CHAPTER 146: THE FUNERAL DAY

Gregory’s funeral lasted for five days, and Cassidy stayed by Zeke’s side the whole time. During those days, Zeke didn’t go back to his villa, he stayed at Cassidy’s apartment instead.

On the day of the funeral, Cassidy decided to bring Claire. After all, Gregory was her grandfather. She had talked to Zeke about it first. At first, Zeke didn’t think it was a good idea, worried Claire might feel uncomfortable. But Cassidy reassured him that Claire was smart and could adapt well.

The funeral was small and private, only family, close friends, and a few trusted office staff attended. There was no media, no paparazzi, just the people who truly cared.

Cassidy being by Zeke’s side was nothing unusual, everyone was used to seeing that. But Claire standing with them was a different story. A few guests exchanged curious glances, quietly wondering who the little girl was, especially after noticing the warm, almost protective way Zeke looked at her during their conversation.

Bastiano’s reaction was different—he wasn’t just curious, he was stunned the moment he found out who Claire really was.

Before the ceremony started, while the funeral home was still quiet and somber, Cassidy and Zeke walked hand-in-hand with Claire toward where Bastiano and Margaret were sitting.

Margaret’s face, drawn with grief all morning, softened the moment she saw Claire. A faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Hello, Grandma Margaret," Claire said, waving cheerfully.

"Hello, Claire. I didn’t know you’d be here," Margaret replied, her tone warmer now as she gently patted Claire’s head. Then she looked up at Cassidy and Zeke, her eyes full of gratitude for bringing the girl with them.

Bastiano, who had been sitting with a solemn face, slowly rose from his seat, his curiosity piqued when he saw not only the little girl arriving with Cassidy and Zeke, but also that Margaret seemed to know her.

"Oh... little one, your name is Claire?" he asked.

"Yes, Grandpa. My name is Claire," she replied with a polite nod, her eyes bright and confident.

A warm smile spread across Bastiano’s face as he took in her charm and confidence. "And who is this little one to you?" he asked Cassidy, his tone curious. "Your niece?"

Cassidy opened her mouth to reply, but Zeke cut in without hesitation. "Grandpa, she’s my daughter. My daughter with Cassidy."

Bastiano froze for a moment, his eyes widening at Zeke’s words. "Is that true, Cassidy?" he asked, clearly shocked.

Before Cassidy could answer, Claire cut in with a proud grin, "I’m Mommy and Daddy’s child, Grandpa."

Then Bastiano burst into loud, cheerful laughter.

"So, you’re my great-granddaughter?" Bastiano asked, cheerful as he looked at Claire.

"Yeah, Dad. She’s your great-granddaughter," Margaret replied. "I was just as surprised and happy as you when I first found out who Claire really is."

Bastiano frowned. "So you’ve known all this time? And you didn’t think to tell me?" he said, complaining, his tone a little sulky.

Zeke gave a small smile. "I was waiting for the right moment, Grandpa. And now... you finally know."

Margaret explained that it was Zeke who had asked her to keep Claire’s identity a secret for the time being.

Bastiano immediately turned to Zeke with a sharp look, clearly not pleased.

Zeke cleared his throat and said, "I was waiting for the right moment, Grandpa. And now... you finally know."

Even though he wasn’t entirely happy with Zeke’s reason for keeping Claire a secret, Bastiano chose to let it go.

His gaze softened as he looked at the little girl again. "So, how old are you, Claire?" he asked.

Claire proudly held up three tiny fingers. "Three. But I’ll be four soon."

"Well, when your birthday comes, Grandpa will get you any gift you want."

Her eyes lit up instantly. "Really, Grandpa?"

"Of course. Whatever you want, Grandpa will make it happen."

Cassidy couldn’t help but sigh quietly. Now she understood where Zeke’s habit of spoiling Claire came from, it was something he clearly inherited from Bastiano.

The funeral service lasted for almost two hours. After the funeral service, everyone returned to the Salvador family residence. The air still felt heavy from the day’s events.

As soon as they stepped inside, Claire rubbed her eyes and murmured, "I’m sleepy."

Zeke’s expression softened. "Alright, princess, let’s get you to bed," he said, lifting her gently into his arms. He carried her upstairs to the room he used to stay in when he still lived there. Carefully, he laid her down, tucked the blanket around her, and brushed a loose strand of hair from her face.

"If you’re tired too, you don’t have to join us anymore. Just stay here and rest."

Cassidy hesitated for a moment, but finally gave a small nod. The truth was, she was exhausted, five days of going back and forth between her apartment and the funeral home had taken a toll on her.

She lay down next to Claire, and before long, both of them were fast asleep.

Cassidy woke up to the sound of Zeke and Claire chatting softly.

She blinked a few times, then asked, "Have people gone home already?"

"Mm," Zeke nodded. "There are still a few family members downstairs who haven’t left yet."

Cassidy sat up a bit. "Was it rude of me not to greet your family?"

Zeke shook his head. "No, they understand."

Cassidy and Claire stayed at Zeke’s family home until late in the evening. When the clock struck 10, they said their goodbyes to Margaret and Bastiano.

Bastiano knelt down with a warm smile and gently teased Claire, "You better come visit us more often, or I might start missing you too much."

Claire giggled and nodded shyly. "Okay, grandpa."

When they got back to Cassidy’s apartment, Cassidy gave Claire a bath. Then she tucked her into bed. Just like she promised, if Zeke was there, they would all sleep together.

That night, the three of them slept side by side, with Claire between Cassidy and Zeke.

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