Chapter 172
Sienna wasn’t intentionally trying to eavesdrop, but her senses had always been much sharper than the average person’s.
Anyone else would have struggled to make out the words.
But even standing a hallway away, Sienna could hear them with striking clarity.
The voices belonged to Celeste and Eleanor.
As the familiar tones drifted over, Sienna heard them discussing some kind of wine and how its flavor was improving.
Remembering the batch of imported wine that had shattered recently, she stopped in her tracks.
Driven by an instinctual curiosity, she quieted her footsteps and crept closer.
Peeking around the corner, she saw a picture-perfect scene of domestic harmony tucked away on the secluded outdoor terrace.
Eleanor, dressed in plush silk pajamas, was lounging comfortably on a recliner, her expression utterly relaxed.
Celeste sat in her wheelchair right behind the older woman.
Her hands expertly worked the tension out of Eleanor’s shoulders, her precise movements suggesting this was a well-practiced routine.
On the round table beside them sat a glass of dark red wine. The liquid was cloudy and opaque, characteristic of an aged vintage.
Sienna only needed a single glance to recognize exactly what it was.
It was the same exclusive imported wine that had been accidentally destroyed just a few days ago.
She hadn’t expected Celeste to replace the inventory so rapidly and hand-deliver it to the manor to win Eleanor’s favor.
Sienna narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
From placing the order to clearing customs and final delivery, securing that specific imported wine should have taken at least a couple of weeks.
Celeste’s restocking speed was bordering on the impossible.
Furthermore, the terrace they occupied was tucked into the architectural bridge between two wings of the manor. It was a neglected spot that even the cleaning staff only visited twice a month.
“Your massages always hit the mark, Celeste. Just a few minutes of this, and my whole body feels light. I’m already getting sleepy p>
Eleanor’s eyes were closed, her voice lazy and slurred with exhaustion.
Celeste offered a sweet, devoted smile. “If you’re tired, Grandma, just go to sleep. I’ll have someone carry you back to your room when you’re ready p>
“Mhm, good… good,” Eleanor murmured with a contented smile, her tone brimming with absolute trust and affection for the younger woman.
Suddenly reaching up, she took one of Celeste’s hands and patted it gently between her own, looking as satisfied as a child.
“Celeste, I’m so lucky to have you with me. I don’t know how I would have survived all these years without you p>
“Haven’t you always been there for me too, Grandma?” Celeste replied, her voice dripping with innocent sweetness.
“I was an orphan, and my adoptive parents passed away so early. If you and Helena hadn’t insisted on bringing me to the Sterling family, I can’t even imagine where I’d be today p>
Eleanor squeezed her hand tighter. “That’s all in the past. No matter how old you get, you’ll always be my precious girl p>
“Am I really that important to you?” Celeste asked, feigning a playful pout.
Eleanor let out a mock huff of annoyance. “Are you trying to upset me on purpose p>
Opening her eyes, she cast a deeply affectionate look at Celeste. “Let me tell you a secret. You are my favorite. I love you more than any of my grandsons.
Jarred is never home, Caelan is too quiet, and Marcus is barely around. You’re the only one who truly cares about me p>
“I’ll remember that. I hope you’ll always love me this much p>
Celeste’s eyes curved into a bright smile, though a subtle, probing edge lingered in her gaze. “Even if… I make a terrible mistake in the future, you’ll still forgive me, right p>
Without missing a beat, Eleanor patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t be silly. Even if you made the biggest mistake in the world, I’d always have your back. After all, you’re my absolute favorite p>