Xavier casually walked over and settled onto the longue chair across from them.
“I haven’t had the chance.”
Edith shot him ate. “You make it sound like he’s some busy person. It was you who <b>asked </b>him toe back-”
“Grandma,” Xavier suddenly interrupted her. “Didn’t you nt 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 <b>surprise</b><b>, </b>she’d ced 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 <b>years</b>. I should check on how they’ve grown, Edith said, her attention fully diverted,
Xavier <b>stood </b>up and ottered her his <b>ann</b>. “I’ll help you upstairs.“.
Lily watched their retreating figures with clear eyes.
In truth, Xavier didn’t need <b>to </b>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 <b>as </b><b>capable </b>as Rowan. After all, it concerned Hayden’s life.
Forget it. Terence had already made the connection<b>, </b>after <b>all</b>.
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 <b>turning </b>yellowish–green, and the other was withered, though there was still some green at the roots.
Xavier was <b>taken </b>aback. The rooftop garden <b>had </b>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 <b>a </b><b>chance</b>,” 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 <b>nodded </b>thoughtfully, <b>her </b>gaze unwavering. “<b>Since </b>you know that they need <b>care</b>, <b>you </b>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. <b>“</b><b>I </b>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 <b>advice </b>to Shane, telling him to invest in his work instead of constantly chasing after his wife. However, Shane hadn’t listened, so his family <b>hadn’t </b>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. <b>“</b>Mrs. Fulton, go talk to your mother–inw. 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 <b>sofa </b>with a face mask, replied, “I just wanted to check–in. How’s that few thousand–dor job of yours going?”
Lily was taken aback. She frowned at her mother’s sarcastic tone. “If there’s nothing else<b>, </b><b>I’ll </b>hang up.”
“Wait.” <b>Hazel </b>quickly removed the face mask<b>, </b><b>sat </b>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 <b>hung </b>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 <b>now</b>, she immediately knew where it hade from.
<b>“</b><b>It’s </b>an ident. I’ll be back soon-
“No need to exin,” Hazel interrupted, her voice bubbling with delight. “I just hope you go back. It’s been days! Since you’re back there, make sure tofort 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 yful tone, carrying through the conservatory.
At the <b>door </b>of the conservatory, Xavier stood bathed in sunlight, his narrowed eyes glinting with disdain as he overheard the <b>conversation </b>