She gently tugged at his sleeve, her voice barely above a whisper, "I''m feeling much better now. I promise I''ll return to Oceatonter. Please, don''t fret.”


    But deep down, her thoughts were tangled. I still want to be with my grandmother for New Year''s.


    This year had been particrly tough; Grandma had undergone major surgery, and this would be her first New Year since my divorce. It felt essential to be there for her, no matter the circumstances.


    Jonathan, sensing her resolve, squeezed her hand softly, his eyes filled with understanding. "We''ll make it back in time for New Year''s dinner, I assure you."


    But before the moment could settle, Derek erupted, his cane striking the floor with a loud thud that echoed through the room.


    "You think you''re so important?! Get back here immediately!"


    "I must decline, Grandpa," she replied firmly, her heart racing. "If there''s nothing else, I''ll hang up now. It''s New Year''s, after all. Don''t let yourself get worked up.”


    Yet, before she could disconnect, Derek shot back, "What could possibly be so important? Hiding some woman away? How impressive."


    Jonathan raised an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and annoyance shing across his face. "Who told you that? If their tongues are so long, I''ll dly pull them out and serve them as a side dish for the New Year."


    Derek snorted derisively. "So it''s true, then. Since you brought her back to Oceaton, why keep her hidden? Do you really think the Fullbuster family poses a threat? She doesn''t even dare to step foot in the house. How petty of you. Is that truly what you consider worthy?"


    At Derek''s pointed remarks, Jonathan''s expression turned steely, a storm brewing behind his eyes. But before he could retort, a soft hand reached for the phone, gently taking it from him.


    He blinked in surprise as Anneliese seized the device, offering him a reassuring smile that calmed his racing heart. She lifted the phone to her ear, fully aware of Derek''s earlierments. She knew that since the Fullbusters were aware of her presence in Oceaton, not greeting them on New Year''s Eve would be seen as disrespectful.


    Anneliese didn''t want Jonathan to get into a heated argument with his grandfather because of her. If Derek had issues with her, she would confront him directly.


    "Hello, Old Mr. Fullbuster. This is Anneliese."


    Her voice rang out clear and pleasant,ced with a politeness that was firm but not servile.


    Derek seemed taken aback, clearly unprepared for the sudden appearance of a young woman''s voice on the line.


    As the reality of her words sunk in, he felt a hint of awkwardness wash over him. Despite having heard everything, she maintained herposure, addressing him calmly with a straightforward tone thatmanded respect.


    At least she''s not useless, nor someone who hides behind Jojo, acting pitiful, nor someone who clings like a parasite.


    Derek cleared his throat, trying to regain his authority. "What did you just call me?"


    Anneliese thought to herself, You don''t acknowledge me, so of course, I can only call you ''Old Mr. Fullbuster.''


    Before she could articte her thoughts, Jonathan snatched the phone back, his patience wearing thin.


    He immediately switched to speaker mode. "Old Mr. Fullbuster, since you seem to despise us so much, we wouldn''t dare address you in any familiar way."


    Anneliese stared at him, wide-eyed in disbelief. Why is he referring to his own grandfather as "Old Mr. Fullbuster"?


    She could hear Derek wheeze in disbelief and lightly pped Jonathan''s arm. What is he doing? Why escte things further?


    "You ungrateful brat! You two get back here this instant! I''ll—"


    do


    Before he could finish his threat, Penelope''s voice interjected sharply. "You''ll what? What do you n to to my beloved grandson and granddaughter-inw. If you want them back, can''t you speak nicely? You''ve lost all your teeth and still don''t know how to soften that tone!"


    "It''s because you spoiled him! No manners, no respect. And you still indulge him—


    your heart truly is crooked all the way to the horizon!"


    Derek grumbled, though the edge in his voice was softened by Penelope''s affectionate rebuttal.


    Penelope snorted, her voice dripping


    with sass. "Of course, I''m biased toward my grandson and


    granddaughter-inw. They''re


    beautiful, a joy to behold, they bring me happiness, and they leare for me in my old age. What would I gain by being biased toward a stubborn old man like you?"


    The two elders continued their yful bickering, resembling children more than dignified adults, and Anneliese couldn''t help but chuckle at their antics.


    Derek attempted to retort, but Penelope waved him off dismissively. "All right, enough. You''re out of breath. Drink some water. I''ll talk to Anne."


    With that, she took over the call, her voice warm and gentle as she addressed Anneliese. "Anne."


    Anneliese smiled brightly, her heart swelling with affection. "Grandma, it''s me."


    Instantly, Penelope''s demeanor


    brightened. "Didn''t you say you''d et


    spend New Year''s in Oceaton with your grandmother? Why did you follow Jojo to Oceaton?"