Chapter 448:

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Jeffrey remained firmly attached to Joslyn’s side, talking nonstop about kindergarten. Every now and then, his small fingers hovered near the cast on Connor’s arm, but he did not dare touch it. Concern and curiosity kept taking turns across his face.

“Uncle Connor, does it hurt?”

“Not anymore.”

Hazel poured water for everyone and sat down on the sofa across from them. As she watched the scene before her, the warmth in her eyes grew deeper, though a careful look would reveal the worry she had not quite managed to hide.

𝖫𝖺𝘵е𝗌𝘵 𝘤𝗁𝗮𝗉t𝖾r𝘴 o𝘯 𝗴𝗮𝗅n𝗼𝘷𝖾𝘭𝗌.с𝘰m

Dinner was abundant and beautifully prepared.

Marlin’s cooking skills were truly not just for show. The pan-seared Chilean sea bass was tender and silky, the braised short ribs fell apart with the slightest touch, and the seasonal vegetables were sautéed until bright and crisp. There was also a rich beef stew that had clearly been simmered for hours, warm and hearty enough to suit the winter night perfectly.

He had always been good at setting a table and lifting the atmosphere. Jeffrey, in particular, was in excellent spirits. With Connor and Joslyn there, he ate half a plate of pasta more than he usually did.

After dinner, the housekeeper cleared the table while Hazel brewed a pot of coffee. The adults then returned to the living room.

Marlin took Jeffrey to the playroom, leaving only Hazel, Connor, and Joslyn behind.

For a short while, silence rested over the living room. Then Hazel set down her mug and gave a soft sigh.

“Joslyn, my mother is getting old. She has always been stubborn, and once she fixes her mind on something, it is difficult for her to turn back. Do not take her demand for you and Connor to divorce too seriously. Since the two of you chose each other, you should hold on to that choice. Given time, her attitude will soften.”

Those words were Hazel’s clearest declaration of where she stood. She was telling them, plainly and without hesitation, that she was on their side.

A warm current moved through Joslyn’s chest, and she gave a small nod. “Thank you, Hazel. I understand.”

“That is good.” Hazel smiled, but when she turned to Connor, her expression grew solemn again. “Connor, Mom is already seventy. She has health problems to begin with, and you saw what happened this time. She got so upset that she ended up in the hospital. You cannot confront her head-on.”

“I know,” Connor replied. “Apart from the divorce, which I will never agree to, I will handle everything else carefully.”

Hazel looked at him for a moment. His face had thinned, and there were obvious shadows beneath his eyes. Seeing him worn down like this made her heart ache.

“There is one more thing.” Hazel paused, and then continued after a brief hesitation. “Brandon is in the middle of a messy divorce right now. It has stirred up quite a bit of trouble, and it’s probably making Mom even more anxious.”

Connor’s brows tightened slightly, but he did not speak.

Joslyn lowered her gaze as well.

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