Grandma Rodbell put down the phone, chuckled, rubbing her hands together, and turned to Leila at her side:
“Go, call the Young Master.
Tell him to come back and have dinner with me.”
“Certainly, Old Madam,”
Leila agreed with a smile, turning around and cheerfully walking away.
Because she was going to meet someone, following etiquette, Arabella Vanderbilt had changed her clothes.
Although the clothes were new, prepared by Isabella, she hadn’t managed to take a proper bath during her many days in the hospital.
Realizing this issue, Arabella Vanderbilt slightly frowned.
While she hesitated, someone knocked on the door.
“Miss Vanderbilt, the Old Madam has sent me to escort you.”
“Thank you, just a moment!” Arabella Vanderbilt hastened her movements.
She followed Vincent, passing the same place where she last met the Old Madam.
There was a gate at the fence that she hadn’t noticed before.
Vincent opened the gate and let her step through first.
Arabella Vanderbilt was somewhat surprised to see another realm, separated from the hospital park by just a fence.
Tall trees surrounded the vast yard, the greenery was neatly trimmed, and various plants and flowers were methodically arranged.
Although Arabella Vanderbilt was not well-versed in the art of gardening, the view that met her eyes was neither complicated nor monotonous, evidently the work of a master landscape gardener.
This residence was understated yet exceptionally refined.
“Does the Old Madam live here?”
“Yes, Miss Vanderbilt.”
Arabella Vanderbilt couldn’t help but turn around for a glance behind her; the hospital building which was not very far before was now only partially visible through the gaps in the trees.
“This is a shortcut.
The Old Madam didn’t like feeling lonely, so she had someone create this door here.
Sometimes she comes to the hospital park to chat with people.”
Walking along the central path through the greenery, Vincent explained as he led her into the villa.
“Old Madam, Miss Vanderbilt has arrived.”
“Come in quickly!”
Arabella Vanderbilt hurried inside upon hearing the Old Madam’s eager and kind voice.
As soon as the Old Madam saw Arabella Vanderbilt, she took her hand.
The elder’s hands had become rough, but their warmth stirred Arabella Vanderbilt’s heart slightly.
Stepping into the living room—
Seeing that the vast villa was attended by only a few servants diligently working in silence, the guilt in Arabella Vanderbilt’s heart deepened.
“I apologize for the delay, Old Madam…”
“It doesn’t matter, I’m used to it.
The fact that you thought to come keep me company makes me happy for days.”
The Old Madam’s fondness increased upon seeing the subtle guilt that tinted Arabella Vanderbilt’s beautiful face.
Arabella Vanderbilt was ushered onto the couch by the Old Madam, who sat opposite her, holding onto her hands and showing no sign of letting go.
A face full of satisfaction and affection made Arabella Vanderbilt feel incredibly esteemed.
For many years, she had never been treated with such warmth.
On the contrary, what she faced most after learning that she was the Eldest Miss of the Vanderbilt family was disgust and disdain…
“Tell Grandma why you’re in the hospital?”
Arabella Vanderbilt’s expression stiffened slightly.
“…Nothing much, just an accident…”
Grandma Rodbell tightened her grip on the girl’s hand.
“Why won’t you tell the truth?
Child?”
Arabella Vanderbilt’s long eyelashes quivered fiercely, as if the tenderest part of her heart had been touched, aching with bitterness.
She turned her head, looking out the window with an indifferent expression, her voice carrying a chilled bitterness.
“Even if I did…
no one would believe.”
Knowing the outcome already, why harbor any hope?
“Silly child, your thinking is too obstinate.
You’ve just trapped yourself within that fixed circle, always interacting with the same few people.
You need to truly break free from it.
Why yearn for a place so tainted?”