Chapter 1008 I Was Once Candid and Innocent

Mr. Zachary's smile was warm as he shook his head. "We're just getting started. Madam Young's been looking forward to seeing you. She'll be thrilled you're here." After a brief exchange with Mr. Zachary, I headed inside. I navigated the familiar halls of the manor to where Madam Young was resting. Emily was there too, and her face lit up when she saw me. "You're finally here! I was starting to think you wouldn't show," she said, linking her arm with mine. "Just got tied up," I replied. I approached Madam Young by the fireplace, presenting her with the birthday gift I had brought. "Happy birthday, Grandma. Wishing you a life of joy and health. Happy birthday!" Madam Young seemed frailer than I remembered, her cheeks hollow and her once vibrant aura now dim. Emily had mentioned her health was failing and she had stepped back from the family's affairs. It was a sobering reminder of the relentless march of time. After the whole ordeal with Sweety and Ashley, it was clear that Madam Young had taken it hard. Losing the great-grandchild she had waited all those years for was a crushing blow for someone her age. To make matters worse, it was Alice, the very girl Madam Young had welcomed into her home, who was behind the tragedy. It was like she had unwittingly let a wolf through the front door. When she saw me, Madam Young managed a weak smile and accepted the gift I bought. "Just seeing you here makes me happy, and you even thought to bring a present. Come, sit down. It's been a while, hasn't it? I heard you were off to Tully City?" I nodded, smiling back. "Yeah, the Scott family had some business there. I just needed to sort a few things out." "That's good to hear. Now that you're back in Lake City, you can focus on the family business and look after your mom. A quiet, safe life is the best thing we can ask for," she said with a soft sigh. I couldn't agree more. Peace and quiet trumped everything else. "Happy birthday, Grandma!" The greeting floated from the yard before we even saw who it was. Cambria stepped in, dressed in a dark dress that was the epitome of understated elegance. The dress was gorgeous, and so was she, with her fine features and lively eyes. However, the real beauty was in how perfectly the dress suited her. Madam Young looked a bit taken aback at first but quickly slipped into polite chit-chat. Emily, meanwhile, caught my eye and sidled up next to me. Her glances said more than words ever could. I got her message loud and clear, but this was not the time or place to dive into it. I stayed quiet, just lingering by her side. Cambria was someone I had only bumped into a handful of times. Honestly, I would be hard-pressed to remember her name if she had not been sticking close to Idris the past few times I had seen her. She was a burst of warmth and energy, always finding something to chat about with Madam Young, who had spent too many years in the quiet company of her own solitude. The younger folks, once vibrant, had grown quiet. Their voices had grown dull due to a string of somber news, leaving the grand old house feeling empty and still. Cambria, with her endless stream of chatter, was impossible not to like in such a place. As Madam Young enjoyed her lively company, Emily and I seized the moment to step out into the yard. "Ms. Fuller has a nice personality," I remarked, admiring the pond by the side garden gate we had just refurbished. I strolled leisurely with Emily. Emily gave me a sidelong glance and arched an eyebrow. "Yeah, she's a friendly one, alright. However, sometimes, that woman's a bit... offbeat." She hesitated, as if reconsidering her words. Then, she continued, "Just look at her outfit today. She's definitely not Iddy's type, and she doesn't quite fit the mold of the Young family's ideal granddaughter-in-law. Madam Young might enjoy her chatter, but she lacks the poise to really be one of the Youngs." I stopped in my tracks and turned to look at Emily. Our eyes locked, and she looked surprised for a second. "What is it?" I smiled wryly, shaking my head. "It's just been a while since I've seen you so candid. It caught me off guard." She paused, a touch of embarrassment crossing her face. "I'm just calling it like I see it." I chuckled softly. "I get it. I was once as blunt and honest as she was, Emily. I wasn't always the epitome of grace and softness myself."