Chapter 462

"Evelyn, darling! You made it!"

Evelyn's gaze landed on Margaret's beaming face waiting by the entrance, deliberately avoiding the familiar masculine figure standing slightly behind her.

With practiced ease, she swung the car door open, her smile radiant. "Grandmother!"

Margaret practically vibrated with excitement, rushing forward to clasp Evelyn's hands. "It's been far too long since your last visit!"

She whisked Evelyn inside in a flurry of chatter, completely disregarding Nathan who was just finishing parking his luxury sedan in the circular driveway.

Nathan had spotted the unfamiliar vehicle from down the lane. At first he thought his eyes deceived him - until he saw Evelyn emerge and witnessed Margaret's enthusiastic greeting.

The corners of his mouth lifted involuntarily.

As Nathan exited his car, the head housekeeper approached. "Mr. Sterling, welcome home."

Nathan acknowledged with a nod, directing the staff to unload his purchases before making his way inside.

The living room echoed with animated conversation. Margaret was fussing over Evelyn, their laughter floating through the grand foyer.

Pausing in the doorway, Nathan absorbed the joyful sounds, his smile deepening.

The housekeeper observing him nearly dropped the silver tray she carried - it had been years since anyone had seen such genuine warmth on the Sterling heir's face.

Noticing her reaction, Nathan cleared his throat and schooled his features back into their usual impassive mask before proceeding toward the voices.

"Grandmother."

Margaret turned automatically at the sound, her expression immediately darkening upon seeing him. "You pick today of all days to finally grace us with your presence? When I have special company?"

Nathan offered no excuses. "Light workload at the office. Thought I'd visit."

Margaret waved him off impatiently. "Come along, Evelyn dear. I've something wonderful to show you upstairs."

Left standing alone, Nathan shook his head with quiet amusement before heading toward the kitchen.

Margaret guided Evelyn up the grand staircase, whispering conspiratorially. "Forgive the unexpected encounter, darling. That grandson of mine rarely visits, yet today he decides to appear."

"Please don't trouble yourself, Grandmother." Evelyn's voice held genuine warmth. "I came to see you. Nothing else matters."

Margaret searched Evelyn's eyes and found only sincerity.

"That boy never deserved you. Too blind to recognize the treasure he had." Margaret's voice thickened with emotion. "Someone as remarkable as you will find true happiness, my dear."

Evelyn's eyes glistened as she embraced the older woman. "Thank you for that."

Margaret's comforting pats conveyed decades of wisdom. "My sweet girl. Your happiness is all that concerns me now. What happened between you and Nathan is ancient history."

She cupped Evelyn's face tenderly. "That you still visit this old woman means more than you know."

"Don't say such things! You'll always be family to me." Evelyn's declaration rang with conviction.