She then tugged…

Eric sat down beside her. “You’re always the sweet one… not like your brother over there, who talks like his words cost money.”

“I know you love me, Grandma. I’m definitely getting my favorite dessert tonight!” Eric joked, flashing a wink. That made Nyla burst into laughter.

“Alright, alright!” Nyla said, her laughter filling the room.

Ernest stood off to the side, quietly taking it all in. He was used to moments like this by now.

He turned his head toward Hadley. “Hadley, you’re here.”

They had seen her the moment they walked in. Ernest hadn’t had the chance to greet her. And as for Eric, he seemed to be holding himself back.

“Yes,” Hadley responded with a smile.

At that point, she was beginning to regret her quick agreement to stay for dinner. She had no problem having dinner with Grandma and Ernest, but Eric… the memory of him breaking down in tears that day still clung to her thoughts, vivid and uncomfortable.

“Perfect,” Nyla said, interrupting her thoughts. “All three of you are here tonight. Stay and have a proper dinner with me… It’s been far too long since we’ve come together like this.”

“Okay, Grandma.”

“Whatever you say, Grandma.”

With everyone else agreeing, Hadley couldn’t bring herself to say no. Well, it was just dinner. Surely, under these circumstances, Eric wouldn’t let his emotions get the better of him again… right?

Dinner was quite lavish. Though they weren’t in a family home, the spread rivaled that of a luxury banquet.

Midway through the meal, Nyla’s eyes drifted to Hadley and then to Ernest. “Ernest, find a time soon to bring Elissa here to see me.”

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Ernest froze, unsure if he’d heard her correctly.

Nyla shot him a sharp look. “If Hadley hadn’t spoken up for the two of you, I wouldn’t be feeling nearly as at ease with all this.”

Ernest said at once, getting to his feet, “Thank you, Grandma…” Then, turning to Hadley, he added, “Hadley, thank you.”

“Please don’t,” Hadley said quickly, waving her hands in embarrassment. “Sit down before I lose my appetite from nerves.”

“Alright.” Ernest chuckled and reached over to serve her more food. “Eat up. These are all your favorite foods.”

“Thank you, Ernest.”

Hadley looked down at the growing mountain of food on her plate and let out a helpless laugh. There was no refusing it now. She’d just have to eat.

After dinner, Nyla, feeling a bit tired, excused herself and retired early for the night.

All three of them didn’t stay long and soon left the care home together.

Outside, they waited as their drivers went to get the cars.

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