Chapter 1798:


    Inside another car, Alban fixed his gaze on his phone, tension etched deep into his expression, as though sheer focus could burn through the screen. His brows knitted together as impatience gnawed at him — so much time had passed, yet Gillian hadn’t responded. Had the message failed to reach her?


    He opened the chat repeatedly, debating whether to send another text, ce a call, or start a video chat. If Gillian had already read his message and chosen not to reply, calling her might only make things worse.


    Just as doubt held him frozen, her response finally came through.


    “I’ll ask Adide first. If she agrees, I’ll bring her to see you.”


    Alban’s heart surged with joy. As long as Adide agreed, the three of them could finally spend time together like a real family.


    He had once considered stopping them on their way to the Jones residence, but dismissed the idea. Pushing too hard might only earn their resentment.


    “Turn the car around and go back to the office,” he said tly.


    “Yes, sir,” the driver answered with a respectful nod.


    Alban typed, deleted, and rewrote his reply to Gillian, measuring every phrase carefully so it wouldn’te across as distant.


    Late that night, Alban returned to the Martel residence after working overtime and paced back and forth across the living room, restlessly waiting for Gillian’s message. He assumed she wouldn’t put it off until morning — he needed time to make arrangements and pick them up.


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    Henrik frowned. “Will you stop walking in circles? You’re making me dizzy.”


    “Grandpa, at your age, you really should be heading to bed early,” Alban replied, gently urging him to call it a night.


    “You know us seniors — we don’t sleep that much,” Henrik shot back, offering a perfectly logical excuse.


    “Who are you waiting on?” Colette asked. “Are you chatting with Gillian?”


    “I’ve nned a fun outing with Gillian and Adide for tomorrow,” Alban said — and his family sprang to their feet instantly.


    “What?” they shouted in unison, followed immediately by a chorus of, “We’reing too!”


    Alban watched his parents and grandfather hurry toward him, their bubbling enthusiasm instantly putting a bitter edge on his temper.


    “This was meant to be a pleasant trip for just the three of us. Why are all of you crashing it?”


    He had waited far too long for this chance and refused to let anyone spoil it. This was his very first time taking Gillian and Adide out, and he wanted everything to go smoothly, without the slightest risk of it unraveling.


    “We’re only concerned you might identally offend Gillian, so we thought we’de along to support you,” Henrik exined.


    Alban shook his head at once. “I don’t need any assistance. I swear I won’t upset her, so you can stay home and rx.”


    “Must you really be this cold, son? I’m your mother. I only want a bit of time with my granddaughter. Can’t you allow me that?” Colette put on a wounded expression.


    Santos jumped in as well, pressing a hand to his chest in dramatic agony. “Please, son, let me enjoy some bonding time with my granddaughter.”


    “I’m in too,” Henrik said, lifting his hand and staring straight at Alban. “You go enjoy your outing with Gillian, and I’ll look after Adide. Sounds fair?”


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