Chapter 2126


    Grandpa was truly content with E''s life over the years. Paul had confirmed it too. She was doing


    well, leading a healthy lifestyle, studying hard, and maintaining a clean and wholesome social circle.


    "Finally, you''re back. I was scared I might never see you again!"


    "Grandpa." E gripped Jon''s hand tightly. "You''re going to live to be a hundred."


    Jon chuckled, "If only it were that simple."


    "It is," E insisted. "You deserve it, even if I had to give you some of my own years."


    "You silly girl,ing back all educated and still talking nonsense." Though he pretended not to


    enjoy her words, Grandpa couldn''t block the wave of affection that washed over him. "I heard from


    Paul that you''re nning to stay abroad to teach. Does that mean you won''t be settling back


    home?"d2


    E shook her head with a smile, "I''ll be staying here for now. They''ve made a special arrangement


    for me; I''ll be a visiting professor there and partake in a faculty exchange with Summit Ridge


    University here."


    Grandpa asked, puzzled, "What does that mean?"


    "It means that while a professor from Summit Ridge University goes to Y Country, I''ll take up a


    position at Summit Ridge University back home."


    This exnation delighted Grandpa. "That''s wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Now you can stay


    close to me."


    "Grandpa, I''ll spend holidays with you, but once I start working, I might need to live on my own for


    convenience."


    Grandpa paused, not entirely supportive, "Why live alone?"


    "Because it''ll be easier for work. But don''t worry, Grandpa, I''lle to visit whenever I can."


    At that moment, the butler called in a maid to bring some refreshments. Noticing Grandpa''s slightly


    displeased expression, he chuckled: "The youngsters need their space, sir. Besides making work


    easier, it also makes dating more convenient."


    Grandpa''s gaze immediatelynded on Paul.


    Caught off guard by this direct look, Paul felt a bit awkward but still managed a smile, “Of course,


    selfishly, I support E''s decision."


    Grandpa instantly brightened up, "Well then, that''s settled."


    With Grandpa cheered up, the butler coughed softly and cautiously broached another subject,


    "Should we ask Mr. Noah to join us for dinner tonight?"


    Grandpa''s smile instantly faded, and the atmosphere in the living room tensed. Everyone turned to


    look at E.


    E appeared unfazed and inquired, "What''s wrong with him?"


    Jon pursed his lips and gestured dismissively, "No need. He''ll just rile me up like always. He can


    come back if he wants, or just forget it – I''m not begging him to return."


    The butler sighed softly and went back to his duties.


    "Grandpa, you and Uncle..."


    Jon cut her off, "That''s none of your business. He''s been nothing but troubletely. Just the sight of


    him irks me. Don''t bring him up."


    E nodded, saying no more.


    Grandpa observed E''s expression discreetly, noting no trace of concern. His feelings were a


    complex mix of relief and resignation. So many years had passed, and it seemed she truly had


    moved on.


    E didn''t have much to say or ask. She had asionally heard from Paul about the developments


    in P City over thest couple of years. Naturally, this included mentions of Noah.


    Talking about the Harper family inevitably led to Chloe, then Cicely and Seth. Mentioning Seth


    invariably brought up the entertainment industry and the media. Speaking of the media meant


    discussing the TV industry titan, the president of Summit Media, Noah.


    Over the years, she had never deliberately sought out information about him. At first, there was


    resistance, but gradually she learned to ept it, from initial panic to eventual peace.


    She knew of his endeavors but never delved into the details. He was doing well. After all, he was


    her uncle, and no problem was too big for him. He never needed anyone to worry about him.


    "You are having dinner with us tonight, Paul." Grandpa dered, unwilling to let Noah disrupt the


    mood.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Paul nced at E and shook his head with a smile, "E just got back. I wouldn''t want to intrude


    on your time together. You guys should get some rest early."


    As they spoke, Paul stood up to leave. Despite Grandpa''s insistence that he stay, Paul departed.


    E walked him to the door. Stepping outside, she noticed the skies that had been zing hours


    ago were now overcast. Dark clouds that had been scattered across the horizon were now


    congealing, and a breeze had picked up.


    "The weather here is always so unpredictable." E sighed. "You better get going, drive safely."


    Paul nodded, "Spend the next few days with Grandpa. I''ll pick you up in a couple of days to visit the


    university."


    "Sure," E agreed readily.


    A gust of wind fluttered her white dress and tossed her hair across her face, creating a soft, chaotic


    veil.


    Paul reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear, his gaze tender as he looked at her for a long


    moment, his fingers gently caressing her soft cheek. "Better get inside before you catch a cold."


    "Okay."


    E watched his car drive away before she turned and re-entered the mansion.


    *


    Dinner was unsurprisingly all of E''s favorites.


    She had been craving these dishes, and Grandpa made sure she had her fill.


