Chapter 1074
Clayton had barely parked when his phone buzzed with a call from Alden. The mere mention of wanting to see Larry filled him with disgust. To him, Larry was the epitome of ingratitude, a real snake in the grass. However, the moment he heard Larry knew the secret behind his daughter’s disappearance, his interest was piqued, and he agreed to the meeting.
“What’s wrong, Dad?” Elysia noticed the change in Clayton’s demeanor and expressed her concern lovingly.
Clayton gazed at his daughter with affection. He didn’t want to sour the mood by bringing up Larry, so he brushed it off with, “It’s nothing, sweetheart.” Before they could continue, joyful cries from outside the car grabbed their attention. “Daddy, Mommy, Grandpa p>
Five little munchkins were sprinting towards the car. Clayton, already fond of these kids and now knowing they were his very own grandchildren, was over the moon with excitement. He couldn’t wait to get out of the car and scoop them into his arms, showering them with affection and proudly proclaiming, “My good little ones, all of you are Grandpa’s treasures p>
The Smith brothers, also quite taken with the children, joined in the greetings with equal enthusiasm. “Hey there, little champs p>
The kids warmly greeted them back, “Hello, Uncle Grandpa p>
Elysia and Tarquin, stepping out of the car, shared a warm, knowing smile, watching the heartwarming scene unfold before them.
Suddenly, Charles, unable to hide his excitement, lifted Elijah into the air. “Elijah, we finally meet! You found who you were looking for, and so did I. We’re both lucky stars p>
Elijah, stunned, managed a surprised, “Teacher p>
“Ha-ha, yes, it’s me! Talk about fate p>
Elijah’s eyes sparkled with surprise and delight.
Tarquin squinted, piecing everything together. No wonder Elliot and Elijah had a knack for hacking despite neither he nor Elysia having such skills-it was a gift from the Smith genes, a wonderful twist of gic fate!
Elysia, still trying to catch up, asked, “What teacher p>
Tarquin explained, “Elijah had been learning online from a mentor he’d never met in person. Turns out, his mystery teacher is his Uncle Grandpa!” “Wow, talk about serendipity p>
“Irene?!” A distant, frail voice called out.
Turning towards the sound, Elysia saw an elderly lady rushing over, her servants struggling to keep up. Without asking, she knew it was her grandmother.
Rushing to meet her, Elysia greeted, “Grandma p>
The old woman, tears streaming down her face, gasped, “My Irene, my little Irene! Bless the heavens, bless the heavens p>
Betty, choked with sobs, lamented, “I’m so sorry, my dear. It was all my fault, losing you… I’m so sorry, my Irene p>
On the drive back, Clayton had filled in Elysia about the day she went missing-the day her father returned from the sea. Concerned about the stormy weather, her mother and grandmother had taken her to the docks to wait for her father. It was during a brief moment, when her mother was away and her grandmother and a servant were watching her, that she disappeared. The guilt had haunted her grandmother ever since.
Elysia comforted Betty, wiping her tears, “It’s not your fault, Grandma. It was a twist of fate, and now that it’s resolved, I’m back p>
Holding Elysia’s hand, Betty’s eyes were filled with tears of joy, “The important thing is you’re back. We’ve missed you for over twenty years.” Tarquin approached, respectfully greeting, “Grandma p>
Betty quickly wiped her tears and took a moment to really look at Tarquin,