<b>Chapter </b><b>104 </b>
<b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>
<b>The </b>man Liz had once defied her entire family for, the one she had <b>chosen </b>even at the cost of severing <b>ties </b>with them, <b>was </b>this how he treated her now that he had found <b>sess</b>?
The <b>more </b>Mrs. Smith Sr. thought about it, the angrier she became, and the more convinced she was that her granddaughter deserved better.
<b>“</b>Grandma, he offered to buy me a house. I was the one who turned it down. Please, sit down. <b>I’ll </b>get <b>you </b>some water.<b>” </b>
Liz helped her grandmother onto the sofa, then turned to head for the kitchen, only to be stopped by Mrs. Smith
Sr.’s voice.
<b>“</b>I’m not thirsty. Sit down. I came today because I have something to discuss with you.‘
Seeing how serious she looked, Liz sat beside her. “What is it?”
“When do you n oning back to the family?”
<b>“</b><b>> </b>
Liz froze, then lowered her eyes, her voice t. “Grandma, ‘ve already cut ties with the Smiths.”
That house had never felt like home, and she had no intention of going back.
Mrs. Smith Sr. frowned, her eyes shing with anger. “So you really mean to stay away forever?”
Liz looked up at her. “No one in that family ever wanted me there. Whether I go back or not makes no difference.”
“How can you say it makes no difference? I want you back. That is the reason I came here today.”
Faced with Mrs. Smith Sr.’s earnest expression, Liz was silent for a long moment before replying. “I’m fine on my own. I don’t want to go back.”
<b>“</b>If you still see me as your grandmother, then you’lle back with me.”
Liz let out a weary sigh. “Grandma, those are two different things.‘
>>
“No, they’re not. You cut ties with us for that man. I told myself you were blinded by love. But now that you’ve left him, I want you to return to the family.”
Liz gave a helpless smile. “Why are you so determined to force me back?”
“Because you’re my granddaughter. You’re a Smith.”
Her smile turned bitter. <b>“</b>But no one there wees me, except you.‘
<b>“</b>Isn’t one person enough? I’m old, Liz. I don’t know how much time I have left. I want you home with me. And the Smith Corporation is part yours. Even if you don’t want it<b>, </b>you shouldn’t hand it over so easily.”
“Please don’t say things like that<b>, </b>Grandma. You’ll live a long, healthy life.”
Mrs. Smith Sr. shot her a sharp look. “Don’t change the subject. You muste back, or I’ll cut you off myself.”
With that, she pushed herself up, leaning on her cane, and started for the door.
Realizing she was truly angry, Liz quickly stood. <b>“</b>I’ll walk you out.”
“No need. I have a driver.”
She shook <b>off </b>Liz’s hand and walked slowly but firmly toward the exit.
11/2
Watching her grandmother’s back, now frailer and more stooped with age than she remembered, Liz felt a heavy wave <b>of </b>sadness and quietly followed.
Neither of them spoke until they reached the car. Before getting in, Mrs. Smith Sr. turned to her. “Think about what I said. If you decide to return, the Smith estate will always be open to you.”
Liz bit her lip. “Take care of yourself, Grandma.”
Mrs. Smith Sr. said nothing more, only nodded before the car pulled away.
Liz stood there until it disappeared from sight, then turned back inside. She fixed herself a simple breakfast, but before long, a message from William shed on her phone.
<b>Chapter </b><b>105 </b>