    After dinner, Grandpa didn''t linger for more chit-chat. He promptly encouraged her to rest. Without


    protest, E, truly exhausted, didn’t even bother to unpack her suitcase. She simply pulled out her


    pajamas, took a shower, and after silencing all rms and setting her phone to mute, she fell


    asleep to the sound of the gentle rain outside, covered by a cool nket.


    The next morning she awoke feeling adjusted to the local time zone, having conquered jetg on


    the flight.


    She spent the next couple of days indoors, keeping Grandpapany while the rain continued off


    and on. The estate''s lush greenery, previously wilted from the sun’s scorching heat, now gleamed


    with vitality, their leaves reaching skyward with renewed energy.


    E cherished the rejuvenating feeling that came with the rain, the air infused with the vitality of


    fresh greenery and the earthy scent of damp soil. However, the elderly, like Jon, couldn''t muster the


    same enthusiasm for rainy days. The dreariness seemed to seep into his bones, making every joint


    protest.


    It was amon trait among the older folks – a stubborn reluctance to seek medical attention. No


    matter how much difort they felt, they often endured in silence rather than visit a hospital.


    Since the downpour began, the butler had been wearing a perpetual frown.


    E had stayed home for a couple of days to keep Jonpany and slowly noticed his spirit


    waning. It was then she realized that he had been putting on a brave face for her.


    Upon understanding the gravity of the situation, E insisted on calling a doctor without further ado.


    And, fearing that Jon might still be hiding something from her, she decided to take the bull by the


    horns, insisting on personally escorting him to the hospital for aprehensive check-up.


    The butler was in full support and promptly made the arrangements.


    Upon their arrival at the hospital, a group of doctors in white coats awaited them at the entrance.


    Among them was a strikingly tall woman with a neat low ponytail, whose confident and


    aplished aura was impossible to overlook – Reba.


    Years had passed, but E still remembered her. It seemed that in addition to her innate self-


    assurance, Reba''s professional achievements had added to her confidence.


    Seeing them exit the car, Reba quickly approached, trailed by a couple of interns with a


    wheelchair.


    "Jon, what seems to be the trouble?" Reba asked.


    Jon waved dismissively, too stubborn to sit in the wheelchair, "Just the usual aches and pains with


    this wet weather. E''s making a mountain out of a molehill."


    Reba disagreed, "You''re the one avoiding the issue. You need to speak up the moment you feel


    unwell. I work here, and I''m a doctor. If you just ignore this, Noah would never forgive me, and


    neither would I."


    With a heavy sigh that hinted at his impatience whenever Noah was mentioned, Jon finally


    acquiesced and sat in the wheelchair.


    Reba then straightened up and turned to E with a polite, distant smile. "Back home, I see."


    "Yeah, Reba, how''ve you been?"


    E could understand Reba''s reaction. It was quitemon for Reba to treat her this way,


    and E preferred this honest detachment to feigned affection.


    "Grandpa''s been feeling off with the rain, and I wanted to get him a full checkup."


    At her words, Reba gave a thin smile, "Leave it to me."


    E, with her hands in her coat pockets, nodded, "Thanks, Reba."


    The full check-up took time, with visits to various departments, but it seemed everything had been


    pre-arranged by Reba, so there were no dys.


    While Jon was in the MRI room, Reba and E had a moment to talk. Reba, hands in the


    pockets of her white coat, asked casually, "When did you get back? Howe I didn''t hear


    anything about it?"


    "I didn''t want grandpa to worry, so I didn''t tell anyone."


    "I heard your school abroad really values you, and they want to keep you as a distinguished visiting


    lecturer?"


    "That''s right."


    Peering through the ss at the MRI room, Reba inquired nonchntly, "So, is this visit just for


    the summer, or..."


    E pressed her lips together, taking a brief pause before responding, "Just for the summer for now,


    but I might stay longer in the country, depending on how things go."


    Reba''s brow furrowed subtly, "Does Noah know you''re back?"


    The question struck E as odd, considering Reba''s close rtionship with Noah. Wouldn''t she


    know whether or not he was aware of E''s return?


    "He doesn''t."


    Reba''s usually measured smile grew slightly, her tone sounding peculiar to E, "He''s been


    quite worried about you."


    E could only guess that Noah was still upset about her leaving without telling him years ago.


    Perhaps his concern was more about settling scores.


    As the MRI session concluded, the two women stopped talking and entered the room to get Jon.


    Next was the echocardiogram. As soon as Jon was taken in, E saw a tall, imposing figure striding


    down the hectic hospital corridor – Noah.


    E froze for a second, and Reba stepped forward with a smile to greet the man approaching at


    a brisk pace. "You''re here?"


    Noah''s icy gaze swept past E without pause, focusing on Reba as he asked in a low voice,


    "What''s going on?"


    "There''s no need to worry. Some key indicators are still normal. It''s the usual age-rted joint wear


    and the dampness of the rainy season that''s causing difort."


