CHAPTER 453: CHAPTER 453: THE SEVEN-YEAR ITCH

"Going abroad to study is a good thing. The relationship between the two is long-lasting. Besides, it’s not like before; transportation is so advanced now. If Ronan has time, he can visit her anytime. What’s the point in creating conflicts over this? I’ll give Ronan a call later to talk some sense into him."

Erin Bishop: "That’s not entirely true. Didn’t Zane and I almost break up over this once? But it’s important for both of them to be open with each other. Don’t just keep things bottled up inside out of consideration for the other person. Distance isn’t scary; what’s scary are conflicts and misunderstandings."

Susan Wilde: "Well, let the young people handle their own affairs."

Erin Bishop: "What do you mean by ’the young people’? We’re still young too, okay?!"

Shannon Quinn laughed and said, "Rona, you know sometimes it’s impossible to deny age, especially after having kids. It’s really important to take care of your health. After having Leo, I couldn’t rest properly. Now I feel my body isn’t as strong as before. I don’t get seriously ill, but there are frequent minor issues."

As they were talking, three glasses of juice were placed on the table one after another, followed by a man’s voice: "That’s why I’m urging you to have a second child quickly and take care of your health this time."

Seeing the unexpected arrival of Landon Sutton, Shannon Quinn was both surprised and delighted: "What are you doing back here?"

Susan Wilde held a warm glass of juice and said with a smile, "Thank you, Brother-in-law."

Landon Sutton draped a fluffy shawl he brought over Shannon Quinn’s shoulders: "It’s so cold outside; why don’t you all sit inside?"

Shannon Quinn: "It’s just that Rona wanted to get out of the house for a bit. Besides, the sun is out today; wouldn’t want to miss the sunlight, right? But you haven’t said why you suddenly came back at this time?"

"I came back for some documents and I’m leaving soon. Grandpa is coming over for dinner tonight, and my brother will definitely come too. Why don’t you all stay for dinner?"

"Grandpa is coming? Should we prepare anything?"

Landon Sutton smiled, bent down, and leaned his face toward her: "Just prepare this."

Understandingly, Shannon Quinn gently kissed him on the cheek.

Erin Bishop quickly waved her hand: "Oh, oh, get going, get going, no need to show off!"

Landon Sutton returned the kiss on her forehead: "I’m off. Discuss what you’d like for dinner and text me."

Shannon Quinn got up to see him off: "Alright, go do your work."

"Tsk tsk, Shannon, I’m really envious of you. After all these years with your Sutton, it’s still like you’re in love."

Shannon Quinn looked at Erin Bishop with a smile, puzzled: "Why envy me? It made sense when you were single, but now Zane treats you so well. What more could you want?"

Erin Bishop murmured in confusion: "Everyone talks about the seven-year itch, but you don’t seem to feel it?"

Shannon Quinn teased: "When it itches, scratch hard."

Susan Wilde just smiled silently, appearing somewhat absent-minded.

Shannon Quinn noticed her concern and gently asked: "Grandpa still hasn’t approved?"

Susan Wilde pursed her lips and said: "I don’t know yet... Simon said he had a good talk with Grandpa, but I haven’t met him yet."

Shannon Quinn had already figured it out: "I bet Grandpa is coming tonight because of your situation. Boss Sutton is probably just following orders. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so proactive in inviting you to dinner. The Royal family is definitely plotting something."

Erin Bishop patted Susan Wilde’s shoulder and said: "Don’t worry, if not for anyone else, he has to give face to the little one in your belly."

"Right, Grandpa is tough on the outside but soft inside. You’ve been back for so long, do you really think he doesn’t know anything? By turning a blind eye, he’s already accepted you in his heart. When I first took Leo to meet him, the old man acted all stern, but he cherished the kid more than anyone. He’s just prideful."

Susan Wilde exhaled deeply, still showing a trace of nervousness.

A few minutes past five, Landon Sutton came back with Leo and a bunch of groceries from the supermarket, and he even generously bought a small bag of snacks for Leo.

The little guy was overjoyed. He sat on the sofa, switched the TV to cartoons, eating chips, looking every bit like a winner of life.

"Eat less, we’re about to have dinner soon. If you can’t eat later, your dad is going to scold you."

Leo held up two fingers: "Just two more chips."

Shannon Quinn smiled helplessly and went to the kitchen to see if there was anything she could help with.

But Landon Sutton seemed to already treat her like a pregnant woman, telling her to stay in the living room.

Shannon Quinn just prepared two plates of fruit and went to the living room to join the two pregnant women.

"Skylar, call Mr. Rhodes and ask when he’ll arrive."

Susan Wilde pursed her lips and replied: "He went to pick up Grandpa, should be arriving soon."

Shannon Quinn then asked Erin Bishop: "Where’s your husband?"

"I asked him to keep his brother company. Ronan is having a hard time with this. They don’t have any other family. At this critical juncture, only his brother can help him out."

Shannon Quinn: "Didn’t think you could be so understanding, Rona. How about you bring Ronan over too?"

Erin Bishop shook her head: "No, I think he might not adapt well to such a bustle now. It would only increase his grief. It’s better for the brothers to find a small bar, drink a bit, and chat."

"Sigh, such a happy occasion."

Before Shannon Quinn could express regret, they heard the sound of a car outside.

Shannon Quinn and Susan Wilde exchanged a look and walked together to the door to greet them.

"Grandpa!" Shannon Quinn was the first to enthusiastically greet him.

Susan Wilde, standing beside Shannon Quinn, softly called, "Grandpa."

Shane Royale, supported by a cane, walked over, glanced at the two, and didn’t respond to either.

Understanding the old man’s temperament, Shannon Quinn cheerfully took his arm and helped him into the house, also shouting inside, "Leo, look who’s here."

Leo ran over, bouncing: "Grandpa!"

Seeing Leo, the old man finally showed a benevolent smile and patted Leo’s head, saying: "Grandpa bought you lots of goodies."

Soon after, Simon Rhodes came in, carrying many bags.

Susan Wilde kindly went over to help carry them, but Simon Rhodes blocked her hand, smiled at her, and then placed the items by the entrance’s cabinet, with an arm around her as they walked into the house, saying: "Don’t worry, I’ve talked it over with Grandpa. It’s all fine."

Susan Wilde nodded, but without hearing it directly from Grandpa, she still felt uneasy.

She wondered how long it would take her to reach the stage Shannon was at.