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immediately Diane Huffman had returned. Entering the foyer, her gaze found Hollis standing in the parlor. Though they’d never met, she instantly recognized the family patriarch.
Hollis studied Diane briefly before turning to Blair. “And this is?”
All eyes shifted to Blair as Bianca watched intently, awaiting his
response.
Blair remained calm under scrutiny. “Winnie’s tutor,” he stated evenly.
Hollis frowned. “Winnie’s so young. Why would she need tutoring?”
Blair Avery explained: “Winnie loves playing with her tablet, so I hired a tutor to teach her other things.”
Before the grandfather could respond, Diane Huffman bowed deeply. “Hello. Grandpa.”
“Hello there.”
Seeing the grandfather smile, Diane felt less intimidated.
“Grandpa, shall I go upstairs to keep Winnie company?”
The grandfather nodded. “Go ahead.”
Diane smiled again. “Rest early, Grandpa. Goodnight.”
Throughout this exchange, Diane never acknowledged Bianca Watts, not even sparing her a glance.
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Only after Diane went upstairs did the grandfather address Bianca and Blair: “That girl’s quite good–pleasant and lively. I think she’s
excellent as Winnie’s tutor.”
Bianca remained silent.
Instead, Blair curved his lips in a faint smile. “Yes, she’s always had a wonderful personality.”
As he spoke, his gaze involuntarily drifted toward the staircase where Diane had disappeared.
At this moment, his eyes seemed to gleam with pride.
Dogs Would Shake Their Heads
The old man’s attention wasn’t on Blair at all. Instead, he turned to Bianca standing silently nearby and asked, “Bianca, what do you think?”
Bianca couldn’t care less initially, but since Grandpa asked directly, she couldn’t ignore him. After a moment’s thought, she answered against her better judgment: “It’s quite nice.”
Hearing her agreement, Grandpa’s lips curved into a faint smile.
Finally, he continued, “Actually, I came tonight to discuss something with you both.”
His tone turned serious, making Bianca and Blair tense up instinctively.
Grandpa quickly revealed his purpose: “My health’s failing. Who
knows how much time I have left? So I’ve decided to stay at Harmony
Residence from now on. If death comes, at least I’ll be surrounded by family.”
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Since returning from the hospital, an inexplicable fear had taken root in him. His wife passed long ago, leaving him utterly alone in the ancestral manor. He dreaded falling again with no kin nearby.
Bianca stayed silent, turning instead to exchange glances with Blair. Their locked eyes mirrored mutual unease.
Bianca worried Grandpa’s stay would force her back to Harmony Residence daily. As for Blair’s concern? She guessed it involved Diane and Maxine’s predicament.
Seconds ticked by with neither responding
Grandpa’s voice sharpened with irritation: “What?
Am I that unwelcome?
Can’t even tolerate my staying a few days?”
Bianca forced a smile: “Not at all. We just fear inadequate care.
Grandpa sank onto the sofa, looking up at them. “Spend time with me after work. Unless I’m dying, I won’t disturb you otherwise.
Bianca stayed mute, nudging Blair with her eyes to respond.
Blair met Grandpa’s gaze: “Stay as long as you wish, Grandpa.” Hearing this, Grandpa lifted his chin proudly: “Naturally.”
Just then, Diane and Winnie’s laughter drifted downstairs.
Grandpa checked his watch–late indeed. He lowered his voice to Bianca: “It’s bedtime for Winnie.”
Bianca’s mind wandered, stuck on Blair casually inviting Grandpa to
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extend his stay. His effortless promise meant her daily return. The thought choked her like sludge, suffocating and bitter.
Blair knew her turmoil. To avoid Grandpa’s suspicion, he called out loudly: “Aunt Maxine!”
In the kitchen, Maxine was mincing meat, bean sprouts still unwashed beside her. Hearing the call, she instinctively responded: “Coming!”
Rushing to the living room, Blair Avery instructed her: “Go upstairs and dismiss the tutor.”
