Chapter 430
"Just eat. Say less."
Irene laughed.
"What? In front of Mom and Dad, you want to use food to shut me up?"
Theodore replied,
"You're not usually this talkative at home."
"I've returned to my maiden home today. Can't I speak my mind freely?"
Theodore set down his chopsticks.
"No one is stopping you from speaking. But can you finish eating first?"
Irene's smile froze. She was about to retort.
"Mom—" Sebastian suddenly spoke.
"Grandmother put a lot of effort into preparing this meal. Try this, it should suit your taste."
He placed a piece of braised pork belly in Irene's bowl.
Irene finally relented. Picking up her bowl, she smiled.
"Yes, it tastes wonderful. Mom's skills haven't changed a bit."
The atmosphere eased, and everyone continued their meal.
At least on the surface, it was harmonious.
...
After the meal, the old man took Theodore and Sebastian to the study to discuss matters. Only Florence, Isabella, and Irene remained in the living room.
Sophia Sullivan had gone upstairs.
David Sullivan, too full, had gone for a walk in the yard. He also wanted to check on the flowers his mother kept in the glass conservatory.
Many were imported seedlings, rare domestically. He had long wanted to study them closely.
Isabella sat on the sofa with Florence, watching the New Year's Gala. Mother and daughter chatted and laughed, warm and harmonious.
Occasionally, when an interesting skit came on, they would lean together to discuss and comment.
In contrast, Irene sat alone at the other end of the sofa. Silent. Her gaze was distant, lost in thought.
Until—
Isabella stood up.
"I'll go cut some fruit."
The old lady held her back.
"Let the housekeeper do it. Don't trouble yourself."
Isabella smiled softly.
"It's just cutting fruit. It'll be quick."
She also considered that the two chefs had already returned to their quarters to rest. It was the New Year; they deserved a break.
With that, she turned and walked towards the kitchen.
The old lady's eyes followed her daughter's shadow, a smile on her lips, reluctant to look away.
After this period of treatment, and with the old lady's active cooperation, her eyesight had recovered quickly.
Reading small print and physical books was still somewhat difficult, but watching TV and seeing people in daily life was no longer a problem.
She was now immensely grateful she had listened to advice and not given up on treatment. Otherwise...
Now, she felt she could never get enough of looking.
"Mom, it's been getting cold lately. Don't you like the southern climate? I know a place in State A that's perfect for escaping the cold. After the New Year, let me take you and Dad there for a while?"
Seeing Isabella leave, Irene's eyes shifted. Smiling, she moved to sit beside the old lady.
However, the moment Florence felt her approach, her smile faded.