After a long pause, Samuel finally remembered to pick up the phone.

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Advanced in age, Samuel kept his phone volume high, so David heard every word Howard had said–though he was less stunned than Samuel.

David thought, ‘Did I hear that right? Ivy is the girl who saved Mr. Summers? This has to be fate.

Samuel sank into the grand master’s chair, still dazed. He muttered, “No wonder she felt so familiar–she’s my granddaughter. I was a fool; she was right beside me and I didn’t see it.”

Just then, a few knocks sounded at the door.

ine stood outside the office door, holding a thermal container in her hand. She called out, “Grandfather, I was at faultst time. Please do not be upset with me. I have specially prepared some soup for you; would you please have some?”

She grumbled inwardly, ‘If Dad hadn’t insisted, I wouldn’t havee. I’ve been standing here for ages without anyone greeting me, and now, with everyone watching, I’m mortified.

Hearing ine’s voice, Samuel finally came to his senses. He picked up the phone and said, “Howard, take good care of Ivy. I will be there right away.”

Howard said, “Grandpa, please don’t. I can handle it myself.” He was genuinely worried; if anything happened to Samuel, Charles would kill him.

Samuel replied, “Don’t worry, I can endure it. Even if I die, I want to see our Ivy first. Don’t tell Charles about my trip to Hirica–no need to worry him.”

After speaking, he hung up the phone and looked over at David. He ordered, “Prepare the car. I am going to Hirica. Just tell others that I am going to purchase coffee beans.”

He thought, ‘In their eyes, I’m just an entric old man–whatever odd thing I do never seems out of ce.

David nodded repeatedly and replied, “Understood. I will make the arrangements immediately.”

Samuel was shrewd; he knew no information could be allowed to leak before Olivia was brought home. Should anyone with ulterior motives overhear, they might itry /ito stop her from returning.

Samuel picked up his coat and said, “Let’s go.” But as soon as he opened the door, the smile on his face disappeared.

ine stood at the doorway in a tailored dress and patent–leather shoes, her every gesture announcing to the world that she was the Summers heiress.

People arounde and go, asionally casting a nce this way.

ine saw Samueling out and, assuming he hade to see her, hurried over with a pitiful look. She said, “Grandpa, please don’t be upset. I know I hurt youst time. Don’t stay angry with me over someone who doesn’t matter, okay?”

b14:05 /bbTue/bb, /bbOct /bb7 /b

20 vouchers

David rolled his eyes and thought, ‘Doesn’t she know who it is that doesn’t matter? She and Emily made life difficult for Olivia, and now she shows up acting–who’s she putting on this show for?‘

ine went on, “Grandpa, I know you love beef stew. I spent the whole morning making it–please try some She lifted the lid, and the rich aroma instantly filled the air.

She’d heard Samuel adored beef stew, especially in winter, so she found a teacher and practiced for ages to perfect it. After some research, she finished it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra depth.

Samuel’s love of beef stew began with Ivy. As a child, she hated it–until the day he sprinkled toasted sesame seeds on top and she downed two bowls.

After she disappeared, he had the stew made whenever he missed her, as if she were still at the table.

David thought, ‘Mr. Elliot Summers must have told ine these details on purpose, so she could win Mr. Samuel Summers‘ favor and secure her spot as the Summers heiress. But no matter what she does, Ivy’s ce can never be reced.’

Samuel didn’t spare ine a nce. He said, “That won’t be necessary. Save your filial piety for your dear father.” With that, he walked away.

Left alone where she stood, ine burned with embarrassment, wishing the ground would swallow her. As Samuel’s figure dwindled into the distance, the smile on her face melted away. fn13bb ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find?novel/fn13bb

She thought, ‘If I didn’t need his nod to get on the family tree, I’d never havee here to humiliate myself. Now look–half thepany saw me make a fool of myself. How am I ever going to show my face here again?‘

Just then, ire walked past the doorway.

ine grabbed ire’s arm and asked, “ire, is Grandfather still angry with me?”

ire gave a faint smile and replied, “I’m sorry, Ms. Summers, but I can’t answer that. I’m only a secretary; I’m not in a position to specte on Mr. Summers‘ intentions.

“Onest thing, though–greed rarely ends well, and this stew is a step too far.”

ine’s breath hitched, her smile freezing into something brittle. She thought, ‘I’m the Summers family’s acknowledged heiress–how dare a secretary speak to me like that?‘

‘Never mind. As long as I keep Elliot on my side, the family will eventually relent and add me to the register. Yet she couldn’t pinpoint the source of her agitation, and a lingering sense of foreboding kept nagging at her.

ine sent a message to Elliot: [Dad, Grandpa has gone out. Do you know where he went?]

Elliot replied: [I have made inquiries; he is merely out for leisure. Rest assured, there is nothing to be concerned about.]

ine felt at ease only after receiving the answer.

After Samuel left the building, he immediately got into a car and switched vehicles several times along the

b14:05 /bbTue/bb, /bbOct /b7

bway /bto avoid being followed.

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Following Troy’s instructions, the Sailing Education Center cafeteria was fully renovated at considerable expense. Every day’s meals were made from fresh, local produce, ensuring the students ate clean, healthy food, and a wide selection of snacks was always avable.

Olivia ordered two dishes and a soup. While Curtis ordered avish spread of dishes.

Olivia asked, “Are you very hungry?” She hadn’t seen anyone cat like this–except Sean.

Curtis replied, “I’m worried you won’t have enough to eat.”

bAD /b

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