Grandma lost her footing and nearly tumbled to the ground.


    Thankfully, Effie was right by her side, quick as a sh to catch her. "Are you okay, Grandma?" she asked, worry etched in her voice.


    The close call sent a chill down Effie''s spine. She''d been truly frightened; the thought of Grandma falling made her heart race, and the scare still lingered in her chest.


    Grandma pressed her lips together and shook her head. "I''m alright. I just got a little too worked up, and now my legs feel weak.”


    Effie paused, then broke into a smile.


    It was true—she''d beenpletely stunned moments ago, watching her usuallyposed Grandma emerge from the kitchen wielding that grimy old mop. Effie had barely recognized the woman she thought she knew so well.


    Grandma gave a sheepish smile, but it faded quickly.


    She gripped Effie''s hand tightly, her expression earnest. “Effie, people can push me around if they want, but no one is allowed to hurt you. You''re the one your mother and I love most, and we''ll protect you for as long as we can. Unless I''m truly unable to move, I''ll always stand in front of you, no matter what."


    Effie felt a wave of emotion swell inside her-her eyes stung, and her nose prickled with the threat of tears.


    She tried to reply, "Grandma, I..."


    But some words just wouldn''te out, not when she was facing her grandmother directly. It felt awkward—maybe that was just the way reserved people were.


    "Hm? Effie, did you want to say something?" Grandma noticed her lips move and thought Effie had spoken.


    Effie shook her head, silently promising herself she''d do even more for Grandma from now on.


    "You must be hungry. Let''s go eat," Grandma suggested.


    "Okay."


    When they entered the private dining room, Lyman had already ordered. Their timing was perfect-the food arrived as soon as they sat down.


    Lyman had chosen all of Effie and Grandma''s favorite dishes.


    He served them both, then leaned in toward Effie and murmured, "Did something happen earlier?"


    Effie shook her head, deflecting. "These honey-zed chicken wings smell amazing. They taste even better."


    Lyman could tell she was dodging his question, but he didn''t want Grandma to notice, so he yed along. "Yeah, they''re really good. This dish was trending online for a while, but Elliott''s Cozy Room didn''t have it on the menu since they usually serve more traditional country-style meals. I asked the chef to make it special today."


    Effie grinned as she ate. "Lucky me, getting to try the exclusive version."


    "If you like it, I''ll ask them to make it again next time," Lyman said.


    "I''d like that," Effie replied.


    Meanwhile, in another private room, Vinson Elliott was having dinner with Randel and a few others when he suddenly felt a tickle in his nose and sneezed loudly. "Who''s thinking


    about me?"


    Randell shot back, "Why are you so sure someone''s missing you? Maybe


    someone''s cursing you instead.”


    Vinson rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up."


    At that moment, Effie''s phone buzzed again.


    And again—several times in quick session.


    Lyman noticed and nced over. "Everything alright?"


    Effie smiled wryly. "No idea. Usually, I don''t check my phone during meals, but I


    guess I''ll make an exception."


    She pulled out her phone and saw a number she didn''t recognize, though something about it felt familiar.


    She tapped the message and read:


    [I checked just now. There are no


    security cameras in that area-it''s a blind spot. I just did you a huge favor. How do you n to repay me?]


    [If you don''t reply, I''ll take it as a yes.]


    [Meet me at the usual ce.]


    [Why aren''t you answering, Effie? Answer me!]