CHAPTER 179: CHAPTER 179: I’M SORRY

The large living room sank into silence.

Only the sound of the flowing water from Old Master Grant’s stream aquarium deepened the stagnant atmosphere.

Old Madam Grant tightly held Noah Grant’s hand, feeling both pained and gratified by his sincere heart toward Vera Sheridan, able to see her grievances from her perspective.

Most of Julian Grant’s anger had dissipated, but his expression was still unpleasant, as he crossed his arms, "Noah Grant, you empathize with your beloved, but did you ever empathize with your mom?"

"This Vivian Langdon, indeed, she lacks judgment, but what was her intention?"

"She was paving the way for you in her own way, hoping your career would be smoother so she wouldn’t have to be anxious for you anymore!"

The phrase "anxious" instantly uncovered the deepest old scar in this family.

The atmosphere grew even heavier.

Old Madam Grant couldn’t help but scrutinize her grandson before her, with a heart still clenched even after twenty odd years.

If Rosalind hadn’t saved Noah in time back then, he might be disabled or mentally impaired now.

Those people were vile beyond belief, they wouldn’t extort money, rather they would cripple the child and then send him back, making the whole family watch as he lives a fate worse than death—a true revenge against the judge.

Destroying the spirit is crueller than taking life!

The old lady also felt sorry for her daughter-in-law, sighing, "Rosalind has never truly moved past it all these years... along with the prejudice over Vera’s background..."

Noah Grant pressed his throbbing temple with his finger, "Grandpa, Grandma, more than anyone, I understand what she’s sacrificed for me, and I cherish the bond between mother and son."

"I cherish it; does she? Two years ago, when Vera hadn’t divorced yet, she ran to her, said cutting words and trampled on my personal will."

"She gave birth to me, raised me, saved me, am I supposed to be her puppet?"

The word "puppet" shocked Julian Grant.

"I can’t indulge her anymore! Without Vivian Langdon, there would still be Ardendale Langdon, Nathan Langdon..."

Having said that, Noah Grant stood up.

Old Master Grant, who had remained silent, slowly put down his purple clay teacup, sweeping his gaze over his son Julian Grant before settling on his grandson, "The men of the Grant Family, once they make up their mind, there’s no turning back, even with nine oxen."

"Noah, protecting your own isn’t wrong."

Julian Grant furrowed his brows, remaining silent.

Old Master Grant continued, "Noah, take back that foolish talk about ’drawing the line.’ The Grants, no matter the situation, are a unit. There can be internal conflicts, but outwardly, the bones must stay together."

"As for your mother, your grandma and I will try to guide her to be more understanding."

Noah Grant looked at his grandfather, his gaze steady, not holding any illusion as to whether Ms. Morgan could truly change.

"Grandpa, Grandma, Master, I’ll be leaving." He nodded slightly and turned to walk out.

Old Madam Grant hurriedly stood up, took a heavy food box from the maid waiting nearby, and picked up a small cloth bag full of plump pomegranates, quickly chasing after him.

"Noah, you hardly ate a bite tonight, make sure to eat some when you get home. The pomegranates are from the old tree in the backyard; Vera likes them."

Noah Grant’s Adam’s apple moved, "Thank you, Grandma."

Old Madam Grant’s eyes were full of kind laughter, "Back in Ardendale, Vera coveted the reddest one at the top, and you, the young master, climbed up to pick it for her."

"Nathan wanted to pick it for her, but you wouldn’t let him."

"Grandma saw your affection for her back then..." Yet so many years have passed, Old Madam Grant wanted from the bottom of her heart to fulfill her grandson’s wishes, "Your mom is a reasonable person and the head of the family, I must respect her wishes. But this time... Grandma has to stand up. You and Vera should be however you wish to be."

Noah Grant swallowed his words, "Hmm."

The night breeze was cool, the old lady escorted him to the yard gate, sighing once more, "Don’t mention severing ties again, it would be too much for your mom. People change; she’s not like those shortsighted folks in the Kane Family."

"Grandma assures you, she’ll never let her put on airs in front of Vera again."

Noah Grant nodded, bid goodbye to the elder, and left in his car.

Carrying the food box and pomegranates, he returned to Vera Sheridan’s apartment with a body full of fatigue and lingering moodiness.

Entered the password, and the door lock clicked softly.

As soon as he opened the door, a familiar fragrance wrapped around the warm indoor air, immediately dissipating the gloom around him.

Only a few ambient lights were turned on in the living room, casting a gentle glow.

Upon entering, Lucky excitedly ran to greet him with its high-pitched "meow meow meow" sound, rubbing against his trouser cuffs.

Noah Grant’s lips slightly curved as he crouched down to rub the little one’s furry head, gesturing with a "shh," not wanting to disturb Vera Sheridan who might have already gone to sleep.

Lucky purred twice, then padded off toward the practice room.

With a careful touch, Noah Grant placed the food box and pomegranates on the table, loosened his tie, and then headed toward the practice room.

Through the glass door, he could see Vera Sheridan inside stretching.

Wearing a black yoga outfit, she was seated on the floor, rolling a pink "Wolf Fang Club" back and forth over her legs like dough, her brows furrowing.

He didn’t go in to disturb her, instead washing his hands before picking up the biggest pomegranate, donning disposable gloves, and carefully peeling it at the dining table.

Vera Sheridan massaged her aching legs as she emerged from the practice room, catching sight of him in the dining area and starting as if surprised.

"When did you arrive?" She hadn’t detected any movement.

Noah Grant looked at her, "Just in the time it takes to peel a pomegranate."

Only then did Vera notice the bowl of ruby-like, crystal-clear pomegranate seeds.

The next second, she swallowed and, against the aching of her legs, walked over.

She loved pomegranates but dreaded the hassle of peeling them.

Vera grabbed a handful of pomegranate seeds, tilted her head back and put them all in her mouth, where they burst into sweet juice with every bite.

The sensation was a perfect combination of satisfying a craving and pure delight.

With her mouth full, she mumbled, "Soft seeds too!"

Noah Grant leaned back in his chair, leisurely watching her relish them like a little girl, a doting smile repeatedly curving his lips as he recalled his grandma’s reminder.

Vera devoured three handfuls in a row, utterly content: "So satisfying, thank you, Senior Brother!"

Noah Grant’s eyes lingered on her, "From Grandma’s backyard, she asked me to bring them for you."

Vera hesitated slightly, pausing her motion of wiping her hands with a wet wipe.

The next second, Noah Grant clasped her wrist, gently guiding her to sit on his lap.

His arm wrapped around her waist, his chin rested heavily on her shoulder, deeply inhaling the comforting scent emanating from her.

Vera gave a light attempt to break free, "I haven’t showered yet, I’m all sweaty."

Yet he tightened his grip, holding her closer, unmoving.

Vera ceased moving, letting him hold her, alert to a subtle change, "Noah Grant, what’s wrong?"

After a moment of silence, buried in the crook of her neck, his voice was hoarse and stifled:

"I’m sorry."