Other affluent families often favor grandsons, but Ste yearned for a granddaughter. Upon learning of Meredith’s pregnancy, she dreamt of dressing a beautiful little granddaughter in pretty dresses like a little princess.


    Julian was well aware of his wife’s deepest desires. “So, if Meredith actually has a granddaughter, will you stop meddling then? No more forcing them to divorce? You said it yourself-stick to your words,” he challenged.


    Ste scoffed, “Only if she actually gives me a granddaughter. If she can’t, I still won’t ept her. Just thinking about Meredith, a girl with no background, as my daughter-inw makes me ufortable. She’s only after our son’s money.”


    Julianughed, “Ohe on, are you worried Meredith could single-handedly bankrupt the Sterling family? Our son can make money. You’ve been squandering for years and haven’t bankrupted us yet. How much could one Meredith possibly spend?”All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    “What did you say??” Ste bristled, ring at Julian.


    Julian replied, “It’s me, I’m the one who’s burning our money. I’ve been blessed my whole life-relied on my parents when I was young, and on my son now that I’m old. When my grandchildren grow up, they can support me.”


    The whole Sterling family, across generations, was transparently arranged by Julian, who neither worked nor earned. Now his son provided for him, andter his grandchildren would.


    Ste retorted disdainfully, “You’re really shameless enough. You have already nned to depend on your granddaughter this early?”


    Julian burst intoughter, “That’s what a fortunate life would be like. Go on, out with you; I need to shower. If you want to know about Meredith’s check-up, call her yourself.”


    ” I’m not asking her. Meredith doesn’t even call me ‘mom’ yet, and says her consultation fees are per session, and ten thousand dors each time.” Ste dered haughtily.


    “Did Meredith really say that?” Julian was amused, “Ha, looks like we’ve finally found someone who can handle you. Our son chose his wife well.”


    Ste hit Julian on the shoulder, “Nonsense.”


    “Ten thousand dorspared to your granddaughter, is that even expensive?” Julian reasoned. “You can’t even spare that small amount and you still want to frown about it? Both mom and I have paid-it got Meredith to call me ‘dad’ anyway. You know, if you want to hold your granddaughter, you’d better lower your head early or else if Meredith raises her price, you’ll be the one hurting.”


    “Lower my head? To that Meredith? No way.” Ste was insistent on keeping her pride.


    The next day.


    Ste had just gotten out of bed when she heard Terrence Sterling’s voice from downstairs. Thinking she’d misheard, she nudged Julian, “Listen, is that Terry back?”


    Julian, groggy from sleep, mumbled, “It’s early; are you sure you’re awake? Our son should be at hispany now.”


    Sensing something was off, Ste still wrapped herself in a robe and went downstairs, just in time to see Terrence walking towards the backyard.


    “Son.” Ste called out, and followed him to the backyard.


    At the pond, Leyton was fishing with a stick, string attached but no hook. He stood there, fishing by the water’s edge, looking blissfully ignorant.


    Terrence watched him from afar, Ste catching up eximed, “Son, why are you here watching this fool early in the morning? Haven’t had breakfast? Why are you alone? Didn’t your wifee with?”


    Though she wouldn’t admit Meredith officially, she had subconsciously acknowledged her as her son’s wife-a testament to Ste’s inner conflict.


    “I left while Meredith was still asleep,” Terrence exined, then picked up a stone and threw it near Leyton. The ssh rmed Leyton, who cried, “It’s raining, it’s raining.”


    Dropping the rod, Leyton clutched his head in a foolishly cute pose.


    Ste, watching the scene, scorn filled her eyes, “Looking at that fool, I don’t understand what your father was thinking bringing him back home.”


    Terrence approached Leyton, looming over him as thetter crouched, shivering. Posing as a fool-Terrence was curious about who might be instructing Leyton from behind the scenes, given Leyton’s limited wits even before any brain injuries.


    As Terrence kept his stare, Leyton’s anxiety spiked. Terrence was not Julian-harder to deceive.


    Leyton sneaked a nce at Terrence and asked in his simpleminded way, “Who are you?”


    “I’vee to bring you good things,” Terrence responded, spotting a gardener weeding nearby. He called out, “Edmund, bring me some worms.”