Chapter 34: Chapter 34
More than thirty seconds of silence stretched between them.
The line remained connected, yet neither woman spoke. The quiet felt heavy, pressing down like an invisible weight.
Only when Old Madam Bennett called her name for the second time did Elise slowly open her eyes.
She drew in a measured breath, forcing down the turmoil churning inside her. When she finally spoke, her voice was calm and eerily devoid of emotion.
"I understand."
She paused briefly before continuing.
"Robin is still young. He needs a father in his life. If that’s what everyone thinks is best, then Dylan can continue being his father."
On the other end of the line, Old Madam Bennett fell silent for a moment.
"You really agree?" she asked cautiously, as though afraid of provoking her. "Elise, are you upset?"
"No."
The answer came without hesitation. Her tone was steady, almost detached.
"But there is one thing I need you to make clear to the child."
Elise lowered her gaze.
"I am not his mother. From now on, he can call me Aunt Elise."
A long pause followed.
"That..." Old Madam Bennett hesitated, then sighed softly. "Elise, don’t worry. I understand what the title of ’mother’ means to you. I’m not confused about that."
Her voice softened further.
"Dylan hiding Robin’s existence from you and raising him for five years without your knowledge has already hurt you enough."
Elise closed her eyes briefly. She had no desire to continue discussing the matter.
"I still have work to take care of, Grandma. I’ll hang up now."
"Wait." The older woman’s voice immediately became urgent.
"I heard from Aunt Vivienne that you didn’t drive yourself today. It’s almost the end of the workday, isn’t it? Should I ask Dylan to pick you up?"
"No need. Someone is taking me home."
"Dylan didn’t even go to the office today," Old Madam Bennett replied quickly. "He’s free anyway. Picking up his wife from work is the least he can do."
Another sigh escaped her.
"Elise, I’ll make sure he apologizes to you properly. Don’t hold back when you see him. If you want to scold him, then scold him. If you want to hit him, then hit him. There’s no need to be polite about it."
Listening to those familiar words, Elise felt strangely numb.
In the past, things had always been like this. Whenever she and Dylan quarreled, she would immediately run to Grandma and pour out her grievances.
Every single time, without exception, Old Madam Bennett would stand firmly on her side and lecture Dylan on her behalf.
There had even been occasions when Elise herself had been the unreasonable one.
Yet the moment she appeared before Grandma looking wronged, the older woman would shield her without asking a single question.
Back then, Elise had always believed she would forever have a place in the old woman’s heart.
On the surface, nothing seemed different now. Grandma’s words sounded exactly the same as they always had. Her concern appeared unchanged. Her affection seemed just as genuine.
Yet Elise knew better. Everything had changed.
Because Robin existed. That single fact had quietly altered the balance of everything around them.
The grandmother who once could not bear to see her suffer even the slightest grievance now had a great grandson she adored.
And somewhere along the way, whether intentionally or not, her heart had begun to lean in another direction.
Perhaps that was simply human nature. Perhaps anyone would make the same choice.
A coldness slowly seeped through Elise’s chest, spreading little by little until it reached every corner of her heart.
For the first time, she no longer wanted to think about it. Nor did she wish to discuss it any further.
"Grandma, I still have some work arrangements to handle. I’ll head back once I’m finished."
"Alright, alright," Old Madam Bennett replied immediately. "If you’re busy, Grandma won’t keep you any longer."
Elise gave a quiet response before ending the call.
The screen went dark. She stared at it for a moment before checking the time––it was already getting late.
Lily had spent the entire afternoon running around the amusement park. By now, the little girl was probably exhausted.
Putting away her phone, Elise turned and walked back into the amusement park in search of Alexander and Lily.
***
At six o’clock that evening, a black Bentley glided smoothly into one of the city’s most prestigious residential districts.
The vehicle passed through elegant wrought iron gates and followed the winding roads that curved through manicured gardens and rows of towering trees.
Golden evening light filtered through the leaves, casting shifting shadows across the pavement.
Alexander drove steadily toward the Bennett Manor.
Several minutes later, the Bentley rolled to a stop in front of the villa. Inside the car, the atmosphere was unusually quiet.
Lily had fallen asleep long ago. Her tiny body was curled against the seat, her little head tilted to one side, breathing soft and even.
Beside her, Elise had unknowingly drifted off as well. Perhaps the events of the day had drained her more than she realized.
Leaning against the seatback, she slept peacefully with her eyes closed, strands of hair falling loosely across her cheek.
Alexander unfastened his seatbelt. Then he turned around and looked toward the back seat. His gaze settled on the sleeping pair.
One big. One small. Their heads tilted at nearly identical angles.
For a brief moment, the sight made his heart contract with a strange, unfamiliar feeling.
The little girl and the woman beside her looked unexpectedly alike, as though they belonged in the same picture.
The car remained still. He didn’t make any noise.
Only the faint sound of their steady breathing lingered in the quiet space, creating a rare sense of warmth that even Alexander found himself reluctant to disturb.
The sight was unexpectedly heartwarming.
Without realizing it, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
Almost as if compelled by some invisible force, he picked up his phone and quietly captured the moment.
Click.
The camera shutter sounded unusually loud in the silence of the car.
Elise’s brows knit together slightly. A moment later, she slowly opened her eyes.
Alexander lowered his phone and looked at her, almost smiling.
"We’re here, Miss Harper."
"Oh." She blinked away the remnants of sleep and sat upright. "Sorry. I must have fallen asleep."
Rubbing her eyes, she glanced out the window.
"Did we just arrive?"
"Just now."
Alexander studied her pale face.
"You look exhausted lately. Try to get more rest."
A warm smile appeared on Elise’s face.
"Thank you. I will."
She reached for the door handle.
"Then I’ll head inside. Mr. Hayes, drive safely on your way home."
"I will." His voice remained gentle. "You too. Don’t rush."
"Okay."
Elise pushed open the door and stepped out of the Bentley. After closing it behind her, she walked around toward the front of the vehicle.
Alexander lowered the passenger side window. A trace of confusion crossed his face.
"What is it?"
Elise waved a hand dismissively.
"I just remembered something. Lily’s weak constitution is probably related to poor digestive function and a weak spleen. I know an excellent physician. You should take her to see him sometime."
A glimmer of hope immediately appeared in Alexander’s eyes.
"That would be wonderful." His voice softened with genuine gratitude. "Do you have his contact information?"
Elise pulled out her phone.
"I do. I’ll send you his business card through messenger."
"Thank you."
The sincerity in his tone was unmistakable. For Lily’s sake, he was willing to try anything.