    Hearing this, Noah simply nodded with a furrowed brow.


    The atmosphere grew tense with silence until Reba, linking her arm with Noah''s, suggested,


    "E told me you didn''t know she was back. Maybe we should all have dinner together sometime?"


    Noah''s attention remained off E, his tone indifferent, "When will we have the full results?"


    "In about an hour."


    "Okay."


    The conversation dwindled once more.


    E stood by the examination room door, leaning slightly against the wall, her hands sped in front


    of her. She avoided looking at Noah, instead keeping her gaze on the molding across the wall,


    waiting calmly for Jon''s examination to finish.


    The echocardiogram didn''t take long, and as soon as Jon emerged, E immediately went to his


    side, with Noah and Reba following.


    Jon''s mood soured at the sight of Noah, "What are you doing here?"


    Reba tried to smooth things over with augh, "Jon, don''t be like that. I called Noah."


    Jon snorted, "Seeing less of him might actually add days to my life."


    E was taken aback by Jon''s attitude toward Noah. She had thought it was just talk at home, but


    now it seemed much more serious.


    With Noah remaining silent, E quickly asked Reba, "Reba, are there any more tests?"


    "We''re done with tests. No more." Jon interjected.


    "But, Grandpa..."


    "No more words. We''re going home."


    Realizing Jon''s resolve, Reba relented, "Alright, let''s head back then. We have all his medical


    records here, and it''s likely just the usual issues thate with age. It should be fine once the rain


    stops. I''ll arrange for some medication."


    "Then we''ll wait for the medication before heading back."


    "Enough waiting. We''re heading home now!" Jon''s voice thundered once more, and Reba cast a


    helpless nce at E.


    "Just go ahead, I''ll bring it byter."


    E fell silent for a beat, then, with a hint of resignation, said, "Fine, Reba, thanks."


    With that, E gave Noah a look. Noting his indifferent demeanor, E’s lips parted as if to speak,


    but thinking better of it with his earlier coldness, she decided against it. Pushing her grandfather''s


    wheelchair, E left to avoid further awkwardness.


    Jon was in a foul mood the entire way, and E found the relentless rain outside just as tiresome.


    Thankfully, by evening, the sun had broken through the clouds.


    Regardless of his difort, the absence of Noah and the cessation of rain lifted Jon''s spirits


    considerably. That night, with E''spany, Jon even managed to eat a little more at dinner.


    E waited for Reba to bring the medication, even having the butler call to remind her before


    dinner, to ensure Jon could take it with his meal.


    After dinner, the ground outside was still damp, so a stroll was out of the question. They stayed in


    the living room ying chess, waiting for the medication.


    Jon seemed particrly drained by the day''s pain and soon went upstairs to rest.


    Left alone in the living room, E fiddled with the chess pieces out of boredom and asionally


    replied to messages on her phone.


    Before too long, there was amotion outside. She stood to greet the neer, but froze when


    the housemaid unexpectedly announced, "Mr. Noah."


    Noah walked in with a stern face, his eyes—those same eyes that had not spared her a single


    nce at the hospital—now icily fixed on her.


    Feeling the weight of his gaze, as if it wished to tear her apart, E nervously bit her lip and


    murmured "Uncle Noah" when he came closer.


    Noah tossed the bag of medicine onto the coffee table and his frosty gaze returned to her. "Who


    allowed you toe back?"


    E''s lips tightened, her earlier intent to be submissive waning. "I had toe back. I promised


    Grandpa..."


    Noah cut her off sharply, "Promised him what? You promised toe back two years ago. But did


    youe back then?"


    Clutching her hands, E had no response.


    "Maybe four years doesn''t mean much to you, but did you ever consider how many sets of four


    years your grandfather has left?"


    E, already feeling guilty towards Jon, found Noah''s blunt usation squeezing her heart painfully.


    Taking a deep breath, she seemed topose herself and looked up at Noah defiantly. "I know I let


    Grandpa down, and that''s why I had to return. If you''re using me with those four years, then,


    Uncle Noah, maybe you should reflect on why your meetings with your father resemble encounters


    with an enemy. Shouldn''t you seize the chance to be a good son?"


    "Why?" Noah''s eyes darkened, as if covered in frost, "What right do you have to judge me?"


    "And isn''t that a bit hypocritical?"


    Noah let out a mockingugh, stepping closer, his chilling aura startling E. His dark eyes bore into


    hers, demanding her attention as if by some spell. "What were all those years away for? Don''t you


    get it? You can choose to forget people and things with distance and time, but so can others. In fact,


    while you''ve been away from home, your so-called grandfather has been living just fine. Nobody is


    indispensable."


    E bit her lip hard, "No matter what you say, as long as Grandpa doesn''t send me away, and as


    long as he still cares for me, I won''t leave easily."


    "But I don''t want to see you."