With a faint smile, Olivia said nothing, simply reflecting on Dylanâs promise, She then took her daughter back to Edwinâs villa.
Edwin was swamped with work lately and unable to return to Czanch to visit his parents.
Therefore, Mark and Cecilia decided to come over and spend some time with their children in Duefron, delighting their children and grandchildren immensely.
As Olivia entered the hall cradling Leyla, Mark playfully brushed the snow from his granddaughterâs coat, joking, âItâs chaotic enough here, and now another little rascal joins the fray! These kids could practically lift the house off its foundation!â
Cecilia cast a playful glare at Mark, teasing, âAt your age, your hearing might not be so sharp, right?â
Mark, feigning offence, turned to Olivia.
âYour motherâs starting to dislike me!â
Cecilia quipped back, âComplaining to your daughter? Really? Thatâs how shameless you are now?â
Mark chuckled and pulled Olivia to sit beside him.
âIf I werenât shameless, how could our family always be so full of life? Donât you agree, Olivia? Your mother may be getting on in years, but sheâs still got her coynessâ I still remember who used to chase whom all over the world.
â
Cecilia smirked.
âYes, you were quite the charmer back then!â
Olivia found their banter amusing but preferred to stay out of it.
Just then, Edwin descended the stairs, looking weary after a night of meetings and only three hours of sleep, yet he had to return to work soon.
Mark noted wryly, âHeâs always chasing after money.
â
Meanwhile, Edwin lifted Leyla, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.
âThe company has grown so large! Sometimes, I wish I could take a break too, Dad.
Donât you think Iâd want that?â
He then glanced at the small gold locket dangling from Leylaâs neck.
Edwin paused for a few moments, and then turned to his sister and asked in a measured tone, âAre you with Dylan again?â
Olivia was poised to deny it, knowing her relationship with Dylan wasnât formalized.
But her brother, always perceptive, wasnât easily misled.
He was skeptical of her denials.
Just then, the sound of a car arriving echoed from the yard, prompting Mark to send the servants to investigate.
They returned with smiles, announcing, âItâs from Mr.
Wright.
So considerate.
â
Edwin, after descending the stairs, gently set down Leyla and told her softly, âGo play with your cousins.
â
She scampered off immediately.
Once Leyla was out of earshot, Edwin, with a hint of mockery, asked, âWho are you calling considerate?â
The servant hesitated, choosing not to respond.
At that moment, Laura hurried downstairs, well aware of Edwinâs volatile moods.
She tugged at his arm, urging in a hushed tone, âIâm sure he meant well.
Please, donât be like that.
â
Mark chimed in, âYouâre getting more and more like Waylen with that short temper.
â