"No, it's your tolerance that's brought us here," Catherine insisted, feeling Patricia was the key figure.
"Enough, we're family. No need for formalities. Just promise to build a good life with Blake, and I'll enjoy my days through you," Patricia said cheerfully.
"We will," Catherine replied, her face flushing with shyness.
"One more thing. Abigail and I discussed it. After your wedding, the first thing is to have another child—don't wait." Patricia rubbed her hands, slightly embarrassed.
Catherine said nothing.
"I know you young folks might think two kids are enough, but a house full of life is the best kind of family legacy. You and Blake are still young, Abigail's back, and the twins are growing up— it's the perfect time to think about adding to your family." Patricia's tone was all persuasion.
Catherine forced a smile, not wanting to refuse Patricia.
She nodded. "I'll talk to Blake, Granny."
Emerson called Blake up to discuss his wedding details.
In his healthier days, he'd still inquire about the company, but now he'd let go entirely.
Blake listened attentively, hoping his grandfather would recover soon.
"Bring Emily back. She's family, after all."
Emerson suddenly said, perhaps growing forgetful with age, yet missing certain people intensely.
Emerson still had some affection for Emily, fulfilling some of her childhood expectations as a granddaughter.
"Sure, I'll give her a call, Grandpa. Don't worry about it." Blake agreed outwardly, but at the mere thought of Emily, his heart turned cold.
"Go on, call her. I want to see her too." Emerson waved him off.
Blake stepped out of Emerson's room and stood in the hallway, his mind somewhat troubled.
He propped his hands on the railing. After a moment of contemplation, he took out his phone, preparing to call Emily.
If not for Emerson's mention, he'd never reach out.
Meanwhile, Emily, abroad and looking haggard, had just left her hotel.
Heavy makeup masked her pale face, her red lips striking like freshly drawn blood.
Despite her exquisite features, she appeared soulless, like a vampire stripped of vitality. A passing man whistled, but she barely noticed.
Emily's expression flickered upon hearing her phone ring, and a cold smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
She thought it's probably Richard again, checking on her performance today.
She had behaved well today—obedient and docile, just as the man had wanted.
He was so pleased that he rewarded her with a luxury sports car worth over five million, promising a grand villa, company stocks, and even marriage, all wrapped in sweet nothings.
Yet with every word, her heart twisted as if sliced by a knife, bleeding painfully.
Emily prided herself on her acting prowess.
She'd played different roles since childhood—innocent and cheerful before Blake, shrewd and loyal before Richard, and now, seductive and alluring before yet another older man.
The man's lackluster stamina required little effort from her. She merely went through the motions.
Checking her phone, she froze—Blake's name, rarely seen, lit up the screen.
Her heart raced as she stared, terrified of a mirage.
But it was him.
Taking a deep breath, she answered, bracing for blame or mockery.
Regardless of the reason, Emily answered the call instantly.
Whether it was to be scolded or mocked, she longed to hear his voice. Even a single word or breath from him would be redemption.
"Hello, Blake," she said softly, her attempt at a smile faltering.
"I'm getting married tomorrow. Will you attend?" Blake's deep, magnetic voice was familiar and pleasant.
Emily felt a jolt, her mind blank.
Of course—his wedding to Catherine was tomorrow.
"Okay... I'll go back!"
Emily had avoided returning due to fear, but now, she was eager to see him, regardless of the consequences.
"Are you alright? What's wrong?" Blake noticed her trembling voice.
His casual concern triggered a flood of tears.
"I'm fine, Blake. I just... miss you, and Grandpa and Grandma."
"Come back then, and you'll see them," Blake said indifferently.
"Blake, I want to talk to you this time. Can you give me a chance?" Emily asked, her voice trembling.
"If it's the same old talk, save it. I have a wife now," Blake's tone turned cold.