Chapter 206

Marcus pivoted, straightening his back to shield Millie’s view, and then raised his right wrist to touch his sleeve.

In truth, he already knew beforehand that the button was missing.

The button didn’t disappear during their fall down the cliff. As a matter of fact, before he ventured to the orchard to search for

Millie, he noticed the button’s absence.

Last night, after some contemplation, he surmised he might have left it in Millie’s room or on her bed. He had slept in his shirt

that night.

Marcus scanned the surroundings but found no button on the floor. The bed was now tidy, making it impossible to spot.

Observing Millie's vigilant expression, he deduced that she hadn't discovered the button belonged to him.

Abandoning his search, Marcus declared, “Nothing. If you prefer not to walk back, head downstairs and join us in the car.”

With that, he tumed on his heels and strode away. Frowning, Millie carefully stowed the button into her handbag.

Upon her return, Millie made a beeline for the hospital, keen on visiting her cherished grandmother.

As she entered the familiar yet cold hospital room, her voice, imbued with joy, filled the space. “Grandma, | have a surprise for

you. Your favorite oranges,” she proclaimed.

That day, her grandmother was in a convivial mood, engaging in cheerful banter with Teresa from the comfort of her hospital bed.

“Millie, come closer, my dear. Teresa is spot on. The scar on your face has truly vanished,” her grandmother commented,

coaxing Millie closer with a beckoning gesture and observing her with gentle eyes.

“Miss Brown, | shared the news of your recovery with her,” Teresa chimed in, a smile dancing on her lips. “Hearing it sparked

such joy in her, | swear she looked healthier.”

Her grandmother reached out to caress Millie’s face with her weathered hand, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“I'm glad your face healed completely. It saves you from the harsh judgment of others. The relief that it brings me is immense.

The Thomas family is renowned for its power and stern traditions. Should they mistreat you in any way, remember that you are

not alone. Come to me.”

Millie was moved. “Don’t worry, Grandma. Promise me you will live for a hundred years.” She then peeled an orgage for the old

lady. “Have a piece. I’ve tasted it. It's sweet.”

In the evening, Millie shared a meal with her grandmother, the hours slipping away as they conversed. She finally took her leave

at her grandmother’s gentle insistence, parting from the hospital with reluctance to return to her abode.

As she stepped through the door, the warmth of her hospital smile froze on her lips.

A palpable tension hung in the villa, while a piercing gaze locked onto her from the living room.

Her eyes fell upon Celeste, a picture of cold austerity, glaring at her from her seat in the living room. Rhea, too, was present.

Celeste reproached, “Just what time do you think it is? You treat this place like a marketplace, showing no decorum.”

Memories came flooding back of the only occasion on which Celeste had directed a genuine smile her way: her grandmother's

birthday celebration when her scar had disappeared.