The four little ones looked sympathetically at Ellinor, their hearts aching for their motherâs struggles.
Layla frowned in confusion, âCan Daddy promise us that those strange men wonât follow us anymore?â
Theo glanced at the line of bodyguards standing behind his children and gave a subtle nod.
The three bodyguards promptly moved to a more discreet distance.
Seeing this, the children finally relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief.
Layla turned her gaze back to Baber, examining him intently from head to toe. âBaber, did you get hurt?
Are you okay?â, she asked concernedly.
Baber shook his head, tousling his sisterâs hair in a brotherly fashion, âIâm fine now! Mom and Dad saved me just in time. A little scratch isnât a big deal!â
Adrian declared, âI knew it! Baber is the bravest! He was bound to come back safe and sound!â
Tristan also nodded, âNothing like this will happen again. We can all be together as a family now!â
Seeing the four children showing concern for each other warmed Ellinorâs heart. She walked over to Theo, intertwining their fingers tightly, cherishing this hard-earned reunion.
Veronica finally spoke up, âAlright, Theo, Ellinor, letâs go inside. Grandma and Grandpa are waiting for you!â
âYes.â
Under Veronicaâs urging, Ellinor and Theo led the children inside, finally settling in for a heartfelt family chat.
Ellinor described the whole episode to Marissa and Putnam, including the ultimate fate of Patricia and Sophia.
Upon hearing the tale, Marissa vented her anger at Sophia and Patricia for a good half an hour.
Afterward, she didnât want to bring up those miserable women again, refusing to let them spoil the familyâs harmonious atmosphere.
âEllinor, now that Theo is back and all the hidden dangers are removed, we should have a celebration at home. Your wedding to Theo was so rushed back then. Why donât we throw another wedding to liven things up?â
The idea of their parents getting married excited the children beyond measure.
Layla exclaimed, âWow! Thatâs great! I get to attend my own parentsâ wedding!â
Adrian clapped his hands, âIâll be the cutest ring bearer at Mommy and Daddyâs wedding!â
Tristan chimed in, âI want to be a ring bearer too!â
Baber declared, âThen Iâll be Dadâs best man!â
Veronica couldnât help but laugh at Baberâs innocence, âSilly, youâre too young to be your own fatherâs best man!â
Baber pouted, âUhm⦠canât I?â
Theo, with his arm around Ellinorâs waist, leaned in close and whispered, âWhat do you think, little one?
Shall we get married again, hmm?â
Ellinorâs cheeks turned a light shade of pink. She knew her grandmother meant well, but there were things she didnât want to hide from her in-laws any longer.
After a momentâs hesitation, Ellinor finally spoke, âGrandma, actually⦠Iâm the lost daughter of the Howard family, originally named Pearl Howard. I know the Blanchets and the Howards had a feud in the past, and it was impossible for the two families to intermarry. Although I havenât acknowledged the Howard family, I must let you know my true identity to avoid any misunderstanding in the future.â