Chapter 19 The Crawford Family’s
After dinner, Evie let out a grunt. “He will pay. My boss… He’s very generous.” Athena smiled and pushed a cup of ice cream toward Evie. “Calm down, Evie.” Evie’s frustration was palpable. “You have such a good temper, and yet, the bastards at your company throw all the blame on you!”
Thanks to Evie, Athena had managed to track down Dylan’s mother’s account information.
As they walked home arm-in-arm after dinner, Evie spoke up. “When I was little, our family used to hold hands after meals and walk down this road together.” She patted a thick sycamore tree along the path. “These trees weren’t as strong back then.” Evie’s father had tragically died in a car accident when she was just ten years old. A few years later, her mother remarried a wealthy businessman, and with his help, Evie was able to study abroad. “You miss your father?” Athena asked gently. Evie bit her lip but nodded. “Very much.” Athena reached over and lightly stroked Evie’s back in comfort. Athena couldn’t relate; she didn’t know who her father was. Her mother had fled to Greeli City while pregnant with her, and even her grandparents had never known the identity of Athena’s father. Later, Athena overheard her mother drunkenly revealing that her father had been caught cheating after just proposing to her mother. Since then, Athena never asked about him again. Her mother spent her life buried in alcohol. Evie didn’t stay over that night, and after locking the door, Athena retreated into the corner of the sofa. She turned on her phone and sent a message to Byron: [Mr. Crawford, I have already moved out of Moonlight Villa. The key is on the cabinet.] After sending it, she waited, but nothing happened. She didn’t expect a reply. She continued packing for her business trip to Salin City the next day. Halfway through, her phone buzzed. It wasn’t Byron, as she had expected, but Gabe. Athena felt a little foolish, having thought it might be Byron. She picked up the phone. “Gabe, I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy lately that I forgot to treat you to dinner and give you your birthday present.” “Don’t worry about it!” Gabe replied cheerfully as always. “It’s all good. How about you invite me to dinner tomorrow?” “I wish I could, but I’m heading out on a business trip to Salin City first thing tomorrow morning. I’ll be gone for about a week.” “Salin City?” “Yeah,” Athena replied. “I see. Well, since you’re leaving early tomorrow, I won’t keep you. Good night, Athena.” “Good night, Gabe.” Gabe quickly ended the call, and Athena didn’t give it much thought. Meanwhile, at Crawford Manor, the banquet welcoming Heather was coming to a close. Byron had just seen off an important elder and was making his way back. The flower hall was brightly lit. Lola Crawford, Byron’s mother, was joyfully holding Heather’s hand. “Miss Ross, if you have any requests for the engagement banquet, just tell Byron. We’ll make sure everything is perfect for you!” “Engagement? Who?” Alivia Crawford, Byron’s grandmother, was sitting in a wheelchair, absentmindedly playing with a wooden doll. Hearing the word “engagement,” she suddenly looked up, her cloudy eyes showing a flash of excitement. “Mom, Byron is getting engaged!” Lola said, smiling. “Byron is getting engaged…” Alivia mumbled. She lowered her head again to her woolen doll but then became happy once more. “Byron is going to marry Athena? Good! Very good!” Everyone in the hall froze, unsure how to respond. Byron had just entered the room. “Sophia! Where’s the gift I prepared for Athena? Bring it here!” Alivia called out, still cheerful. Heather, confused, looked at everyone. “Who is Athena?” “Forget it. Madam Crawford is a little confused,” Lola quickly explained. “Mom, your granddaughter-in-law is here!” Alivia’s eyes turned to Heather. After watching her for a moment, she suddenly burst into tears. “Where’s Athena? Byron, where’s Athena? I’m looking for Athena!” Byron felt a twinge of discomfort in his chest. Alivia had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago. Once, when Byron couldn’t visit, Athena had stayed with Alivia at the nursing home for a few days. For some reason, Alivia had always liked Athena, and in recent years, only Athena seemed to be able to calm her. “Grandma, Athena is working.” Byron approached Alivia and gently held her hands. “When she finishes, I’ll ask her to visit you, okay?” Alivia shook her head. “Video call. Video call!” It seemed that Alivia didn’t recognize Heather, which upset her even more. Byron had no choice but to take out his phone. There was a message from Athena. Byron quickly opened it, and his face darkened. Moved out? Without hesitation, he called Athena, but she immediately hung up. Athena then sent a message: [?] Byron replied: [Grandma is sick and keeps asking to see you.] It was almost as if his message had prompted Athena to call. Byron sneered. When the video call connected, he saw Athena with her hair loose, looking much better. However, she was no longer at her apartment. “Thea!” Alivia grabbed the phone. “Alivia,” Athena’s sweet voice came through. “Thea, why don’t you come to see me? I miss you!” Alivia’s voice was like a child’s. Athena soothed her gently, “Alivia, I miss you too. I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t even had time to eat. I’ll come see you when I’m free, okay?” “Okay!” “Alivia, you’re the best.” Byron, listening to Athena’s sweet and comforting words, couldn’t help but feel his mood lighten. “Grandma, Thea has to work. Don’t bother her, okay?” Byron said, trying to take his phone back. “Bye, Thea. Come see me soon!” “See you, Alivia. I will.” Byron finally took the phone back. He hadn’t had time to even say a word before Athena hung up. He was left speechless. “Sophia, take Grandma to rest,” he ordered. Sophia quickly complied, knowing Alivia had caused a bit of a scene. Byron glanced at Heather, who had been quietly watching. “Miss Ross, please don’t misunderstand. Alivia has some memory issues,” Lola quickly explained. “I understand,” Heather said softly, smiling. “I’m not the type to be unreasonable. I don’t mind Byron’s past.” Lola beamed. “What a kind girl! We’re so lucky to have you as our future daughter-in-law!” Byron didn’t speak much. He stood up, claiming he had something to do, and left the room. He sat in his private room for a long time, holding his phone, staring blankly at Athena’s chat interface.