Chapter 597

Carter was visibly shaken.

When the topic of Lucian’s grandmother was broached, Carter suddenly fell silent.

Several minutes passed before he heaved a long sigh. “That’s it for today, I’m tired,” he said wearily.

Lucian stepped out of the study.

Inside the study, Carter sank into the couch, with eyes closed, lost in the memories of his past.

His grandson, Lucian, was the one who resembled him the most.

Not just in business acumen, but also in relationships.

Despite remarrying, Carter could never quite shake off the memory of his first love.

Lucian descended the stairs.

Just reaching the second floor, he spotted his mother with Penelope sitting in the living room below.

Penelope looked up. Her face lit up with a smile. “Lucian.”

Miranda, engaged in conversation with Penelope, also looked up. “Lucian, come down here.”

Lucian made his way to the living room where Lacey promptly offered him a cup of tea. “Mr. Lucian, this tea is a new selection Mrs. Flanagan brought over. Please, have a taste.”

Penelope’s face was adorned with a delicate, almost natural-looking makeup, which was a stark contrast to her previous bold and bright styles. As Lucian’s gaze fell upon her, he felt a sudden sense of illusion.

Her face, it was strikingly similar to Allison’s.

“Lucian, I’ve prepared some cake. Try some,” Penelope said, picking up a piece and standing up to hand it to him. Her leg had actually healed, but in Lucian’s presence, she feigned a delicate, wounded demeanor.

Taking the cake from her, Lucian urged her to sit back down.

Penelope spoke softly, “I know you don’t like overly sweet things, so I didn’t add much sugar. Tell me if you like it. If you do, I can bring some to your office tomorrow.”

Her voice was tender, and as Lucian bit into the cake, he was hit with a wave of clarity amidst his reverie.

He had tasted Allison’s cake before.

It wasn’t that he disliked sweets; it was just that the one in his mouth lacked any distinctive taste.

Allison’s baking was sweet, but not cloying, and melted softly in the mouth.

Penelope’s attempt paled in comparison.

However, seeing the hopeful look on Penelope’s face, he said, “It’s fine, but you shouldn’t overwork yourself. You need to rest.”

“As long as you like it, a little hard work is nothing,” she replied.

Despite Penelope’s gentle demeanor, Lucian felt indifferent. He didn’t sit down but instead said to his mother, “Mom, I have to get back to the office. You and Penelope enjoy your chat.”

Penelope looked somewhat downcast as Lucian prepared to leave.

Miranda tried to persuade him, “You’ve only been back for a few minutes and you’re already leaving?

Are the matters at the office that urgent? You haven’t been home to talk with me for ages. Even if not for my sake, you should spend some time with Penelope. She came all the way here with her leg still recovering to bring us the cake. No matter how busy you are, you shouldn’t neglect Penelope.”

Penelope’s eyes welled up with tears, feigning understanding. “No, don’t worry about me. Lucian’s work is important. I was just bored at home and decided to make some cake. Miranda, let Lucian go to work,” she said, turning her moist eyes to Lucian. “Go ahead with your work. I’ll stay here and keep Miranda company for a while.”