Xavier casually walked over and settled onto the longue chair across from them.
“I haven’t had the chance.”
Edith shot him aglate. “You make it sound like he’s some busy person. It was you who asked him to come back-”
“Grandma,” Xavier suddenly interrupted her. “Didn’t you plant two pots of flowers on the rooftop? Would you like to go up and take a look?”
Those are species from abroad were something Xavier had gone to great lengths to bring back, knowing how much she adored them
He’d expected fier to keep them in the Fulton Manor and tend to them carefully, but to his surprise, she’d placed them here and forbidden him and Lily to care for them, letting them grow on theirown.
“I almost forgot about that. It’s been two years. I should check on how they’ve grown, Edith said, her attention fully diverted,
Xavier stood up and ottered her his ann. “I’ll help you upstairs.“.
Lily watched their retreating figures with clear eyes.
In truth, Xavier didn’t need to avoid the topic. While she would undoubtedly feel some resentment, she knew when to hold her tongue,
She wouldn’t ask him awkward questions, like why he hadn’t told her earlier about knowing someone as capable as Rowan. After all, it concerned Hayden’s life.
Forget it. Terence had already made the connection, after all.
Lily walked toward the kitchen to help Emina.
Meanwhile, Xavier stood beside Edith on the rooftop, inspecting the two vibrant flowers. One pot had leaves that were turning yellowish–green, and the other was withered, though there was still some green at the roots.
Xavier was taken aback. The rooftop garden had never been tended to, with the space only a little warmer than the harsh outdoors. He’d thought these flowers would have long withered away.
“Do you think these flowers can still be saved?” Edith asked.
“If carefully tended to, they might still have a chance,” Xavier replied. He had researched the flowers when he bought them. “They’re not difficult to care for, but if neglected, they won’t survive.”
Edith nodded thoughtfully, her gaze unwavering. “Since you know that they need care, you should put in the effort from now on. These flowers can teach you the principle that everything requires attention. Even if they die, it will have been worth the effort.”
Xavier furrowed his brows slightly. “I should take care of them?”
“Yes, you should,” Edith said firmly. “Don’t let Lily Interfere. Take some time away from work and focus on them.”
She had once given the same advice to Shane, telling him to invest in his work instead of constantly chasing after his wife. However, Shane hadn’t listened, so his family hadn’t fallen apart.
Now, she hoped Xavier could leam this important lesson.
Later, when lunch was almost ready, Hazel video–called Lily,
Emma pushed her out of the kitchen. “Mrs. Fulton, go talk to your mother–in–law. Leave everything here to me!”
“okay.” Lily didn’t want to embarrass Hazel in front of others, so she walked to the conservatory outside to answer the call. “Mom, is there something you need? Hazel, lounging on the sofa with a face mask, replied, “I just wanted to check–in. How’s that few thousand–dollar job of yours going?”
Lily was taken aback. She frowned at her mother’s sarcastic tone. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up.”
“Wait.” Hazel quickly removed the face mask, sat up, and stared directly at the screen. “Aren’t you at home? So, you’ve ditched me here and gone off to live the goodlife?”
A seashell wind chime hung delicately in the conservatory, its soft melody filling the room.
Lily had made it herself, collecting the shells from the beach. Hazel had praised her creativity when she saw it. Recognizing the chime now, she immediately knew where it had come from.
“It’s an accident. I’ll be back soon-
“No need to explain,” Hazel interrupted, her voice bubbling with delight. “I just hope you go back. It’s been days! Since you’re back there, make sure to comfort Xavier properly. Take advantage of this chance!”
Hazel’s too was full of mischtet. “You know what I mean, right? He’s home, right? Take advantage of the lunch break and make the most of it…
Her voice echoed with a playful tone, carrying through the conservatory.
At the door of the conservatory, Xavier stood bathed in sunlight, his narrowed eyes glinting with disdain as he overheard the conversation
