Chapter 259
Isabella Sullivan stopped in front of the bakery.
She said she wanted mung bean cakes.
Sophia Sullivan studied the shop.
The facade was old.
The decor was outdated.
There were no promotional posters.
The sign was tucked away in the back.
You had to get close to read the menu.
Mung bean cakes were listed.
How did Mom know this place sold them?
She even said they were the specialty.
Isabella said, "Intuition. I felt they would have them, and that they'd be good."
David Sullivan added, "Your mother has a good nose. She can smell whether something is delicious or not."
Sophia nodded.
It was true.
Sebastian Evans appeared.
"What a coincidence. I'm here for mung bean cakes too."
"For yourself?"
He shook his head.
"For my grandmother."
"Is Grandma here?" Sophia looked around.
"I don't see her."
"She got tired from shopping and is resting at the tea house."
"It's a perfect chance to introduce your parents."
"At the book signing last time, she wanted to come upstairs, but she wasn't feeling well and had to leave early."
"Sure." Sophia smiled.
Since they were both buying the cakes, Sophia was in line first.
She ordered two portions.
She handed one to Sebastian.
"How much? I'll transfer it to you," he said.
Sophia waved her hand.
"My treat for Grandma."
"You gave me water last time and didn't take any money."
Sebastian chuckled softly.
"Let's go." Sophia glanced back.
Why was he grinning like that?
Two elderly figures sat by the window of the tea house.
Sophia greeted them first.
The old lady's fatigue seemed to vanish upon seeing her.
A wide smile spread across her face.
"...Grandma, Sophia bought mung bean cakes for you."
Florence Atlante said, "Weren't you supposed to queue? Why did you let the young lady buy them?"
Sebastian started to explain, but Sophia cut in.
"I was already in line, so I got them."
"Thank you... such a good child."
The old lady held Sophia's hand.
She asked softly, "You are so kind, you must be very pretty."
"My eyes aren't good, I can't see clearly..."
"May I touch your face?"
Sophia couldn't refuse.
"Of course."
She gently guided the elderly woman's hand.
Just as it was about to reach her cheek, David's voice called from upstairs—
"Sophia!"
He and Isabella were on the second floor.
They had seen their daughter enter with Sebastian and approach an elderly couple.
The couple had their backs turned, their faces unclear.
David waved.
Isabella was already descending the stairs.
"Wait for me, honey."
"The mung bean cakes, hurry."
"Coming..."
Sophia smiled.
"That was my dad just now."
"You didn't see my mom; they're coming over now."
"I'll introduce you in a moment."
"Wonderful."
Sophia picked up a cake.
"Would you like to try one first?"
The old lady was about to speak.
Sebastian's phone rang.
His expression turned grim after answering.
"Understood. Keep things stable. I'll be there as soon as possible..."
He ended the call.
He looked at Sophia.
"An emergency at the company. I have to go."
Then to the elderly couple.
"Grandpa, Grandma, let me take you home first?"
"We can continue another day?"
"Alright. But Sophia's parents..." They hadn't met them.
Sophia immediately said, "It's fine. There will be other opportunities."
"Okay."
By the time Isabella and David approached, Sebastian had already left with the elderly couple.
Isabella looked outside.
"Who were those elderly people?"
"Sebastian's grandparents."
"We met briefly at the book signing. Ran into them again today."
Isabella didn't think much of it.
"What a coincidence."
"Tired? Ready to go home?"
"Let's walk a bit more. We haven't finished the street yet." Sophia linked arms with her mother, acting cute.
Isabella laughed.
"Alright, let's keep strolling."
...
In the car—
Sebastian was on the phone while driving.
"...Keep them calm first. I'll handle the rest when I arrive."
Isaac Atlante said, "If it's urgent, drop us off. We can take a taxi."
"It's under control. My team is handling it."
"Good."
Sebastian was silent for a moment.
He finally spoke.
"Grandpa, what are your plans for this trip back?"
"How long are you staying?"
"I know some excellent doctors. Should I arrange a consultation for Grandma?"
Isaac said, "You arrange it."
"There's something else." He tested.
"Mom misses you both terribly."
"She knows about Grandma's eyes and has been asking me to find specialists."
"She doesn't know you're back..."
"Could we meet? A family dinner?"
The air in the car grew still.
Isaac frowned, silent.
Florence spoke directly.
"We are not feeling well. We won't be receiving guests."
"Thank you for the thought."
Receiving guests...
Irene was just a guest.
The old lady was being polite.
Her attitude was clear.
Sebastian didn't push further.
A moment of quiet passed.
Sebastian remembered something his assistant mentioned.
"The ten-year contract with the government for Atlante Gardens is expiring."
"It's been open to the public for free."
"Should we renew?"
Atlante Gardens was private property.
Free public access wasn't a donation.
The government only had management rights.
A shadow passed through Isaac's eyes.
He sighed.
"Renew it."
"Sign for another ten years."
If Emilia ever returned, she would at least see a familiar place.