CHAPTER 132: GRANNY ELISE

The next day, as Zeke and Cassidy had agreed, they planned to visit Elise, Zeke’s grandmother, to introduce Claire to her. Zeke didn’t tell Elise they were coming; he wanted to surprise her.

He was sure Elise would be overjoyed once she found out that Claire was his daughter. And honestly, Zeke couldn’t wait to see his grandmother’s reaction when she finally met Cassidy and Claire.

They agreed to visit Elise at one in the afternoon. Just like their previous outing to the amusement park, Zeke made sure all the necessary security arrangements were in place for today’s visit.

They were on their way to Elise’s house.

Claire, curious as always, turned to Zeke and Cassidy. "Where are we going, Mommy, Daddy?"

Zeke gave her a gentle smile. "We’re going to visit your great-grandmother. Daddy’s grandmother."

Claire tilted her head slightly. "Great-grandmother?" she repeated, trying to process the term.

Realizing Claire didn’t quite understand the difference between a grandmother and a great-grandmother, Zeke explained gently, "Great-grandmother Elise is Grandma Margaret’s mother. You can call her Granny Elise," he said, brushing Claire’s head softly with affection.

Even though she still didn’t fully get it, Claire didn’t ask any more questions about Elise. Instead, she looked out the window and asked, "Are we still far away, Daddy?" Then, with a little ouch, she added, "My butt hurts from sitting too long."

Cassidy and Zeke couldn’t help but chuckle at her honest complaint.

Zeke then asked, "How about we take a short break? We can stop by a convenience store and get you some ice cream."

Claire instantly lit up at the mention of ice cream and eagerly nodded.

"Stop at the nearest convenience store," Zeke instructed his driver.

"Yes, sir," the driver replied.

Since Clara didn’t join them this time, Nolan was seated in the front beside the driver.

Five minutes later, they pulled into a gas station that had a small mini market. Not wanting to cause a scene or draw unnecessary attention with all the bodyguards getting out, Zeke told Nolan that only one car of security should step out and stay on guard.

They didn’t stay long at the convenience store. After buying Claire a vanilla ice cream, some snacks, and a few bottled drinks, they continued their drive to Elise’s house.

When they arrived, Cassidy’s eyes widened in awe. Elise’s house had a wide, open yard and a beautiful view. It reminded her of the place she used to live in back in Switzerland.

"It’s so beautiful," Cassidy commented as she took in the view around her.

Zeke quietly kept her words in mind. Now he knew that Cassidy liked places like this, with open space and a stunning view. He quietly made a mental note. Once they got back, he would ask Andrew to find a piece of land just like this—wide, peaceful, and scenic. If he found one, Zeke would build the house right away.

"Come, princess. Let’s go inside," Zeke said as he offered his hand to Claire, who immediately took it with a smile.

Cassidy followed quietly behind them while Nolan and the bodyguards stayed alert around the outside of Elise’s house.

"Grandma!" Zeke called, his voice a little louder as they arrived at the front door, which was still shut.

The sound of a key turning came from behind the door, and soon it swung open to reveal Loreine, who looked surprised to see Zeke—especially because he wasn’t alone.

"Ezekiel," she greeted warmly before stepping aside to let them in. "Why didn’t you say you were coming? Your grandmother just went down for a nap."

Zeke frowned slightly, not expecting his plan to surprise Elise to backfire into this slightly awkward moment.

"It’s alright. We can wait until Grandma Elise wakes up," Cassidy said understandingly. Then she turned to Claire with a gentle smile. "Right, sweetheart? You can play in the front yard while we wait for Granny Elise to wake up."

Claire nodded in agreement with Cassidy. "It’s okay, Daddy. I want to play tag with you in the front yard while we wait for Granny Elise to wake up."

"Okay, princess," Zeke said with a gentle smile before turning to Cassidy. "Thank you."

Loreine then invited them to sit in the living room while she went to prepare some drinks, fruit, and snacks for them.

Claire, with her little feet and curious eyes, began wandering around the living room area of Elise’s house.

Not long after, Loreine returned with a tray—orange juice, some grapes and apples, and a blueberry cake. She set it all on the coffee table in front of them.

Drawn by the sweet scent and the sight of the blueberry cake, Claire walked over and looked up at Cassidy with pleading eyes.

"Can I have a slice of the blueberry cake, Mommy?"

Cassidy raised an eyebrow. "Didn’t you just have ice cream?"

Claire immediately put on her most pitiful face. "Just one tiny slice, Mommy. Pleaseee?"

Cassidy didn’t respond right away. Her expression said it all—she was weighing the decision carefully. Seeing that, Claire turned toward Zeke instead. She already knew her daddy was the easier one to persuade.

"Daddy, please. Can I have just one slice of blueberry cake?"

Zeke chuckled softly, amused by how clever his daughter was. She already knew her mommy was the tougher one to convince, so she came to him—the parent who usually gave her everything she wanted.

But this time, Claire had miscalculated.

As much as Zeke wanted to say yes, he knew this wasn’t his call to make. Cassidy was the one in charge when it came to things like this. He could only follow her lead.

"If Mommy says yes, then Daddy will say yes too, princess," Zeke said with a soft smile. "So you’d better ask her nicely."

He chuckled softly but felt a little bad when her lips pushed into a pout. She really knew how to play him.

Realizing she couldn’t count on Zeke to say yes, Claire turned back to Cassidy. "Mommy, please?"

Cassidy let out a sigh, then finally said, "Just one slice, sweetheart. No more than that."

Claire cheered happily. "Thank you, Mommy!"

***