Chapter 451:

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Once the call ended, he looked over at Joslyn. “I am sorry. An urgent matter came up at the office, and I need to go handle it. I will send you home first. I will stay in the car, but I want to see you enter the house before I leave.”

Joslyn shook her head without hesitation. “There is no need for that. Go directly to the office. Laurel Mansion is not far from here, and I can call a ride by myself. Do not let me delay something important.”

“The weather is cold, and it’s already late. I will not be at ease,” Connor replied, his tone leaving little room for refusal. Then he told the driver, “Send my wife home first.”

“I’m serious.” Joslyn placed her hand over his, stopping him gently. “Since the company matter is urgent, you shouldn’t keep them waiting. I’m only hailing a ride home, and I am not a child. What could possibly happen? Don’t worry about me.”

Connor was silent for a moment before he finally gave in. “All right. Message me as soon as you get home.”

“Okay.”

𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖼𝗵a𝗽tе𝘳𝘀 e𝘃𝗲𝗋𝘆 𝘄ееk o𝗇 𝘨а𝗅𝘯ov𝖾𝘭𝘴.со𝗺

Soon, the car stopped at a place where it would be convenient for her to get another ride.

Joslyn pushed the door open, and the cold outside rushed in at once. She tightened her coat around herself almost instinctively.

“Go on. Hurry,” Joslyn said through the window. “Be careful on the road.”

“Try to get some rest,” he said.

“You too. Come home early.”

The car soon merged back into the traffic, its taillights disappearing around the corner a moment later.

Only after it was gone did Joslyn remain by the curb, tighten her scarf, and take out her phone to call a ride.

The night air slipped through her layers with a biting chill. She lightly stamped her feet against the cold while glancing at the screen. The driver was already on the way and would arrive in about five minutes.

That was not too bad.

Five minutes later, a car pulled up by the curb.

The rideshare arrived right on time. After confirming the address, Joslyn settled into the back seat and leaned against it, but her thoughts refused to settle with her. One moment, she was wondering what kind of urgent trouble Connor had been called to handle; the next, her mind drifted back to Evelyn. Everything tangled together until her head felt like a mess.

In the end, she could only comfort herself silently. When the time came, things would find a way to resolve themselves.

Before long, the car stopped outside her villa gate.

Joslyn paid the fare, thanked the driver, and stepped out.

The garden lights were glowing brightly, and the snow on the walkway had already been cleared away. She crossed the path to the front door and entered the passcode.

With a soft chime, the lock clicked open.

Pushing the door inward, she called, “Grandma, I am back…”

Her voice stopped abruptly.

The motion-sensor light in the entryway had turned on, casting a clear glow over the space. Against the cabinet leaned a heavy cane.

Joslyn’s heart sank at once.

She straightened slowly and walked toward the living room.

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