Chapter 755: The end of a -

"Grandma." Zoren broke the silence between him and Old Mrs. Pierson, watching her slowly gaze up at him. "You told me... you’d let me know if you hear anything about a person named Jonathan."

He paused, letting that settle for a moment. "Why didn’t you tell me William Pierson came to you and mentioned him?"

Old Mrs. Pierson gave a sharp huff, thinking about what to tell her grandson. However, before she could speak, Zoren spoke again.

"You never go back on your word, Grandma," he continued, stressing the point. "You never do that to me, so I believe you’d never do this on purpose."

"I appreciate that, Renren." Old Mrs. Pierson smiled wryly, sighing heavily once more. "What am I going to do now, Renren? I don’t remember asking William for any test or discussion about this illegitimate child."

Zoren raised his brows, then furrowed them. "You don’t remember?"

"Butler Hubert confirmed it for me—that William Pierson indeed visited me some time ago. However, I don’t particularly remember... all of it," she explained helplessly but still managed a smile. "I’m old, Renren. Illnesses and other things are events that shouldn’t be surprising at this age."

Her wrinkled face softened in defeat. "I don’t think I can hold the chair much longer. If an important matter like this is something I won’t remember, then I am no longer fit to sit in the chair."

Although both Old Mrs. Pierson and Zoren knew that she was holding onto this power because of him, she should have retired long ago. After all, even if Old Mrs. Pierson rarely meddled in the business and family affairs, she still had the final say when necessary.

"Others would soon find out about this, so it’s best if I retire," Old Mrs. Pierson suggested, though her tone was more of a declaration. "Otherwise, they’d try to take advantage of it."

Her lips curled bitterly. "Would you be fine with that?"

"I’ve always been fine with that," he said. "Grandma, I’ve always told you that you should retire."

"But I couldn’t back then because retiring meant another fight between all of you," she replied. "You weren’t fit to fight back then."

Zoren didn’t answer this time, knowing his grandmother had a point. Although he could easily argue with her, he also had to consider that Old Mrs. Pierson often had his best interests at heart.

Her position in the family was the foundation that kept the Pierson family together. Despite all the fighting and scheming, she had kept everything at bay. People might disagree, but the internal strife of the family had been tamed because of her.

If she stepped down, another battle would ensue. It would be easy if she could just hand everything over to Zoren, but doing so would only incite jealousy and malicious eyes. People would question it, and for sure, they would use Old Mrs. Pierson’s age to create more problems for Zoren.

That was why she had held onto this power until now. Zoren might be smart and capable, but she feared that with his declining health, he would pass before her.

"Our Pierson family... has always been so vicious," she said. "I remember when I was the one who had to take the seat of head of the family. It wasn’t an easy journey."

Old Mrs. Pierson let out another shallow breath, reaching out for Zoren’s hand and squeezing it mildly. "Renren," she called lovingly. "Will you be fine, son?"

"I will be," Zoren nodded at her, placing his other hand on top of hers. "Will you?"

"I will." She rocked her head, chuckling weakly. "Hopefully."

Hopefully...

"I’ll call for your physician," he remarked reassuringly. "And I’ll take care of you—no matter what."

"That is very reassuring."

"Do not worry about me anymore, Grandma," he added with a short smile. "I will be fine. I’m already getting better. My wife’s with me, and her family has been nothing but kind to me. I am in a better place than I was months ago."

Old Mrs. Pierson smiled in satisfaction, keeping her gaze on her grandson. "I know that Renren, and I’m glad that I get to step down knowing you have someone who will be there for you, supporting you. You will be fine."

"That’s why, don’t feel bad, nor do you have to feel guilty. I’m already grateful for the years you’ve looked after me and for always taking care of me."

"Hahaha. Do I have a choice?" she chuckled playfully, keeping her hand sandwiched between Zoren’s.

A moment of silence enveloped the two of them as they exchanged looks and smiled. The shared silence was enough to convey the words they couldn’t say at the moment. They didn’t need to say anything at all because their shared memories spoke for them—after all, for the longest time, they only had each other.

"Renren." After a while, Old Mrs. Pierson spoke again. "You always take care of Penny."

"I will, even if no one tells me."

"I’m not saying take care of her like to protect her, but what I’m saying is her heart," she clarified. "I know you are responsible and capable. However, do not let our family matters affect her or you. Leave it at your doorstep, then pick it up once you leave your home to fight another day."

The side of his mouth curled into a small smile as he nodded. "I understand."

"Penelope... the Bennets... I’m grateful for them," she expressed. "The least we could do is make their daughter—and sister—happy."

"Yes, Grandma." Zoren nodded. "I will do that. And you... should make sure that you’re well once Penny gives me quadruplets."

Old Mrs. Pierson laughed. "Oh, Renren!" She laughed more until Zoren chuckled.

The heavy atmosphere between them slowly dispersed, replaced by a lighter mood the second he mentioned his future children with his wife.