, tell me straight, does he like men?”
Josh had bolted, shuddering.
Anna glanced at the beaming Madam Kate, thinking. A family treasure. Now, with proof of a girlfriend, she could
relar.
In Hoverdale, at the Bennett family home, Alice finally remembered Lauren.
Recalling her daughter’s bloodied, unconscious form, guilt gnawed at her.
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Chapter 66 A Grandmother’s Hopes
Laurie’s so stubborn. Willow’s so sweet, why can’t she like her?”
“She must still resent Willow for taking her place as the Bennett heiress. Such a tough child,”
Sighing, she descended the stairs.
Finished
The blood–stained carpet was gone, the living room pristine, as if last night’s chaos never happened.
She knocked on the storage room door hesitantly. No answer.
“Laurie, you awake?” Silence.
She pushed it open, unlocked, empty.
Panic rising, she raced upstairs to the princess room prepared for Lauren.
It was untouched, the bed pristine.
Regret flooded her, regret for her actions, her loss of control, her failure to check on Lauren’s injuries.
Images of Lauren’s pale, bloodied face haunted her.
She summoned a servant. “Where’s Laurie?”
The servant shook her head. “Madam Alice, we didn’t see Ms. Bennett Lauren this morning.”
Alice sagged against the wall, drained.
Elliot emerged, seeing her distress. “Mom, what’s wrong? Are you sick?”
Tears welled up. “Laurie’s gone.”
Even Elliot tensed. “How? She was here yesterday.”
Alice crumpled, sobbing. “It’s my fault, I drove her away. If something happens to her, I can’t live…”
Elliot recalled Marilyn’s call. He dialed her, blocked.
“Mom, call Marilyn.”
She tried, blocked too.
“Let’s check the cameras,” he suggested.
In the surveillance room, their faces turned from confusion to horror.
The footage showed Lauren, blood–soaked, leaving the villa, with sixty–year–old Marilyn carrying her through the rain.
Alice gasped, tears streaming. “Laurie, my Laurie….
Elliot stared, the scene slicing into his heart.
“Marilyn must’ve taken her to the hospital. Let’s go.”
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Chapter 66 A Grandmother’s Hopes
He drove fast, wipers battling the downpour.
Alice sat beside him, eyes vacant, hands clenched, praying silently for Lauren’s safety.
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Finished
