Chapter 18:
He had no interest in welcoming her as a sisterly figure to him.
Nathaniel, watching his grandson intently, caught the look in Rhysâ eyes. In an instant, he grasped the situation. So, after twenty years of lack of interest in romantic life, Rhys had finally taken interest in a girl.
And that wasnât just any girlâit was Harlee, who resembled Nicola a great deal.
Harlee politely declined.
âMr. Green, I am flattered by your offer, but I must say no.â
Lindsay, who was secretly eavesdropping outside, widened her eyes in disbelief.
Harlee had just turned down an incredible offer! This was the Green family, for Godâs sake! Countless people would jump at the chance to connect with them.
Associating with the Greens was nothing short of a door opening up to many lucrative opportunities.
She couldnât help but wonder if Harlee had lost her senses. Then, a thought struck Lindsay. Maybe Harlee was aiming even higherânot to be Nathanielâs granddaughter, but his granddaughter-in-law. This idea made Lindsay grit her teeth in frustration. She clawed at the wall, barely containing her irritation, but she stayed silent, too scared of being caught and thrown out.
Nathaniel, hearing Harleeâs polite refusal, dropped the issue.
A brilliant idea had taken root in his mind.
âAlright. I respect your decision, Miss Sanderson, but please know that youâre always a welcome guest at the Green residence.â
âThank you,â Harlee replied with a nod, though she doubted she would actually visit.
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As Harlee turned to leave, Nathaniel tilted his head up and let out a few heavy sighs.
His frail, thin frame seemed lonelier than ever at that quiet moment.
âGrandpa, if thereâs something on your mind, just say it.â Rhys fought back the urge to massage his temples, sensing his grandfather had more to share.
Nathaniel let out a dramatic sigh.
âIâve always dreamed of trying bungee jumping. When I was younger, I was too afraid. Later on, I got wrapped up in work.
By the time I finally had a chance, my health failed me. Now, the doctor says itâs completely out of the question. If I tried, I might not survive it.â
Rhys and Harlee both stared, stunned.
At his age, Nathaniel still wanted to bungee jump? They didnât know how to react.
âGrandpa, think about your health,â Rhys said, trying to nudge him away from the idea.
Harlee agreed.
âPlease follow your doctorâs advice, Mr. Green. Itâs not worth the risk.â
âButâ¦â Nathaniel shook his head sadly, a glimmer of tears appearing in his eyes.
âGrandpaâ¦â Rhys wasnât sure if his grandfather was genuinely upset or just putting on an act. It seemed the older someone got, the more they behaved like a child.
âWell, since I canât do it myself, why donât the two of you go in my place?â Nathanielâs gaze settled on Harlee and Rhys, gently holding Harleeâs hand with a look of warm affection.
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