CHAPTER 178: CHAPTER 178: HOLDING A GREAT-GRANDSON

Florence Fuller took in his familiar scent, her hand caressing Ethan Harper’s hair, their bodies entwined. She tilted her head slightly and whispered, "Ethan Harper, I never did anything with Luke Gardiner."

Ethan Harper’s body visibly stiffened.

He lifted his head, looking at Florence Fuller again.

Florence Fuller’s hand traced his cheek, brushing against his Adam’s apple lightly. Ethan Harper involuntarily tilted his head back, his Adam’s apple moving.

"Now," Florence Fuller’s voice was low and seductive, "kiss me."

No sooner had she spoken than Ethan Harper’s possessive kiss descended upon her.

He kissed with urgency and possession, as their once intimately connected bodies responded to and attracted each other again.

Deep into the night, Florence Fuller glanced at her phone; it was already past midnight.

The man’s strong body intertwined with hers. Ethan Harper kissed the red floral tattoo on her shoulder, "Tired?"

"Not tired." On the contrary, she was very awake.

"When you have time, let’s bring Aunt Monrose back," he said.

"Okay." He got up, pulling Florence Fuller beneath him, reaching out to hug her waist, "You’re thinner than before, but your stamina is better."

Florence Fuller squinted, "You’re not bad yourself, haven’t lost your skills one bit."

Ethan Harper leaned down, a knowing look shared between them, "That’s thanks to you too."

Florence Fuller laughed, but as she laughed, her laughter broke into small fragments.

Full moon, deep night, tranquility.

May 15th was Chloe Quinn and Charles Shaw’s engagement party.

Not many people were invited—just a few close relatives from Chloe Quinn’s side and the Shaw Family.

Two large tables, with Chloe Quinn arranging a small table just for them.

Ethan Harper had received an invitation today, and he sat with Florence Fuller, conversing quietly.

Evelyn Shaw took a half-day off tonight and had to return to record a program in the latter part of the night; Christopher Somerset accompanied her.

After attending to the guests at the two main tables, Chloe Quinn and Charles Shaw could finally take a break and eat.

The conversation at the table turned to the wedding.

It was set for June.

Evelyn Shaw was surprised, "So soon."

Chloe Quinn raised her eyebrows, "I can wait, but my belly can’t."

"Huh?"

Florence Fuller was also surprised, her gaze resting on Chloe Quinn’s belly.

"Surprised?" Chloe Quinn noticed Florence Fuller’s astonished look, "Found out at the hospital yesterday, just about a month."

It happened the night they got their marriage certificate, on their wedding night.

Charles Shaw sighed but was obviously delighted, "We were also surprised; we had planned for this to happen during the honeymoon."

"Does mom know?" Evelyn Shaw asked.

"She knows, found out last night. You have no idea how happy she is," Chloe Quinn laughed.

"Have you picked a specific date?" Florence Fuller asked.

"Sometime in June. I’ll let my mom and dad pick the day," Chloe Quinn said.

Florence Fuller nodded, "Let us know if you need help. Keep an eye on company matters but prioritize the pregnancy."

"Alright," Chloe Quinn smiled, "but if you’re helping, we’ll have to ask your brother. I’m just focusing on being a beautiful bride; choosing dresses is one thing, but your brother said he would handle venues and all that."

Florence Fuller chuckled, looking at Charles Shaw, "Well, can you squeeze in some time?"

Charles Shaw knew that Chloe Quinn must have complained to Florence Fuller about his busy work schedule; he chuckled, "There will definitely be time for the wedding, plus there’s another good news—I got promoted."

"Wow, congratulations, brother." Evelyn Shaw said.

Florence Fuller also smiled, "Congratulations."

Chloe Quinn leaned over, "So you’re taking leave to get married just after a promotion? Wouldn’t your boss say you’re busy?"

Charles Shaw looked at her, "I know who’s more important between work and you."

Chloe Quinn blushed, laughed, and stubbornly said, "You didn’t say that when you were too busy to care for me before."

Today was their day; their love show wasn’t over the top. Evelyn Shaw kept teasing, and Florence Fuller couldn’t help but laugh along, her hand suddenly being held by Ethan Harper under the table.

Florence Fuller paused, looking at him, "What’s wrong?"

"I just remembered something really important."

"What is it?"

Ethan Harper smiled, "In France, I’ll show you when we get the chance."

"Sure."

Ethan Harper leaned closer, lowering his voice, "Florence, I can feel it; you’re really happy today."

"Of course."

The engagement party ended, and the group dispersed.

Amelia Linney had to return to the hospital, and Florence Fuller and Ethan Harper drove her there.

Earlier, Luke Gardiner had publicly announced their relationship to the media, and Amelia Linney knew. Florence Fuller had explained it to her afterward.

After listening to the explanation, just as Florence Fuller expected, Amelia Linney blamed herself and blamed the Shaw Family for sending her away.

Florence Fuller didn’t like such situations much; she only cared that they were reunited.

After sending Abigail Monrose back to the hospital, Florence Fuller received a call from the old mansion.

Old Mr. Gardiner’s health was failing.

Florence Fuller definitely needed to make a trip back.

She arrived at the Gardiner Family home well past 7 PM. A group of doctors was gathered at the old man’s room door. Seeing Florence Fuller approach, they cleared the way.

"Young Madam."

Grace Linney, Father Gardiner, Eleanor Sussex, and Luke Gardiner were all gathered by the bedside.

Seeing the weak old man on the bed, worry clouded Florence Fuller’s eyes. She turned to a nearby doctor, "What’s wrong with grandpa?"

"Old Mr. Gardiner has his old ailments. His heart isn’t well with his age. He fainted and had a fall earlier from getting too worked up," the doctor replied.

It had been a long time since Luke Gardiner had seen her. When he saw her, he stepped forward and gently said, "Don’t worry, Grandpa’s fine now."

"Let’s disperse; I’m tired of you all crowding my room." The old man wearily waved his hand.

"Dad, make sure to rest well. Tell us if you need anything. We’re all back at the mansion," Grace Linney said.

The old man waved them off, "Everyone out."

Florence Fuller also wished him a good rest before leaving the room.

Given the old man’s age and the condition of his legs, it was even more alarming after this fall. The doctor stated he needed complete bed rest.

When everyone left the old man’s room, no one spoke. Father Gardiner led the way, noticing Florence Fuller and Luke Gardiner lagging behind.

Once they all descended the stairs, he frowned, "You two have been married for years now; still no plans for children?"

Florence Fuller lowered her gaze, remaining silent.

"Not at the moment," Luke Gardiner replied.

"Not planning yet or not, either way, you’ve seen the old man’s condition. He’s hoping for a great-grandchild. You should consider it soon," Father Gardiner concluded, then turned and headed upstairs.

Grace Linney hesitated to speak, noticing Florence Fuller’s stern expression, she knew better than to meddle, so she followed her husband upstairs silently.

Eleanor Sussex’s complex gaze swept over the pair before she also returned to her room.